A five-phase model for clinical-outcome research

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Clinical Research Methodology

Background:

• Speech-language pathology and audiology have established treatment efficacy but often overlook standardized clinical-outcome testing.
• Broader research communities utilize accepted standards for clinical-outcome testing, including federal regulators and third-party payers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt a comprehensive five-phase clinical-outcome research model for audiology and speech-language pathology.
• To structure clinical research within these fields using a recognized framework.
• To elucidate the relationship between scientific evidence and evidence-based practice.

Main Methods:

• Examination of an adapted five-phase model of clinical-outcome research.
• Analysis of relationships between types/grades of scientific evidence and evidence-based practice processes.
• Application of the model to inform decisions on intervention protocol status.

Main Results:

• The proposed model provides a structure for organizing diverse forms of clinical research in audiology and speech-language pathology.
• The model clarifies the connections between different levels of scientific evidence and the implementation of evidence-based practice.
• Understanding these relationships aids in evaluating the efficacy and effectiveness of intervention protocols.

Conclusions:

• Adopting a standardized, multi-phase clinical-outcome research model is crucial for advancing audiology and speech-language pathology.
• This structured approach enhances the rigor of research and the quality of clinical decision-making.
• The model facilitates a clearer understanding of evidence-based practice and intervention effectiveness.