The IDEAL framework in neurosurgery: a bibliometric analysis

Abstract

Background The Idea, Development, Exploration, Assessment and Long-term study (IDEAL) framework was created to provide a structured way for assessing and evaluating novel surgical techniques and devices. Objectives The aim of this paper was to investigate the utilization of the IDEAL framework within neurosurgery, and to identify factors influencing implementation. Methods A bibliometric analysis of the 7 key IDEAL papers on Scopus, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases (2009–2019) was performed. A second journal-specific search then identified additional papers citing the IDEAL framework. Publications identified were screened by two independent reviewers to select neurosurgery-specific articles. Results The citation search identified 1336 articles. The journal search identified another 16 articles. Following deduplication and review, 51 relevant articles remained; 14 primary papers (27%) and 37 secondary papers (73%). Of the primary papers, 5 (36%) papers applied the IDEAL framework to their research correctly; two were aligned to the pre-IDEAL stage, one to the Idea and Development stages, and two to the Exploration stage. Of the secondary papers, 21 (57%) explicitly discussed the IDEAL framework. Eighteen (86%) of these were supportive of implementing the framework, while one was not, and two were neutral. Conclusion The adoption of the IDEAL framework in neurosurgery has been slow, particularly for early-stage neurosurgical techniques and inventions. However, the largely positive reviews in secondary literature suggest potential for increased use that may be achieved with education and publicity.

A standardised protocol for neuro-endoscopic lavage for post-haemorrhagic ventricular dilatation: A Delphi consensus approach

“…The Exploration Stage outlines the process of reaching a collective understanding of the procedure between operators from different centres, to address obstacles to a definitive comparative trial, including reaching agreement about standard technique and accepted variants. This study highlights this crucial step that should be a requirement in the development of neurosurgical innovation [ 26 , 27 ]. Accordingly, the NEL protocol produced through this consensus study will serve as a valuable tool in the design of a collaborative randomised clinical trial to determine the efficacy of NEL, in line with stage 3 of the IDEAL Framework.…”

A Standardised Protocol for Neuro-endoscopic Lavage for Post-haemorrhagic Ventricular Dilatation: A Delphi Consensus Approach

“…The Exploration Stage outlines the process of reaching a collective understanding of the procedure between operators from different centres, to address obstacles to a definitive comparative trial, including reaching agreement about standard technique and accepted variants. This study highlights this crucial step that should be a requirement in the development of neurosurgical innovation [25, 26]. Accordingly, the NEL protocol produced through this consensus study will serve as valuable tool in the design of a collaborative randomised clinical trial to determine the efficacy of NEL, in line with Stage 3 of the IDEAL Framework.…”

Specialised Surgical Instruments for Endoscopic and Endoscope-Assisted Neurosurgery: A Systematic Review of Safety, Efficacy and Usability

“…However, there is some data to suggest that the IDEAL and similar frameworks are being adopted, albeit slowly, within the neurosurgical community. In a recent bibliometric analysis Ota et al found 51 studies that cited IDEAL with the overwhelming majority being positive [ 77 ].…”