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.