Practice patterns of Canadian neurosurgeons for initial placement of ventriculoperitoneal shunts
U of A ethics approval: Pro00128728
Second round of the study
Principal Investigator(s) (Supervisor(s)) (Primary Contact:
Dr. Kim
Assistant Professor
Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry
University of Alberta
Edmonton, AB
(780) 407-1165
mjkim@ualberta.ca
Co-investigator(s) (Student(s)): Dr. Chow
Clinical Associate Professor
Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry
University of Alberta
Edmonton, AB
(780) 407-1428
Dr. Heppner
Resident
Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry
University of Alberta
Edmonton, AB
(306) 717-3141
jmheppne@ualberta.ca
Invitation to Participate:
Our sincere thanks to those who have participated in the first round of the Delphi survey! You will find that there is a summary of the results from the first round included in some of the questions here. This is the second round wherein we have included ideas and issues not present in the first round, and we aim to close in on consensus through refined versions of the prior questions. It is expected that at least one more subsequent survey will be needed after this one to identify consensus on the issues of discussion.
Please note that in addition, we will be asking for the center at which you practice so that we can assess the extent to which we are capturing the overall Canadian Neurosurgical perspective. This is very important towards our goal of obtaining consensus of opinion. Aside from this, all data entered continues to be anonymous, and no other personal information is required.
As before:
You are again invited to participate in this research study about utilization of laparoscopy in the placement of primary ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts in Canada, because as a practicing Neurosurgeon you may have experience in placement of VP shunts. You are receiving this invitation through the Canadian Neurosurgical Society database of members. Eligibility entails anyone who is currently a practicing neurosurgeon in Canada.
Purpose of the Study: From this research we wish to learn what current experience, opinion, and practice exists in the Canadian Neurosurgical community regarding utilization of laparoscopy for the placement of the abdominal catheter in VP shunt procedures. While there is evidence in the literature supporting the possible benefits of this approach, there have been no definitive evidence-based position statements made either in favor or against this alternative to the classic mini-laparotomy. Furthermore, none of the published trials comparing laparoscopic to the mini-laparotomy approach have included Canada.
Thank you in advance for your ongoing time and participation in our research.