The Center for Surgical Outcomes Research (CSOR)

The Center for Surgical Outcomes Research (CSOR) mission is to improve children's care through a comprehensive, patient-centered surgical outcomes research program that employs a wide range of methodologies to determine the optimal management of surgical diseases in children.

In addition to assessing key surgical outcomes in children, our research aims to: 

• Minimize pain, suffering, and disability in children with surgical diseases
• Evaluate the effects of surgical therapies on medical, societal, and patient-centered outcomes
• Engage patient and families through education and shared decision-making
• Center for Surgical Outcomes Research Study Protocol Template
• Guidelines for Collaboration and Consulting Services Provided by Center for Surgical Outcomes Research Epidemiologists and Biostatisticians

Research Focus Areas and Activities

CSOR research focuses on a wide variety of diseases and public health concerns in which surgical management is a treatment option. We utilize a variety of research methods including leveraging existing data sources, conducting both patient-choice and randomized clinical trials, and designing collaborative, multi-institutional studies that can be used to provide more generalizable results.

Many of our projects have employed the use of innovative technology. We believe in placing the patient and family at the center of research. We do this in many projects through continuous engagement with patient and family stakeholders who participate in all aspects of the research process. Below are examples from the approximately 75 projects that CSOR is actively engaged in annually, divided by funding agency.