DOC is an Orthopedic Center of Excellence with a significant commitment to research. Because we treat a high volume of musculoskeletal patients, we are in a unique position to study musculoskeletal conditions, treatments, and therapies. This commitment to research, combined with the dedication of our team, allows us to bring the latest advances and novel protocols in orthopedic care to our patients and set new standards of care nationally and internationally.
The surgeons at DOC take part in research independently as well as in association with researchers outside of DOC for clinical, translational, and patient-centered research. We also develop new educational initiatives geared toward training and mentoring a new generation of scientists and health care professionals.
There is a strong foundation of research-driven innovation on which to build, including recent advances in multi-modal pain therapy and early mobilization after joint surgery. These best practices, among many others, have produced shorter hospital stays while maintaining superlative patient outcomes.
The Division of Research conducts a number of ongoing studies at all times. For more information about current studies, including the Principal Investigator and Study Coordinator, or to learn more about what it means to participate in a study, please contact us at .
Please note that all studies conducted are reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB). An IRB is a committee that has been formally designated to approve, monitor, and review biomedical and behavioral research involving humans. They often conduct some form of risk-benefit analysis in an attempt to determine whether or not research should be done. The number one priority of IRBs is to protect human subjects from physical or psychological harm.
DOC feels it is very important to be educated before participating in a research study. Education can help you make an informed choice.
Patient-oriented research. Research conducted with human subjects (or on material of human origin such as tissues, specimens and cognitive phenomena) for which an investigator (or colleague) directly interacts with human subjects. Patient-oriented research includes: (a) mechanisms of human disease, (b) therapeutic interventions, (c) clinical trials, or (d) development of new technologies.
Subheadings under research:-
DOC is a center of excellence for musculoskeletal conditions and has a world-class Joint Replacement Program.
DOC has a history of contributing to the success of joint replacement surgery. Surgeons consulted on and tested new implants, including the design and use of innovative materials. After the hospital became an established center for revisions, surgeons continued to address the complications associated with joint replacements. The impressively low post-surgical infection rate at DOC is evidence of this commitment.
The Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Council consists of nurses from various roles at DOC and seeks to:
Promote the professional practice of nursing through the application of nursing research
Establish the process and dissemination of current and available evidence in order to advance practice
Recent nurse-initiated research studies have focused on a variety of topics, including many that aim to improve patient care and current practices. As nurse-initiated research continues to grow, studies are beginning to be published and presented at local and national events.
Research related to surgical infections has increased significantly in recent years at DOC. With a particular focus on decreasing post-surgical infection rates, studies have been conducted throughout different areas of the hospital. Of particular interest to the researchers are methods that will help to limit unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions. Other studies have focused on risk factors for specific infections and validating tests to help diagnose and treat infections more efficiently.
DOC is committed to treating all research participants in a manner which protects their safety, dignity, confidentiality, and right to be fully informed. To ensure this, the Division of Research supports and guides investigators in the research process.
What is an institutional review board (IRB)?
An Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a group of people formally designated to review and monitor research involving human subjects. The purpose of the IRB is to protect the rights and welfare of individuals who are participating as subjects in the research. The IRB has the authority to approve, disapprove, and require modifications to research projects involving human subjects. Once a project is approved, the IRB must monitor the progress of the ongoing research, prospectively approve modifications, and, if necessary to protect subjects, suspend a research project.
What is the Registry?
The IJR Registry is a program that enables research by providing valuable information to assist in making long-term decisions regarding orthopedic surgery.
Similar registry programs exist around the world to track the effectiveness of certain surgical procedures and implants. Along with clinical information collected at the time of surgery—such as types of implants we use—the patient perspective is a crucial piece to understanding how we can further ensure safety and improve the care we deliver at the Hospital.
The IJR Registry allows participating patients the opportunity to report their health status relating to:
Quality of Life
Joint function and pain
Activity levels
Long-term surgical success
Research is a major effort, where we seek new and better methods of care to enable our patients to succeed. Our mission is focused on patient outcomes.