Review Appraisal Research Articles

P154 Development of the Documentation And Appraisal Review Tool (Dart) For Systematic Reviews

BackgroundSystematic reviews are the foundation for evidence-based guidelines. Rigorous standards exist, but there is wide variation in implementation, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive quality assessment tool for systematic...

Dental Erosion

The media are finally beginning to inform the general public that they are at risk for dental erosion as a result of the foods and the beverages they consume. Dental erosion or erosive tooth wear not only can be caused by extrinsic (dietary) acids but also intrinsic acids. Historically, anorexic and bulimic patients have been the population dentists have had to be aware of, but with the increasing prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the general population, another population must be monitored. Tooth wear is usually multifactorial, and it is often difficult to assign a specific etiology; abrasion, attrition, and erosion must all be considered as potential etiologies. This critical appraisal reviews four articles looking at dental erosion and its relationship with GERD.

Critical Appraisal of Emergency Medicine Educational Research: The Best Publications of 2011

The objective was to critically appraise and highlight medical education research studies published in 2011 that were methodologically superior and whose outcomes were pertinent to teaching and education in emergency medicine (EM). A search of the English language literature in 2011 querying PubMed, Scopus, Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), and PsychInfo identified EM studies that used hypothesis-testing or observational investigations of educational interventions. Six reviewers independently ranked all publications based on 10 criteria, including four related to methodology, that were chosen a priori to standardize evaluation by reviewers. This method was used previously to appraise medical education published in 2008, 2009, and 2010. Forty-eight educational research papers were identified. Comparing the literature of 2011 to that of 2008 through 2010, the number of published educational research papers meeting the criteria increased over time from 30, to 36, to 41, and now to 48. Five medical education research studies met the a priori criteria for inclusion as exemplary and are reviewed and summarized in this article. The number of funded studies remained fairly stable over the past 3 years, at 13 (2008), 16 (2009), 9 (2010), and 13 (2011). As in past years, research involving the use of technology accounted for almost half (n = 22) of the publications. Observational study designs accounted for 28 of the papers, while nine studies featured an experimental design. Forty-eight EM educational studies published in 2011 and meeting the criteria were identified. This critical appraisal reviews and highlights five studies that met a priori quality indicators. Current trends and common methodologic pitfalls in the 2011 papers are noted.

The Effectiveness of Employee Performance Appraisal in Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL)

The performance appraisal system is the most important tool for any organization. Government organizations mostly use annual confidential reports to appraise their employees. Private organizations use the grading system and assessment methods to appraise the performance. As the performance appraisal increases the motivation level of employees, they can effectively be used for planning purposes and to identify problems and obstacles affecting employee's performance. The performance appraisal system serves not only to determine how well an employee does his or her job but also to decide ways to improve the performance. For an effective appraisal system, mutual trust, clear objectives, standardizations, training, job relatedness, documentation, feedback, participation and the post appraisal reviews are some important factors which need to be considered. BSNL being a government organization, the performance appraisal doesn't play a great role but it's an important part of organization. This paper made an attempt to analyse about the effectiveness of performance appraisal practices implemented in BSNL, and also make an observation on the perceptions of employees towards their existing performance appraisal system.

Reversal of Compromised Bonding after Bleaching

Bleaching with peroxide agents compromises the adhesion of resin‐based materials to enamel and dentin. The problem is likely caused by delayed release of oxygen from the teeth that inhibits resin polymerization at the interface. The typical method for avoiding problems with bonding to bleached teeth is simply to delay the bonding procedure for a week or two after bleaching. However, there is evidence that bonding can be done immediately if bleaching is followed by the application of an antioxidant. This Critical Appraisal reviews some of the published reports on the reversal of compromised bonding after bleaching via the use of antioxidants such as sodium ascorbate.

Experimental study comparing a traditional approach to performance appraisal training to a whole‐brain training method at C.B. Fleet Laboratories

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to examine the effects of a new approach to performance appraisal training. Motivated by split‐brain theory and existing studies of cognitive information processing and performance appraisals, this exploratory study examined the effects of a whole‐brain approach to training managers for implementing performance appraisals. Managers at C.B. Fleet (n = 33) were randomly assigned into either the control or the experimental group. Fifty‐three employees participated in the study, with 27 employees reporting to a manager in the control group and 26 reporting to a manager in the experimental group. Managers in the control group received the company's traditional annual performance appraisal training that focused on training them to discern performance by specific dimensions, which is consistent with left‐brain activity. Managers in the experimental group received both the traditional training and training to stimulate the right brain hemisphere. The experimental training guided managers through a series of exercises to encourage them to access global impressions (person schema) of their subordinates. The effect of the experimental training was determined by surveying employees before and after the performance appraisal review cycle. The findings show that a whole‐brain approach to performance appraisal training results in positive returns from the perspective of the employees. Employees receiving performance appraisals from managers who participated in the experimental training group perceive the performance appraisal feedback and process as more useful.

Current Usage of Glutaraldehyde/HEMA

The use of glutaraldehyde/2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) combinations has been recommended for routine use in restorative dentistry by many authors and opinion leaders. Clinical restorative sites are colonized by bacteria that can contribute to postoperative sensitivity or recurrent caries. The structure of dentin allows for fluid conductance, which has been identified by Brännström as the cause of dentin sensitivity and as well, its water content challenges short- and long-term adhesion. The glutaraldehyde/HEMA combination is stated to be antimicrobial, a flocculating agent that strengthens collagen, and an agent that can create tubular occlusion, thereby reducing postoperative sensitivity by limiting fluid movement without affecting the strength of bonding or adhesive cements. This Critical Appraisal reviews five publications that deal with the various issues and clinical challenges described above, and provides suggestions for additional reading. A Bottom Line summary is provided.

Critical Appraisal of Emergency Medicine Educational Research: The Best Publications of 2010

The objective was to critically appraise and highlight medical education research studies published in 2010 that were methodologically superior and whose outcomes were pertinent to teaching and education in emergency medicine (EM). A search of the English language literature in 2010 querying PubMed, Scopus, Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), and PsychInfo identified 41 EM studies that used hypothesis-testing or observational investigations of educational interventions. Five reviewers independently ranked all publications based on 10 criteria, including four related to methodology, that were chosen a priori to standardize evaluation by reviewers. This method was used previously to appraise medical education published in 2008 and 2009. Five medical education research studies met the a priori criteria for inclusion and are reviewed and summarized here. Comparing the literature of 2010 to 2008 and 2009, the number of published educational research papers increased from 30 to 36 and then to 41. The number of funded studies remained fairly stable over the past 3 years at 13 (2008), 16 (2009), and 9 (2010). As in past years, research involving the use of technology accounted for a significant number of publications (34%), including three of the five highlighted studies. Forty-one EM educational studies published in 2010 were identified. This critical appraisal reviews and highlights five studies that met a priori quality indicators. Current trends and common methodologic pitfalls in the 2010 papers are noted.

Interventional Pain Management: An Appraisal and Evidence-based Review

Interventional Pain Management: An Appraisal and Evidence-based Review

Critical Appraisal of Emergency Medicine Educational Research: The Best Publications of 2009

AbstractObjectives: The objective was to critically appraise and highlight methodologically superior medical education research specific to emergency medicine (EM) published in 2009.Methods: A search of the English language literature in 2009 querying Ovid MEDLINE In‐Process & Other Non‐Indexed Citations, Ovid MEDLINE 1950 to Present, Web of Science, Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), and PsychInfo identified 36 EM studies that used hypothesis‐testing or observational investigations of educational interventions. Six reviewers independently ranked all publications based on 10 criteria, including four related to methodology, that were chosen a priori to standardize evaluation by reviewers. This was a refinement of the methods used to appraise medical education published in 2008.Results: Seven studies met the standards as determined by the averaged rankings and are highlighted and summarized here. This year, 16 of 36 (44%) identified studies had funding, compared to 11 of 30 (36%) identified last year; five of seven (71%) highlighted publications were funded in 2009 compared to three of five (60%) highlighted in 2008. Use of technology in medical education was reported in 14 identified and four highlighted publications, with simulation being the most common technology studied. Five of the seven (71%) featured publications used a quasi‐experimental or experimental design, one was observational, and one was qualitative. Practice management topics, including patient safety, efficiency, and revenue generation, were examined in seven reviewed studies.Conclusions: Thirty‐six medical education publications published in 2009 focusing on EM were identified. This critical appraisal reviews and highlights seven studies that met a priori quality indicators. Current trends are noted.ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:S16–S25 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

LONGEVITY OF RESIN BONDS TO DENTIN

Much contemporary esthetic and restorative dentistry relies on bonding of resin‐based materials to tooth structure. Adhesion of resin materials to enamel has proved to be extremely strong and reliable since the concept was first introduced by Buonocore in 1955 and widely accepted by clinicians 20–25 years later. Enamel bonding is a simple and predictable process, because enamel presents a relatively homogeneous and largely inorganic substrate. Dentin, in contrast, is a heterogeneous tissue containing a large proportion of organic material and fluid, and is a difficult and variable substrate for bonding. Although clinically effective dentin adhesives have been available now for over 15 years, questions remain about the long‐term durability of resin bonds to dentin. This Critical Appraisal reviews some of the relevant literature on this topic.

The feedforward interview

On the basis of Appreciative Inquiry (Cooperrider & Srivastva, 1987), we offer an interview protocol termed Feedforward Interview (FFI). FFI is designed to reveal new organizational knowledge both for managers and subordinates, which can lead to better alignment between employees’ needs and organizational practices, and to improved relationships by enabling both parties to feel more positive about themselves and about each other. Following a detailed description of the FFI protocol and its rationale, we demonstrate how FFI may be used as a complement, or even as a replacement, for performance appraisal reviews, job selection interviews, and customer satisfaction surveys. The benefits of FFI appear to include eliciting positive emotions, fostering bonding, building psychological safety for sharing information, and creating internal transformations of both interviewer and interviewee. We conclude with a call for research to evaluate FFI's effectiveness and the conditions under which it will be most useful.

INTRAORAL REPAIR OF FRACTURED CERAMIC RESTORATIONS

Much of dentistry performed today has an esthetic focus, and subsequently more teeth are being restored with porcelain in the attempt to provide the most natural esthetics possible. Unfortunately, along with an increase in the use of dental porcelains comes an increase in risk for fractures, which at times can require an urgent and expedient solution. This Critical Appraisal reviews four studies to determine which method(s) of repair might yield the most predictable results.

Principal forensic physicians as educational supervisors

This research project was performed to assist the Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine (FFLM) with the development of a training programme for Principal Forensic Physicians (PFPs) (Since this research was performed the Metropolitan Police Service have dispensed with the services of the Principal Forensic Physicians so currently (as of January 2009) there is no supervision of newly appointed FMEs or the development training of doctors working in London nor any audit or appraisal reviews.) to fulfil their role as educational supervisors.PFPs working in London were surveyed by questionnaire to identify the extent of their knowledge with regard to their role in the development training of all forensic physicians (FPs) in their group, the induction of assistant FPs and their perceptions of their own training needs with regard to their educational role. A focus group was held at the FFLM annual conference to discuss areas of interest that arose from the preliminary results of the questionnaire.There is a clear need for the FFLM to set up a training programme for educational supervisors in clinical forensic medicine, especially with regard to appraisal.

IMMEDIATE DENTIN SEALING FOR INDIRECT BONDED RESTORATIONS

For laboratory‐fabricated, resin‐bonded indirect restorations, clinicians usually prepare the tooth, make an impression, and cement a provisional restoration at an initial appointment. A few weeks later, after the definitive restoration has been tried in and adjusted, it is bonded with some combination of adhesive and resin cement. Another approach—most commonly called “immediate dentin sealing”—has been suggested. This technique involves placement of a resin coating on the dentin immediately after preparation. Several advantages have been cited for immediate dentin sealing. Prominent among those are a reduction in tooth sensitivity during the provisional phase and the potential for better bonding of the restoration to dentin. This Critical Appraisal reviews several in vitro research studies on the immediate dentin sealing technique.

CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR RESTORING MANDIBULAR INCISORS WITH PORCELAIN LAMINATE VENEERS

Porcelain laminate veneers have been proven to be a successful treatment modality for maxillary incisors in clinical practice and in controlled clinical studies. However, the data in clinical studies on the success of veneers for restoring mandibular incisors are limited. Clinically, the successful restoration of mandibular incisors with porcelain laminate veneers is one of the more challenging procedures in all of esthetic restorative dentistry. Limited coronal dimensions, the small amount of enamel available for bonding (particularly in the cervical areas), materials and techniques for the bonding procedures, and the response of the tooth–veneer complex to forces generated during the incisal loading in both functional as well as parafunctional contacts must be considered as potential sources of success or failure. This Critical Appraisal reviews three recent scientific articles to shed some light on these issues and, as in all research endeavors, leads the reader to identify additional areas of concern that might stimulate further scientific inquiry. The first publication studied predictors for enamel thickness for mandibular incisors. The second examined bonding protocols for exposed dentin and suggested immediate dentin sealing. The third paper addressed fracture behavior of mandibular incisors restored with porcelain laminate veneers in vitro.

Accuracy and effectiveness in appraisal outcomes: the influence of self‐efficacy, personal factors and organisational variables

Two studies tested relationships of personal factors and organisational context variables with rating accuracy and perceived effectiveness of appraisals, and the role of self‐efficacy as a mediator of the relationships between the two sets of variables. Study 1 was a controlled experiment in which nurse supervisors appraised a video stimulus of a nurse's performance. Study 2 was a field study in which nurses and their supervisors each independently completed an assessment of their annual appraisal review, following the meeting. A ten‐item scale for performance appraiser self‐efficacy (PASE) was developed and tested for measurement properties on a large sample of nurses that included those who participated in either Study 1 or Study 2. The PASE scale was found to have high reliability and reasonable predictive validity. PASE predicted rating accuracy, appraiser and appraisee perceptions of effectiveness, and appraiser‐appraisee agreement on the effectiveness of an actual appraisal, after controlling for the effects of personal factors and organisational context. The main contextual influences were accountability, importance and management concern but the effects varied for self‐efficacy and different appraisal outcomes. The main predictor of self‐efficacy was the amount of training received by appraisers across the multiple sub‐tasks of appraisal.

Appraisal Reviews and Their Importance

Many articles have been written on the art of reviewing appraisal reports by professional real estate appraisers for bank lending and litigation purposes. This article explains why attorneys, Judges, IRS, assessors and other individuals that obtain appraisal reports from third parties should have the reports reviewed by qualified individuals who are professional real estate appraisers. This article explains the review process, the guidelines that should be followed, and the conclusions that can be drawn from an appraisal review. Some of the reasons for divergencies between appraisal reports are discussed, such as fraud, incompetency, human error, and client pressure. The authors introduce some methods that might be employed in order to minimize conflicts, to promote justice and fairness in the appraisal and legal process.

PORCELAIN VENEER OUTCOMES, PART I

Etched porcelain veneers have now been used clinically for about 20 years. The profession was originally very skeptical about bonding thin shells of a brittle ceramic material to teeth. However, ceramic veneers have proved to be not only very esthetic but also extremely durable restorations. This two-part Clinical Appraisal reviews several articles related to veneer longevity and clinical factors contributing to--or detracting from--longevity. Part II will appear in the next issue of JERD.

George W. Bush and the Environmental Protection Agency: A Midterm Appraisal

During the first 2 years of his presidential term, George W. Bush matured as a political leader and neutralized many of his harshest critics. A glaring exception to this characterization is the area of environmental policy. The Bush administration adamantly refused to advance a meaningful strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to commit the United States to the Kyoto Protocol. At the same time, a number of highly public disputes compromised the legitimacy of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This appraisal reviews the Bush administration's performance midway through its first term across three pivotal environmental concerns: air pollution, climate change, and toxics remediation. Though environmental proponents denounced the U.S. EPA's provocative policy positions, there are no indications that this criticism has had much political impact. The assessment concludes with an examination of the politics behind the Bush administration's growing anti-environmentalism and some speculation regarding its future electoral implications.