Insights into the Angoff method: results from a simulation study.

Background: In standard setting techniques involving panels of judges, the attributes of judges may affect the cut-scores. This simulation study modelled the effect of the number of judges and test items, as well as the impact of judges' attributes such as accuracy, stringency and influence on others on the precision of the cut-scores.

Methods: Forty nine combinations of Angoff panels (N = 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 50, and 80) and test items (n = 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 50, and 80) were simulated.

Meeting the challenges of interpreting variants of unknown clinical significance in BRCA testing.

Many BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic mutations are known to result in an elevated breast cancer risk. Routine BRCA1/2 gene screening is offered to patients thought to have an increased risk of carrying a deleterious mutation. 5-10% of genetic tests identify a variant of unknown clinical significance (VUCS), creating significant challenges to health care providers.

Prediction of cardiac rhythm 1 year following cardioversion for atrial fibrillation.

Background: There is little recent information regarding outcome and its determinants following cardioversion (CV) for atrial fibrillation (AF) or flutter. This study aims to help improve prediction of cardiac rhythm outcome following CV for AF.

Methods: Cardiac rhythm at 6 weeks and 12 months was documented following elective (EC; n=496) or immediate (IC; n=52) cardioversion for AF or atrial flutter in a single referral centre.