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The development and implementation of an outcomes database for imaging-guided therapeutic musculoskeletal injections

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Skeletal Radiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Objectives

To present the process of creating an imaging-guided injections outcomes database and to reflect on how this database has affected the scientific activities of the radiology department.

Materials and methods

The literature was searched to identify studies on the effectiveness of musculoskeletal therapeutic injections, areas where research is lacking, and relevant outcome measures. Validated outcome measures were chosen and tested in a pilot study. Data collection time points of 1 day, 1 week and 1 month post-injection were determined and the post-pilot study postal questionnaires were created. The data collection process began and has been ongoing for over 4 years. Critical reflection on the process and outcomes from the database occurred.

Results

The 9 steps to creating this outcomes database are presented. The numerical rating scale for pain (NRS) and the Patient’s Global Impression of Change (PGIC) were identified as the most valid, reliable, and time-effective outcome measures. At most, 50 % of patients return their postal questionnaire. The database has facilitated the publication of numerous research projects.

Conclusions

Setting up an outcomes database is straightforward and productive. The NRS and PGIC were considered the most useful outcome measures. This database facilitated critical reflection on current practice and provides the foundation for several research studies.

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Acknowledgements

Funding for the development of the database was provided by the Vontobel-Stiftung, Tödistrasse 17, 8002 Zürich, Switzerland.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Orthopaedic University Hospital of Balgrist, University of Zürich, Forchstrasse 340, 8008, Zürich, Switzerland

    Cynthia K. Peterson & Christian W. A. Pfirrmann

  2. Department of Radiology, University Hospital, University of Zürich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091, Zürich, Switzerland

    Juerg Hodler

Authors
  1. Cynthia K. Peterson
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  2. Christian W. A. Pfirrmann
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  3. Juerg Hodler
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Cynthia K. Peterson.

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Peterson, C.K., Pfirrmann, C.W.A. & Hodler, J. The development and implementation of an outcomes database for imaging-guided therapeutic musculoskeletal injections. Skeletal Radiol 43, 979–984 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-014-1881-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-014-1881-y

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