Article Figures & Data
Figures
- Figure 1.
Pain resolution for children with acute otitis media.
- Figure 2.
Fever resolution for children with acute otitis media.
Tables
Approaches to protecting human subjects participating in research differ among countries, requiring additional time and effort for compliance Data collection and data entry processes based in clinical practice vary among countries, and what works in one country will not necessarily work in another, making pilot testing even more important Data transmission services transporting data in various formats from one country to another are not under the control of investigators and may not be stable throughout a study Duties and tariffs on necessary equipment may be an additional expense The value of national currencies fluctuates, sometimes widely, possibly leading to excessive or inadequate funding Incapacitation of an investigator in any collaborating country can disable an international investigation and not be overcome readily Already complex administrative tasks associated with research are even more complicated when different systems in other countries are used, and these tasks require expert management in every participating country There are direct costs associated with collaboration, and these expenses are essential, likely larger in international research, and should be included in grant budgets Strong, personal relationships among investigators can create new understanding and overcome much adversity Things take longer in international research
The Article in Brief
A study of acute otitis media (middle ear infection) in children was undertaken in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and North America (the United States and Canada) in the mid-1990s. Participating countries used different approaches to treating this condition: antibiotics were rarely used in the Netherlands but were used for 5 to 7 days in the United Kingdom, and for 10 days in North America. In spite of these differences in treatment, patients recovered in about the same amount of time. The study contributed to current approaches that encourage limited use of antibiotics in treating middle ear infection. Researchers also learned important lessons about the challenges of conducting international practice-based research, including the need for administrative skill and strong, trusting relationships among researchers.
Jump to section
Related Articles
Cited By...
- Acute sore throat
- Data Collection Outcomes Comparing Paper Forms With PDA Forms in an Office-Based Patient Survey
- The Creation and Development of the Dental Practice-Based Research Network
- Electronic Data Collection Options for Practice-Based Research Networks
- In this Issue: The Patient-Clinician Relationship and Practice-Based Network Research