Practice management: Observations, issues, and empirical evidence

Background: The primary objective of this study is to provide objective, em pirical, evidence-based practice management information. This is a hitherto under-researched area of considerable interest for both the practitioner a nd educator. Methods: A questionnaire eliciting a mix of structured and free text respon ses was administered to a random sample of 480 practitioners who are member s of the American Academy of Periodontology. Potential respondents not in p rivate practice were excluded and the next listed person substituted, Results: The results provide demographic and descriptive information about some of the main issues and problems facing practice managers, central to w hich are information technology (IT), financial, people management, and mar keting. Human resource and marketing management appear to represent the big gest challenges. Conclusions: Periodontists running practices would prefer more information, development, and support in dealing with IT, finance, marketing, and peopl e management. The empirical evidence reported here suggests that although t ailored educational programs on key management issues at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels have become ubiquitous, nevertheless some responde nts seek further training opportunities. Evidence-based practice management information will be invaluable to the clinician considering strategic and marketing planning, and also for those responsible for the design and condu ct of predoctoral and postdoctoral programs.