Function Biomedical Informatics Research Network Recommendations for Prospective Multi-Center Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Studies

Corresponding author: Gary H. Glover, Lucas MR Center, 1201 Welch Road, Stanford University Department of Radiology, Stanford, CA 94305, gary.glover@stanford.edu, PH: (650) 723-7577, FAX: (650) 736-7925. 19Function Biomedical Informatics Research Network (http://www-calit2.nbirn.net/research/function/,https://wiki.birncommunity.org/display/FBIRN/FBIRN+Home) NIH Public Access Author Manuscript J Magn Reson Imaging. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2013 July 01. Published in final edited form as: J Magn Reson Imaging. 2012 July ; 36(1): 39–54. doi:10.1002/jmri.23572. N IH PA Athor M anscript N IH PA Athor M anscript N IH PA Athor M anscript This report provides practical recommendations for the design and execution of Multi-Center functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MC-fMRI) studies based on the collective experience of the Function Biomedical Informatics Research Network (FBIRN). The paper 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 MCfMRI 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 multi-site aspects include: (1) establishing and verifying scan parameters including scanner types and magnetic fields, (2) establishing and monitoring of a scanner quality program, (3) developing task paradigms and scan session documentation, (4) establishing clinical and scanner training to ensure consistency over time, (5) developing means for uploading, storing, and monitoring of imaging and other data, (6) the use of a traveling fMRI expert and (7) 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.

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