Avoiding practice-based research pitfalls: one novice's experience.
OBJECTIVE
This paper is intended to encourage performance and reporting of practice-based research. Though some practicing family physicians have done research, others hold back due to feelings of inability or because a previous effort overwhelmed them.


RESULTS
By discussing a number of process errors he made while working on an eventually successful project, the author hopes to help others avoid mistakes that can cause a novice researcher to abandon a research effort.


CONCLUSIONS
It is entirely possible for practicing family physicians to plan and complete research projects of various sizes and designs. Knowing common, yet avoidable pitfalls, will assist the family physician researcher to efficiently use the precious time available.
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Department of Family Practice, University of Minnesota-Duluth School of Medicine.
D003625:Data Collection; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005194:Family Practice; D008432:Mathematical Computing; D012106:Research; D012107:Research Design