However, conclusions about whether there is a distinct prodrome

to BD are restricted by the limitations of current evidence. The high specificity of some features suggests they may be useful in clinical practice. Large-scale longitudinal studies are needed to validate these features and characterize their specificity and sensitivity in independent samples.”
“Background As part of a broader methodological programme of work around clinical trial monitoring, we wanted to evaluate the existing evidence for the effectiveness of different monitoring techniques.\n\nPurpose To identify and evaluate prospective studies of the effectiveness of different monitoring strategies.\n\nMethods A systematic search of MEDLINE from 1950 onwards, using

free-text terms to identify relevant published studies. We intended to extract data on details of comparative techniques, monitoring GSK2126458 findings identified by different techniques, and recommendations or identification of areas in need of further research made by authors.\n\nResults A total of 1222 published abstracts were identified and reviewed. Of these, nine articles described methods for quality control (QC) of clinical trial activities, and one article was identified that compared the same monitoring technique at two timepoints. None included a direct comparison of different monitoring techniques and findings.\n\nLimitations PCI-34051 in vivo The search strategy was limited to MEDLINE. However, MEDLINE includes all the journals that tend to report trial methodological research.\n\nConclusions There is a lack of published empirical data that compare monitoring strategies prospectively. Assessment of the usefulness and cost-effectiveness of monitoring techniques in a variety of clinical trial settings and indications is needed. Clinical Trials 2012; 9: 777-780. http://lib-proxy.pnc.edu:2720″
“Physicians are increasingly becoming salaried employees of hospitals or large physician groups. Yet few published reports have evaluated provider-driven quality incentive programs for salaried physicians. In 2006 the Massachusetts

General Physicians Organization began a quality incentive program for its salaried physicians. Eligible physicians were given performance targets for three quality measures every six months. The incentive payments could be as much as 2 percent of HSP990 in vitro a physician’s annual income. Over thirteen six-month terms, the program used 130 different quality measures. Although quality-of-care improvements and cost reductions were difficult to calculate, anecdotal evidence points to multiple successes. For example, the program helped physicians meet many federal health information technology meaningful-use criteria and produced $15.5 million in incentive payments. The program also facilitated the adoption of an electronic health record, improved hand hygiene compliance, increased efficiency in radiology and the cancer center, and decreased emergency department use.