Otolaryngology (ENT)

Basket and umbrella trials are promising but require robust methods for pediatric precision medicine

Basket designs were more prevalent than umbrella trials in pediatric oncology and rare disease research across the reviewed literature. These designs can improve efficiency and target biomarker-defined subgroups where traditional trials fail due to small samples. Success depends on robust statistical planning, careful use of Bayesian methods, and clear regulatory guidance. This review included 28 eligible studies and topic modelling on 76 articles, supporting these methodological themes. 1

Protocol: systematic review to assess family-centered communication in preterm infant care

This protocol outlines methods to synthesize evidence on family-centered communication (FCC) for parents of preterm infants. Eligible studies include RCTs, quasi-experimental, and observational designs with planned narrative synthesis and possible meta-analysis. Certainty will be appraised with GRADE and results summarized in a Summary of Findings table. The review aims to inform FCC implementation across diverse settings once completed. 2

Single-session multimodal workshop did not improve OSCE scores or exam anxiety

In fifth-year students needing support, a single-session workshop combining stress management and communication training did not change OSCE scores (median 13.0/20 vs 13.3/20; P=0.50). No between-group difference was found in STAI-State anxiety before the second mock OSCE. Some trainees had a transient rise in situational anxiety immediately after the training. Authors conclude single-session interventions are likely insufficient to improve performance or exam-related anxiety. 3