Model System:

Burn

Reference Type:

Journal article

Accession No.:

J78888

Journal:

Journal of Burn Care And Research (formerly Journal of Burn Care & Rehabilitation)

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

, 39, 5, 786-789

Publication Website:

Abstract:

As part of a multicenter longitudinal study of patient-reported outcomes, a minimum benchmark for follow-up was set at 80 percent. In review of the Northwest Regional Burn Model System’s participation, it was noted that this benchmark was not consistently met. Thus, a set of actions were identified, termed Best Practices for study personnel, which focused on improving data acquisition from study participants. These actions, were implemented in January 2015. This study examined whether the Best Practices were associated with improved follow-up. A comparison of success rates for the 6-months prior to and following program implementation was made. In addition, cell phone records for the 6-month period following implementation were reviewed for call characteristics (e.g. minutes used, date, and time of call); demographic representation (call area code); call timing (day and time of week); and call success. A successful call was defined as a call time longer than 5 minutes with acquisition of survey data. For the cell phone review, researchers attempted to reach a total of 98 subjects. The use of the Best Practices by research personnel resulted in improved follow-up rates for 2 of 3 study time points. Of interest is the effort required to reach study participants by telephone with a success rate of only 12 percent of all calls made. These data provide information that can be used by investigators as they plan future research and require evidence to substantiate personnel effort.

Author(s):

Carrougher, Gretchen J.|Muffley, Lara A.|Baker, Claudia P.|Gibran, Nicole S.|

Participating Centers: