How medical specialists appraise three controversial health innovations: scientific, clinical and social arguments (abstract)

How medical specialists appraise three controversial health innovations: scientific, clinical and social arguments.

Lehoux P, Denis JL, Rock M, Hivon M, Tailliez S.

Department of Health Administration, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. pascale.lehoux@umontreal.ca

Abstract

Medical specialists play a pivotal role in health innovation evaluation and policy making. Their influence derives not only from their expertise, but also from their social status and the power of their professional organisations. Little is known, however, about how medical specialists determine what makes a health innovation desirable and why. Our qualitative study investigated the views of 28 medical specialists and experts from Quebec and Ontario (Canada) ...cont'd (not specific to ovarian cancer)

Clinical relevance of rare germline sequence variants in cancer genes

Clinical relevance of rare germline sequence variants in cancer genes: evolution and application of classification models.

Abstract

Multifactorial models developed for BRCA1/2 variant classification have proved very useful for delineating BRCA1/2 variants associated with very high risk of cancer, or with little clinical significance. Recent linkage of this quantitative assessment of risk to clinical management guidelines has provided a basis to standardize variant reporting, variant classification and management of families with such variants, and can theoretically be applied to any disease gene. As proof of principle, the multifactorial approach already shows great promise for application to the evaluation of mismatch repair gene variants identified in families with suspected Lynch syndrome. However there is need to be cautious of the noted limitations and caveats of the current model, some of which may be exacerbated by differences in ascertainment and biological pathways to disease for different cancer syndromes.

Multidisciplinary Meeting on Male Breast Cancer: Summary and Research Recommendations -- JCO

"Therefore, the Breast International Group and North American Breast Cancer Group have joined efforts to develop an International Male Breast Cancer Program and to pool epidemiologic data, clinical information, and tumor specimens. This international collaboration will also facilitate the future planning of clinical trials that can address essential questions in the treatment of male breast cancer."

Clinical pathways: effects on professional practice, patient outcomes, length of stay and hospital costs. Cochrane Database Systemati Rev. 2010

Note: there are many different comments from a variety of healthcare professionals and more than a normal number of comments

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Clinical pathways are structured multidisciplinary care plans used by health services to detail essential steps in the care of patients with a specific clinical problem. They aim to link evidence to practice and optimise clinical outcomes whilst maximising clinical efficiency. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of clinical pathways on professional practice, patient outcomes, length of stay and hospital costs.
CONCLUSIONS: Clinical pathways are associated with reduced in-hospital complications and improved documentation without negatively impacting on length of stay and hospital costs.

Does risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy leaved behind residual tube?

Abstract
Objective
Risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) is an effective option for women with BRCA mutations however there is limited information as to how much tubal epithelium remains after RRSO.