Harvard Catalyst Profiles

Several clinical research projects available for HMS student participation on the topic of guideline-concordant care in thyroid cancer management. The incidence of thyroid cancer has risen dramatically over the past three decades with no change in thyroid-cancer specific mortality. National guidelines urge de-escalation: performing less extensive surgery and more judicious use of radioactive iodine. However, adherence to these guidelines remain poor even a decade following their release. These projects seek to understand the actionable factors that influence guideline-concordant care. Project 1: Population level study using the SEER dataset to understand the patient-, disease-, and guideline-level factors that are associated with guideline concordant care. Students may participate in data analysis and drafting of manuscript. Project 2: Qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews with clinicians to understand the provider- and system-level factors influencing guideline-concordant care. Students may participate in coding and analyzing interview transcripts and drafting of manuscript. Project 3: Systematic review of guideline adherence in cancer care. Students may participate in article screening and writing up the manuscript. Students may participate in one or more of the projects depending on interest and bandwidth.