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PubMedDate not supplied

Willingness to participate in cardiac trials.

The elderly, women, and minorities are all less likely to be enrolled in randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Whether differential patient interest in RCTs contributes to these disparities is unclear. The authors surveyed 660 patients willingness to consider two potential cardiac RCTs of medical therapy vs. percutaneous coronary angioplasty or coronary artery bypass surgery, respectively. The cohorts mean age was 67 years (43% aged >or=70 years; 35% women; and 28% nonwhite). Compared with younger patients, those aged >or=70 years were equal or more likely to consider both the percutaneous coronary angioplasty (46% vs. 41%) and coronary artery bypass surgery RCTs (35% vs. 31%). Race also had no significant impact on trial enrollment, yet women were significantly less likely than men to participate in either RCT. In conclusion, patient willingness to consider RCT participation does not explain underenrollment of elderly and minority patients. Women, however, were more reluctant to consider RCTs, an area requiring further study.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2005

Brief cognitive behavioural interventions for regular amphetamine users: a step in the right direction.

AIMS: The present study sought to replicate and extend a small pilot study conducted by Baker, Boggs & Lewin (2001) which demonstrated that brief interventions consisting of motivational interviewing and cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT) were feasible and associated with better outcomes compared with a control condition. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial (RCT). SETTING: Greater Brisbane Region of Queensland and Newcastle, NSW, Australia. PARTICIPANTS: The study was conducted among 214 regular amphetamine users. MEASUREMENTS: Demographic characteristics, past and present alcohol and other drug use and mental health, treatment, amphetamine-related harms and severity of dependence. FINDINGS: The main finding of this study was that there was a significant increase in the likelihood of abstinence from amphetamines among those receiving two or more treatment sessions. In addition, the number of treatment sessions attended had a significant short-term beneficial effect on level of depression. There were no intervention effects on any other variables (HIV risk-taking, crime, social functioning and health). Overall, there was a marked reduction in amphetamine use among this sample over time and, apart from abstinence rates and short-term effects on depression level, this was not differential by treatment group. Reduction in amphetamine use was accompanied by significant improvements in stage of change, benzodiazepine use, tobacco smoking, polydrug use, injecting risk-taking behaviour, criminal activity level, and psychiatric distress and depression level. CONCLUSIONS: A stepped-care approach is recommended. The first step in providing an effective intervention among many regular amphetamine users, particularly those attending non-treatment settings, may include provision of: a structured assessment of amphetamine use and related problems; self-help material; and regular monitoring of amphetamine use and related harms. Regular amphetamine users who present to treatment settings could be offered two sessions of CBT, while people with moderate to severe levels of depression may best be offered four sessions of CBT for amphetamine use from the outset, with further treatment for amphetamine use and/or depression depending on response. Pharmacotherapy and/or longer-term psychotherapy may be suitable for non-responders. An RCT of a stepped-care approach among regular amphetamine users is suggested.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Endodontics and infective endocarditis--is antimicrobial chemoprophylaxis required?

The purpose of this review is to evaluate the evidence implicating nonsurgical endodontic procedures in inducing infective endocarditis (IE). The literature is reviewed and findings about dental procedures that elicit bacteraemia [in particular root canal treatment (RCT)], sequelae of bacteraemia, relationship between IE and RCT and variation between antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) guidelines are highlighted. At present, there is still significant debate as to which dental procedures require chemoprophylaxis and what antibiotic regimen should be prescribed. Currently, there are insufficient primary data to know whether AP is effective or ineffective against IE. Practitioners are bound by current guidelines and medico-legal considerations. Thus, the profession requires clear, uniform guidelines that are evidence-based.

Amoxicillin↗
PubMed2005

Primary care research: difficulties recruiting preschool children to clinical trials.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of the present study were to report difficulties experienced recruiting preschool children to a clinical trial and to report the acceptability of a dental intervention to their parents. DESIGN: The study was a randomized controlled trial (RCT). SETTING: The study took place in community dental clinics, health centres and patient homes. SAMPLE AND METHODS: Health visitors were used to recruit 508 children aged between 18 and 30 months from high caries areas of South Wales. Children with caries-free first primary molars were entered into a placebo-controlled individual RCT of fissure sealants. All children received a standard package of dental health education. Children in the test group had their first primary molars sealed with glass ionomer. All children were reviewed once. Families were asked to rate the acceptability of procedures. RESULTS: Health visitors referred 1228 children for screening, but only 547 were seen (44.5%) and 508 subjects were recruited to the trial. Of these, 449 (88.4%) were seen at follow-up. Some 667 children missed 1610 visits at baseline, and 373 of those recruited missed an appointment. At follow-up, 1056 appointments were staffed to review 449 children. Three-quarters of parents reported the examination to be very easy. CONCLUSIONS: Preschool children are difficult to access for community trials. Dental examinations and sealant placement were acceptable to the majority of families who were seen.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed2005

The placebo effect in irritable bowel syndrome trials: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Despite the apparent high placebo response rate in randomized placebo-controlled trials (RCT) of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), little is known about the variability and predictors of this response. OBJECTIVES: To describe the magnitude of response in placebo arms of IBS clinical trials and to identify which factors predict the variability of the placebo response. METHODS: We performed a meta-analysis of published, English language, RCT with 20 or more IBS patients who were treated for at least 2 weeks. This analysis is limited to studies that assessed global response (improvement in overall symptoms). The variables considered as potential placebo modifiers were study design, study duration, use of a run-in phase, Jadad score, entry criteria, number of office visits, number of office visits/study duration, use of diagnostic testing, gender, age and type of medication studied. FINDINGS: Forty-five placebo-controlled RCTs met the inclusion criteria. The placebo response ranged from 16.0 to 71.4% with a population-weighted average of 40.2%, 95% CI (35.9-44.4). Significant associations with lower placebo response rates were fulfillment of the Rome criteria for study entry (P=0.049) and an increased number of office visits (P=0.026). CONCLUSIONS: Placebo effects in IBS clinical trials measuring a global outcome are highly variable. Entry criteria and number of office visits are significant predictors of the placebo response. More stringent entry criteria and an increased number of office visits appear to independently decrease the placebo response.

Clinical Trials as Topic↗
PubMed2006

A cluster randomized-controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of Stepping Stones in preventing HIV infections and promoting safer sexual behaviour amongst youth in the rural Eastern Cape, South Africa: trial design, methods and baseline findings.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the study design, methods and baseline findings of a behavioural intervention trial aimed at reducing HIV incidence. METHOD: A cluster randomized-controlled trial (RCT) conducted in 70 villages in rural South Africa. A behavioural intervention, Stepping Stones, was implemented in 35 communities in two workshops of 20 men and 20 women in each community who met for 17 sessions (50 h) over a period of 3-12 weeks. Individuals in the control arm communities attended a single session of about 3 h on HIV and safer sex. Impact assessment was conducted through two questionnaire and serological surveys at 12-month intervals. The primary outcome was HIV incidence and secondary measures included changes in knowledge, attitude and sexual behaviours. Qualitative research was also undertaken with 10 men and 10 women from two sites receiving the intervention (one rural and one urban) and five men and five women from one village in the control arm. They were interviewed individually three times prior to the workshops and then 9-12 months later. RESULTS: A total of 2776 participants (1409 intervention and 1367 control) were enrolled at baseline and had an interview, and HIV sero-status was established. HIV baseline prevalence rates in women were 9.8% in the intervention arm and 12.8% in the control arm. In men the prevalence was 1.7% in the intervention arm and 2.1% in the control arm. Demographic and behavioural characteristics were similar in the two arms. In the intervention groups 59.9% of participants attended more than 75% of the sessions. In the control group 66.3% attended the control session. CONCLUSION: This is the third RCT to be conducted in sub-Saharan Africa evaluating a behavioural intervention using HIV incidence as a primary outcome. It is of particular interest as the intervention in question is used in many developing countries. There is good baseline comparability between the study arms and the process data on the workshops suggested that the interventions were feasible and adequately implemented.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy in asthma: systematic review of randomized-clinical trials using the Cochrane Collaboration method.

BACKGROUND: Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is effective and safe in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. However, there is no meta-analysis in asthma treatment. METHODS: The clinical efficacy of SLIT for asthma was evaluated through a systematic review with meta-analysis. MEDLINE (1966-2005), EMBASE (1974-2005), LILACS (1982-2005), and the Cochrane Library were searched for related literature in any language. Randomized-controlled clinical trials (RCT) on SLIT in asthma treatment for adults and children were selected. From 119 citations, 25 studies with 1706 patients were included in this meta-analysis. For each report, quality scores were assigned and data were extracted in relation to the outcomes analyzed: asthmatic symptoms, use of asthma medications, lung function, and bronchial provocation. RESULTS: According to the Jadad quality method, 64% of the studies were assigned scores of 4 or 5. Immunotherapy was seen to significantly reduce asthma severity when parameter compositions were all analyzed by categorical outcomes. There was a nonsignificant reduction in asthma symptoms when analyzed using standardized mean differences. No severe reactions were observed. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis found that SLIT is beneficial for asthma treatment albeit the magnitude of the effect is not very large. Moreover, it is a safe alternative to the subcutaneous route. More RCT with standardization of symptom scores and medications are needed in order to contribute further to this subject.

Administration, Sublingual↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Can Australian general practitioners tackle childhood overweight/obesity? Methods and processes from the LEAP (Live, Eat and Play) randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: General practitioners (GPs) could make an important contribution to management of childhood overweight. However, there are no efficacy data to support this, and the feasibility of this approach is unknown. OBJECTIVES: To determine if GPs and families can be recruited to a randomized controlled trial (RCT), and if GPs can successfully deliver an intervention to families with overweight/obese 5- to 9-year-old children. METHODS: A convenience sample of 34 GPs from 29 family medical practices attended training sessions on management of childhood overweight. Practice staff trained in child anthropometry conducted a cross-sectional body mass index (BMI) survey of 5- to 9-year-old children attending these practices. The intervention focused on achievable goals in nutrition, physical activity and sedentary behaviour, and was delivered in four solution-focused behaviour change consultations over 12 weeks. RESULTS: General practitioners were recruited from across the sociodemographic spectrum. All attended at least two of the three education sessions and were retained throughout the trial. Practice staff weighed and measured 2112 children in the BMI survey, of whom 28% were overweight/obese (17.5% overweight, 10.5% obese), with children drawn from all sociodemographic quintiles. Of the eligible overweight/obese children, 163 (40%) were recruited and retained in the LEAP RCT; 96% of intervention families attended at least their first consultation. CONCLUSIONS: Many families are willing to tackle childhood overweight with their GP. In addition, GPs and families can participate successfully in the careful trials that are needed to determine whether an individualized, family-based primary care approach is beneficial, harmful or ineffective.

Australia↗
PubMed2006

High-dose chemotherapy for male germ cell tumor.

Today, 20-30% of male patients with advanced germ cell tumor (GCT) do not have durable, complete remission in spite of cis-platinum (CDDP)-based chemotherapy. High-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) has been tried in CDDP refractory GCT patients. Initially HDCT was performed with autologous bone marrow transplantation in heavily treated patients. However, the clinical outcome was not good and the treatment-related death rate was not ignorable. Therefore, earlier introduction of HDCT with peripheral blood stem cell transplantation was preferable as it renders HDCT more effective and less toxic, and multicycle HDCT is feasible. The durable free rate of recent HDCT for refractory GCT patients is 32-65%. HDCT is also performed as first line chemotherapy for poor prognosis GCT patients. Induction chemotherapy followed by multicycles of HDCT was tried. The durable free rate of recent HDCT as first line chemotherapy is 43-73%. Although previous reports suggest the superiority of HDCT, one recent randomized controlled trial (RCT) failed to show an improvement with one cycle of HDCT followed by three cycles of standard-dose chemotherapy (SDCT) compared with four cycles of SDCT. Ongoing RCT comparing multicycles of HDCT with SDCT for poor prognostic GCT patients will clarify the role of HDCT. Recently, new regimens of HDCT containing paclitaxel have been devised. In this review, the history, current status and future of HDCT for advanced or refractory GCT will be discussed.

Antineoplastic Agents↗
PubMed2004

A new social communication intervention for children with autism: pilot randomised controlled treatment study suggesting effectiveness.

BACKGROUND: Psychosocial treatments are the mainstay of management of autism in the UK but there is a notable lack of a systematic evidence base for their effectiveness. Randomised controlled trial (RCT) studies in this area have been rare but are essential because of the developmental heterogeneity of the disorder. We aimed to test a new theoretically based social communication intervention targeting parental communication in a randomised design against routine care alone. METHODS: The intervention was given in addition to existing care and involved regular monthly therapist contact for 6 months with a further 6 months of 2-monthly consolidation sessions. It aimed to educate parents and train them in adapted communication tailored to their child's individual competencies. Twenty-eight children with autism were randomised between this treatment and routine care alone, stratified for age and baseline severity. Outcome was measured at 12 months from commencement of intervention, using standardised instruments. RESULTS: All cases studied met full Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI) criteria for classical autism. Treatment and controls had similar routine care during the study period and there were no study dropouts after treatment had started. The active treatment group showed significant improvement compared with controls on the primary outcome measure--Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) total score, particularly in reciprocal social interaction--and on secondary measures of expressive language, communicative initiation and parent-child interaction. Suggestive but non-significant results were found in Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales (Communication Sub-domain) and ADOS stereotyped and restricted behaviour domain. CONCLUSIONS: A Randomised Treatment Trial design of this kind in classical autism is feasible and acceptable to patients. This pilot study suggests significant additional treatment benefits following a targeted (but relatively non-intensive) dyadic social communication treatment, when compared with routine care. The study needs replication on larger and independent samples. It should encourage further RCT designs in this area.

Autistic Disorder↗
PubMed2004

A pilot study for a randomised controlled trial of waterbirth versus land birth.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the feasibility of undertaking an adequately powered multicentre study comparing waterbirth with land birth. To assess whether women are willing to participate in such a trial and whether participation has a negative effect on their birthing experience. DESIGN: A randomised controlled trial (RCT) with 'preference arm'. SETTING: District general hospital with 3600 deliveries annually. POPULATION: Women with no pregnancy complications and no anticipated problems for labour/delivery. METHODS: Women were recruited and randomised between 36 and 40 weeks of gestation. Comparison of randomised and 'preference arm' to assess any impact of randomisation on women's birthing experience. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Data were collected at delivery concerning the labour, the pool water and baby's condition at birth and six weeks of age. The main outcome measures are means and standard deviation of cord O(2), CO(2), haemoglobin, haematocrit and base excess; medians and ranges of time to first breathe and cord pH; bacterial growth from pool water samples and neonatal swabs; and maternal satisfaction. RESULTS: Eighty women participated-60 women were randomised. Twenty women participated in a non-randomised 'preference arm'. The babies randomised to a waterbirth demonstrated a significantly lower umbilical artery pCO(2) (P= 0.003); however, it is recognised that this study is underpowered. Women were willing to participate and randomisation did not appear to alter satisfaction. CONCLUSION: This small study has shown that a RCT is feasible and demonstrated outcome measures, which can be successfully collected in an average delivery suite.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

The "optional cross-over design" for randomized controlled trials.

In order to facilitate the performance of randomized controlled trials (RCT) in situations where no "hard" endpoints can be identified and the patient's subjective impressions about success of failure of a given treatment are paramount, the "optional cross-over design" is suggested. In this design, patients are randomised to receive either active medication or placebo during phase I. At its end the patient may choose to change to the other treatment arm, if therapy was felt to be unsuccessful (= optional cross-over). In phase II, treatment continues as in phase I except for those patients who have chosen the "optional cross-over". Further cross-over points may ensue depending on the particularities of the situation, however, two such options may be adequate for most studies. At the end of the trial period, the numbers of patients in each treatment arm are counted and evaluated statistically. If an optimally successful remedy is being tested, close to 100% of the study population could finish up in the active treatment arm. If, as in most instances, the remedy is not optimally successful, this percentage will be proportionally less. If an ineffective remedy is being tested, the distribution of the total sample within the two treatment arms approaches 50:50%. The "optional cross-over design" seems suited for RCT in areas where the complex, unmeasurable and subjective experience of the patient are considered to represent adequate endpoints.

Cross-Over Studies↗
PubMed2004

Impact of first-stage ambulation on mode of delivery among women with epidural analgesia.

BACKGROUND: New techniques for administering epidural analgesia allow increased mobility for labouring women with epidurals. AIM: To determine the effect of ambulation or upright positions in the first stage of labour among women with epidural analgesia on mode of delivery and other maternal and infant outcomes. METHODS: We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCT) of ambulation or upright positions versus recumbency in the first stage of labour among women with effective first-stage epidural analgesia in an uncomplicated pregnancy. Trials were identified by searching Medline, Embase and CINAHL databases and the Cochrane Trials Register to March 2004. Trial eligibility and outcomes were prespecified. Group tabular data were obtained for each trial and analysed using meta-analytic techniques. RESULTS: There were five eligible RCT, with a total of 1161 women. There was no statistically significant difference in the mode of delivery when women with an epidural ambulated in the first stage of labour compared with those who remained recumbent: instrumental delivery (relative risk (RR) = 1.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.93-1.44) and Caesarean section (RR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.70-1.19). There were no significant differences between the groups in use of oxytocin augmentation, the duration of labour, satisfaction with analgesia or Apgar scores. There were no apparent adverse effects of ambulation, but data were reported by only a few trials. CONCLUSIONS: Although ambulation in the first stage of labour for women with epidural analgesia provided no clear benefit to delivery outcomes or satisfaction with analgesia, neither were there are any obvious harms.

Analgesia, Epidural↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Difficult clinical decisions in gynecological oncology: identifying priorities for future clinical research.

This study investigates the acceptability and feasibility of conducting randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in gynecological oncology by ascertaining the views of the Australian Society of Gynaecologic Oncologists (ASGO) about important clinical questions in this field, current treatment preferences, and willingness to participate in trials to address these questions. Members of ASGO received a mailed survey. Thirty-one gyneoncologists participated in this study (79% response fraction). There was considerable support for an RCT (81%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 63-93%) to compare sentinel node biopsy with total groin dissection for women with vulval cancer. This clinical question was also rated as "extremely" or "very" important by 91% (95% CI, 74-98%) of respondents, who also indicated high levels of individual equipoise. Another priority for research involved the use of second-line chemotherapy for women who have rising CA125 titers. This clinical question was rated as extremely or very important by 71% (95% CI, 52-86%), exhibited high levels of individual equipoise, with 74% (95% CI, 55-88%) of respondents willing to participate in an RCT to address this issue. The conduct of surveys of representative groups of clinicians provides useful empirical data to focus clinical research efforts where they are most likely to be successful based on equipoise, feasibility, and clinical interest.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Predictors of antipsychotic withdrawal or dose reduction in a randomized controlled trial of provider education.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of an educational program to reduce antipsychotic use in nursing homes that had high use rates post-OBRA-87 and to identify factors that predicted antipsychotic withdrawal or 50% or greater dose reduction. DESIGN/SETTING: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) of the educational program (nursing home the unit of randomization and analysis) was conducted in 12 Tennessee nursing homes (6 education/6 control). Cohort analysis in baseline antipsychotic users identified factors predicting withdrawal or dose reduction. SUBJECTS: The RCT analysis included 1152 patients in the homes at baseline and 6 months. The cohort analysis included 133 baseline antipsychotic users in the five education homes able to implement the recommendations of the educational program. OUTCOME MEASURES: Change in days of antipsychotic use per 100 days of nursing home residence, withdrawal from antipsychotics, reduction in antipsychotic dose by 50% or more. RESULTS: Following the educational intervention, use of antipsychotics in the six education homes decreased from 25.3 days per 100 at baseline to 19.7 days per 100 by month 6, a 23% reduction relative to control homes (P = .014). In the withdrawal analysis, 44 (33%) of 133 baseline antipsychotic users were withdrawn. Factors at baseline predicting successful withdrawal were low antipsychotic dose, no use of benzodiazepines or antidepressants, and behavioral symptoms score below the median. However, although an additional 22 patients had dose reductions > or = 50%, none of the predictors of withdrawal were associated with dose reductions. CONCLUSIONS: Focused provider education programs may facilitate antipsychotic reduction above and beyond that attributable to regulatory changes. Patients who are poor candidates for total antipsychotic withdrawal may tolerate substantial dose reductions, which should reduce their risk of adverse antipsychotic effects.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

Utilities of dentin regeneration among insured and uninsured adults.

OBJECTIVES: This population-based study measured utilities (preferences measured under conditions of uncertainty) of dentin regeneration (DR), a potential new therapy, root canal therapy (RCT), and extraction (EXT). METHODS: A representative sample of dentate adults (aged 18-69 years) was randomly selected from the Detroit area. A computer program was used to administer the standard gamble (SG) method and record utility score (US) for treatment options of a tooth with reversible pulpitis using the SG method. For the SG method, two anchor states were used: filled tooth with full oral health and filled tooth with severe and continuous pain leading to EXT. Additional data were obtained using a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: Out of the 807 adults who resided in 446 screened and selected households, a final sample of 630 adults who resided in 368 households were interviewed. The mean US for DR with 75 and 95% success rates were 72.5 and 86.2 (on a 0-100 scale), respectively. The US for RCT and immediate EXT were 75.6 and 31.3, respectively. Eleven per cent of the adults valued DR with 95% success probability higher than a simple filling with full oral health for life. There were no statistically significant differences in the average US of DR between insured and uninsured adults. Factors such as gender, race, education, income and insurance status, experiences with EXTs or root canal treatment, regularity of dental visits, quality of life, and quality of oral health were not significantly associated with the scores of DR. There was, however, a small but significant interaction between race and dental insurance, and race and gender. CONCLUSION: This population-based study found that DR was highly preferred to other standard treatment options.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

The use of acupuncture in dentistry: a review of the scientific validity of published papers.

OBJECTIVE: To review the scientific validity of published papers on the efficacy of acupuncture in dentistry based on predefined methodological criteria. MATERIALS: A literature search performed by the Royal Society of Medicine and the University Library, Copenhagen, Denmark was able to identify 74 papers written in English, German, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Italian, French and Russian published between 1966 and 1996. The search words were: acupuncture and electro-acupuncture, randomised controlled trials (RCT), dental pain, postoperative dental pain, painrelieving in dentistry, and dental analgesia. Among the 74 listed papers, 48 papers were reviewed in the following languages: English, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian and German. Fifteen papers were excluded because they were written in French, Italian or Russian; 11 papers were excluded because the abstract clearly indicated the paper was not a RCT or the paper was of a general nature without relevance to acupuncture. METHODS: To assess the methodological quality of the included papers, all papers were scored on the basis of predefined criteria. A total of 92 points could be achieved and on the basis of this scale papers were rated as: Excellent (85-100%), Good (70-84%), Fair (60-69%) and Bad (< 60%). MAIN OUTCOME: Fifteen out of 48 papers met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Only one study met the criteria with more than 85%. Five studies met the criteria with 70-84%. Three studies met the criteria with 60-69%. Six studies did not meet the criteria. Acupuncture in 11 out of 15 studies proved effective in the treatment of temperomandibular dysfunction (TMD) and as analgesia. Four studies showed no effect of acupuncture. CONCLUSION: The value of acupuncture as an analgesic must be questioned. The effect of acupuncture in treating TMD and facial pain seems real and acupuncture could be a valuable alternative to orthodox treatment.

Acupuncture Analgesia↗
PubMed2000

Endodontic patient profile of Hacettepe University, Faculty of Dentistry in Ankara, Turkey.

AIM: To assess previous patient experience of endodontic treatment and to quantify their satisfaction with the endodontic treatment provided in a dental school clinic. DESIGN: Self-completed questionnaire. SETTING: Hacettepe University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Endodontics, Ankara, Turkey. PARTICIPANTS: 200 randomly selected, scheduled non-emergency patients in good health and older than 11 years who were to be treated by undergraduate, graduate students and academics. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patient satisfaction and attitudes to root canal therapy. RESULTS: 96 per cent of patients, regardless their level of education, age and sex, reported that they expected RCT would save their teeth. 15 per cent of the patients were in favour of extraction versus RCT before the therapy, but this reduced to only 2.5 per cent post treatment. 82 per cent of patients reported that they were satisfied with their treatment and the clinic. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing public knowledge of and interest in endodontic treatment indicates that the need for an increase in teaching of the subject and associated resources will be required.

Adolescent↗