Only one study [ 14] has compared non-specialists with specialists (allocation to specialists versus non-specialists was not random).The interventions were CBT-based or counselling-based (psychodynamic therapy was also evaluated in one study), and the nurses were trained in these approaches.
Interestingly, Cooper et al. [ 10] found an expertise effect, such that women treated by non-specialists showed significantly greater reduction in depressive symptoms compared with those treated by specialists (however treatment allocation was not randomised).
To avoid glaucoma specialists influencing the allocation of patients, we used central randomisation by the researchers using stratification by 2 variables: the referring glaucoma specialist, and the time to the next scheduled visit, being either 6 months or more than 6 months.
Economists are mainly specialists on the allocation of scarce resources.
Here's how it works: a Russell asset-allocation specialist first determines a portfolio strategy.
It is interesting to note that although being blinded to treatment allocation, the specialist's evaluation of disease activity as reflected by shoulder mobility (E) and VASph, was in better agreement with paraclinical measures (ESR, CRP, and IL-6) than the patients' own evaluations of disease activity as apparent from MST, VASp, and HAQ.
Families with a child aged 2 years to 4 years 11 months meeting criteria for autism were recruited to a parallel randomised controlled trial with one-to-one allocation from specialist centres in London, Manchester and Newcastle, UK, between September 2006 and February 2008.
This paper presents some first evidence regarding the questions suggested and proposes a method to enhance the professional consciousness of specialists towards better resource allocation and performance management.
Recognizing that many 401(k) investors rarely change their own asset allocations, specialists recommend target-date funds because the fund managers reallocate the funds toward less risky investments as workers age.
Ms Patel says: "It will take some years before investors are confident enough to increase their allocation to these specialist funds".
