Multicenter study [Neurosurgery Wiki]

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====== Multicenter study ======

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The study involves multiple research sites or centers. This can enhance the generalizability of the findings, as it incorporates a broader range of populations and settings, and can increase the sample size.
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===== Classification =====

Multicenter studies can be classified based on various factors such as study design, research objective, data collection method, and degree of coordination among centers. Here’s a structured classification:

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### **1. Based on Study Design**
#### **A. Observational Studies**
These studies do not involve interventions and primarily analyze existing data.
- **Cohort Studies** – Follow groups of patients over time to assess outcomes.
- **Case-Control Studies** – Compare patients with a particular condition to those without it.
- **Cross-Sectional Studies** – Analyze data from multiple centers at a single point in time.

#### **B. Experimental (Interventional) Studies**
These studies involve interventions such as new drugs, medical devices, or treatment protocols.
- **Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)** – Participants are randomly assigned to different treatment groups.
- **Non-Randomized Interventional Studies** – Treatment is assigned without randomization, often for ethical or practical reasons.

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### **2. Based on Data Collection Approach**
#### **A. Prospective Studies**
- Data is collected going forward from the start of the study.
- Common in clinical trials and cohort studies.

#### **B. Retrospective Studies**
- Data is collected from past records or databases.
- Often used in epidemiological research and case-control studies.

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### **3. Based on Number of Participating Centers**
#### **A. National Multicenter Studies**
- Conducted within a single country.
- Example: A study evaluating the outcomes of a surgical technique across hospitals in Spain.

#### **B. International Multicenter Studies**

see [[International Multicenter Study]]
- Conducted across multiple countries.
- Example: A global trial testing a new neuro-oncology drug.

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### **4. Based on Coordination and Control**
#### **A. Centrally Coordinated (Single-Sponsor) Studies**
- A single entity (hospital, research institute, or pharmaceutical company) oversees all sites.
- Protocols, data collection, and monitoring are strictly standardized.

#### **B. Independently Coordinated (Consortium-Based) Studies**
- Multiple centers collaborate with some level of independence.
- A coordinating committee ensures adherence to protocols.

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### **5. Based on Funding Source**
#### **A. Industry-Sponsored Studies**
- Funded by pharmaceutical companies or medical device manufacturers.
- Often focus on drug development and regulatory approval.

#### **B. Investigator-Initiated Studies**
- Funded by academic institutions, government grants, or independent organizations.
- Typically address clinical questions beyond commercial interests.

#### **C. Public-Private Partnership Studies**
- Collaborative efforts between industry and academic/government institutions.

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### **6. Based on Primary Objective**
#### **A. Efficacy Studies**
- Evaluate whether a treatment works under controlled conditions.

#### **B. Effectiveness Studies**
- Assess real-world performance in clinical practice.

#### **C. Safety Studies**
- Investigate adverse effects and risks associated with interventions.

#### **D. Cost-Effectiveness Studies**
- Compare the economic impact of different treatment options.