No differences in clinical pattern were seen between ALS patients with or without LRP4 antibodies.
Although findings from this pilot study are limited in their generalizability, clinicians need to continue to evaluate opportunities to further reduce variability in clinical practice patterns for optimal patient outcomes.
Additionally, any estimation based on such models would be seriously affected by the variability in clinical practice patterns among clinical practitioners.
Indicator rates could be related to protocol modification, demographic trends and changes in patient mix linked to restructuration of medical services or in clinical practice patterns.
Given the differences in clinical practice patterns and patient populations that exist between Europe and the US, it is unknown whether a relationship exists between SHPT markers and healthcare resource use and costs in European patients.
9 As a result, to assess physicians in a fair manner and promote changes in clinical practice patterns with the goal of improving healthcare efficiency, we must take into account the impact of the care provided on outcomes.
Our finding suggests that the observed cluster of elevated ESRD incidence may be in part due to differences in clinical practice patterns of nephrologists on the dialysis start timing.
Also, methodological issues set aside, the cost-effectiveness of health technologies might vary from country to country simply due to differences in clinical practice patterns and/or relative prices; hence, extrapolations are not recommended.
Accordingly, the heterogeneity observed is most likely explained by differences in study design (that is, clinical trial vs. cohort study), operational definitions for RRT timing (that is, clinical vs. biochemical criteria) and the inability to account for heterogeneity in clinical practice patterns.
This should take into account the rapid changes in clinical practice, disease patterns, and specific research needs.
