Topic Briefs

Using this information, PCORI evaluates the state of the research literature to determine if the current research supports development of a PCORI research product such as a systematic review or a primary research study. The reviews summarize the quality and quantity of research studies.

Treatment for Insomnia and Other Sleep Disturbances Among Persons with Developmental Disabilities

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Developmental disabilities (DD) encompass a wide range of disorders, many of which may be associated with an increased risk for sleep disorders, including insomnia, sleep disordered breathing, and sleep apnea. Sleep disorders can present a significant source of stressors for patients and caregivers and may exacerbate or contribute to cognitive and behavioral issues over time.

The goal of this topic brief was to identify existing evidence (such as guidelines and research studies) for interventions aimed at treating sleep disorders in children or adults with DD (including individuals with intellectual disability).

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Topic brief published November 2022

Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation

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Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrythmia, and the use of catheter, surgical, or hybrid (surgical combined with catheter) ablation is a strategy to restore a normal rhythm and to relieve symptoms, among other potential outcomes.

This Topic Brief provides a summary of the breadth and volume of existing evidence and ongoing studies on ablation to support decision-making about targeted investment in evidence synthesis products or comparative clinical effectiveness research in this space.

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Topic brief published May 2022

Nonpharmacologic Interventions for Migraine Prevention

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Migraine is a common condition that is disabling for many Americans. Although pharmacologic therapies for migraine prevention exist, nonpharmacologic therapies are an important alternative.

In this Topic Brief, the authors identified 164 randomized controlled trials, 27 of which were not summarized by relevant systematic reviews. They concluded that a substantive evidence base for nonpharmacologic migraine prevention therapies exists and that nonpharmacologic interventions remain an important alternative to pharmacotherapy for patients.

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Topic brief published August 2021

Infantile Epilepsy

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Epilepsy is more common in children than adults, with several epilepsy syndromes exclusive to the pediatric population.

In this Topic Brief, the authors identified 401 relevant empirical studies reporting specifically on the effect of epilepsy treatment in children. They also sought to determine the amount of research evidence specific to those children three years old or younger.

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Topic brief published December 2019

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery for Vascular Surgery

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Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols are interventions that seek to improve recovery after surgical procedures.

In this Topic Brief, the authors identified 947 completed or ongoing empirical studies addressing aspects of ERAS that varied in their applicability to vascular surgery. A total of 115 studies focused exclusively on vascular surgery patients and evaluated an aspect of ERAS.

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Topic brief published November 2019

Posted: December 23, 2019; Updated: November 14, 2022