Abstract
Purpose: The goal of this paper is to evaluate the PEARL Network's satisfaction with training/support and assess the relationship between practice research coordinators (PRCs) involvement and study participation.
Methods: At the PEARL Network 2011 Annual Meeting, an evaluation form was completed by practitioner–investigators and PRCs who attended the annual meeting. Results from the paper evaluation form were entered into an Excel database, and analyzed using the statistical analysis software SPSS. The bivariate correlation test, Pearson Correlation, was conducted, and results were considered significant if p<0.05.
Results: During a program evaluation among 84 network respondents, a positive correlation (p=0.004) was found between the number of PRCs and the number of studies in which a site participates. In addition, there was a positive correlation between satisfaction with the training, support and involvement of PRCs in organizing study activities (p=0.008). There was also positive correlation between satisfaction with training/support and the number of PRCs utilized by the office (p=0.039).
Conclusion: Practice research coordinators are key members of the research team, and they are important to conducting clinical studies in everyday practice.
Footnotes
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Ashley Grill, RDH, BSDH, MPH, is a clinical assistant professor of dental hygiene at the New York City College of Technology. Joanne M. Johnson, RDH, is an associate in evidence based dentistry at the DentaQuest Oral Health Center. Damon Collie, BS, MSHS, is the project manager of the Data Coordinating Center for the PEARL Network at the EMMES Cooperation. Van P. Thompson, DDS, PhD, is the PEARL Network Director of Protocol Development and Training, Professor; Chairperson Biomaterials, King's College London Dental Institute. Ronald G. Craig, DMD, PhD, is the PEARL Network Director of Information Dissemination, Associate Professor; Basic Sciences and Craniofacial Biology, Department of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry, New York University College of Dentistry. Frederick A. Curro, DMD, PhD, is the PEARL Network Director of Recruitment, Retention and Operations, Director of Regulatory Affairs, Bluestone Center for Clinical Research, New York University College of Dentistry.
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This study supports the NDHRA priority area, Health Services Research: Evaluate strategies that position and gain recognition of dental hygienists as a primary care providers in the health care delivery system.
- Copyright © 2013 The American Dental Hygienists’ Association