Methods: Practitioner identified topics are developed into study protocols by academic researchers from the University of Washington and Oregon Health and Science University. Studies are rolled out in waves, sending all study-related materials to participating offices. A telephone training session with a research coordinator (RC) introduces the study, reviewing the materials received and required staff training for research participation (Responsible Conduct of Research/HIPAA, protocol practice/standardization, online data entry). Weekly RC telephone or email contact is critical to the period of study initiation in practices and throughout the patient enrollment period. An RC in-office training and monitoring visit takes place after a practice has enrolled their first study participant. The online data entry system allows close monitoring of baseline and longitudinal data collection by RCs. Multiple systems are in-place and tailored to practices for tracking patients due for study follow-up, including chart flagging methods, reports of projected follow-up dates, and up-to-the-minute online reports of follow-up progress.
Results: Seven studies requiring collection of follow-up data from patients (four cohort studies; three randomized controlled trials) have been initiated by 144 PRECEDENT practitioners, including 64 (44%) participating in two or more longitudinal studies simultaneously. Follow-up length and method (in-office, telephone, web-survey) varies. Four studies collect follow-up data for up to two years; the first longitudinal study initiated (caries risk assessment) is beginning final visit data collection.
Conclusions: Dental practitioners and staff can readily adapt research protocols into their busy daily practice with appropriate training, support, and monitoring, to contribute high-quality data to evidence-based practice. Supported by NIDCR grants DE016750 and E016752.