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Decision making in periodontics: a review of outcome measures
Author(s) -
Matthews DC
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
journal of dental education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.53
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1930-7837
pISSN - 0022-0337
DOI - 10.1002/j.0022-0337.1994.58.8.tb02879.x
Subject(s) - periodontology , medicine , clinical trial , outcome (game theory) , evidence based dentistry , medline , clinical decision making , quality of life (healthcare) , intensive care medicine , psychology , alternative medicine , dentistry , nursing , pathology , mathematics , mathematical economics , political science , law
Clinical decisions regarding selection of appropriate periodontal therapy is a multifactorial process involving the assimilation of information from clinical experiences, relevant research, and patient preferences for anticipated outcomes. In order to select the treatment which is most beneficial to patients, a rational, systematic approach to decision making is needed. Clinical experience is a key factor in decision making, but one not easily controlled for. Research to date has focused on clinical or proximate outcomes as a measurement of treatment efficacy, but few of these studies provide the highest level of evidence. While Quality of Life issues play an important role in treatment selection, patient‐based outcomes have not been well researched in dentistry. This paper outlines a method clinicians can use to evaluate treatment efficacy studies. In addition, the evidence from longitudinal periodontal treatment efficacy studies is reviewed and the use of patient‐based outcome measures is examined.