Point-of-Care Technology Research Network: An evolving model for collaborative translational research in biomedical engineering.

As the healthcare system evolves from a centralized, hospital- and office-based model to an emphasis on patient-centric care delivered in decentralized settings from the community and/or home to low resource settings domestically and internationally, some Point-of-Care Technologies (POCT) have become important and others may soon become important in facilitating care. These portable diagnostic and monitoring devices enable moving care closer to the patient. We review recent developments in a national model to accelerate the development of POCT, specifically the Point-of-Care Technology Research Network (POCTRN), comprising a multi-center scientific network supported by a coordinating center.

An evidence-based nurse residency program in geropalliative care.

As U.S. baby boomers age and the older population doubles by 2030, unprecedented numbers of older adults will need and benefit from nursing care that is evidence-based and tailored to their needs and preferences.

Prospective comparison of standard triple assessment and dynamic magnetic resonance imaging of the breast for the evaluation of symptomatic breast lesions.

Objective: To compare the sensitivity and specificity of the traditional triple assessment of symptomatic breast lesions with contrast-enhanced dynamic magnetic resonance imaging.

Background: Although triple assessment is currently the gold standard for the assessment of symptomatic breast disease, its specificity is such that open biopsies are still required in many cases to be confident of the diagnosis. Contrast-enhanced dynamic magnetic resonance imaging of the breast represents an alternative diagnostic modality.

Dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the breast is superior to triple assessment for the pre-operative detection of multifocal breast cancer.

Background: Inadequately treated multifocal and multicentric disease results in increased local recurrence following breast-conserving surgery. The accurate preoperative diagnosis of multifocal/ centric breast cancer would facilitate the planning of appropriate surgery and prevent reoperation for residual disease. While triple assessment remains the established diagnostic technique, its sensitivity for the diagnosis of multifocal disease remains poor.