Abstract

ABSTRACT: Practice-based research is the performance of clinical trials in physicians' offices, often involving multiple sites in multicenter studies. The purpose of this presentation is to inform the clinician of the opportunities available in practice-based research, discussing both the contributions that clinicians can make and the advantages to them of participating in practice-based research. Clinician contributions to medical research include the addition of vital clinical perspective to preliminary findings from institutional research and the performance of long-term patient evaluation. Advantages to the physician include the opportunity to continue the scientific inquiry that is too often left behind upon entering private practice, a greater appreciation of the drug evaluation process, and new skills in office procedures and documentation