Use of ankle magnetic resonance imaging in the active duty military population: the results of a process improvement project.

Background: Preventing overuse of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for diagnosing ankle pathology was the goal of a process improvement project at a military treatment facility.

Methods: Ordering patterns for MRI of nonorthopaedic providers and orthopaedic surgeons were evaluated over 2 separate periods. An educational initiative on appropriate use of MRI in evaluating ankle complaints was conducted between the 2 periods.

Heat-induced Epitope Retrieval for Immunohistochemistry at High Altitude: A Quality Assurance Study.

Introduction: Heat-induced epitope retrieval (HIER) of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues is now a standard practice in immunohistochemistry (IHC). In this study, we aimed to test the effect of altering HIER temperature on IHC staining quality at high altitude, the hypothesis being that lower HIER temperatures would result in improved staining patterns.

Materials And Methods: In a laboratory at high altitude (Aurora, CO), we used a platform with automated onboard epitope retrieval, and systematically tested 3 different HIER temperatures (100°C, 95°C, 90°C) with 4 IHC stains that are commonly used in routine practice: CD3, Ki67, CK20, and Melan A (n=10 for each antibody/epitope retrieval temperature combination).

Enhancing Self-Efficacy to Achieve Competence.

A primary goal of cognitive therapy supervision is to help the supervisee achieve greater competence in cognitive therapy. However, helping supervisees achieve competence rests in part on their judgments that they can use the skills they learned to help their clients feel and get better. Bandura referred to these judgments as self-efficacy, which he defined as an individual's perception that he is capable of accomplishing a certain level of performance (Bandura, 1977).

Working with families of people who hoard: a harm reduction approach.

Approximately, 3%-5% of the U.S. population suffers from compulsive hoarding but others suffer as well, in particular, the family members who care about them.

Guidelines for enhancing homework compliance.

The ability to enhance compliance with therapeutic tasks such as homework may be a crucial therapeutic skill that determines the success of psychotherapy in real-world clinical settings. This article presents guidelines for enhancing homework compliance through careful attention to: features of homework assignments, such as whether they are meaningful and doable and include a clear rationale and backup plan; and the therapist's manner when developing and reviewing homework assignments, such as whether that therapist is curious, collaborative, and reinforces all behavior that supports the homework's purposes. Clinical examples are used to illustrate the application of the guidelines.