J Neurol Surg A Cent Eur Neurosurg 2015; 76 - A054
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1566373

Our Experiences in Center-TBI Study

Jagoš Golubović 1, T. Cigić 1, V. Papić 1, Đ. Đilvesi 1, N. Krajčinović 1, I. Horvat 1, M. Karan 1, B. Jelača 1, A. Azaševac 1, M. Fimić 2, I. Meljnikov 2, M. Loc 3, P. Vuleković 1
  • 1Clinic of Neurosurgery, Clinical Center of Vojvodina, Novi Sad, Serbia
  • 2Clinic of Pediatric Surgery, Institute for Child and Youth Health Care of Vojvodina, Novi Sad, Serbia
  • 3Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia

Introduction Collaborative European Neurotrauma Effectiveness Research in Traumatic Brain Injury (CENTER-TBI) represents a focused European effort to advance the care of patients with TBI, within the broader international framework. The Clinical Center of Vojvodina, Serbia, is the only medical center in the region currently actively participating in this project, where multidisciplinary professionals work hard 24/7 to contribute to the revolution in the TBI management and care guidelines.

Aim By evaluating study personnel's personal experiences on the aforementioned project, this paper aims to focus on advantages and disadvantages we encounter on a daily basis, to ensure that in the future the most effective work entity could be designed and conducted.

Material and Methods We prospectively collected and analyzed data from registry data collection, core study, oral interviews, and written questionnaires (for the professionals involved) which have been continuously conducted since our involvement in the project started.

Results The analyzed information has shown that participation in this study requires on average extra 17 minutes per workday per person, while the extra effort is subjectively estimated to be 2.3 to 11.9%. All the participants agreed that the benefits outweigh the extra workload involved, citing advances in TBI care, possible scientific breakthroughs, social networking opportunities, and further care and professional skills development as the most valuable advantages observed after enrolling in this study.

Conclusion Although involvement in CENTER-TBI project requires some extra time and effort, the data collected and later analyzed will undoubtedly change the way TBI is treated, resulting in better patient outcome. Well-educated, confident professionals participating in this project will be equipped to use their knowledge and skills to treat TBI effectively, utilizing the comprehensive database in further scientific research.

Keywords CENTER-TBI; traumatic brain injury; personal experiences