Clinical Research in Quality Improvement: Complementary Approaches to Improving Neurosurgical Practice

Quality improvement and clinical research differ significantly, even though either may result in publication in medical literature. In the former, a single aspect of clinical practice is studied, a protocol to improve process is then developed, and the results are studied. In general, the results are locally applicable and not necessarily generalizable. Clinical research, by contrast, involves retrospective or prospective collection and analysis of patient data, often with an intent to publish the results. Sometimes, the distinction is not clear. This chapter seeks to explore the similarities and differences between the two methods, using an example from pediatric neurosurgical practice.