Examiner alignment and assessment in clinical periodontal research

摘要: Periodontal research typically relies on clinical examiners to assess variables such as gingival inflammation, plaque scores or probing depths a means of determining treatment outcomes for performing group comparisons. The quality the gathered information is dependent, large extent, skills examiner(s) and validity assessment methods that are used. Attempts have been made increase objectivity periodontal assessments, example by introducing scoring systems but within these there often considerable scope variation when interpreting criteria, leading subjectivity assigning individual sites. This has led an awareness importance examiner alignment improve data standardizing techniques improving reliability. Examiner used in preference term 'examiner calibration' because calibration implies comparison with accurate 'gold' standard, which not available research. In this review, we consider historical perspective development using inflammation example. A protocol undertaking presented, review common sources error bias can lead difficulties aligning examiners, how they be eliminated. It particularly important subjects who recruited study present comparable level disease will ultimately planned trial. Another challenge applying appropriate statistical tests outcome exercise. literature, statistic kappa frequently confirm adequate degree agreement, bound significant restrictions applied purpose. Through use case studies, different approaches analysis from focusing continuous (such attachment levels) ordinal indices), enable correct, although conservative, interpretation generated during studies.