Overview

There has been a significant improvement in the quality of clinical research performed in the field of neuromodulation over the last 40 years. Simple observational and retrospective studies have largely been replaced with prospective, randomized trials as the current level of medical evidence demands. That being said, recently published studies continue to have multiple significant biases, suboptimal outcomes assessments and lack sufficient follow-up. This has been the focus of much recently published research and expert research recommendations. Those in the field of neuromodulation involved in the design or execution of future studies need to be aware of these issues and recommendations. Furthermore, neuromodulation practitioners need to be aware of these issues and recommendations to be able to properly assess the design and quality of execution of these important future studies

Program

Moderators: Robert Levy, MD, PhD and Julie Pilitsis, MD, PhD
Presenters: Rod S. Taylor, PhD and Richard B. North, MD

Lectures:

1.) Research Design Considerations for Randomized Controlled Trials of Spinal Cord Stimulation for Pain: Initiative on Methods, Measurement, and Pain Assessment in Clinical Trials/Institute of Neuromodulation/International Neuromodulation Society Recommendations
2.) Randomized Placebo-/Sham-Controlled Trials of Spinal Cord Stimulation: A Systematic Review and Methodological Appraisal
3.) Current Status of SCS Clinical Trials Standards - 4 Years after IMMPACT/IoN/INS Conference

Learning Objectives

Upon completing this webinar attendees will be able to:

1.) Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the recent placebo and/or sham controlled randomized trials of spinal cord stimulation for neuropathic pain.
2.) Discuss and differentiate the different research methods and the quality of reporting of randomized clinical trials in spinal cord stimulation for pain.
3.) Understand the recommendations of the IMMPACT/ION/INS for future clinical trials in neuromodulation for pain.