Vol XXVI, July `06

AMDA Foundation: Were you pleased with the response to the first long term care panel voting booth?

Stewart: Yes, especially for the first time out. Voting happened quickly, and I wasn't able to send out as many reminders as I usually do. So 21% of 142 panel members was a pretty good response for the first time out. The process went smoothly and we ended up with some good questions.

AMDA Foundation: How does the voting booth work?

Stewart: Before a question can make it into the voting booth, they are submitted to the FPIN. The majority of the questions come from our long term care panel, and the full panel is invited to vote. I send out reminders to the group that it is time to submit questions. We have identified individuals on the panel who serve as editors who look at the questions submitted, refine them, and ensure that they are clear as they can be. If three editors agree the question is good, it goes into the voting booth and is sent out to the full panel. The panel has one week to vote, and questions that receive 50% or more "yes" votes become clinical inquiries.

AMDA Foundation: What happens once a question is accepted as a clinical inquiry?

Stewart: The process starts with a rigorous literature search by our librarian, who works closely with the author. Following a set of instructions as determined by the AMDA Foundation, the author then writes up the answer. The FPIN has trained editors who work with the author and help fine tune the article. When it is completed, the article is sent out for peer review to long term care panel members. The editors then work with the author to implement changes recommended through the peer reviews. When the piece is completed, the librarian takes one last look at it; and it then is submitted to JAMDA.

AMDA Foundation: How do you choose an author for each question?

Stewart: When someone submits a question, he or she has the opportunity to be the author or provide a commentary if the question is accepted. If that individual cannot or doesn't want to be the author, we have a recruitment list that the long term care panel can use to identify an appropriate writer.

AMDA Foundation: How long does it take for a question to be answered and published?

Stewart: The process of writing and editing can take six months to a year, depending on the author, the complexity of the question, and other factors. It definitely is an investment. It is evidence-based, and we follow a specific and rigorous process.

AMDA Foundation: Are you pleased with the work and involvement of the long term care panel to date?

Stewart: We are delighted with the panel and how it is working. We already are collaborating with the AMDA Foundation to get questions answered as quickly as possible.