On December 13, 2016, the VA announced a change in its medical regulations to permit full practice authority for all VA advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) when they are acting within the scope of their VA employment.This amendment removed the stipulation requiring physician supervision or collaboration for APRNs. Many states across the U.S. have similar statutes for APRNs.

Not surprisingly, the regulatorychange was met with resistance fromof the physician establishment. “TheAmerican Medical Association (AMA) is disappointed by the Department of Veterans Affairs’ unprecedented proposal to allow advanced practice nurses within the VA to practice independently of a physician’s clinical oversight, regardless of individual state law,” Stephen R. Permut, MD, JD, AMA immediate past-chair wrote in a statement.

The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) then announced that it was “actively working with senior officials at the VA to institute a similar rule for PAs (physician assistants).” The well-intentioned AAPA statement seems misguided. It implies that PAs should be granted full practice authority because APRNs were granted the authority.

No matter the rational for granting APRNs full practice authority, the VA should not pursue similar regulations for PAs only because APRNs were granted the privilege. If the VA should institute a new amendment granting full practice authority to PAs, this action should be done independent of actions taken by any other nonphysician profession. Full practice authority for PAs should be based on training, clinical experience, and competency. Rather than adjusting the previously established threshold to obtain full practice authority to meet current PA standards, PAs should pursue further training and certification to earn this privilege. Physician assistant didactic and clinical training is based on the same model as training for medical doctors.

Physician assistant programs generally have 1 year of didactic training and 1 year of clinical training before trainees are eligible to take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam. Many schools, such as my alma mater, George Washington University School of Medicine, have PA students in the same lecture hall training side by side with medical students.

Medical doctor training generally includes 2 years of didactic training, 2 years of clinical training in medical school, and 3 years of clinical training in residency (for internal medicine) before trainees are eligible to take the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) exam. The didactic training in PA programs mirrors that of medical doctor programs. The real difference in education and preparation is the duration of clinical training; 1 year of clinical training for PAs vs 5 years of clinical training for MDs.

Therefore, my suggestion would be that leaders within the PA profession should work with the ABIM to create a pathway in which PAs who work in the VA could take the ABIM exam after 4 years of clinical experience. If a PA employed by the VA passes the ABIM exam, they would be granted full practice authority within their scope of practice at the VA. This requirement would validate that these PAs warrant this privilege and subsequently satisfy physician concerns by showing that they have passed the same exam required of physicians. Moreover, this additional level of preparation and testing would increase the competency of PAs and the quality of care they provide to the veterans they serve.

On December 13, 2016, the VA announced a change in its medical regulations to permit full practice authority for all VA advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) when they are acting within the scope of their VA employment.This amendment removed the stipulation requiring physician supervision or collaboration for APRNs. Many states across the U.S. have similar statutes for APRNs.

Not surprisingly, the regulatorychange was met with resistance fromof the physician establishment. “TheAmerican Medical Association (AMA) is disappointed by the Department of Veterans Affairs’ unprecedented proposal to allow advanced practice nurses within the VA to practice independently of a physician’s clinical oversight, regardless of individual state law,” Stephen R. Permut, MD, JD, AMA immediate past-chair wrote in a statement.

The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) then announced that it was “actively working with senior officials at the VA to institute a similar rule for PAs (physician assistants).” The well-intentioned AAPA statement seems misguided. It implies that PAs should be granted full practice authority because APRNs were granted the authority.

No matter the rational for granting APRNs full practice authority, the VA should not pursue similar regulations for PAs only because APRNs were granted the privilege. If the VA should institute a new amendment granting full practice authority to PAs, this action should be done independent of actions taken by any other nonphysician profession. Full practice authority for PAs should be based on training, clinical experience, and competency. Rather than adjusting the previously established threshold to obtain full practice authority to meet current PA standards, PAs should pursue further training and certification to earn this privilege. Physician assistant didactic and clinical training is based on the same model as training for medical doctors.

Physician assistant programs generally have 1 year of didactic training and 1 year of clinical training before trainees are eligible to take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam. Many schools, such as my alma mater, George Washington University School of Medicine, have PA students in the same lecture hall training side by side with medical students.

Medical doctor training generally includes 2 years of didactic training, 2 years of clinical training in medical school, and 3 years of clinical training in residency (for internal medicine) before trainees are eligible to take the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) exam. The didactic training in PA programs mirrors that of medical doctor programs. The real difference in education and preparation is the duration of clinical training; 1 year of clinical training for PAs vs 5 years of clinical training for MDs.

Therefore, my suggestion would be that leaders within the PA profession should work with the ABIM to create a pathway in which PAs who work in the VA could take the ABIM exam after 4 years of clinical experience. If a PA employed by the VA passes the ABIM exam, they would be granted full practice authority within their scope of practice at the VA. This requirement would validate that these PAs warrant this privilege and subsequently satisfy physician concerns by showing that they have passed the same exam required of physicians. Moreover, this additional level of preparation and testing would increase the competency of PAs and the quality of care they provide to the veterans they serve.

On December 13, 2016, the VA announced a change in its medical regulations to permit full practice authority for all VA advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) when they are acting within the scope of their VA employment.This amendment removed the stipulation requiring physician supervision or collaboration for APRNs. Many states across the U.S. have similar statutes for APRNs.

Not surprisingly, the regulatorychange was met with resistance fromof the physician establishment. “TheAmerican Medical Association (AMA) is disappointed by the Department of Veterans Affairs’ unprecedented proposal to allow advanced practice nurses within the VA to practice independently of a physician’s clinical oversight, regardless of individual state law,” Stephen R. Permut, MD, JD, AMA immediate past-chair wrote in a statement.

The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) then announced that it was “actively working with senior officials at the VA to institute a similar rule for PAs (physician assistants).” The well-intentioned AAPA statement seems misguided. It implies that PAs should be granted full practice authority because APRNs were granted the authority.

No matter the rational for granting APRNs full practice authority, the VA should not pursue similar regulations for PAs only because APRNs were granted the privilege. If the VA should institute a new amendment granting full practice authority to PAs, this action should be done independent of actions taken by any other nonphysician profession. Full practice authority for PAs should be based on training, clinical experience, and competency. Rather than adjusting the previously established threshold to obtain full practice authority to meet current PA standards, PAs should pursue further training and certification to earn this privilege. Physician assistant didactic and clinical training is based on the same model as training for medical doctors.

Physician assistant programs generally have 1 year of didactic training and 1 year of clinical training before trainees are eligible to take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam. Many schools, such as my alma mater, George Washington University School of Medicine, have PA students in the same lecture hall training side by side with medical students.

Medical doctor training generally includes 2 years of didactic training, 2 years of clinical training in medical school, and 3 years of clinical training in residency (for internal medicine) before trainees are eligible to take the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) exam. The didactic training in PA programs mirrors that of medical doctor programs. The real difference in education and preparation is the duration of clinical training; 1 year of clinical training for PAs vs 5 years of clinical training for MDs.

Therefore, my suggestion would be that leaders within the PA profession should work with the ABIM to create a pathway in which PAs who work in the VA could take the ABIM exam after 4 years of clinical experience. If a PA employed by the VA passes the ABIM exam, they would be granted full practice authority within their scope of practice at the VA. This requirement would validate that these PAs warrant this privilege and subsequently satisfy physician concerns by showing that they have passed the same exam required of physicians. Moreover, this additional level of preparation and testing would increase the competency of PAs and the quality of care they provide to the veterans they serve.

NEW ORLEANS—Ozanimod demonstrated durable efficacy with a favorable safety profile in patients continuing ozanimod for 120 weeks or switching from placebo to ozanimod for 96 weeks, according to results of a phase II study presented at the 31st Annual Meeting of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers. “These data support the ongoing RADIANCE and SUNBEAM phase III studies,” said Brett E. Skolnick, PhD, on behalf of his study collaborators. Dr. Skolnick is an employee of Receptos, a wholly owned subsidiary of Celgene, in San Diego.

Ozanimod, an oral, once-daily immunomodulator selectively targeting sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor-1 and -5 , is in development for relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). “The increased receptor selectivity of ozanimod and additional pharmaceutical properties may result in a more favorable safety profile versus other nonselective and selective S1P receptor modulators,” said Dr. Skolnick.

In the completed RADIANCE Part A phase II trial, patients with relapsing MS were randomized (1:1:1) to once-daily ozanimod 0.5 mg or 1.0 mg or to placebo for 24 weeks. At week 24, patients could enter a 96-week, blinded extension phase. Patients randomized to ozanimod continued their assigned dose; 85 patients received 0.5 mg, and 81 patients received 1.0 mg. Patients administered placebo were re-randomized (1:1) to ozanimod 0.5 mg (n = 41) or 1.0 mg (n = 42). Ozanimod was dose-escalated over seven days to attenuate first-dose effects.

A total of 89% of patients taking the 0.5 mg dose and 90% of patients taking the 1.0 mg dose completed the extension study. At week 120, 89% to 91% of patients were free of gadolinium-enhancing lesions. Unadjusted annualized relapse rates were 0.31 in the 0.5 mg group and 0.18 in the 1.0 mg group. One or more treatment-emergent adverse events were seen in 79% of patients taking the 0.5 mg dose and in 76% of those taking the 1.0 mg dose. The most common adverse events were increased alanine aminotransferases, nasopharyngitis, and upper respiratory tract infection. Serious treatment-emergent adverse events were seen in 12 patients in the 0.5 mg group and in nine patients in the 1.0 mg group. Mild blunting of the normal diurnal heart rate was observed. The largest mean decrease in heart rate relative to pre-dose was 3.5 bpm at hour 6 on day 1, with no associated symptoms. No type II or 2:1 atrioventricular block was reported.

At week 120, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were three or more times upper limit of normal in 6% of the 0.5 mg group and in 7% of the 1.0 mg group. In the 0.5 mg group, 2% of patients discontinued ozanimod due to increased liver transaminases. Less than 1% of patients in the 1.0 mg group discontinued ozanimod for the same reason. Between baseline and week 120, three patients in the 1.0 mg group had absolute lymphocyte counts below 200 cells/μL; none was associated with severe or serious infection. There were no notable cases of pulmonary adverse events and no cases of macular edema, malignancy-related adverse events, or serious opportunistic infections.

This study was supported by Celgene.

Suggested Reading

Cohen JA, Arnold DL, Comi G, et al. Safety and efficacy of the selective sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator ozanimod in relapsing multiple sclerosis (RADIANCE): a randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial. Lancet Neurol. 2016;15(4):373-381.

NEW ORLEANS—Ozanimod demonstrated durable efficacy with a favorable safety profile in patients continuing ozanimod for 120 weeks or switching from placebo to ozanimod for 96 weeks, according to results of a phase II study presented at the 31st Annual Meeting of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers. “These data support the ongoing RADIANCE and SUNBEAM phase III studies,” said Brett E. Skolnick, PhD, on behalf of his study collaborators. Dr. Skolnick is an employee of Receptos, a wholly owned subsidiary of Celgene, in San Diego.

Ozanimod, an oral, once-daily immunomodulator selectively targeting sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor-1 and -5 , is in development for relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). “The increased receptor selectivity of ozanimod and additional pharmaceutical properties may result in a more favorable safety profile versus other nonselective and selective S1P receptor modulators,” said Dr. Skolnick.

In the completed RADIANCE Part A phase II trial, patients with relapsing MS were randomized (1:1:1) to once-daily ozanimod 0.5 mg or 1.0 mg or to placebo for 24 weeks. At week 24, patients could enter a 96-week, blinded extension phase. Patients randomized to ozanimod continued their assigned dose; 85 patients received 0.5 mg, and 81 patients received 1.0 mg. Patients administered placebo were re-randomized (1:1) to ozanimod 0.5 mg (n = 41) or 1.0 mg (n = 42). Ozanimod was dose-escalated over seven days to attenuate first-dose effects.

A total of 89% of patients taking the 0.5 mg dose and 90% of patients taking the 1.0 mg dose completed the extension study. At week 120, 89% to 91% of patients were free of gadolinium-enhancing lesions. Unadjusted annualized relapse rates were 0.31 in the 0.5 mg group and 0.18 in the 1.0 mg group. One or more treatment-emergent adverse events were seen in 79% of patients taking the 0.5 mg dose and in 76% of those taking the 1.0 mg dose. The most common adverse events were increased alanine aminotransferases, nasopharyngitis, and upper respiratory tract infection. Serious treatment-emergent adverse events were seen in 12 patients in the 0.5 mg group and in nine patients in the 1.0 mg group. Mild blunting of the normal diurnal heart rate was observed. The largest mean decrease in heart rate relative to pre-dose was 3.5 bpm at hour 6 on day 1, with no associated symptoms. No type II or 2:1 atrioventricular block was reported.

At week 120, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were three or more times upper limit of normal in 6% of the 0.5 mg group and in 7% of the 1.0 mg group. In the 0.5 mg group, 2% of patients discontinued ozanimod due to increased liver transaminases. Less than 1% of patients in the 1.0 mg group discontinued ozanimod for the same reason. Between baseline and week 120, three patients in the 1.0 mg group had absolute lymphocyte counts below 200 cells/μL; none was associated with severe or serious infection. There were no notable cases of pulmonary adverse events and no cases of macular edema, malignancy-related adverse events, or serious opportunistic infections.

This study was supported by Celgene.

Suggested Reading

Cohen JA, Arnold DL, Comi G, et al. Safety and efficacy of the selective sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator ozanimod in relapsing multiple sclerosis (RADIANCE): a randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial. Lancet Neurol. 2016;15(4):373-381.

NEW ORLEANS—Ozanimod demonstrated durable efficacy with a favorable safety profile in patients continuing ozanimod for 120 weeks or switching from placebo to ozanimod for 96 weeks, according to results of a phase II study presented at the 31st Annual Meeting of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers. “These data support the ongoing RADIANCE and SUNBEAM phase III studies,” said Brett E. Skolnick, PhD, on behalf of his study collaborators. Dr. Skolnick is an employee of Receptos, a wholly owned subsidiary of Celgene, in San Diego.

Ozanimod, an oral, once-daily immunomodulator selectively targeting sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor-1 and -5 , is in development for relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). “The increased receptor selectivity of ozanimod and additional pharmaceutical properties may result in a more favorable safety profile versus other nonselective and selective S1P receptor modulators,” said Dr. Skolnick.

In the completed RADIANCE Part A phase II trial, patients with relapsing MS were randomized (1:1:1) to once-daily ozanimod 0.5 mg or 1.0 mg or to placebo for 24 weeks. At week 24, patients could enter a 96-week, blinded extension phase. Patients randomized to ozanimod continued their assigned dose; 85 patients received 0.5 mg, and 81 patients received 1.0 mg. Patients administered placebo were re-randomized (1:1) to ozanimod 0.5 mg (n = 41) or 1.0 mg (n = 42). Ozanimod was dose-escalated over seven days to attenuate first-dose effects.

A total of 89% of patients taking the 0.5 mg dose and 90% of patients taking the 1.0 mg dose completed the extension study. At week 120, 89% to 91% of patients were free of gadolinium-enhancing lesions. Unadjusted annualized relapse rates were 0.31 in the 0.5 mg group and 0.18 in the 1.0 mg group. One or more treatment-emergent adverse events were seen in 79% of patients taking the 0.5 mg dose and in 76% of those taking the 1.0 mg dose. The most common adverse events were increased alanine aminotransferases, nasopharyngitis, and upper respiratory tract infection. Serious treatment-emergent adverse events were seen in 12 patients in the 0.5 mg group and in nine patients in the 1.0 mg group. Mild blunting of the normal diurnal heart rate was observed. The largest mean decrease in heart rate relative to pre-dose was 3.5 bpm at hour 6 on day 1, with no associated symptoms. No type II or 2:1 atrioventricular block was reported.

At week 120, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were three or more times upper limit of normal in 6% of the 0.5 mg group and in 7% of the 1.0 mg group. In the 0.5 mg group, 2% of patients discontinued ozanimod due to increased liver transaminases. Less than 1% of patients in the 1.0 mg group discontinued ozanimod for the same reason. Between baseline and week 120, three patients in the 1.0 mg group had absolute lymphocyte counts below 200 cells/μL; none was associated with severe or serious infection. There were no notable cases of pulmonary adverse events and no cases of macular edema, malignancy-related adverse events, or serious opportunistic infections.

This study was supported by Celgene.

Suggested Reading

Cohen JA, Arnold DL, Comi G, et al. Safety and efficacy of the selective sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator ozanimod in relapsing multiple sclerosis (RADIANCE): a randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial. Lancet Neurol. 2016;15(4):373-381.

Less and less of the research presented at a prominent cancer conference is supported by the National Institutes of Health, a development that some of the country’s top scientists see as a worrisome trend.

The number of studies fully funded by the NIH at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) – the world’s largest gathering of cancer researchers – has fallen 75% in the past decade, from 575 papers in 2008 to 144 this year, according to the society, which meets June 2-6 in Chicago.

American researchers typically dominate the meeting’s press conferences – designed to feature the most important and newsworthy research. This year, there are 14 studies led by international scientists versus 12 led by U.S.-based research teams. That’s a big shift from just 5 years ago, when 15 studies in the “press program” were led by Americans versus 9 by international researchers.

Several of the studies on this weekend’s press program come from Europe and Canada, along with two from China.

President Donald Trump has proposed cutting the NIH budget for 2018 from $31.8 billion to $26 billion, a decline that many worry would jeopardize the fight against cancer and other diseases. Those cuts include $1 billion less for the National Cancer Institute.

On its website, the NCI notes that its purchasing power already has declined by 25% since 2003, because its budget – while growing – hasn’t kept up with inflation. Congress gave the NCI nearly $5.4 billion in fiscal year 2017, an increase of $174.6 million over last year. The NCI also received $300 million for the Beau Biden Cancer Moonshot through the 21st Century Cures Act in December 2016.

“America may be losing its edge in medical research,” said Otis Brawley, MD, chief medical officer at the American Cancer Society. The brightest young scientists are having trouble finding funding for their research, leading them to look for jobs not at universities but at drug companies “or even Wall Street,” he said. “I fear we are losing a generation of young, talented biomedical scientists.”

Some see America’s leading role in science as a point of national pride.

“Do we want the U.S. to remain at the center of biomedical innovation, or do we want to cede that to China or other countries?” said Dr. Stephan Grupp, director of the Cancer Immunotherapy Frontier Program at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “If you don’t push to stay in front, you don’t stay in front.”

But more than pride is at stake.

Public funding is critical, because it allows researchers to answer questions that don’t interest drug companies, said Richard Schilsky, senior vice president and chief medical officer at ASCO.

While drug companies fund studies that help them get their medications approved, they tend not to pay for studies that focus on cancer prevention, screening, or quality of life, Mr. Schilsky said. The NIH also funds head-to-head comparisons of cancer drugs, which allow patients and doctors to select the most effective treatments.

“If the NIH-funded studies continue to decline, we simply won’t get the answers that patients are looking for,” he said.

While government research often addresses areas of greatest need, “industry research is geared toward marketable products,” Dr. Brawley said.

To help make up the deficit, the American Cancer Society will double its research budget to $240 million by 2021, he added.

But Dr. Grupp notes that charities and the drug industry are often reluctant to cover the indirect costs of research, such as labs. Without steady, predictable support from government grants, Dr. Grupp said he wouldn’t “have a building to do my research in or a way to keep the lights on.”


 

Kaiser Health News is a national health policy news service that is part of the nonpartisan Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation.

Less and less of the research presented at a prominent cancer conference is supported by the National Institutes of Health, a development that some of the country’s top scientists see as a worrisome trend.

The number of studies fully funded by the NIH at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) – the world’s largest gathering of cancer researchers – has fallen 75% in the past decade, from 575 papers in 2008 to 144 this year, according to the society, which meets June 2-6 in Chicago.

American researchers typically dominate the meeting’s press conferences – designed to feature the most important and newsworthy research. This year, there are 14 studies led by international scientists versus 12 led by U.S.-based research teams. That’s a big shift from just 5 years ago, when 15 studies in the “press program” were led by Americans versus 9 by international researchers.

Several of the studies on this weekend’s press program come from Europe and Canada, along with two from China.

President Donald Trump has proposed cutting the NIH budget for 2018 from $31.8 billion to $26 billion, a decline that many worry would jeopardize the fight against cancer and other diseases. Those cuts include $1 billion less for the National Cancer Institute.

On its website, the NCI notes that its purchasing power already has declined by 25% since 2003, because its budget – while growing – hasn’t kept up with inflation. Congress gave the NCI nearly $5.4 billion in fiscal year 2017, an increase of $174.6 million over last year. The NCI also received $300 million for the Beau Biden Cancer Moonshot through the 21st Century Cures Act in December 2016.

“America may be losing its edge in medical research,” said Otis Brawley, MD, chief medical officer at the American Cancer Society. The brightest young scientists are having trouble finding funding for their research, leading them to look for jobs not at universities but at drug companies “or even Wall Street,” he said. “I fear we are losing a generation of young, talented biomedical scientists.”

Some see America’s leading role in science as a point of national pride.

“Do we want the U.S. to remain at the center of biomedical innovation, or do we want to cede that to China or other countries?” said Dr. Stephan Grupp, director of the Cancer Immunotherapy Frontier Program at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “If you don’t push to stay in front, you don’t stay in front.”

But more than pride is at stake.

Public funding is critical, because it allows researchers to answer questions that don’t interest drug companies, said Richard Schilsky, senior vice president and chief medical officer at ASCO.

While drug companies fund studies that help them get their medications approved, they tend not to pay for studies that focus on cancer prevention, screening, or quality of life, Mr. Schilsky said. The NIH also funds head-to-head comparisons of cancer drugs, which allow patients and doctors to select the most effective treatments.

“If the NIH-funded studies continue to decline, we simply won’t get the answers that patients are looking for,” he said.

While government research often addresses areas of greatest need, “industry research is geared toward marketable products,” Dr. Brawley said.

To help make up the deficit, the American Cancer Society will double its research budget to $240 million by 2021, he added.

But Dr. Grupp notes that charities and the drug industry are often reluctant to cover the indirect costs of research, such as labs. Without steady, predictable support from government grants, Dr. Grupp said he wouldn’t “have a building to do my research in or a way to keep the lights on.”


 

Kaiser Health News is a national health policy news service that is part of the nonpartisan Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation.

Less and less of the research presented at a prominent cancer conference is supported by the National Institutes of Health, a development that some of the country’s top scientists see as a worrisome trend.

The number of studies fully funded by the NIH at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) – the world’s largest gathering of cancer researchers – has fallen 75% in the past decade, from 575 papers in 2008 to 144 this year, according to the society, which meets June 2-6 in Chicago.

American researchers typically dominate the meeting’s press conferences – designed to feature the most important and newsworthy research. This year, there are 14 studies led by international scientists versus 12 led by U.S.-based research teams. That’s a big shift from just 5 years ago, when 15 studies in the “press program” were led by Americans versus 9 by international researchers.

Several of the studies on this weekend’s press program come from Europe and Canada, along with two from China.

President Donald Trump has proposed cutting the NIH budget for 2018 from $31.8 billion to $26 billion, a decline that many worry would jeopardize the fight against cancer and other diseases. Those cuts include $1 billion less for the National Cancer Institute.

On its website, the NCI notes that its purchasing power already has declined by 25% since 2003, because its budget – while growing – hasn’t kept up with inflation. Congress gave the NCI nearly $5.4 billion in fiscal year 2017, an increase of $174.6 million over last year. The NCI also received $300 million for the Beau Biden Cancer Moonshot through the 21st Century Cures Act in December 2016.

“America may be losing its edge in medical research,” said Otis Brawley, MD, chief medical officer at the American Cancer Society. The brightest young scientists are having trouble finding funding for their research, leading them to look for jobs not at universities but at drug companies “or even Wall Street,” he said. “I fear we are losing a generation of young, talented biomedical scientists.”

Some see America’s leading role in science as a point of national pride.

“Do we want the U.S. to remain at the center of biomedical innovation, or do we want to cede that to China or other countries?” said Dr. Stephan Grupp, director of the Cancer Immunotherapy Frontier Program at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “If you don’t push to stay in front, you don’t stay in front.”

But more than pride is at stake.

Public funding is critical, because it allows researchers to answer questions that don’t interest drug companies, said Richard Schilsky, senior vice president and chief medical officer at ASCO.

While drug companies fund studies that help them get their medications approved, they tend not to pay for studies that focus on cancer prevention, screening, or quality of life, Mr. Schilsky said. The NIH also funds head-to-head comparisons of cancer drugs, which allow patients and doctors to select the most effective treatments.

“If the NIH-funded studies continue to decline, we simply won’t get the answers that patients are looking for,” he said.

While government research often addresses areas of greatest need, “industry research is geared toward marketable products,” Dr. Brawley said.

To help make up the deficit, the American Cancer Society will double its research budget to $240 million by 2021, he added.

But Dr. Grupp notes that charities and the drug industry are often reluctant to cover the indirect costs of research, such as labs. Without steady, predictable support from government grants, Dr. Grupp said he wouldn’t “have a building to do my research in or a way to keep the lights on.”


 

Kaiser Health News is a national health policy news service that is part of the nonpartisan Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation.

Zika virus infection has been occurring in pregnant women at a slow but steady clip over the last couple of months, but cases of liveborn infants with Zika-related birth defects have jumped in recent weeks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Eight liveborn infants with Zika-related birth defects were reported to the U.S. Zika Pregnancy Registry during the 2 weeks ending May 23, more than any other 2-week period this year, and that was after six such infants were reported for the 2 weeks ending May 9. The total for the 50 states and the District of Columbia is now 72 for 2016-2017. No new pregnancy losses with birth defects were reported over the same 4-week span, so the 50 state/D.C. total remained at eight for 2016-2017, CDC data show.

[email protected]

Zika virus infection has been occurring in pregnant women at a slow but steady clip over the last couple of months, but cases of liveborn infants with Zika-related birth defects have jumped in recent weeks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Eight liveborn infants with Zika-related birth defects were reported to the U.S. Zika Pregnancy Registry during the 2 weeks ending May 23, more than any other 2-week period this year, and that was after six such infants were reported for the 2 weeks ending May 9. The total for the 50 states and the District of Columbia is now 72 for 2016-2017. No new pregnancy losses with birth defects were reported over the same 4-week span, so the 50 state/D.C. total remained at eight for 2016-2017, CDC data show.

[email protected]

Zika virus infection has been occurring in pregnant women at a slow but steady clip over the last couple of months, but cases of liveborn infants with Zika-related birth defects have jumped in recent weeks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Eight liveborn infants with Zika-related birth defects were reported to the U.S. Zika Pregnancy Registry during the 2 weeks ending May 23, more than any other 2-week period this year, and that was after six such infants were reported for the 2 weeks ending May 9. The total for the 50 states and the District of Columbia is now 72 for 2016-2017. No new pregnancy losses with birth defects were reported over the same 4-week span, so the 50 state/D.C. total remained at eight for 2016-2017, CDC data show.

[email protected]

Maintenance of Certification (MOC) was adopted by the 24 certifying boards constituting the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) in 2000. The American Board of Dermatology (ABD) granted its first time-limited certificates in 1991 with the first cohort of diplomates entering MOC in 2006. The rationale for MOC centered on 2 propositions: First, continuing medical education (CME) alone was insufficient to assure the public that physicians were remaining up-to-date with an expanding knowledge base and offered little opportunity to engage in meaningful self-assessment and practice improvement. Second, parties external to the medical profession were focusing increased attention on physician error and quality assurance in medical practice. Maintenance of Certification, therefore, provided a mechanism of physician self-regulation in meeting public scrutiny.^1,2

The basic framework of MOC remains unchanged since its inception, though notable effort has been expended in simplifying the tools available. All MOC components offered directly by ABD including the MOC examination are covered by the $150 annual fee.

Professional Standing

Diplomates attest to the status of all state medical licenses and level of clinical activity. All licenses must be unrestricted. “Clinically active” is defined as any patient care delivered within the prior 12 months. Having a restricted license or being clinically inactive does not automatically trigger loss of certification but does result in an ABD review.

Self-assessment

Diplomates complete 300 credits (1 question=1 credit) over 10 years and complete, or attest to prior completion of, a foundational course in patient safety. Self-assessment questions are widely available from various sources, including the Question of the Week offered by the American Academy of Dermatology, Clinicopathologic Correlation and CME-designated articles offered by JAMA Dermatology, and Photo Challenges and Dermatopathology Diagnosis quizzes offered by Cutis. The ABD recognizes patient safety education satisfied as part of medical school and residency as well as various other venues. Online courses offering CME and MOC credit also are available. Credit is accrued whether the item is answered correctly or not.

Cognitive Expertise

Dermatologists take a general dermatology module and choose one subspecialty module composed of questions directed to the clinical practitioner. The general module consists of 100 image items, most of which ask for a diagnosis. The list of entities potentially included on the assessment is made available in advance for self-study. The subspecialty module consists of 50 questions targeting the specific content area selected: medical dermatology, surgical dermatology, pediatric dermatology, and dermatopathology. The actual questions also are made available in advance for self-study. Board-certified pediatric dermatologists and dermatopathologists are offered a second 50-question set of items in their specialty to allow maintenance of the second certificate. Venues include Pearson VUE testing centers and at-home or in-office tests by remote proctoring.

The ABD is considering participation in the longitudinal assessment program developed by the ABMS. If adopted, it will offer questions distributed over a many-year span in small packets, on mobile devices, and on personal computers. Diplomates will have the ability to select content and pace, including opt-out periods as life events dictate. A minimum number of correctly answered items over time will form the basis for summative assessment.

Practice Improvement

A critical element of MOC, practice improvement affords the physician the opportunity to study how patients receive care in a wide range of settings. Beginning in 2015, the ABD developed focused practice improvement modules, now totaling 21, with many more coming in the future. The free modules are offered on an online platform (https://secure.dataharborsolutions.com/ABDermOrg/Default.aspx) and target narrow content areas. The broad range of offerings allows diplomates to choose an area of specific interest. The participant is asked to read an overview and rationale for the module, consider reading selected references that provide the evidence base, and perform 5 chart abstractions consisting of yes or no answers to no more than 5 questions narrowly focused on the chosen topic. If a first round shows no room for improvement, the participant is finished. If a deficiency is identified, the diplomate can reflect on and implement any necessary changes in process of care and pursue a second round. These modules have been very well received, with typical diplomates’ comments expressing appreciation for the ease of use and relevance to practice. Unedited and unselected reviews can be found online (https://www.abderm.org/diplomates/fulfilling-moc-requirements/resource-vendor-list/practice-improvement/american-board-of-dermatology-focused-pi-modules-free.aspx).

Future Direction

The ABD continuously communicates with diplomates about changes and new opportunities in its MOC program with a goal of maximizing value and minimizing cost in terms of dollars and time.³ The directors of the ABD continue to seek feedback about the MOC program and are committed to further refinements to achieve this goal. A critical feature of the redesigned website (http://www.abderm.org/) allows diplomates to submit and read anonymous reviews of all tools available to fulfill MOC requirements. This thoughtful diplomate feedback informs MOC developmental efforts.

All directors and executive staff of the ABD, regardless of certificate status, pay the annual fee and participate in MOC. Active participation in MOC is made public on the ABMS website. This acknowledgment is an assurance to patients that the physician’s professional standing is sound, that the physician periodically self-assesses what he/she knows, that this knowledge meets psychometrically valid standards set by dermatologists, and that physicians explore the quality of care delivered in specific practice settings. It’s the right thing to do!

Maintenance of Certification (MOC) was adopted by the 24 certifying boards constituting the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) in 2000. The American Board of Dermatology (ABD) granted its first time-limited certificates in 1991 with the first cohort of diplomates entering MOC in 2006. The rationale for MOC centered on 2 propositions: First, continuing medical education (CME) alone was insufficient to assure the public that physicians were remaining up-to-date with an expanding knowledge base and offered little opportunity to engage in meaningful self-assessment and practice improvement. Second, parties external to the medical profession were focusing increased attention on physician error and quality assurance in medical practice. Maintenance of Certification, therefore, provided a mechanism of physician self-regulation in meeting public scrutiny.^1,2

The basic framework of MOC remains unchanged since its inception, though notable effort has been expended in simplifying the tools available. All MOC components offered directly by ABD including the MOC examination are covered by the $150 annual fee.

Professional Standing

Diplomates attest to the status of all state medical licenses and level of clinical activity. All licenses must be unrestricted. “Clinically active” is defined as any patient care delivered within the prior 12 months. Having a restricted license or being clinically inactive does not automatically trigger loss of certification but does result in an ABD review.

Self-assessment

Diplomates complete 300 credits (1 question=1 credit) over 10 years and complete, or attest to prior completion of, a foundational course in patient safety. Self-assessment questions are widely available from various sources, including the Question of the Week offered by the American Academy of Dermatology, Clinicopathologic Correlation and CME-designated articles offered by JAMA Dermatology, and Photo Challenges and Dermatopathology Diagnosis quizzes offered by Cutis. The ABD recognizes patient safety education satisfied as part of medical school and residency as well as various other venues. Online courses offering CME and MOC credit also are available. Credit is accrued whether the item is answered correctly or not.

Cognitive Expertise

Dermatologists take a general dermatology module and choose one subspecialty module composed of questions directed to the clinical practitioner. The general module consists of 100 image items, most of which ask for a diagnosis. The list of entities potentially included on the assessment is made available in advance for self-study. The subspecialty module consists of 50 questions targeting the specific content area selected: medical dermatology, surgical dermatology, pediatric dermatology, and dermatopathology. The actual questions also are made available in advance for self-study. Board-certified pediatric dermatologists and dermatopathologists are offered a second 50-question set of items in their specialty to allow maintenance of the second certificate. Venues include Pearson VUE testing centers and at-home or in-office tests by remote proctoring.

The ABD is considering participation in the longitudinal assessment program developed by the ABMS. If adopted, it will offer questions distributed over a many-year span in small packets, on mobile devices, and on personal computers. Diplomates will have the ability to select content and pace, including opt-out periods as life events dictate. A minimum number of correctly answered items over time will form the basis for summative assessment.

Practice Improvement

A critical element of MOC, practice improvement affords the physician the opportunity to study how patients receive care in a wide range of settings. Beginning in 2015, the ABD developed focused practice improvement modules, now totaling 21, with many more coming in the future. The free modules are offered on an online platform (https://secure.dataharborsolutions.com/ABDermOrg/Default.aspx) and target narrow content areas. The broad range of offerings allows diplomates to choose an area of specific interest. The participant is asked to read an overview and rationale for the module, consider reading selected references that provide the evidence base, and perform 5 chart abstractions consisting of yes or no answers to no more than 5 questions narrowly focused on the chosen topic. If a first round shows no room for improvement, the participant is finished. If a deficiency is identified, the diplomate can reflect on and implement any necessary changes in process of care and pursue a second round. These modules have been very well received, with typical diplomates’ comments expressing appreciation for the ease of use and relevance to practice. Unedited and unselected reviews can be found online (https://www.abderm.org/diplomates/fulfilling-moc-requirements/resource-vendor-list/practice-improvement/american-board-of-dermatology-focused-pi-modules-free.aspx).

Future Direction

The ABD continuously communicates with diplomates about changes and new opportunities in its MOC program with a goal of maximizing value and minimizing cost in terms of dollars and time.³ The directors of the ABD continue to seek feedback about the MOC program and are committed to further refinements to achieve this goal. A critical feature of the redesigned website (http://www.abderm.org/) allows diplomates to submit and read anonymous reviews of all tools available to fulfill MOC requirements. This thoughtful diplomate feedback informs MOC developmental efforts.

All directors and executive staff of the ABD, regardless of certificate status, pay the annual fee and participate in MOC. Active participation in MOC is made public on the ABMS website. This acknowledgment is an assurance to patients that the physician’s professional standing is sound, that the physician periodically self-assesses what he/she knows, that this knowledge meets psychometrically valid standards set by dermatologists, and that physicians explore the quality of care delivered in specific practice settings. It’s the right thing to do!

Maintenance of Certification (MOC) was adopted by the 24 certifying boards constituting the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) in 2000. The American Board of Dermatology (ABD) granted its first time-limited certificates in 1991 with the first cohort of diplomates entering MOC in 2006. The rationale for MOC centered on 2 propositions: First, continuing medical education (CME) alone was insufficient to assure the public that physicians were remaining up-to-date with an expanding knowledge base and offered little opportunity to engage in meaningful self-assessment and practice improvement. Second, parties external to the medical profession were focusing increased attention on physician error and quality assurance in medical practice. Maintenance of Certification, therefore, provided a mechanism of physician self-regulation in meeting public scrutiny.^1,2

The basic framework of MOC remains unchanged since its inception, though notable effort has been expended in simplifying the tools available. All MOC components offered directly by ABD including the MOC examination are covered by the $150 annual fee.

Professional Standing

Diplomates attest to the status of all state medical licenses and level of clinical activity. All licenses must be unrestricted. “Clinically active” is defined as any patient care delivered within the prior 12 months. Having a restricted license or being clinically inactive does not automatically trigger loss of certification but does result in an ABD review.

Self-assessment

Diplomates complete 300 credits (1 question=1 credit) over 10 years and complete, or attest to prior completion of, a foundational course in patient safety. Self-assessment questions are widely available from various sources, including the Question of the Week offered by the American Academy of Dermatology, Clinicopathologic Correlation and CME-designated articles offered by JAMA Dermatology, and Photo Challenges and Dermatopathology Diagnosis quizzes offered by Cutis. The ABD recognizes patient safety education satisfied as part of medical school and residency as well as various other venues. Online courses offering CME and MOC credit also are available. Credit is accrued whether the item is answered correctly or not.

Cognitive Expertise

Dermatologists take a general dermatology module and choose one subspecialty module composed of questions directed to the clinical practitioner. The general module consists of 100 image items, most of which ask for a diagnosis. The list of entities potentially included on the assessment is made available in advance for self-study. The subspecialty module consists of 50 questions targeting the specific content area selected: medical dermatology, surgical dermatology, pediatric dermatology, and dermatopathology. The actual questions also are made available in advance for self-study. Board-certified pediatric dermatologists and dermatopathologists are offered a second 50-question set of items in their specialty to allow maintenance of the second certificate. Venues include Pearson VUE testing centers and at-home or in-office tests by remote proctoring.

The ABD is considering participation in the longitudinal assessment program developed by the ABMS. If adopted, it will offer questions distributed over a many-year span in small packets, on mobile devices, and on personal computers. Diplomates will have the ability to select content and pace, including opt-out periods as life events dictate. A minimum number of correctly answered items over time will form the basis for summative assessment.

Practice Improvement

A critical element of MOC, practice improvement affords the physician the opportunity to study how patients receive care in a wide range of settings. Beginning in 2015, the ABD developed focused practice improvement modules, now totaling 21, with many more coming in the future. The free modules are offered on an online platform (https://secure.dataharborsolutions.com/ABDermOrg/Default.aspx) and target narrow content areas. The broad range of offerings allows diplomates to choose an area of specific interest. The participant is asked to read an overview and rationale for the module, consider reading selected references that provide the evidence base, and perform 5 chart abstractions consisting of yes or no answers to no more than 5 questions narrowly focused on the chosen topic. If a first round shows no room for improvement, the participant is finished. If a deficiency is identified, the diplomate can reflect on and implement any necessary changes in process of care and pursue a second round. These modules have been very well received, with typical diplomates’ comments expressing appreciation for the ease of use and relevance to practice. Unedited and unselected reviews can be found online (https://www.abderm.org/diplomates/fulfilling-moc-requirements/resource-vendor-list/practice-improvement/american-board-of-dermatology-focused-pi-modules-free.aspx).

Future Direction

The ABD continuously communicates with diplomates about changes and new opportunities in its MOC program with a goal of maximizing value and minimizing cost in terms of dollars and time.³ The directors of the ABD continue to seek feedback about the MOC program and are committed to further refinements to achieve this goal. A critical feature of the redesigned website (http://www.abderm.org/) allows diplomates to submit and read anonymous reviews of all tools available to fulfill MOC requirements. This thoughtful diplomate feedback informs MOC developmental efforts.

All directors and executive staff of the ABD, regardless of certificate status, pay the annual fee and participate in MOC. Active participation in MOC is made public on the ABMS website. This acknowledgment is an assurance to patients that the physician’s professional standing is sound, that the physician periodically self-assesses what he/she knows, that this knowledge meets psychometrically valid standards set by dermatologists, and that physicians explore the quality of care delivered in specific practice settings. It’s the right thing to do!

Let me ask you a question: When was the last time you used the Krebs cycle in the hospital?

Now another question: When did you last have to persuade your boss to give you additional resources?

My guess is that your need for additional resources comes up more frequently than the Krebs cycle. It’s interesting that we spent so much time in our training focused on biochemical pathways and next to nothing on leadership skills, such as ways to motivate our health care teams or the most effective way to provide feedback – skills that we use on a regular basis. Yet, these skills are just as critical as understanding the science behind our daily work.

1. Highlight the importance of the ask.

2. Leverage data to prove the point.

3. Illustrate large-scale implications of the ask.

4. Make the ask.

I’ll use a project to increase DVT prophylaxis rates to illustrate this point:

1. Highlight the importance of DVT prophylaxis: I would focus on statistics that would surprise the audience, such as “Hospital acquired venous thromboembolism leads to significant morbidity and mortality, including more than 100,000 deaths.”¹

2. Leverage data to prove the point: “Worldwide, only 40%-60% of patients who require DVT prophylaxis actually receive it in the hospital.² Our performance leaves tremendous room for improvement – we’re currently at 68%.”

3. Illustrate large-scale implications of the ask: “If we do this, it enhances our reputation as a group, and it will improve hospital revenues.”

4. Make the ask: “I have an evidence-based protocol that we need to implement to achieve results.”

Through leadership courses over the past couple of years, I’ve changed my approach significantly. By leveraging concepts from behavioral economics, we can significantly improve the effect of our work. Here’s how I would conduct that same meeting:

1. Connect with the audience in a genuine way: Start off with “You are quality-minded providers who have taken on major challenges in the past and successfully delivered results, like the time you reduced the rates of catheter associated urinary tract infections.”

2. Make the ask: “I’m here to talk to you about improving our DVT prophylaxis rates. Here’s the protocol we need to implement.”

3. Leverage data to prove the point: “DVT prophylaxis rates at the hospital across town (or at another unit in the hospital) are at 82%. What do you think our numbers are? We’re actually at 68%!”

4. Illustrate large-scale implications of the ask: “We all know this. Patients under our care will die or be seriously harmed if we don’t improve our practice. The hospital will also lose money, which will ultimately impact us. So, we have two options: a) We can continue what we’ve been doing – work as hard as we can and our practice will not improve. b) Or we can decide today to pilot this new protocol and change our practice and performance.”

Let’s look at the changes above in greater detail:

Connect with the audience in a genuine way: Instead of highlighting the importance of the ask with statistics, use an attention getter to connect with the group. Highlighting the fact that the group is “quality-minded” and has surmounted challenging obstacles in the past reinforces the providers’ sense of identity.³ This helps the group think more openly about the proposal.

Make the ask: Now that you’ve captured their attention, make your ask, clearly and concisely, upfront. Remember, in today’s health care settings, we have short attention spans. You’re minutes away from someone getting paged away from the meeting or people checking their emails or the latest Facebook post. Don’t schedule the protocol review as the last item on the agenda.

Leverage data to prove your point: Data are powerful, but only if presented in the right way. Use questions to keep your audience engaged (“What do you think our numbers are?”), particularly around data, where most people decide to switch their attention to their smartphones. Based on your access to data sources, find another unit or institution with a higher performance than yours. State that upfront. It anchors,the group to a higher number, so, when you reveal your current performance, the gap is highlighted. ^3,4 In the first case, when the lower national average of 40-60% is presented initially, the group will be happy that their performance is in fact better at 68%.

Illustrate large-scale implications of the ask: There are two concepts at work here: First, loss aversion.^3,4 We tend to experience greater psychological burden with losses versus gains. Changing the framing from the fact that the hospital will lose money, versus making money in the first case, changes how we perceive the information. Second, active choice.³ Emphasizing that a decision has to be made today and giving the group a choice around it increases the likelihood of walking out of the meeting with a decision.

With some simple, yet thoughtful, modifications, the message takes on a more effective tone, and, based on my experience, it is significantly more impactful.

So, while I’m a fan of biochemical pathways that enable us to generate energy, I also hope we can integrate leadership lessons into our day-to-day learning and life.

Dr. Afsar is an assistant clinical professor in the departments of medicine and neurosurgery and the associate chief medical officer at UCLA Hospitals.

References

1. The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism. Office of the Surgeon General (US); National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (US). Office of the Surgeon General (US). 2008.

2. Cohen AT, Tapson VF, Bergmann JF, et al. Venous thromboembolism risk and prophylaxis in the acute hospital care setting (ENDORSE study): A multinational cross-sectional study. Lancet. 2008;371(9610):387-94.

3. Soman D. The Last Mile. 2015.

4. Thaler RH, Sunstein CR. Nudge. 2009.

Let me ask you a question: When was the last time you used the Krebs cycle in the hospital?

Now another question: When did you last have to persuade your boss to give you additional resources?

My guess is that your need for additional resources comes up more frequently than the Krebs cycle. It’s interesting that we spent so much time in our training focused on biochemical pathways and next to nothing on leadership skills, such as ways to motivate our health care teams or the most effective way to provide feedback – skills that we use on a regular basis. Yet, these skills are just as critical as understanding the science behind our daily work.

1. Highlight the importance of the ask.

2. Leverage data to prove the point.

3. Illustrate large-scale implications of the ask.

4. Make the ask.

I’ll use a project to increase DVT prophylaxis rates to illustrate this point:

1. Highlight the importance of DVT prophylaxis: I would focus on statistics that would surprise the audience, such as “Hospital acquired venous thromboembolism leads to significant morbidity and mortality, including more than 100,000 deaths.”¹

2. Leverage data to prove the point: “Worldwide, only 40%-60% of patients who require DVT prophylaxis actually receive it in the hospital.² Our performance leaves tremendous room for improvement – we’re currently at 68%.”

3. Illustrate large-scale implications of the ask: “If we do this, it enhances our reputation as a group, and it will improve hospital revenues.”

4. Make the ask: “I have an evidence-based protocol that we need to implement to achieve results.”

Through leadership courses over the past couple of years, I’ve changed my approach significantly. By leveraging concepts from behavioral economics, we can significantly improve the effect of our work. Here’s how I would conduct that same meeting:

1. Connect with the audience in a genuine way: Start off with “You are quality-minded providers who have taken on major challenges in the past and successfully delivered results, like the time you reduced the rates of catheter associated urinary tract infections.”

2. Make the ask: “I’m here to talk to you about improving our DVT prophylaxis rates. Here’s the protocol we need to implement.”

3. Leverage data to prove the point: “DVT prophylaxis rates at the hospital across town (or at another unit in the hospital) are at 82%. What do you think our numbers are? We’re actually at 68%!”

4. Illustrate large-scale implications of the ask: “We all know this. Patients under our care will die or be seriously harmed if we don’t improve our practice. The hospital will also lose money, which will ultimately impact us. So, we have two options: a) We can continue what we’ve been doing – work as hard as we can and our practice will not improve. b) Or we can decide today to pilot this new protocol and change our practice and performance.”

Let’s look at the changes above in greater detail:

Connect with the audience in a genuine way: Instead of highlighting the importance of the ask with statistics, use an attention getter to connect with the group. Highlighting the fact that the group is “quality-minded” and has surmounted challenging obstacles in the past reinforces the providers’ sense of identity.³ This helps the group think more openly about the proposal.

Make the ask: Now that you’ve captured their attention, make your ask, clearly and concisely, upfront. Remember, in today’s health care settings, we have short attention spans. You’re minutes away from someone getting paged away from the meeting or people checking their emails or the latest Facebook post. Don’t schedule the protocol review as the last item on the agenda.

Leverage data to prove your point: Data are powerful, but only if presented in the right way. Use questions to keep your audience engaged (“What do you think our numbers are?”), particularly around data, where most people decide to switch their attention to their smartphones. Based on your access to data sources, find another unit or institution with a higher performance than yours. State that upfront. It anchors,the group to a higher number, so, when you reveal your current performance, the gap is highlighted. ^3,4 In the first case, when the lower national average of 40-60% is presented initially, the group will be happy that their performance is in fact better at 68%.

Illustrate large-scale implications of the ask: There are two concepts at work here: First, loss aversion.^3,4 We tend to experience greater psychological burden with losses versus gains. Changing the framing from the fact that the hospital will lose money, versus making money in the first case, changes how we perceive the information. Second, active choice.³ Emphasizing that a decision has to be made today and giving the group a choice around it increases the likelihood of walking out of the meeting with a decision.

With some simple, yet thoughtful, modifications, the message takes on a more effective tone, and, based on my experience, it is significantly more impactful.

So, while I’m a fan of biochemical pathways that enable us to generate energy, I also hope we can integrate leadership lessons into our day-to-day learning and life.

Dr. Afsar is an assistant clinical professor in the departments of medicine and neurosurgery and the associate chief medical officer at UCLA Hospitals.

References

1. The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism. Office of the Surgeon General (US); National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (US). Office of the Surgeon General (US). 2008.

2. Cohen AT, Tapson VF, Bergmann JF, et al. Venous thromboembolism risk and prophylaxis in the acute hospital care setting (ENDORSE study): A multinational cross-sectional study. Lancet. 2008;371(9610):387-94.

3. Soman D. The Last Mile. 2015.

4. Thaler RH, Sunstein CR. Nudge. 2009.

Let me ask you a question: When was the last time you used the Krebs cycle in the hospital?

Now another question: When did you last have to persuade your boss to give you additional resources?

My guess is that your need for additional resources comes up more frequently than the Krebs cycle. It’s interesting that we spent so much time in our training focused on biochemical pathways and next to nothing on leadership skills, such as ways to motivate our health care teams or the most effective way to provide feedback – skills that we use on a regular basis. Yet, these skills are just as critical as understanding the science behind our daily work.

1. Highlight the importance of the ask.

2. Leverage data to prove the point.

3. Illustrate large-scale implications of the ask.

4. Make the ask.

I’ll use a project to increase DVT prophylaxis rates to illustrate this point:

1. Highlight the importance of DVT prophylaxis: I would focus on statistics that would surprise the audience, such as “Hospital acquired venous thromboembolism leads to significant morbidity and mortality, including more than 100,000 deaths.”¹

2. Leverage data to prove the point: “Worldwide, only 40%-60% of patients who require DVT prophylaxis actually receive it in the hospital.² Our performance leaves tremendous room for improvement – we’re currently at 68%.”

3. Illustrate large-scale implications of the ask: “If we do this, it enhances our reputation as a group, and it will improve hospital revenues.”

4. Make the ask: “I have an evidence-based protocol that we need to implement to achieve results.”

Through leadership courses over the past couple of years, I’ve changed my approach significantly. By leveraging concepts from behavioral economics, we can significantly improve the effect of our work. Here’s how I would conduct that same meeting:

1. Connect with the audience in a genuine way: Start off with “You are quality-minded providers who have taken on major challenges in the past and successfully delivered results, like the time you reduced the rates of catheter associated urinary tract infections.”

2. Make the ask: “I’m here to talk to you about improving our DVT prophylaxis rates. Here’s the protocol we need to implement.”

3. Leverage data to prove the point: “DVT prophylaxis rates at the hospital across town (or at another unit in the hospital) are at 82%. What do you think our numbers are? We’re actually at 68%!”

4. Illustrate large-scale implications of the ask: “We all know this. Patients under our care will die or be seriously harmed if we don’t improve our practice. The hospital will also lose money, which will ultimately impact us. So, we have two options: a) We can continue what we’ve been doing – work as hard as we can and our practice will not improve. b) Or we can decide today to pilot this new protocol and change our practice and performance.”

Let’s look at the changes above in greater detail:

Connect with the audience in a genuine way: Instead of highlighting the importance of the ask with statistics, use an attention getter to connect with the group. Highlighting the fact that the group is “quality-minded” and has surmounted challenging obstacles in the past reinforces the providers’ sense of identity.³ This helps the group think more openly about the proposal.

Make the ask: Now that you’ve captured their attention, make your ask, clearly and concisely, upfront. Remember, in today’s health care settings, we have short attention spans. You’re minutes away from someone getting paged away from the meeting or people checking their emails or the latest Facebook post. Don’t schedule the protocol review as the last item on the agenda.

Leverage data to prove your point: Data are powerful, but only if presented in the right way. Use questions to keep your audience engaged (“What do you think our numbers are?”), particularly around data, where most people decide to switch their attention to their smartphones. Based on your access to data sources, find another unit or institution with a higher performance than yours. State that upfront. It anchors,the group to a higher number, so, when you reveal your current performance, the gap is highlighted. ^3,4 In the first case, when the lower national average of 40-60% is presented initially, the group will be happy that their performance is in fact better at 68%.

Illustrate large-scale implications of the ask: There are two concepts at work here: First, loss aversion.^3,4 We tend to experience greater psychological burden with losses versus gains. Changing the framing from the fact that the hospital will lose money, versus making money in the first case, changes how we perceive the information. Second, active choice.³ Emphasizing that a decision has to be made today and giving the group a choice around it increases the likelihood of walking out of the meeting with a decision.

With some simple, yet thoughtful, modifications, the message takes on a more effective tone, and, based on my experience, it is significantly more impactful.

So, while I’m a fan of biochemical pathways that enable us to generate energy, I also hope we can integrate leadership lessons into our day-to-day learning and life.

Dr. Afsar is an assistant clinical professor in the departments of medicine and neurosurgery and the associate chief medical officer at UCLA Hospitals.

References

1. The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism. Office of the Surgeon General (US); National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (US). Office of the Surgeon General (US). 2008.

2. Cohen AT, Tapson VF, Bergmann JF, et al. Venous thromboembolism risk and prophylaxis in the acute hospital care setting (ENDORSE study): A multinational cross-sectional study. Lancet. 2008;371(9610):387-94.

3. Soman D. The Last Mile. 2015.

4. Thaler RH, Sunstein CR. Nudge. 2009.

Currently, there is no widely accepted tool for assessing the severity of psoriasis in the clinical setting.^1-5 Moreover, there is still a need for a simple assessment tool to assist in evaluating a patient’s response to therapy in clinical practice.⁶

The body surface area (BSA) is a familiar and widely used measurement by clinicians. It is easily calculated by the rule of nines or with the patient’s open palm and thumb approximating 1% of the BSA.⁷ Body surface area is an uncomplicated concept for patients to understand and interpret. It also promotes patient empowerment and self-care by allowing patients to monitor short-term and long-term response to therapy.

The National Psoriasis Foundation Medical Board published treatment targets for plaque psoriasis. One of the conclusions states, “The acceptable response at 3 months postinitiation was either BSA 3% or less or BSA improvement 75% or more from baseline.”⁸

We propose a new nomenclature that a 75% improvement in BSA be recognized as BSA75, a 90% improvement in BSA as BSA90, and a 100% improvement in BSA as BSA100. These classifications would be analogous to corresponding improvements in the following psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) scores: PASI 75, PASI 90, PASI 100.⁹ A loss of BSA goals/milestones (ie, BSA75) could encourage and facilitate physician-patient conversations and further direct modifications to disease management and treatment therapy.

A potential drawback to the implementation of this novel categorization system is that other notable aspects of psoriasis would not be assessed, such as erythema, induration, or scale; subjective measurements; patient quality of life; patient symptoms; areas of involvement (eg, palms, soles of feet); and disease course. Nevertheless, the BSA75, BSA90, and BSA100 classifications can serve as practical, objective, and straightforward tools to monitor disease progression and treatment response in psoriasis patients, which may potentially promote improved patient outcomes in clinical practice.

Currently, there is no widely accepted tool for assessing the severity of psoriasis in the clinical setting.^1-5 Moreover, there is still a need for a simple assessment tool to assist in evaluating a patient’s response to therapy in clinical practice.⁶

The body surface area (BSA) is a familiar and widely used measurement by clinicians. It is easily calculated by the rule of nines or with the patient’s open palm and thumb approximating 1% of the BSA.⁷ Body surface area is an uncomplicated concept for patients to understand and interpret. It also promotes patient empowerment and self-care by allowing patients to monitor short-term and long-term response to therapy.

The National Psoriasis Foundation Medical Board published treatment targets for plaque psoriasis. One of the conclusions states, “The acceptable response at 3 months postinitiation was either BSA 3% or less or BSA improvement 75% or more from baseline.”⁸

We propose a new nomenclature that a 75% improvement in BSA be recognized as BSA75, a 90% improvement in BSA as BSA90, and a 100% improvement in BSA as BSA100. These classifications would be analogous to corresponding improvements in the following psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) scores: PASI 75, PASI 90, PASI 100.⁹ A loss of BSA goals/milestones (ie, BSA75) could encourage and facilitate physician-patient conversations and further direct modifications to disease management and treatment therapy.

A potential drawback to the implementation of this novel categorization system is that other notable aspects of psoriasis would not be assessed, such as erythema, induration, or scale; subjective measurements; patient quality of life; patient symptoms; areas of involvement (eg, palms, soles of feet); and disease course. Nevertheless, the BSA75, BSA90, and BSA100 classifications can serve as practical, objective, and straightforward tools to monitor disease progression and treatment response in psoriasis patients, which may potentially promote improved patient outcomes in clinical practice.

Currently, there is no widely accepted tool for assessing the severity of psoriasis in the clinical setting.^1-5 Moreover, there is still a need for a simple assessment tool to assist in evaluating a patient’s response to therapy in clinical practice.⁶

The body surface area (BSA) is a familiar and widely used measurement by clinicians. It is easily calculated by the rule of nines or with the patient’s open palm and thumb approximating 1% of the BSA.⁷ Body surface area is an uncomplicated concept for patients to understand and interpret. It also promotes patient empowerment and self-care by allowing patients to monitor short-term and long-term response to therapy.

The National Psoriasis Foundation Medical Board published treatment targets for plaque psoriasis. One of the conclusions states, “The acceptable response at 3 months postinitiation was either BSA 3% or less or BSA improvement 75% or more from baseline.”⁸

We propose a new nomenclature that a 75% improvement in BSA be recognized as BSA75, a 90% improvement in BSA as BSA90, and a 100% improvement in BSA as BSA100. These classifications would be analogous to corresponding improvements in the following psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) scores: PASI 75, PASI 90, PASI 100.⁹ A loss of BSA goals/milestones (ie, BSA75) could encourage and facilitate physician-patient conversations and further direct modifications to disease management and treatment therapy.

A potential drawback to the implementation of this novel categorization system is that other notable aspects of psoriasis would not be assessed, such as erythema, induration, or scale; subjective measurements; patient quality of life; patient symptoms; areas of involvement (eg, palms, soles of feet); and disease course. Nevertheless, the BSA75, BSA90, and BSA100 classifications can serve as practical, objective, and straightforward tools to monitor disease progression and treatment response in psoriasis patients, which may potentially promote improved patient outcomes in clinical practice.

SAN FRANCISCO – Pediatric patients who have asthma that is poorly controlled may be more likely to have functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, which feature chronic GI distress that has several causes, according to a study of patients treated at one hospital.

Female sex and increased anxiety were influential factors.

“This study suggests a high prevalence of functional GI disorders among patients with persistent asthma. Moreover, patients with functional GI disorders had poor asthma control and increased anxiety. Clinicians should consider functional GI disorders in patients with poor asthma control and assess for anxiety as indicated,” Ruben J. Colman, MD, a pediatric resident at SBH Health System, Bronx, N.Y., said at the Pediatric Academic Societies meeting.

Louis-Paul St-Onge/iStockphoto

SAN FRANCISCO – Pediatric patients who have asthma that is poorly controlled may be more likely to have functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, which feature chronic GI distress that has several causes, according to a study of patients treated at one hospital.

Female sex and increased anxiety were influential factors.

“This study suggests a high prevalence of functional GI disorders among patients with persistent asthma. Moreover, patients with functional GI disorders had poor asthma control and increased anxiety. Clinicians should consider functional GI disorders in patients with poor asthma control and assess for anxiety as indicated,” Ruben J. Colman, MD, a pediatric resident at SBH Health System, Bronx, N.Y., said at the Pediatric Academic Societies meeting.

Louis-Paul St-Onge/iStockphoto

SAN FRANCISCO – Pediatric patients who have asthma that is poorly controlled may be more likely to have functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, which feature chronic GI distress that has several causes, according to a study of patients treated at one hospital.

Female sex and increased anxiety were influential factors.

“This study suggests a high prevalence of functional GI disorders among patients with persistent asthma. Moreover, patients with functional GI disorders had poor asthma control and increased anxiety. Clinicians should consider functional GI disorders in patients with poor asthma control and assess for anxiety as indicated,” Ruben J. Colman, MD, a pediatric resident at SBH Health System, Bronx, N.Y., said at the Pediatric Academic Societies meeting.

Louis-Paul St-Onge/iStockphoto

multiple myeloma

A team of researchers has confirmed that minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity is superior to complete response (CR) as a prognostic marker for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM).

MRD-positive patients who achieved CR had a similar survival to MRD-positive patients who achieved near CR (nCR) or partial response (PR). And this held true despite different induction regimens, disease stages, patient ages, cytogenetic groups, and whether the patients were transplant eligible or ineligible.

The team conducted the pooled analysis on behalf of the GEM (Grupo Español de Mieloma)/PETHEMA (Programa para el Estudio de la Terapéutica en Hemopatías Malignas) Cooperative Study Group.

They analyzed data from a large pool of 609 patients newly diagnosed with MM enrolled in 3 clinical trials—GEM 2000 (n=256), GEM2005MENOS65 (n=226), and GEM2010MAS65 (n=127). All patients had MRD assessments 9 months after study enrollment. The median follow-up was 71 months.

Juan-Jose Lahuerta, MD, PhD, of Hospital 12 de Octubre in Madrid, Spain, and colleagues reported the results in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Of the 609 patients, 286 (47%) achieved CR and had a significantly longer PFS (median, 49 months) than those who achieved nCR (median, 37 months), PR (median, 34 months) or less than PR (median, 11 months).

Patients who achieved CR also had a significantly longer OS (median, 128 months) than those who achieved PR (median, 75 months) or less than PR (median, 28 months), but not nCR (median, 77 months).

But patients who achieved CR and were still MRD-positive had a similar PFS (median, 27 months) to those patients who achieved nCR and PR and were MRD-positive (median 27 and 29 months, respectively). Median OS for MRD-positive patients in CR was a median 59 months, compared to 64 and 65 months, respectively, for MRD-positive patients in nCR and PR.

The team found that only MRD negativity significantly prolonged PFS and OS. Patients who were MRD-negative, even without achieving a CR, had a median PFS of 63 months (P<0.001) and the median OS not reached (P<0.001).

According to their paper, the investigators consider MRD negativity to be “one of the most relevant clinical end points and an aim of MM treatment of transplant-eligible and elderly patients who can tolerate intensive therapies.”

The team also investigated whether MRD negativity could be used as a meaningful clinical endpoint. They compared outcomes between patients who achieved CR according to MRD status before and after high-dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT).

Patients who were MRD-positive before transplant but MRD-negative afterwards had similar PFS and OS compared to patients who were MRD-negative before and after transplant. Patients who remained MRD-positive after transplant had inferior PFS and OS.

The team believes these results “support the adoption of MRD testing in routine practice to help discriminate between patients with clinically meaningful (MRD-negative) and misleading (MRD- positive) CRs.”

They noted, however, that a limitation of the study was the use of 2 different flow cytometries (8- and 4-color) with different sensitivities (10^-5 and 10^-4, respectively).

They also cautioned that these results should not be used to tailor treatments. Rather, new clinical trials that incorporate MRD assessments at additional time points need to be conducted.

multiple myeloma

A team of researchers has confirmed that minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity is superior to complete response (CR) as a prognostic marker for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM).

MRD-positive patients who achieved CR had a similar survival to MRD-positive patients who achieved near CR (nCR) or partial response (PR). And this held true despite different induction regimens, disease stages, patient ages, cytogenetic groups, and whether the patients were transplant eligible or ineligible.

The team conducted the pooled analysis on behalf of the GEM (Grupo Español de Mieloma)/PETHEMA (Programa para el Estudio de la Terapéutica en Hemopatías Malignas) Cooperative Study Group.

They analyzed data from a large pool of 609 patients newly diagnosed with MM enrolled in 3 clinical trials—GEM 2000 (n=256), GEM2005MENOS65 (n=226), and GEM2010MAS65 (n=127). All patients had MRD assessments 9 months after study enrollment. The median follow-up was 71 months.

Juan-Jose Lahuerta, MD, PhD, of Hospital 12 de Octubre in Madrid, Spain, and colleagues reported the results in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Of the 609 patients, 286 (47%) achieved CR and had a significantly longer PFS (median, 49 months) than those who achieved nCR (median, 37 months), PR (median, 34 months) or less than PR (median, 11 months).

Patients who achieved CR also had a significantly longer OS (median, 128 months) than those who achieved PR (median, 75 months) or less than PR (median, 28 months), but not nCR (median, 77 months).

But patients who achieved CR and were still MRD-positive had a similar PFS (median, 27 months) to those patients who achieved nCR and PR and were MRD-positive (median 27 and 29 months, respectively). Median OS for MRD-positive patients in CR was a median 59 months, compared to 64 and 65 months, respectively, for MRD-positive patients in nCR and PR.

The team found that only MRD negativity significantly prolonged PFS and OS. Patients who were MRD-negative, even without achieving a CR, had a median PFS of 63 months (P<0.001) and the median OS not reached (P<0.001).

According to their paper, the investigators consider MRD negativity to be “one of the most relevant clinical end points and an aim of MM treatment of transplant-eligible and elderly patients who can tolerate intensive therapies.”

The team also investigated whether MRD negativity could be used as a meaningful clinical endpoint. They compared outcomes between patients who achieved CR according to MRD status before and after high-dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT).

Patients who were MRD-positive before transplant but MRD-negative afterwards had similar PFS and OS compared to patients who were MRD-negative before and after transplant. Patients who remained MRD-positive after transplant had inferior PFS and OS.

The team believes these results “support the adoption of MRD testing in routine practice to help discriminate between patients with clinically meaningful (MRD-negative) and misleading (MRD- positive) CRs.”

They noted, however, that a limitation of the study was the use of 2 different flow cytometries (8- and 4-color) with different sensitivities (10^-5 and 10^-4, respectively).

They also cautioned that these results should not be used to tailor treatments. Rather, new clinical trials that incorporate MRD assessments at additional time points need to be conducted.

multiple myeloma

A team of researchers has confirmed that minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity is superior to complete response (CR) as a prognostic marker for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM).

MRD-positive patients who achieved CR had a similar survival to MRD-positive patients who achieved near CR (nCR) or partial response (PR). And this held true despite different induction regimens, disease stages, patient ages, cytogenetic groups, and whether the patients were transplant eligible or ineligible.

The team conducted the pooled analysis on behalf of the GEM (Grupo Español de Mieloma)/PETHEMA (Programa para el Estudio de la Terapéutica en Hemopatías Malignas) Cooperative Study Group.

They analyzed data from a large pool of 609 patients newly diagnosed with MM enrolled in 3 clinical trials—GEM 2000 (n=256), GEM2005MENOS65 (n=226), and GEM2010MAS65 (n=127). All patients had MRD assessments 9 months after study enrollment. The median follow-up was 71 months.

Juan-Jose Lahuerta, MD, PhD, of Hospital 12 de Octubre in Madrid, Spain, and colleagues reported the results in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Of the 609 patients, 286 (47%) achieved CR and had a significantly longer PFS (median, 49 months) than those who achieved nCR (median, 37 months), PR (median, 34 months) or less than PR (median, 11 months).

Patients who achieved CR also had a significantly longer OS (median, 128 months) than those who achieved PR (median, 75 months) or less than PR (median, 28 months), but not nCR (median, 77 months).

But patients who achieved CR and were still MRD-positive had a similar PFS (median, 27 months) to those patients who achieved nCR and PR and were MRD-positive (median 27 and 29 months, respectively). Median OS for MRD-positive patients in CR was a median 59 months, compared to 64 and 65 months, respectively, for MRD-positive patients in nCR and PR.

The team found that only MRD negativity significantly prolonged PFS and OS. Patients who were MRD-negative, even without achieving a CR, had a median PFS of 63 months (P<0.001) and the median OS not reached (P<0.001).

According to their paper, the investigators consider MRD negativity to be “one of the most relevant clinical end points and an aim of MM treatment of transplant-eligible and elderly patients who can tolerate intensive therapies.”

The team also investigated whether MRD negativity could be used as a meaningful clinical endpoint. They compared outcomes between patients who achieved CR according to MRD status before and after high-dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT).

Patients who were MRD-positive before transplant but MRD-negative afterwards had similar PFS and OS compared to patients who were MRD-negative before and after transplant. Patients who remained MRD-positive after transplant had inferior PFS and OS.

The team believes these results “support the adoption of MRD testing in routine practice to help discriminate between patients with clinically meaningful (MRD-negative) and misleading (MRD- positive) CRs.”

They noted, however, that a limitation of the study was the use of 2 different flow cytometries (8- and 4-color) with different sensitivities (10^-5 and 10^-4, respectively).

They also cautioned that these results should not be used to tailor treatments. Rather, new clinical trials that incorporate MRD assessments at additional time points need to be conducted.

Photo credit: American Chemical Society

A new compound combining the antimalarial drug artemisinin and luminol could help crime scene technicians detect blood spots with fewer false identifications.

Luminol, which is often combined with hydrogen peroxide, reacts with the heme groups in blood, producing a bright blue glow, known as chemiluminescence.

However, luminol is subject to false positives due to interference from biomolecules and metal ions, and from the breakdown products of hydrogen peroxide.

Artemisinin is a natural peroxide that is more stable than hydrogen peroxide in the presence of common ions and more resistant to interference.

So investigators decided to combine artemisinin with luminol in an effort to minimize erroneous bloodstain identifications. They showed that the luminol-artemisinin combination is more selective than luminol-hydrogen peroxide.

They challenged the new combination with components of bleaches and disinfectants, which criminals often use to clean up a crime scene. The new compound could distinguish blood from coffee, tea, and brown sugar stains.

The investigators also successfully tested the new luminol-artemisinin compound using a smartphone to obtain results. This new method could provide highly accurate, cost-effective, on-scene analyses.

They believe the favorable sensitivity and selectivity of this method makes it promising in forensic pursuits.

Guobao Xu, PhD, of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, People’s Republic of China, and colleagues reported these findings in the American Chemical Society’s journal, Analytical Chemistry.

The authors received funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the National Key Research and Development Program of China, the Chinese Academy of Science President's International Fellowship Initiative Project, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences-the Academy of Sciences for the Developing World President's Fellowship Programme. 

Photo credit: American Chemical Society

A new compound combining the antimalarial drug artemisinin and luminol could help crime scene technicians detect blood spots with fewer false identifications.

Luminol, which is often combined with hydrogen peroxide, reacts with the heme groups in blood, producing a bright blue glow, known as chemiluminescence.

However, luminol is subject to false positives due to interference from biomolecules and metal ions, and from the breakdown products of hydrogen peroxide.

Artemisinin is a natural peroxide that is more stable than hydrogen peroxide in the presence of common ions and more resistant to interference.

So investigators decided to combine artemisinin with luminol in an effort to minimize erroneous bloodstain identifications. They showed that the luminol-artemisinin combination is more selective than luminol-hydrogen peroxide.

They challenged the new combination with components of bleaches and disinfectants, which criminals often use to clean up a crime scene. The new compound could distinguish blood from coffee, tea, and brown sugar stains.

The investigators also successfully tested the new luminol-artemisinin compound using a smartphone to obtain results. This new method could provide highly accurate, cost-effective, on-scene analyses.

They believe the favorable sensitivity and selectivity of this method makes it promising in forensic pursuits.

Guobao Xu, PhD, of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, People’s Republic of China, and colleagues reported these findings in the American Chemical Society’s journal, Analytical Chemistry.

The authors received funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the National Key Research and Development Program of China, the Chinese Academy of Science President's International Fellowship Initiative Project, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences-the Academy of Sciences for the Developing World President's Fellowship Programme. 

Photo credit: American Chemical Society

A new compound combining the antimalarial drug artemisinin and luminol could help crime scene technicians detect blood spots with fewer false identifications.

Luminol, which is often combined with hydrogen peroxide, reacts with the heme groups in blood, producing a bright blue glow, known as chemiluminescence.

However, luminol is subject to false positives due to interference from biomolecules and metal ions, and from the breakdown products of hydrogen peroxide.

Artemisinin is a natural peroxide that is more stable than hydrogen peroxide in the presence of common ions and more resistant to interference.

So investigators decided to combine artemisinin with luminol in an effort to minimize erroneous bloodstain identifications. They showed that the luminol-artemisinin combination is more selective than luminol-hydrogen peroxide.

They challenged the new combination with components of bleaches and disinfectants, which criminals often use to clean up a crime scene. The new compound could distinguish blood from coffee, tea, and brown sugar stains.

The investigators also successfully tested the new luminol-artemisinin compound using a smartphone to obtain results. This new method could provide highly accurate, cost-effective, on-scene analyses.

They believe the favorable sensitivity and selectivity of this method makes it promising in forensic pursuits.

Guobao Xu, PhD, of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, People’s Republic of China, and colleagues reported these findings in the American Chemical Society’s journal, Analytical Chemistry.

The authors received funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the National Key Research and Development Program of China, the Chinese Academy of Science President's International Fellowship Initiative Project, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences-the Academy of Sciences for the Developing World President's Fellowship Programme.