August 31, 2023
Going Beyond P-Values: A New Statistical Tool to Evaluate Research Findings
A recent study proposes an innovative statistical tool called the Robustness Index to quantify research findings’ fragility. As concern grows over issues reproducing published research, this new metric aims to provide a simple, interpretable measure of a study’s robustness against violations of assumptions. By examining how changing sample size affects significance, the Robustness Index adjusts…
August 30, 2023
Critically Evaluating Industry-Sponsored Clinical Trials
When reviewing clinical research, we should carefully examine the methodology and potential biases, especially in industry-funded studies. A new editorial highlights concerns about a drug-maker-backed trial on a medication for diabetes. Despite claims of cardiovascular benefits, the analysis failed to correct for HbA1c. Selective reporting and marketing contractor involvement also raise red flags. While sponsorship…
August 29, 2023
Leveraging Blockchain for Smarter Healthcare
The healthcare industry is poised for disruption by blockchain technology. Combining blockchain’s secure data storage with IoT wearable devices creates immense potential to improve patient outcomes. Continuous health data from wearables could be recorded immutably on a blockchain ledger and analyzed by AI algorithms to enable real-time interventions. “Digital doctors” running smart contracts could monitor…
August 28, 2023
The Pros and Cons of ChatGPT in Medical Education
ChatGPT offers many potential benefits for medical education, including personalized learning, interactive patient simulations, and support with time management. However, ethical concerns exist around cheating, reduced human interaction, and misinformation risks. Educators must provide guidance and curate appropriate resources when integrating ChatGPT while promoting small-group learning and critical thinking skills. ChatGPT integration done responsibly can…
The Link Between Bioethics and Moral Injury in Healthcare
This perspective article proposes an important connection between bioethics and moral injury in healthcare. The authors argue that when clinicians witness violations of core bioethical principles like autonomy and justice, it can cause moral injury – emotional distress from compromised morality. They provide examples of how this happens routinely in medical settings. They suggest viewing…
August 26, 2023
Reducing Disease Risk by Choosing the Right Bathroom Stall
A new study examined which public bathroom stalls are used most often to determine the safest choice for reducing disease transmission. By observing bathroom stall usage in a public restroom, the researchers found the middle stall was used the least, likely due to offering less privacy. However, less frequent use means fewer people and lower…
August 23, 2023
Estonia’s Leadership in Blockchain-Based Electronic Health Records
Estonia has emerged as a global leader in leveraging blockchain technology for electronic health records. A new case study explores how Estonia systematically implemented partnerships between government and private tech firms to pioneer blockchain-based eHealth systems. Benefits include more secure, transparent, shareable health data. Challenges remain in scaling globally and aligning incentives for adoption. Overall,…
August 22, 2023
The Predictive Power of Statistical Significance Depends on Study Power
A common misconception is that statistical significance is defined simply as a P-value of 0.05 or less. However, this definition does not account for study power. As this article explains, statistical significance should be determined using the positive predictive value, which factors the P-value and the power. Lower-powered studies require lower P-values to achieve statistical…
August 20, 2023
Improving the Clinical Utility of MRI Research
Predictive values like negative predictive value depend strongly on disease prevalence. To improve comparability between studies, authors should report standardized predictive values calculated at 50% disease prevalence. This allows readers to better judge clinical utility without performing further calculations. Standardization reduces prevalence bias when comparing diagnostic tests. Heston TF. Standardizing predictive values in diagnostic imaging…
August 19, 2023
Molecular Imaging Advances in Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer is relatively uncommon compared to other malignancies but its incidence is increasing. This article reviews the clinical aspects of evaluating a thyroid nodule and the role of various imaging modalities. Ultrasound and fine needle aspiration biopsy are the mainstays for initial evaluation. Radioiodine scintigraphy helps characterize nodules that are indeterminate on cytology. PET/CT…
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