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Expert Reviewers (expert + reviewer)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	100%

Selected Abstracts

Using a Virtual Reality Temporal Bone Simulator to Assess Otolaryngology Trainees,

THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 2 2007
Molly Zirkle MD
Abstract Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the feasibility of computerized evaluation of resident performance using hand motion analysis on a virtual reality temporal bone (VR TB) simulator. We hypothesized that both computerized analysis and expert ratings would discriminate the performance of novices from experienced trainees. We also hypothesized that performance on the virtual reality temporal bone simulator (VR TB) would differentiate based on previous drilling experience. Study Design: The authors conducted a randomized, blind assessment study. Methods: Nineteen volunteers from the Otolaryngology,Head and Neck Surgery training program at the University of Toronto drilled both a cadaveric TB and a simulated VR TB. Expert reviewers were asked to assess operative readiness of the trainee based on a blind video review of their performance. Computerized hand motion analysis of each participant's performance was conducted. Results: Expert raters were able to discriminate novices from experienced trainees (P < .05) on cadaveric temporal bones, and there was a trend toward discrimination on VR TB performance. Hand motion analysis showed that experienced trainees had better movement economy than novices (P < .05) on the VR TB. Conclusion: Performance, as measured by hand motion analysis on the VR TB simulator, reflects trainees' previous drilling experience. This study suggests that otolaryngology trainees could accomplish initial temporal bone training on a VR TB simulator, which can provide feedback to the trainee, and may reduce the need for constant faculty supervision and evaluation. [source]

Systematic review and meta-analysis in anatomic pathology

HISTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 6 2000
M K Heatley
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are techniques of data retrieval and analysis which complement traditional narrative reviews. They are widely used in clinical medicine and are finding an increasing role in anatomical pathology. Performing high quality systematic review and meta-analysis requires the accumulation of large numbers of cases from well planned and executed studies and is facilitated if data is presented in a standardized manner. Techniques which allow data from individual patients included in a variety of different studies are now being developed indicating that in future research papers may require a more detailed description of results than in the past. This need may be met by posting anonymised data on the Internet. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are never complete since data are continually contributed and analyses constantly updated. As with any research paper, the results of these techniques require careful evaluation and the role of the expert reviewer is enlarged by these methodologies. [source]

Trust in the Medical Profession: Conceptual and Measurement Issues

HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH, Issue 5 2002
Mark A Hall
Objective. To develop and test a multi-item measure for general trust in physicians, in contrast with trust in a specific physician. Data Sources. Random national telephone survey of 502 adult subjects with a regular physician and source of payment. Study Design. Based on a multidimensional conceptual model, a large pool of candidate items was generated, tested, and revised using focus groups, expert reviewers, and pilot testing. The scale was analyzed for its factor structure, internal consistency, construct validity, and other psychometric properties. Principal Findings. The resulting 11-item scale measuring trust in physicians generally is consistent with most aspects of the conceptual model except that it does not include the dimension of confidentiality. This scale has a single-factor structure, good internal consistency (alpha=.89), and good response variability (range=11,54; mean=33.5; SD=6.9). This scale is related to satisfaction with care, trust in one's physician, following doctors' recommendations, having no prior disputes with physicians, not having sought second opinions, and not having changed doctors. No association was found with race/ethnicity. While general trust and interpersonal trust are qualitatively similar, they are only moderately correlated with each other and general trust is substantially lower. Conclusions. Emerging research on patients' trust has focused on interpersonal trust in a specific, known physician. Trust in physicians in general is also important and differs significantly from interpersonal physician trust. General physician trust potentially has a strong influence on important behaviors and attitudes, and on the formation of interpersonal physician trust. [source]

The Environmental Health Engagement Profile: What People Think and Do About Environmental Health

PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING, Issue 5 2009
Jane K. Dixon
ABSTRACT Objectives: To develop and validate the Environmental Health Engagement Profile (EHEP),an instrument for assessing the way people engage with environmental health issues, including people's experience of environmental health hazards, the assumptions concerning the risks involved, and the actions taken either individually or collectively in their communities. Design and Sample: This instrument development study was conducted in an urban area with varying levels of health-related environmental concerns. First, qualitative interviews with 41 residents informed development of items. Next, the items were evaluated by 28 expert reviewers. Finally, validity was assessed from responses of 433 residents who completed the instrument and other measures by telephone interview. Measures: For assessing validity of EHEP, data were also collected concerning demographic characteristics, social involvements, goodness of life, and self-ratings of health. Results: Through factor analysis, 5 subscales were identified,named Pollution Sensitivity Scale (,=.91), Pollution-Causes-Illness Scale (,=.84), Pollution Acceptance Scale (,=.67), Community Environment Action Scale (,=.79), and Personal Environmental Action Scale (,=.63). Patterns of correlations of these scales with age, and measures of odor sensitivity, social involvement, and goodness of life provided evidence of construct validity. Conclusions: These results provide beginning evidence for the reliability and validity of the EHEP. Thus, public health nurses and others may use this instrument to assess people's concerns about environmental health, and resulting actions,and to support strategies for advising people and communities on protecting their health. [source]