( RESEARCH FOR THE CLINICIAN JResearch: The International Common Denominator

T he basic ground rules thatdictate the parameters of

good research are universal; theyhave no territorial, ethnic, economic,or social boundaries. Permitting aconsistent approach to scientific in­quiry, well-designed and executedresearch is founded on principlesthat are constant regardless of thecountry of origin or the language inwhich it is written. The rules of re­search ensure that conclusions de­rived from investigative studies aretruthful, accurate, and without bias.These elements-accuracy, truthful­ness, and lack of bias-are funda­mentally important to all knowledgebases.

Regardless of circumstance, re­search conclusions are subject to in­accuracies and lack credibility whenthe framework of governing rules isflawed, disregarded, or applied in­consistently or indiscriminately. Dis­regarding these precepts at any levelcan adversely affect the veracity ofresearch conclusions. Research de­ductions are vulnerable to error orbias if a literature search is limited,if problem identification or statementof purpose is blurred, if assessmentequipment is nonspecific or unrelia-

ble, if subject selection is faulty, ifvariables are uncontrolled, if proce­dures are inconsistent, if data analy­sis is inappropriate, or if conclusionsdo not match results.

Professional journals triage theveracity of research studies by ana­lyzing submitted manuscripts ac­cording to acknowledged criteria de­rived from a common denominatorof fundamentally sound rules of re­search. Although subject to theirown limitations in expertise, the ed­itorial staffs of professional journalsstrive to publish only that which istruthful and accurate. Good researchis good research, regardless ofwhether it is done in Aachen orZwolle, Afghanistan or Zimbabwe.

The Journal of Hand Therapy isfortunate to have a solid and enthu­siastic base of international subscrib­ers and contributors. This multina­tional foundation allows exposure tofar greater and more diverse sourcesof information than if the journalwere limited to research done only inthe United States. Over the years,important contributions to handtherapy theory and practice havebeen made by authors worldwide.

Research is a defined method of

communication in which the guidingrules ensure honesty of thought andprocedure. Through the medium ofresearch, we are able to overcomelimitations of language and geogra­phy because existing and acceptedcommon denominator rules permittrust and sharing, allowing us asprofessionals to link hands andminds across lands and seas. Addi­tionally, in an era of cost containmentand accountability, advancement ofknowledge through universal shar­ing of research data is also more ef­ficient than for each nation to "rein­vent the wheel" by duplicatingresearch endeavors. It is importantthat we continue to nurture and ex­pand our learning environments be­yond our own national borders. Weare more knowledgeable togetherthan alone; together, on an interna­tional scale, we can improve our pa­tients' lives by providing the best,most current, and most effectivetreatment intervention possible.

Elaine Ewing Fess~,OTR,FAOTA,CHT

Correspondence and reprint requests toElaine Ewing Fess, MS, OTR, FAOTA,CHT, Hand Research, 65 Eagle CreekCourt, Zionsville, IN 46077.

October-December 1996 407