Comparative Assessment [Neurosurgery Wiki]

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====== Comparative Assessment ======

**Definition:**  
A *comparative assessment* is a structured evaluation that directly compares two or more methods, interventions, or entities to determine their relative advantages, disadvantages, and outcomes.

**Key Elements:**
  * **Multiple comparators**: e.g., treatments, devices, or strategies.
  * **Defined evaluation criteria**: such as effectiveness, safety, cost, usability, or efficiency.
  * **Systematic methodology**: may include randomized trials, observational studies, or meta-analyses.
  * **Goal**: to establish which option performs better or is more appropriate under specific conditions.

**Example (Medical Context):**  
A comparative assessment between **stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG)** and **subdural electrodes (SDE)** aims to determine which technique more effectively localizes seizure onset zones, has fewer complications, and leads to better surgical outcomes.

**Related Tags:**  
[[evidence-based medicine]], [[meta-analysis]], [[comparative effectiveness research]], [[clinical decision-making]]