Academics
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…
Statistical Limitations in Comparing 123I-MIBG and 18F-FDG PET in Neuroblastoma Staging
123I-MIBG and 18F-FDG PET were compared for neuroblastoma staging. Small sample sizes limit statistical power. More data is needed before eliminating either modality. Heston TF. 123I-MIBG Versus 18F-FDG: Which Is Better, or Which Can Be Eliminated? Journal of Nuclear Medicine February 2010, 51 (2) 330; DOI: https://doi.org/10.2967/jnumed.109.069401
August 18, 2023
An Excess of Information
A partial solution to information overload would be to display laboratory data in z-scores, speeding up the evaluation of multiple lab tests. A simple review would determine whether a test was normal or abnormal and the severity of the abnormality. Heston TF. An Excess of Information. Southern Medical Journal. 1991; 84 (8): 1063.
SNM Updates Guidelines for Breast Scintigraphy Imaging
The Society of Nuclear Medicine has published updated guidelines for breast scintigraphy using dedicated gamma cameras and 99mTc-sestamibi. The guidelines provide best practices on patient selection, radiotracer dosing, imaging protocols, interpretation, and reporting. They outline specific clinical indications like cancer staging, high-risk screening, and monitoring therapy response. Details on personnel qualifications, techniques, radiation safety, and…
Masking Ignorance: Most People Wear Masks Incorrectly
This study observed 100 people in public and found that 73% wore masks incorrectly, usually cloth or loose surgical. Only 27% wore tight-fitting surgical masks or N95 respirators. This shows most people use masks in ineffective ways to prevent viral transmission, so public health messaging needs to improve to enhance proper mask-wearing. Citation: Heston TF. To…
August 12, 2023
Subchondral architecture in bones of the canine shoulder
In 1987, I had the opportunity to participate in my first research project as a pre-med student at the University of Washington. Although pre-med, I was still studying music with my major in music theory and history. Under the guidance of Dr. Peter Simkin, a rheumatologist and research physician, I was entrusted with the statistical…
August 11, 2023
Optimizing Job Design to Improve Healthcare Employee Satisfaction and Patient Care
In this article, I discuss some key issues in job design to help healthcare workers perform at their best and be satisfied at work. Citation: Heston, Thomas F. (2023). Optimizing Job Design to Improve Healthcare Employee Satisfaction and Patient Care. Medium.com, 2023(Aug 23). https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8240104 Online on Medium
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