Rationale and Objectives
Here we review the current state of multicenter radiology research (MRR), and utilize
a survey of experienced researchers to identify common advantages, barriers, and resources
to guide future investigators.
Materials and Methods
The Association of University Radiologists established a Radiology Research Alliance
task force, Multi-center Research Studies in Radiology, composed of 12 society members
to review MRR. A REDCap survey was designed to gain more insight from experienced
researchers. Recipients were authors identified from a PubMed database search, utilizing
search terms “multicenter” or “multisite” and “radiology.” The survey included investigator
background information, reasons why, barriers to, and resources that investigators
found helpful in conducting or participating in MRR.
Results
The survey was completed by 23 of 80 recipients (29%), the majority (76%) of whom
served as a primary investigator on at least one MRR project. Respondents reported
meeting collaborators at national or international (74%) and society (39%) meetings.
The most common perceived advantages of MRR were increased sample size (100%) and
improved generalizability (91%). External funding was considered the most significant
barrier to MRR, reported by 26% of respondents. Institutional funding, setting up
a central picture archiving and communication system, and setting up a central database
were considered a significant barrier by 30%, 22%, and 22% of respondents, respectively.
Resources for overcoming barriers included motivated staff (74%), strong leadership
(70%), regular conference calls (57%), and at least one face-to-face meeting (57%).
Conclusions
Barriers to MRR include funding and establishing a central database and a picture
archiving and communication system. Upon embarking on an MRR project, forming a motivated
team who meets and speaks regularly is essential.
Key Words
Abbreviations and Acronyms:
ACRIN (American College of Radiology Imaging Network), COARDRI (Clinically Oriented Academic Radiology Department Research Initiative), MRR (multicenter radiology research)To read this article in full you will need to make a payment
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: September 16, 2017
Accepted:
May 3,
2017
Received in revised form:
May 2,
2017
Received:
March 18,
2017
Identification
Copyright
© 2018 The Association of University Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
