Function biomedical informatics research network recommendations for prospective multicenter functional MRI studies

Gary H. Glover, Bryon A. Mueller, Jessica A. Turner, Theo G M Van Erp, Thomas T. Liu, Douglas N. Greve, James T. Voyvodic, Jerod Rasmussen, Gregory G. Brown, David B. Keator, Vince D. Calhoun, Hyo Jong Lee, Judith M. Ford, Daniel H. Mathalon, Michele Diaz, Daniel S. O'Leary, Syam Gadde, Adrian Preda, Kelvin O. Lim, Cynthia G. WibleHal S. Stern, Aysenil Belger, Gregory McCarthy, Burak Ozyurt, Steven G. Potkin

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

189 Scopus citations

Abstract

This report provides practical recommendations for the design and execution of multicenter functional MRI (MC-fMRI) studies based on the collective experience of the Function Biomedical Informatics Research Network (FBIRN). The study was inspired by many requests from the fMRI community to FBIRN group members for advice on how to conduct MC-fMRI studies. The introduction briefly discusses the advantages and complexities of MC-fMRI studies. Prerequisites for MC-fMRI studies are addressed before delving into the practical aspects of carefully and efficiently setting up a MC-fMRI study. Practical multisite aspects include: (i) establishing and verifying scan parameters including scanner types and magnetic fields, (ii) establishing and monitoring of a scanner quality program, (iii) developing task paradigms and scan session documentation, (iv) establishing clinical and scanner training to ensure consistency over time, (v) developing means for uploading, storing, and monitoring of imaging and other data, (vi) the use of a traveling fMRI expert, and (vii) collectively analyzing imaging data and disseminating results. We conclude that when MC-fMRI studies are organized well with careful attention to unification of hardware, software and procedural aspects, the process can be a highly effective means for accessing a desired participant demographics while accelerating scientific discovery.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)39-54
Number of pages16
JournalJournal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Volume36
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2012

Keywords

  • FBIRN
  • FIRST Biomedical Informatics Research Network
  • fMRI
  • functional magnetic resonance imaging
  • multicenter
  • multisite

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