Multicenter collaboration in observational research: improving generalizability and efficiency.
Utilizing a multicenter approach in observational clinical research allows for improved generalizability of the results, a larger sample size, and, consequently, improved efficiency. This paper highlights important issues with regard to the organization of multicenter observational studies in orthopaedic research. Specifically, we emphasize the development of trial committees, stress the importance of having a methods center for the purpose of coordinating day-to-day study activities, and describe the roles of the participating clinical sites. The successful conduct of multicenter studies requires careful study organization, a dedicated and experienced methods center, and motivated participating surgeons and study staff at the clinical sites. To illustrate the organization of a multicenter initiative, we use the example of a total hip arthroplasty collaborative.
Sprague
Sheila
S
Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University, 293 Wellington Street North, Suite 110, Hamilton, ON L8L 8E7, Canada.
Matta
Joel M
JM
Bhandari
Mohit
M
Dodgin
David
D
Clark
Charles R
CR
Kregor
Phil
P
Bradley
Gary
G
Little
Lester
L
D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000379:methods*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D006801:Humans; D015337:Multicenter Studies as Topic; D019370:Observation; D009985:Orthopedics; D012107:Research Design