Evidence-Based Research: The Foundation for Treatment Decisions

One of our goals in developing this study was to help the Academy create guidelines, said Dr. Goldstein. Some guidelines had been published in the past, but there was not a lot of evidence to support them.

According to the AAO-HNS 2006 Annual Report, the creation of bench research does not stand alone; the Academy’s ability to create and translate the new research into meaningful use is directly benefiting our specialty. As more and more otolaryngologists collaborate with the Foundation on evidence-based medicine initiatives or sign up to be part of the BEST ENT network, we improve our understanding of how research evidence for treatment effectiveness leads to guidelines for patient care.

The idea behind the BEST ENT Network is to do studies that are real world and applicable to patients, said Dr. Witsell. The studies also facilitate a sense of collaboration, cooperation and value amongst the members. Besides the development of guidelines, study results can also be used to support pay for performance measures, patient quality measures and reimbursement issues. Today, a smart study designer has to hit many different goals, develop a study that compels patients and physicians to participate and satisfy decision and health policy makers.

BEST ENT Network Membership Application

Go to:

www.entlink.net/research/research/upload/BEST%20ENT%20Application%202006.pdf

Related Links

Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine www.cebm.net

The Cochrane Collaboration www.cochrane.org

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality www.ahrq.gov/clinic/epcix.htm

National Guidelines Clearinghouse www.guideline.gov

BEST ENT Network

Building Evidence for Successful Treatments in Otolaryngology

The BEST ENT Network is a practice-based clinical research network of physicians interested in studying the effect of medical treatments and surgical interventions on the outcomes of diseases they treat. This research cooperative works to examine the efficacy and effectiveness of various treatment modalities through clinical research and measurement of patient outcomes. It is not a contract research organization, nor does it conduct or manage clinical trials. Its purpose is to provide a group of like-minded colleagues opportunities to participate in and shape clinical research.

Source: www.entnet.org/research/research/BEST-ENT-Network.cfm

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