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Designing Single-Center Clinical Trials in Neurorehabilitation

Department of Neurology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois 62794-9230

It has become increasingly important for rehabilitation physicians to determine the most effective and cost-effective rehabilitation treatment approaches. Although reha bilitation specialists may have an interest in clinical research, many lack research ex perience or the knowledge of how to design and conduct a clinical trial. There are nu merous benefits to participating in clinical research. Most importantly, one can address clinical problems that directly impact patient care. In contrast to multicenter trials, the principal investigator of a single-center study has direct control over all aspects of the project. In addition, recruitment of rehabilitation personnel and local fund raising may be enhanced by an active research program. Although there are several potential pit falls in initiating single-center trials, such as a small study population, limited funding opportunities, and lack of an experienced and dedicated research team, these prob lems can often be avoided by careful study design. Overall, it is hoped that the bene fits of participating in clinical trials will outweigh the drawbacks and that more reha bilitation clinicians will be encouraged to initiate trials at their institutions.

Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair, Vol. 11, No. 3, 181-183 (1997)
DOI: 10.1177/154596839701100307


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