ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This article illustrates the process by which the Southwest Region of the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network (www.NationalDentalPBRN.org) fosters collaboration among practitioners and researchers in study concept development through protocol development groups (PODs). The Southwest Region begins this process by engaging PODs, which comprise dentists, hygienists, and/or academic faculty who share research interests related to improving dental care. METHOD: The PODs use the Tuckman four-stage model of group development (forming, storming, norming, and performing) to develop study concepts. This well-structured model encourages engagement among group members and enables quality discussion through organized sessions. This model provides milestones for the group's progression and for the members' interactions. The Southwest Region Directors play a crucial role in guiding and directing the development of PODs by aligning the members' research interests with the goals of the National Network. RESULTS: POD engagement using Tuckman's stages has been successful in developing study concepts for submission to the National Network. Between 2012 and 2014, the Southwest Region has developed 14 PODs from 275 research ideas. Five of these study concepts have been submitted to the National Network for approval, including the Novel Tobacco Products POD, which showcases the applicability of Tuckman's model. CONCLUSION: Overall, the POD concept is a collaborative effort that brings together practitioners and academicians through shared research interests and capitalizes on participants' expertise and experiences. The Southwest Region will continue to develop PODs to foster new ideas for future studies in the Network.
Subject(s)
Clinical Protocols , Dental Research/organization & administration , Interinstitutional Relations , Consensus , Decision Making, Organizational , Dental Care/methods , Dental Care/standards , Dental Research/methods , Humans , Quality Improvement/organization & administration , Southwestern United StatesABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to illustrate the research idea generation process employed by the Southwest Region of the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network (PBRN; www.NationalDentalPBRN.org) based on the Technology of Participation (ToP) Consensus Method Workshop. This method encourages a high level of participation in the decision-making process through individual, small group, and large group discussions. This approach to idea generation has predominately been used by nonprofit organizations and community groups both nationally and internationally, but offers great potential to study concept development for PBRNs. METHOD: Five independent workshops were designed over a 12-month period. Workshops were held at three academic institutions, one National Dental PBRN meeting, and one as part of a continuing education program. The sessions were directed at general dentists, dental hygienists, and dental researchers to identify research ideas appropriate for examination through the PBRN mechanism. RESULT: Five groups ranging in size from 11 to 53 (197 participants total) participated in the consensus workshops and generated 205 research ideas. Ideas across the five sessions were collated into novel and common categories of interest, and identified key participants interested in developing research concepts. Participant reaction to the sessions was positive based on evaluation comments and personal interactions. IMPLICATIONS: Practitioners effectively generated research ideas based on their current needs and daily clinical experience. The experiences presented in this article suggest continued use of the ToP consensus workshop methods within the PBRNs may help bridge the gap between research and practice.
