Publications by authors named "S F Pitt"
Background: Although many parathyroid and thyroid operations are performed by nonfellowship-trained general surgeons in the United States, there is growing uncertainty of whether graduating residents can perform these procedures competently. This study investigates trends in competency and autonomy among general surgery residents performing parathyroid and thyroid operations using a national survey-based dataset.
Methods: A retrospective analysis of the Society for Improving Medical Professional Learning database was performed.
Article Synopsis
- - The study focused on improving surgical quality for thyroid cancer by selecting 10 specific quality indicators and identifying areas for quality improvement at the state level.
- - A team of experts found significant gaps in care: over 34% of patients didn’t have preoperative cytology, 50% with small cancers underwent unnecessary extensive surgeries, and nearly 20% lacked follow-up and surveillance plans post-surgery.
- - The findings suggest that implementing a dedicated quality improvement program for thyroid cancer could enhance surgical care quality and provide a model for similar initiatives in other regions.
Context: Little is known about how patients' emotions impact the choice between hemi- and total thyroidectomy (TT) for low-risk thyroid cancer (LR-TC) and how these emotions change after treatment.
Objective: To investigate thyroid cancer-specific fear and worry both before and after treatment of LR-TC with hemi- or TT.
Methods: This prospective cohort study enrolled adults with confirmed or likely LR-TC at 15 institutions.
Article Synopsis
- Thyroid hormones are frequently prescribed in the U.S., especially to older adults, where misuse and overtreatment pose risks like heart and bone issues.
- The study involved interviews with 19 healthcare professionals about the challenges and supports for deprescribing thyroid hormones in older patients, analyzing responses through a structured framework.
- Key barriers included patient anxiety and misinformation, and systemic issues like time constraints and lack of knowledge among doctors; facilitators were strong communication and trust between patients and their physicians.
Introduction: Thyroid cancer diagnosis often evokes strong negative emotions in patients, yet little is understood about such responses in those with benign thyroid nodules. This study explored the impact of a hypothetical cancer diagnosis, the provision of treatment information, and emotional support from surgeons on patients with benign nodules.
Methods: Patients within 30 d of a thyroid nodule biopsy were asked to imagine their nodule was cancerous and write down their feelings about this diagnosis.