Avoiding practice-based research pitfalls: one novice's experience.

Objective: This paper is intended to encourage performance and reporting of practice-based research. Though some practicing family physicians have done research, others hold back due to feelings of inability or because a previous effort overwhelmed them.

Methods and results: By discussing a number of process errors he made while working on an eventually successful project, the author hopes to help others avoid mistakes that can cause a novice researcher to abandon a research effort.

Conclusion: It is entirely possible for practicing family physicians to plan and complete research projects of various sizes and designs. Knowing common, yet avoidable pitfalls, will assist the family physician researcher to efficiently use the precious time available.