Quality Improvement and Practice Based Research in Neurology Using the EMR

Launched by ENDEAVOR HEALTH · Jan 29, 2016

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This project is a group of real-world, practice-based studies that use the electronic medical record (EMR) to compare how well different treatments work for 10 common brain and nervous-system conditions. Instead of testing one drug in a tightly controlled setting, researchers will look at up to three treatment options for each condition (such as brain tumors, epilepsy, migraine, mild cognitive impairment, concussion/mild traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, neuropathy, Parkinson’s disease, restless legs syndrome, and stroke) as they would be used in everyday care. The goal is to see which approaches work best in routine clinics and to develop a system that can run similar, patient-centered trials across many neurology practices. The trials are described as pragmatic and non-traditional, focusing on feasibility and real-world outcomes rather than a single, randomized plan.

If you’re eligible, you would be an adult (18 to 100 years old) with one of these conditions and would be able to receive any of the three treatments being studied for your condition (whether approved for that use or commonly used in practice). There are no listed exclusions. Participation involves standard care with data collected from your EMR during regular visits, and you’ll provide consent electronically. Primary outcomes vary by condition (for example, staying on a preventive migraine treatment without stopping or switching, maintaining independence after memory issues, or continuing an epilepsy preventive drug for about a year). The study is taking place mainly at NorthShore University HealthSystem in Evanston, Illinois, with about 3,300 participants planned. It is led by Endeavor Health, and enrollment is ongoing by invitation, with completion expected in 2027.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Diagnosis of brain tumors, epilepsy, migraine, mild cognitive impairment (concussion), mild traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, neuropathy, Parkinson's disease, restless legs syndrome, and stroke.
• • Eligible to receive any of the three compared treatments according to FDA approval for the indication or off label use according to standard of care.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • -- None