Targeted BRCA1/2 population screening among Ashkenazi Jewish individuals using a web-enabled medical model: An observational cohort study.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate uptake and follow-up using internet-assisted population genetic testing (GT) for BRCA1/2 Ashkenazi Jewish founder pathogenic variants (AJPVs).

Methods: Across 4 cities in the United States, from December 2017 to March 2020, individuals aged ≥25 years with ≥1 Ashkenazi Jewish grandparent were offered enrollment. Participants consented and enrolled online with chatbot and video education, underwent BRCA1/2 AJPV GT, and chose to receive results from their primary care provider (PCP) or study staff.

Challenges and Opportunities in Engaging Primary Care Providers in BRCA Testing: Results from the BFOR Study.

Purpose: Engaging primary care providers (PCPs) in BRCA1/2 testing and results disclosure would increase testing access. The BRCA Founder OutReach (BFOR) study is a prospective study of BRCA1/2 founder mutation screening among individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent that sought to involve participants' PCPs in results disclosure. We used quantitative and qualitative methods to evaluate PCPs' perspectives, knowledge, and experience disclosing results in BFOR.

Comparison of up-front cash cards and checks as incentives for participation in a clinician survey: a study within a trial.

Background: Evidence is needed regarding effective incentive strategies to increase clinician survey response rates. Cash cards are increasingly used as survey incentives; they are appealing because of their convenience and because in some cases their value can be reclaimed by investigators if not used. However, their effectiveness in clinician surveys is not known.

Prospective Analysis of Payment per Hour in Head and Neck Reconstruction: Fiscally Feasible or Futile?

Background: The authors assess the fiscal viability of complex head and neck reconstructive surgery by evaluating its financial reimbursement in the setting of resources used.

Methods: The authors prospectively assessed provider reimbursement for consecutive patients undergoing head and neck reconstruction. Total care time was determined by adding 15 minutes to the operative time for each postoperative hospital day and each postoperative follow-up appointment within the 90-day global period.

Influence of resident and attending surgeon seniority on operative performance in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Background: Resident participation in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is important for education but increases the time of operation. This time cost in training programs is not well-defined, and available data show no decrease in operative time as residents progress in training. We undertook this study to determine the effect of the resident and attending surgeon seniority on the operative performance of LC.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the elderly: increased operative complications and conversions to laparotomy.

Background: The incidence of gallstones increases with age and as the proportion of the population 65 years of age and older continues to grow, increased demand for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in the geriatric population is likely. LC has advantages over open cholecystectomy, but comparative evaluation of the procedure in elderly patients is lacking.

Methods: We performed a two-year review of patients undergoing LC at our institution.