Characteristics of Successful Internal Medicine Resident Research Projects: Predictors of Journal Publication Versus Abstract Presentation.

Purpose: To identify the characteristics of successful research projects at an internal medicine residency program with an established research curriculum.

Method: The authors collected data about all research projects initiated by or involving medicine residents from 2006 to 2013 at Baystate Medical Center, using departmental files and institutional review board applications. Resident and mentor characteristics were determined using personnel files and Medline searches.

Radiologists' Recommendations for Additional Imaging on Inpatient CT Studies: Do Referring Physicians Follow Them?

Objectives: Studies have found that recommendations for additional imaging (RAI) accompany up to 31% of index computed tomography (CT) scans. In this study we assessed the frequency with which recommendations are accepted by the referring physician and the impact of AI on case management.

Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study of all index CT scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis performed on adult inpatients during a 1-month period at a tertiary medical center.

Implementing a resident research program to overcome barriers to resident research.

Internal medicine residents are required to participate in scholarly activity, but conducting original research during residency is challenging. Following a poor Match at Baystate Medical Center, the authors implemented a resident research program to overcome known barriers to resident research. The multifaceted program addressed the following barriers: lack of interest, lack of time, insufficient technical support, and paucity of mentors.

The effect of inpatient stress testing on subsequent emergency department visits, readmissions, and costs.

Background: Patients with low-risk chest pain are frequently readmitted for evaluation of recurrent chest pain. It is unknown whether stress testing during the first admission for chest pain is a cost-effective means of reducing readmissions.

Methods: Using a hospital administrative database, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients aged ≥18 years admitted under "observation status" to Baystate Medical Center between January 2007 and July 2009 for chest pain without acute coronary syndrome.

Outcomes of patients admitted for observation of chest pain.

Background: Low-risk chest pain is a common cause of hospital admission; however, to our knowledge, there are no guidelines regarding the appropriate use of stress testing in such cases.

Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients 21 years and older who were admitted to our tertiary care center with chest pain in 2007 and 2008. Using electronic records and chart review, we sought (1) to identify differences in the use of stress testing based on patient demographics and comorbidities, pretest probability of coronary artery disease, and house staff coverage and (2) to describe the results of stress testing and patient outcomes, including revascularization procedures and 30-day readmissions for myocardial infarction.