title: Decision making in periodontics: a review of outcome measures.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Division of Periodontics, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Matthews
mesh_terms: D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000592:standards; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D006801:Humans; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010358:Patient Participation; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D011788:Quality of Life