The Truhlsen Eye Institute at the University of Nebraska Medical Center has been selected as only the second institute in the country to be designated as a Cochrane Eyes and Vision (CEV) Center for Evidence-based Medicine. The Truhlsen Institute joins the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University as the only CEV centers in the country.
The selection is based on the number of continuous publications in the area of evidence-based medicine in ophthalmology and visual sciences.
“It is wonderful to be recognized with the prestigious CEV designation. This makes a strong statement on the quality of science being conducted at the Truhlsen Eye Institute,” said Diana Do, M.D., professor of ophthalmology and director of the Carl Camras Center for Innovative Clinical Research at the Truhlsen Institute.
CEV centers have demonstrated a commitment to evidence-based medicine by building a critical mass of highly skilled investigators who publish Cochrane systematic reviews. These contributions to research and finding out what treatments work best in patient care are a model for clinical sites worldwide.
The CEV designation is already having a positive impact on UNMC and the Truhlsen Eye Institute, Dr. Do said.
“This designation only enhances efforts to establish a program in comparative effectiveness research at UNMC,” she said. “It's exciting to work with colleagues in all medicine disciplines to educate clinicians and patients and ultimately improve health care outcomes.”
The efforts to establish a program of excellence in comparative effectiveness research are spearheaded by Drs. Do, Howard Fox, M.D., Ph.D., senior associate dean for research in the UNMC College of Medicine; Dmitry Oleynikov, M.D., a professor in the department of surgery at UNMC; and Marsha Morien, chief administrative officer in computer assisted surgery.
Dr. Oleynikov said a program in comparative effectiveness research at UNMC will:
- Coordinate research and evidence into clinical practice;
- Provide important infrastructure to support and mentor additional faculty to be successful;
- Unite investigators from all UNMC colleges; and
- Allow researchers to solicit feedback and inform patients, providers, and decision-makers about which interventions are most effective for each patient under specific circumstances.
“As we conduct a nationwide search for a director of the comparative effectiveness research program, the Truhlsen CEV Center designation is another draw to attract the best talent to our campus,” Dr. Fox said.
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