Multi-center randomized clinical trials network for neurorehabilitation interventions, sponsored by the WFNR and ASNR
The World Federation of NeuroRehabilitation (www.wfnr.co.uk) and its national societies aim to promote education and research. One approach will be to join clinicians together to conduct multi-center randomized clinical trials (MRCTs) of simple-to-perform interventions. This program is supported by the WFNR's Research Committee, chaired by Bruce H. Dobkin, MD, by the American Society of NeuroRehabilitation (www.asnr.com), and by a grant from the National Institutes of Health with PIs Michael Selzer, MD, PhD (University of Pennsylvania) and Dr. Dobkin (University of California Los Angeles). These funds will maintain the Web-based interactive data entry system and the statistical and data management group. No funds can be provided to an institution by the WFNR/ASNR at this time.
By participating in the proposed trials, clinicians and members of the rehabilitation team can acquire experience that may enable them to develop their own center's studies, come to appreciate the scientific rationale for controlled trials, and participate with colleagues around the world. Over time, we anticipate that network participants will suggest both commonly used and novel interventions that may be of interest for the network to test. We believe that the network will enrich your experience in patient care and give you greater access to experts in the discipline of rehabilitation science and patient care. All trials will adhere to CONSORT criteria and advanced registration. Successfully completed studies will be a priority for peer-reviewed publication in the WFNR/ASNR-sponsored journal, Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair (http://nnr.sagepub.com) with all contributors listed.
To participate, you must fill in the applications and agree to follow the first research protocol and submit an approved Informed Consent. All interactions will take place via a dedicated Web site once it is clear that enough sites are interested. If you have special requirements for participation or find some aspect of the protocol difficult, please email Dr. Dobkin at bdobkin@mednet.ucla.edu with your questions. The goal is to initiate the first trial in September, 2006.