Clinical decision making in seizures and status epilepticus.
Teran, Felipe; Harper-Kirksey, Katrina; Jagoda, Andy
2015-01-01
Seizures and status epilepticus are frequent neurologic emergencies in the emergency department, accounting for 1% of all emergency department visits. The management of this time-sensitive and potentially life-threatening condition is challenging for both prehospital providers and emergency clinicians. The approach to seizing patients begins with differentiating seizure activity from mimics and follows with identifying potential secondary etiologies, such as alcohol-related seizures. The approach to the patient in status epilepticus and the patient with nonconvulsive status epilepticus constitutes a special clinical challenge. This review summarizes the best available evidence and recommendations regarding diagnosis and resuscitation of the seizing patient in the emergency setting.
21 CFR 821.55 - Confidentiality.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-04-01
... information will not be further disclosed except as the health aspects of the patient requires. Such... Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES... identifying information for the purpose of tracking. (b) Records and other information submitted to FDA under...
21 CFR 821.55 - Confidentiality.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-04-01
... information will not be further disclosed except as the health aspects of the patient requires. Such... Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES... identifying information for the purpose of tracking. (b) Records and other information submitted to FDA under...
Howell, Stuart C; Wills, Rachael A; Johnston, Trisha C
2014-02-01
The aim of the present study was to assess the suitability of emergency department (ED) discharge diagnosis for identifying patient cohorts included in the definitions of key performance indicators (KPIs) that are used to evaluate ED performance. Hospital inpatient episodes of care with a principal diagnosis that corresponded to an ED-defined KPI were extracted from the Queensland Hospital Admitted Patient Data Collection (QHAPDC) for the year 2010-2011. The data were then linked to the corresponding ED patient record and the diagnoses applied in the two settings were compared. The asthma and injury cohorts produced favourable results with respect to matching the QHAPDC principal diagnosis with the ED discharge diagnosis. The results were generally modest when the QHAPDC principal diagnosis was upper respiratory tract infection, poisoning and toxic effects or a mental health diagnosis, and were quite poor for influenza. There is substantial variation in the capture of patient cohorts using discharge diagnosis as recorded on Queensland Hospital Emergency Department data. WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT THE TOPIC? There are several existing KPIs that are defined according to the diagnosis recorded on ED data collections. However, there have been concerns over the quality of ED diagnosis in Queensland and other jurisdictions, and the value of these data in identifying patient cohorts for the purpose of assessing ED performance remains uncertain. WHAT DOES THIS PAPER ADD? This paper identifies diagnosis codes that are suitable for use in capturing the patient cohorts that are used to evaluate ED performance, as well as those codes that may be of limited value. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTITIONERS? The limitations of diagnosis codes within ED data should be understood by those seeking to use these data items for healthcare planning and management or for research into healthcare quality and outcomes.
Validation of ICD-9 Codes for Stable Miscarriage in the Emergency Department.
Quinley, Kelly E; Falck, Ailsa; Kallan, Michael J; Datner, Elizabeth M; Carr, Brendan G; Schreiber, Courtney A
2015-07-01
International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) diagnosis codes have not been validated for identifying cases of missed abortion where a pregnancy is no longer viable but the cervical os remains closed. Our goal was to assess whether ICD-9 code "632" for missed abortion has high sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) in identifying patients in the emergency department (ED) with cases of stable early pregnancy failure (EPF). We studied females ages 13-50 years presenting to the ED of an urban academic medical center. We approached our analysis from two perspectives, evaluating both the sensitivity and PPV of ICD-9 code "632" in identifying patients with stable EPF. All patients with chief complaints "pregnant and bleeding" or "pregnant and cramping" over a 12-month period were identified. We randomly reviewed two months of patient visits and calculated the sensitivity of ICD-9 code "632" for true cases of stable miscarriage. To establish the PPV of ICD-9 code "632" for capturing missed abortions, we identified patients whose visits from the same time period were assigned ICD-9 code "632," and identified those with actual cases of stable EPF. We reviewed 310 patient records (17.6% of 1,762 sampled). Thirteen of 31 patient records assigned ICD-9 code for missed abortion correctly identified cases of stable EPF (sensitivity=41.9%), and 140 of the 142 patients without EPF were not assigned the ICD-9 code "632"(specificity=98.6%). Of the 52 eligible patients identified by ICD-9 code "632," 39 cases met the criteria for stable EPF (PPV=75.0%). ICD-9 code "632" has low sensitivity for identifying stable EPF, but its high specificity and moderately high PPV are valuable for studying cases of stable EPF in epidemiologic studies using administrative data.
Mapping patient flow in a regional Australian emergency department: a model driven approach.
Martin, Mary; Champion, Robert; Kinsman, Leigh; Masman, Kevin
2011-04-01
Unified Modelling Language (UML) models of the patient journey in a regional Australian emergency department (ED) were used to develop an accurate, complete representation of ED processes and drive the collection of comprehensive quantitative and qualitative service delivery and patient treatment data as an evidence base for hospital service planning. The focus was to identify bottle-necks that contribute to over-crowding. Data was collected entirely independently of the routine hospital data collection system. The greatest source of delay in patient flow was the waiting time from a bed request to exit from the ED for hospital admission. It represented 61% of the time that these patients occupied ED cubicles. The physical layout of the triage area was identified as counterproductive to efficient triaging, and the results of investigations were often observed to be available for some time before clinical staff became aware. The use of independent primary data to construct UML models of the patient journey was effective in identifying sources of delay in patient flow, and aspects of ED activity that could be improved. The findings contributed to recent department re-design and informed an initiative to develop a business intelligence system for predicting impending occurrence of access block. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
White, Andrew A; Wright, Seth W; Blanco, Roberto; Lemonds, Brent; Sisco, Janice; Bledsoe, Sandy; Irwin, Cindy; Isenhour, Jennifer; Pichert, James W
2004-10-01
Identifying the etiologies of adverse outcomes is an important first step in improving patient safety and reducing malpractice risks. However, relatively little is known about the causes of emergency department-related adverse outcomes. The objective was to describe a method for identification of common causes of adverse outcomes in an emergency department. This methodology potentially can suggest ways to improve care and might provide a model for identification of factors associated with adverse outcomes. This was a retrospective analysis of 74 consecutive files opened by a malpractice insurer between 1995 and 2000. Each risk-management file was analyzed to identify potential causes of adverse outcomes. The main outcomes were rater-assigned codes for alleged problems with care (e.g., failures of communication or problems related to diagnosis). About 50% of cases were related to injuries or abdominal complaints. A contributing cause was found in 92% of cases, and most had more than one contributing cause. The most frequent contributing categories included failure to diagnose (45%), supervision problems (31%), communication problems (30%), patient behavior (24%), administrative problems (20%), and documentation (20%). Specific relating factors within these categories, such as lack of timely resident supervision and failure to follow policies and procedures, were identified. This project documented that an aggregate analysis of risk-management files has the potential to identify shared causes related to real or perceived adverse outcomes. Several potentially correctable systems problems were identified using this methodology. These simple, descriptive management tools may be useful in identifying issues for problem solving and can be easily learned by physicians and managers.
Case management redesign in an urban facility.
Almaden, Stefany; Freshman, Brenda; Quaye, Beverly
2011-01-01
To explore strategies for improving patient throughput and to redesign case management processes to facilitate level of care transitions and safe discharges. Large Urban Medical Center in South Los Angeles County, with 384 licensed beds that services poor, underserved communities. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were applied. Combined theoretical frameworks were used for needs assessment, intervention strategies, and change management. Observations, interviews, surveys, and database extraction methods were used. The sample consisted of case management staff members and several other staff from nursing, social work, and emergency department staff. Postintervention measures indicated improvement in reimbursements for services, reduction in length of stay, increased productivity, improved patients' access to care, and avoiding unnecessary readmission or emergency department visits. Effective change management strategies must consider multiple factors that influence daily operations and service delivery. Creating accountability by using performance measures associated with patient transitions is highlighted by the case study results. The authors developed a process model to assist in identifying and tracking outcome measures related to patient throughput, front-end assessments, and effective patient care transitions. This model can be used in future research to further investigate best case management practices.
Wilson, Sean P; Knych, McKenna; Iordanova, Rossitza; Mahan, Meredith; Vohra, Taher
2016-10-01
The indolent nature of chlamydia and gonorrhoea, along with the time delay associated with current diagnostic testing, makes definitive diagnosis while in the emergency department impossible. We therefore sought to determine the proportion of patients who receive accurate, presumptive antimicrobial treatment for these infections. A retrospective chart review was performed on all patient encounters that underwent chlamydia and gonorrhoea testing at an urban emergency department during a single month in 2012. Each encounter was reviewed for nucleic acid amplification test results and whether presumptive antibiotics were given during the initial visit. A total of 639 patient encounters were reviewed; 87.2% were female and the mean age was 26.7 years. Chlamydia was present in 11.1%, with women and men having similar infection rates: 10.6% vs. 14.6% (p = 0.277). Gonorrhoea was present in 5.0%, with a lower prevalence among women than men: 3.2% vs. 17.1% (p < 0.001). Women received presumptive treatment less often than men: 37.7% vs. 82.9% (p < 0.001). Presumptive treatment was less accurate in women than men: 7.9% vs. 25.6% (p < 0.001). After combining genders, 10.2% received accurate presumptive treatment; 33.3% were overtreated and 4.4% missed treatment. Presumptive treatment for chlamydia and gonorrhoea was more frequent and more accurate in men than in women. Overall, one-third of patients received unnecessary antibiotics, yet nearly 5% missed treatment. Better methods are needed for identifying patients who need treatment. © The Author(s) 2016.
Modeling patient safety incidents knowledge with the Categorial Structure method.
Souvignet, Julien; Bousquet, Cédric; Lewalle, Pierre; Trombert-Paviot, Béatrice; Rodrigues, Jean Marie
2011-01-01
Following the WHO initiative named World Alliance for Patient Safety (PS) launched in 2004 a conceptual framework developed by PS national reporting experts has summarized the knowledge available. As a second step, the Department of Public Health of the University of Saint Etienne team elaborated a Categorial Structure (a semi formal structure not related to an upper level ontology) identifying the elements of the semantic structure underpinning the broad concepts contained in the framework for patient safety. This knowledge engineering method has been developed to enable modeling patient safety information as a prerequisite for subsequent full ontology development. The present article describes the semantic dissection of the concepts, the elicitation of the ontology requirements and the domain constraints of the conceptual framework. This ontology includes 134 concepts and 25 distinct relations and will serve as basis for an Information Model for Patient Safety.
STEPS: lean thinking, theory of constraints and identifying bottlenecks in an emergency department.
Ryan, A; Hunter, K; Cunningham, K; Williams, J; O'Shea, H; Rooney, P; Hickey, F
2013-04-01
This study aimed to identify the bottlenecks in patients' journeys through an emergency department (ED). For each stage of the patient journey, the average times were compared between two groups divided according to the four hour time frame and disproportionate delays were identified using a significance test These bottlenecks were evaluated with reference to a lean thinking value-stream map and the five focusing steps of the theory of constraints. A total of 434 (72.5%) ED patients were tracked over one week. Logistic regression showed that patients who had radiological tests, blood tests or who were admitted were 4.4, 4.1 and 7.7 times more likely, respectively, to stay over four hours in the ED than those who didn't The stages that were significantly delayed were the time spent waiting for radiology (p = 0.001), waiting for the in-patient team (p = 0.004), waiting for a bed (p < 0.001) and ED doctor turnaround time (p < 0.001).
Parker, Kate; Patel, Jashme; Eghtessad, Mehri
2015-01-01
This audit aimed to identify the prevalence of, and reasons for failed intravenous conscious sedation in an adult oral surgery department, to develop recommendations to reduce such failures and to identify any cost implications. Data were collected prospectively for three months for all intravenous sedation appointments in the Oral Surgery department. Data were collected for 109 sedation appointments of which 83 were successful (76%). The failure rate (24%) was higher than the acceptable departmental failure rate (10%), and included reasons for failure that should have been avoided by a thorough patient assessment prior to treatment. Of the 26 failures, the most common reasons for failure were: cancellation: 8 patients (30.8%), failure to attend: 6 patients (23.1%), excessively late arrival of patient: 4 patients (15.4%) and failure to cannulate: 3 patients (11.6%). When sedation was unsuccessful, 13 of the 26 patients (50%) had their treatment successfully completed under local anaesthesia alone, 10 patients (38%) were rebooked for sedation and 3 patient. (12%) were rebooked for a general anaesthetic. Identifying and correcting the reasons for failure can result in vast savings in appointment time, clinical resources and cost. That 13 patients subsequently had their treatment completed under local anaesthesia alone opens the debate on how rigorous the patient assessment and allocation of sedation appointments was, and the potential to achieve savings.
Patient and Parent-Reported Signs and Symptoms for Group A Streptococcal Pharyngitis.
Lindgren, Christina; Neuman, Mark I; Monuteaux, Michael C; Mandl, Kenneth D; Fine, Andrew M
2016-07-01
Identifying symptomatic patients who are at low risk for group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis could reduce unnecessary visits and antibiotic use. The accuracy with which patients and parents report signs and symptoms of GAS has not been studied. Our objectives were to measure agreement between patient or parent and physician-reported signs and symptoms of GAS and to evaluate the performance of a modified Centor score, based on patient or parent and physician reports, for identifying patients at low risk for GAS pharyngitis. Children 3 to 21 years old presenting to a single tertiary care emergency department between October 2013 and January 2015 were included if they complained of a sore throat and were tested for GAS. Patients or parents and physicians completed surveys assessing signs and symptoms to determine a modified age-adjusted Centor score for GAS. We evaluated the overall agreement and κ between patient or parent and physician-reported signs and symptoms and compared the performance of the scores based on assessments by patients or parents and physicians and the risk of GAS. Of 320 patients enrolled, 107 (33%) tested GAS positive. Agreement was higher for symptoms (fever [agreement = 82%, κ = 0.64] and cough [72%, 0.45]) than for signs (exudate [80%, 0.41] and tender cervical nodes [73%, 0.18]). Agreement was highest when no signs and symptoms contained in the Centor score were present (94%, κ = 0.61). The proportion of patients testing GAS positive rose as the modified Centor score increased. For identifying GAS pharyngitis, patients or parents and physicians showed moderate to substantial agreement for 3 of 4 key pharyngitis signs and symptoms. Copyright © 2016 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Joseph, Christine L M; Lu, Mei; Stokes-Bruzzelli, Stephanie; Johnson, Dayna A; Duffy, Elizabeth; Demers, Michele; Zhang, Talan; Ownby, Dennis R; Zoratti, Edward; Mahajan, Prashant
2016-01-01
The emergency department could represent a means of identifying patients with asthma who could benefit from asthma interventions. To assess the initiation of a Web-based tailored asthma intervention in the emergency department of 2 urban tertiary care hospitals. In addition to awareness strategies for emergency department staff (eg, attending nursing huddles, division meetings, etc), recruitment experiences are described for 2 strategies: (1) recruitment during an emergency department visit for acute asthma and (2) recruitment from patient listings (mail or telephone). Patient enrollment was defined as baseline completion, randomization, and completion of the first of 4 online sessions. Of 499 eligible patients 13 to 19 years old visiting the emergency department for asthma during the study period, 313 (63%) were contacted in the emergency department (n = 65) or by mail or telephone (n = 350). Of these, 121 (38.6%) were randomized. Mean age of the study sample was 15.4 years and 88.4% were African American. Refusal rates for emergency department recruitment and mail or telephone were 18.5% (12 of 65) and 16.6% (58 of 350), respectively. On average, emergency department enrollment took 44 to 67 minutes, including downtime. When surveyed, emergency department providers were more positive about awareness activities and emergency department recruitment than were research staff. Emergency department recruitment was feasible but labor intensive. Refusal rates were similar for the 2 strategies. Targeting patients with acute asthma in the emergency department is one way of connecting with youth at risk of future acute events. Copyright © 2016 American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Weiss, Marianne E; Costa, Linda L; Yakusheva, Olga; Bobay, Kathleen L
2014-02-01
To validate patient and nurse short forms for discharge readiness assessment and their associations with 30-day readmissions and emergency department (ED) visits. A total of 254 adult medical-surgical patients and their discharging nurses from an Eastern US tertiary hospital between May and November, 2011. Prospective longitudinal design, multinomial logistic regression analysis. Nurses and patients independently completed an eight-item Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale on the day of discharge. Patient characteristics, readmissions, and ED visits were electronically abstracted. Nurse assessment of low discharge readiness was associated with a six- to nine-fold increase in readmission risk. Patient self-assessment was not associated with readmission; neither was associated with ED visits. Nurse discharge readiness assessment should be added to existing strategies for identifying readmission risk. © Health Research and Educational Trust.
Sabbatini, Amber K; Merck, Lisa H; Froemming, Adam T; Vaughan, William; Brown, Michael D; Hess, Erik P; Applegate, Kimberly E; Comfere, Nneka I
2015-12-01
Patient-centered emergency diagnostic imaging relies on efficient communication and multispecialty care coordination to ensure optimal imaging utilization. The construct of the emergency diagnostic imaging care coordination cycle with three main phases (pretest, test, and posttest) provides a useful framework to evaluate care coordination in patient-centered emergency diagnostic imaging. This article summarizes findings reached during the patient-centered outcomes session of the 2015 Academic Emergency Medicine consensus conference "Diagnostic Imaging in the Emergency Department: A Research Agenda to Optimize Utilization." The primary objective was to develop a research agenda focused on 1) defining component parts of the emergency diagnostic imaging care coordination process, 2) identifying gaps in communication that affect emergency diagnostic imaging, and 3) defining optimal methods of communication and multidisciplinary care coordination that ensure patient-centered emergency diagnostic imaging. Prioritized research questions provided the framework to define a research agenda for multidisciplinary care coordination in emergency diagnostic imaging. © 2015 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine.
[Clinical evaluation of triage as drug-of-abuse test kit].
Yoshioka, Toshiharu; Kohriyama, Kazuaki; Kondo, Rumiko; Goto, Kyoko; Yashiki, Mikio
2003-01-01
There are about 60,000 chemical substances which may cause poisoning. Identifying the cause substances is, therefore, very important for patient at emergency department. Triage is an immunoassay kit for the qualitative test for the metabolites of 8 major abuse drugs in urine. We assessed the usefullness of Triage on two patient groups. The first Group consists of the patients considered having not taken substances at initial diagnosis; the second Group consists of the patients considered having taken substances. The result are as follows. 1) The rate of Triage positive patients in the first Group were: attempt-suicide 23%, coma 24%, shock 10%, trauma 7%, respectively. Except for the habitually used medicine, narcotic and stimulant drugs were detected. In the first Group, negative result of Triage was effective in diagnosing the patients as not poisoned, excluding the possitivity of 8 major drugs usage. 2) The rate of Triage positive patients in the second Group were very high: attempt-suicide 77%, coma 51%, shock 57%, trauma 30%, respectively, showing mostly any of 8 major drugs were the cause of poisoning. In the second Group, positive result of Triage was effective in diagnosing the patient as poisoning or as coexisting poisoning with other diseases. 3) The specificity of Triage diagnosis in the first Group was 80% (113/142). The specificity and the sensitivity in the second Group were 64% (50/78) and 97% (74/76), respectively. These results means that Triage is very useful for diagnosis on 8 major drugs poisoning. 4) Triage is efficient for identifying the cause substances in drug poisoning and, therefore, can save medical expense. Triage is a very useful test kit at emergency department.
A decision-theoretic approach to identifying future high-cost patients.
Pietz, Kenneth; Byrne, Margaret M; Petersen, Laura A
2006-09-01
The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate a method of allocating funding for very-high-cost (VHC) patients among hospitals. Diagnostic cost groups (DCGs) were used for risk adjustment. The patient population consisted of 253,013 veterans who used Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical care services in fiscal year (FY) 2003 (October 1, 2002-September 30, 2003) in a network of 8 VA hospitals. We defined VHC as greater than 75,000 dollars (0.81%). The upper fifth percentile was also used for comparison. A Bayesian decision rule for classifying patients as VHC/not VHC using DCGs was developed and evaluated. The method uses FY 2003 DCGs to allocate VHC funds for FY 2004. We also used FY 2002 DCGs to allocate VHC funds for FY 2003 for comparison. The resulting allocation was compared with using the allocation of VHC patients among the hospitals in the previous year. The decision rule identified DCG 17 as the optimal cutoff for identifying VHC patients for the next year. The previous year's allocation came closest to the actual distribution of VHC patients. The decision-theoretic approach may provide insight into the economic consequences of classifying a patient as VHC or not VHC. More research is needed into methods of identifying future VHC patients so that capitation plans can fairly reimburse healthcare systems for appropriately treating these patients.
Screening for Victims of Sex Trafficking in the Emergency Department: A Pilot Program.
Mumma, Bryn E; Scofield, Marisa E; Mendoza, Lydia P; Toofan, Yalda; Youngyunpipatkul, Justin; Hernandez, Bryan
2017-06-01
Estimates suggest that hundreds of thousands of sex trafficking victims live in the United States. Several screening tools for healthcare professionals to identify sex trafficking victims have been proposed, but the effectiveness of these tools in the emergency department (ED) remains unclear. Our primary objective in this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a screening survey to identify adult victims of sex trafficking in the ED. We also compared the sensitivity of emergency physician concern and a screening survey for identifying sex trafficking victims in the ED and determined the most effective question(s) for identifying adult victims of sex trafficking. We enrolled a convenience sample of medically stable female ED patients, age 18-40 years. Patients completed a 14-question survey. Physician concern for sex trafficking was documented prior to informing the physician of the survey results. A "yes" answer to any question or physician concern was considered a positive screen, and the patient was offered social work consultation. We defined a "true positive" as a patient admission for or social work documentation of sex trafficking. Demographic and clinical information were collected from the electronic medical record. We enrolled 143 patients, and of those 39 (27%, 95% confidence interval [CI] [20%-35%]) screened positive, including 10 (25%, 95% CI [13%-41%]) ultimately identified as victims of sex trafficking. Sensitivity of the screening survey (100%, 95% CI [74%-100%]) was better than physician concern (40%, 95% CI [12%-74%]) for identifying victims of sex trafficking, difference 60%, 95% CI [30%-90%]. Physician specificity (91%, 95% CI [85%-95%]), however, was slightly better than the screening survey (78%, 95% CI [70%-85%]), difference 13%, 95% CI [4%-21%]. All 10 (100%, 95%CI [74%-100%]) "true positive" cases answered "yes" to the screening question regarding abuse. Identifying adult victims of sex trafficking in the ED is feasible. A screening survey appears to have greater sensitivity than physician concern, and a single screening question may be sufficient to identify all adult victims of sex trafficking in the ED.
Screening for Victims of Sex Trafficking in the Emergency Department: A Pilot Program
Mumma, Bryn E.; Scofield, Marisa E.; Mendoza, Lydia P.; Toofan, Yalda; Youngyunpipatkul, Justin; Hernandez, Bryan
2017-01-01
Introduction Estimates suggest that hundreds of thousands of sex trafficking victims live in the United States. Several screening tools for healthcare professionals to identify sex trafficking victims have been proposed, but the effectiveness of these tools in the emergency department (ED) remains unclear. Our primary objective in this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a screening survey to identify adult victims of sex trafficking in the ED. We also compared the sensitivity of emergency physician concern and a screening survey for identifying sex trafficking victims in the ED and determined the most effective question(s) for identifying adult victims of sex trafficking. Methods We enrolled a convenience sample of medically stable female ED patients, age 18–40 years. Patients completed a 14-question survey. Physician concern for sex trafficking was documented prior to informing the physician of the survey results. A “yes” answer to any question or physician concern was considered a positive screen, and the patient was offered social work consultation. We defined a “true positive” as a patient admission for or social work documentation of sex trafficking. Demographic and clinical information were collected from the electronic medical record. Results We enrolled 143 patients, and of those 39 (27%, 95% confidence interval [CI] [20%–35%]) screened positive, including 10 (25%, 95% CI [13%–41%]) ultimately identified as victims of sex trafficking. Sensitivity of the screening survey (100%, 95% CI [74%–100%]) was better than physician concern (40%, 95% CI [12%–74%]) for identifying victims of sex trafficking, difference 60%, 95% CI [30%–90%]. Physician specificity (91%, 95% CI [85%–95%]), however, was slightly better than the screening survey (78%, 95% CI [70%–85%]), difference 13%, 95% CI [4%–21%]. All 10 (100%, 95%CI [74%–100%]) “true positive” cases answered “yes” to the screening question regarding abuse. Conclusion Identifying adult victims of sex trafficking in the ED is feasible. A screening survey appears to have greater sensitivity than physician concern, and a single screening question may be sufficient to identify all adult victims of sex trafficking in the ED. PMID:28611881
Aiello, Francesco A; Gross, Erica R; Krajewski, Aleksandra; Fuller, Robert; Morgan, Anthony; Duffy, Andrew; Longo, Walter; Kozol, Robert; Chandawarkar, Rajiv
2010-09-01
Postoperative visits to the emergency department (ED) instead of the surgeon's office consume enormous cost. Postoperative ED visits can be avoided. Fully accredited, single-institution, 617-bed hospital affiliated with the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. Retrospective analysis of 597 consecutive patients with appendectomies over a 4-year period. Demographic and medical data, at initial presentation, surgery, and ED visit were recorded as categorical variables and statistically analyzed (Pearson chi(2) test, Fisher exact test, and linear-by-linear). Costs were calculated from the hospital's billing department. Forty-six patients returned to the ED within the global period with pain (n = 22, 48%), wound-related issues (n = 6, 13%), weakness (n = 4, 9%), fever (13%), and nausea and vomiting (n = 3, 6%). Thirteen patients (28%) required readmission. Predictive factors for ED visit postoperatively were perforated appendicitis (2-fold increase over uncomplicated appendicitis) and comorbidities (cardiovascular or diabetes). The cost of investigations during ED visits was $55,000 plus physician services. ED visits during the postoperative global period are avoidable by identifying patients who may need additional care; improving patient education, optimizing pain control, and improving patient office access. 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
14 CFR 294.22 - Notification to the Department of change in operations or identifying information.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-01-01
... 14 Aeronautics and Space 4 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Notification to the Department of change in operations or identifying information. 294.22 Section 294.22 Aeronautics and Space OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (AVIATION PROCEEDINGS) ECONOMIC REGULATIONS CANADIAN CHARTER AIR TAXI OPERATORS...
14 CFR 294.22 - Notification to the Department of change in operations or identifying information.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-01-01
... 14 Aeronautics and Space 4 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Notification to the Department of change in operations or identifying information. 294.22 Section 294.22 Aeronautics and Space OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (AVIATION PROCEEDINGS) ECONOMIC REGULATIONS CANADIAN CHARTER AIR TAXI OPERATORS...
An Unusual Case of Alternating Ventricular Morphology on the 12-Lead Electrocardiogram.
Sammon, Maura; Dawood, Alveena; Beaudoin, Scott; Harrigan, Richard A
2017-03-01
One of the principal tasks of an emergency physician is identifying potentially life-threatening conditions in the undifferentiated patient; cardiac dysrhythmia is an example of such a condition. A systematic approach to a patient with atypical dysrhythmia enables proper identification of such-life threatening conditions. We describe a 31-year-old man presenting to the emergency department with an undifferentiated dysrhythmia after naloxone reversal of an opiate overdose. A systematic approach to the electrocardiogram led to the rare diagnosis of Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) alternans. We review the differential diagnosis of this dysrhythmia and the initial evaluation of a patient with the WPW pattern present on their electrocardiogram. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Emergency physicians should be prepared to use a systematic approach to an undifferentiated dysrhythmia to identify potentially life-threatening conditions. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Mamon, J; Green, L; Levine, D M; Gibson, G; Gurley, H T
1987-08-01
This study describes the development and testing of a high blood pressure protocol for use in emergency departments (ED) to enhance detection of those patients appropriate for subsequent referral. The protocol involves two serial blood pressure measurements and a patient interview to determine: 1) previous history of high blood pressure (HBP), 2) treatment in past year for HBP, and 3) usual source of medical care. The accuracy of patient reporting was validated by comparison with the patients' hospital record (reflecting outpatient and inpatient visits). Results indicate that these self-reports have high levels of sensitivity (range 90-100%) and specificity (range 79-96%). Use of the additional patient information increased the sensitivity of the screening protocol in identifying when and where a patient should be referred. Use of this methodology indicates that the protocol is a simple and effective method for HBP screening. The findings also suggest that the ED is an ideal site for screening the "hard-to-reach" hypertensive population.
Enhancing patient safety: improving the patient handoff process through appreciative inquiry.
Shendell-Falik, Nancy; Feinson, Michael; Mohr, Bernard J
2007-02-01
Patient transfers from one care giver to another are an area of high safety consequence, as is evident by many studies and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization's Patient Safety Goals. The authors describe how one hospital made measurable improvements in a patient handoff process by using an unconventional approach to change called appreciative inquiry. Rather than identifying the root causes of ineffective handoffs, appreciative inquiry was used to engage staff in identifying and building on their most effective handoff experiences.
Reinventing Emergency Department Flow via Healthcare Delivery Science.
DeFlitch, Christopher; Geeting, Glenn; Paz, Harold L
2015-01-01
Healthcare system flow resulting in emergency departments (EDs) crowding is a quality and access problem. This case study examines an overcrowded academic health center ED with increasing patient volumes and limited physical space for expansion. ED capacity and efficiency improved via engineering principles application, addressing patient and staffing flows, and reinventing the delivery model. Using operational data and staff input, patient and staff flow models were created, identifying bottlenecks (points of inefficiency). A new flow model of emergency care delivery, physician-directed queuing, was developed. Expanding upon physicians in triage, providers passively evaluate all patients upon arrival, actively manage patients requiring fewer resources, and direct patients requiring complex resources to further evaluation in ED areas. Sustained over time, ED efficiency improved as measured by near elimination of "left without being seen" patients and waiting times with improvement in door to doctor, patient satisfaction, and total length of stay. All improvements were in the setting on increased patient volume and no increase in physician staffing. Our experience suggests that practical application of healthcare delivery science can be used to improve ED efficiency. © The Author(s) 2015.
Nurses' behaviors and visual scanning patterns may reduce patient identification errors.
Marquard, Jenna L; Henneman, Philip L; He, Ze; Jo, Junghee; Fisher, Donald L; Henneman, Elizabeth A
2011-09-01
Patient identification (ID) errors occurring during the medication administration process can be fatal. The aim of this study is to determine whether differences in nurses' behaviors and visual scanning patterns during the medication administration process influence their capacities to identify patient ID errors. Nurse participants (n = 20) administered medications to 3 patients in a simulated clinical setting, with 1 patient having an embedded ID error. Error-identifying nurses tended to complete more process steps in a similar amount of time than non-error-identifying nurses and tended to scan information across artifacts (e.g., ID band, patient chart, medication label) rather than fixating on several pieces of information on a single artifact before fixating on another artifact. Non-error-indentifying nurses tended to increase their durations of off-topic conversations-a type of process interruption-over the course of the trials; the difference between groups was significant in the trial with the embedded ID error. Error-identifying nurses tended to have their most fixations in a row on the patient's chart, whereas non-error-identifying nurses did not tend to have a single artifact on which they consistently fixated. Finally, error-identifying nurses tended to have predictable eye fixation sequences across artifacts, whereas non-error-identifying nurses tended to have seemingly random eye fixation sequences. This finding has implications for nurse training and the design of tools and technologies that support nurses as they complete the medication administration process. (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved.
22 CFR 51.24 - Affidavit of identifying witness.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-04-01
... 51.24 Foreign Relations DEPARTMENT OF STATE NATIONALITY AND PASSPORTS PASSPORTS Application § 51.24... prescribed by the Department before the person who accepts the passport application. (b) A person who has... or obtaining the passport may not serve as an identifying witness. ...
22 CFR 51.24 - Affidavit of identifying witness.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-04-01
... 51.24 Foreign Relations DEPARTMENT OF STATE NATIONALITY AND PASSPORTS PASSPORTS Application § 51.24... prescribed by the Department before the person who accepts the passport application. (b) A person who has... or obtaining the passport may not serve as an identifying witness. ...
22 CFR 51.24 - Affidavit of identifying witness.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-04-01
... 51.24 Foreign Relations DEPARTMENT OF STATE NATIONALITY AND PASSPORTS PASSPORTS Application § 51.24... prescribed by the Department before the person who accepts the passport application. (b) A person who has... or obtaining the passport may not serve as an identifying witness. ...
Anesthesiology leadership rounding: identifying opportunities for improvement.
Gravenstein, Dietrich; Ford, Susan; Enneking, F Kayser
2012-01-01
Rounding that includes participation of individuals with authority to implement changes has been advocated as important to the transformation of an institution into a high-quality and safe organization. We describe a Department of Anesthesiology's experience with leadership rounding. The Department Chair or other senior faculty designate, a quality coordinator, up to four residents, the ward charge nurse, and patient nurses participated in rounds at bedsides. During a 23-month period, 14 significant opportunities to improve care were identified. Nurses identified 5 of these opportunities, primary team physicians 2, the rounding team 4, and patients or their family members another 3. The anesthesiology service had sole or shared responsibility for 10 improvements. A variety of organizations track specific measures across all phases of the patient experience to gauge quality of care. Chart auditing tools for detecting threats to safety are often used. These measures and tools missed opportunities for improvement that were discovered only through rounding. We conclude that the introduction of leadership rounding by an anesthesiology service can identify opportunities for improving quality that are not captured by conventional efforts.
Imsuwan, Intanon
2011-12-01
Auditing the return visit charts of patients who returned within 48 hours is a very important method of quality assurance. Several factors can be possible causes of unscheduled emergency return visits. Therefore, identifying these factors is critical to decreasing the number of unnecessary visits in this group. To determine rate, common initial presentation and cause of unscheduled emergency department return visits within 48 hours at Thammasat University Hospital. The present study design involves retrospective observational study of patients who returned to the Emergency department (ED) within 48 hours after being discharged from the ED. Data was collected from August 1, 2009 to July 31, 2010. Patient age, gender triage level, patient-in time, patient-out time, length of stay, chief complaint, first and second visit diagnoses and disposition after second visit were recorded by chart review. The factors and causes of revisits were classified by the author as illness-related, patient-related, doctor-related and/or healthcare system-related. A total of 307 (0.92%) patients returned visit to the ED within 48 hours during August 1, 2009 to July 31, 2010. The most common chief complaint were dyspnea (75 cases or 24.4%), abdominal pain (53 cases or 17.3%), bleeding per vagina (28 cases or 9.1%). The rates of revisit that were related to factors of illness, patients, doctors and healthcare system were 60.6, 8.5, 28.3 and 2.6, respectively. Chi-squared was used for categorical data. Unscheduled ED return visit patients represent high risk patients. Patients in this group are associated with various factors. The present study indicates that the most common factor behind return visits were illness-related. Illness-related and patient-related factors were significantly associated with discharged patient. Observational units could reduce unnecessary return visit in this group. Doctor-related and healthcare-related factors were significantly associated with admitted return visit patients. Emergency physician training system and guideline implementation for doctors could reduce unexpected early discharge in this group.
22 CFR 51.24 - Affidavit of identifying witness.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-04-01
... 51.24 Foreign Relations DEPARTMENT OF STATE NATIONALITY AND PASSPORTS PASSPORTS Application § 51.24... prescribed by the Department before the person who accepts the passport application. (b) A person who has... or obtaining the passport may not serve as an identifying witness. ...
22 CFR 51.24 - Affidavit of identifying witness.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR
2013-04-01
... 51.24 Foreign Relations DEPARTMENT OF STATE NATIONALITY AND PASSPORTS PASSPORTS Application § 51.24... prescribed by the Department before the person who accepts the passport application. (b) A person who has... or obtaining the passport may not serve as an identifying witness. ...
Role of family physicians in an urban hospital: Tracking changes between 1977, 1997, and 2014.
Neimanis, Ieva; Woods, Anne; Zizzo, Angelo; Dickson, Robert; Levy, Richard; Goebel, Cindy; Corsini, John; Burns, Sheri; Gaebel, Kathryn
2017-03-01
To investigate changes in family doctors' attitudes about and participation in hospital activities and inpatient care in an urban hospital family medicine department from 1977 to 1997 and 2014. Cross-sectional survey design. The Department of Family Medicine at St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton in Ontario. Family physicians affiliated with the Department of Family Medicine at St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton were surveyed in 2014. Data were compared with findings from similar surveys administered at this institution in 1977 and 1997. Family physicians' roles in hospital activities, attitudes toward the role of the family physician in the hospital setting, and the barriers to and facilitators of maintaining this role. A total of 93 physicians returned completed surveys (37.3% response rate). In 2014, half of the respondents provided some inpatient care. This patient care was largely supportive and newborn care (71.7% and 67.4%, respectively). In 2014, 47.3% believed the quality of care would suffer (compared with 92.1% in 1977 and 87.5% in 1997) if they were not involved in patient care in the hospital. There was also a considerable shift away from the 1977 and 1997 perception that the family physician had a role as patient advocate: 92.0% and 95.3%, respectively, compared with only 49.5% in the 2014 survey. Family physicians' hospital activities and attitudes continued to change from 1977 to 1997 and 2014 in this urban hospital setting. Most of the respondents had stopped providing direct inpatient care, with a few continuing to provide supportive care. Despite this, most respondents still see a role for the Department of Family Medicine within the hospital as a focus for identifying with their family physician community, a place to interact with other specialist colleagues, and a source of some continuing medical education. Copyright© the College of Family Physicians of Canada.
Role of family physicians in an urban hospital
Neimanis, Ieva; Woods, Anne; Zizzo, Angelo; Dickson, Robert; Levy, Richard; Goebel, Cindy; Corsini, John; Burns, Sheri; Gaebel, Kathryn
2017-01-01
Abstract Objective To investigate changes in family doctors’ attitudes about and participation in hospital activities and inpatient care in an urban hospital family medicine department from 1977 to 1997 and 2014. Design Cross-sectional survey design. Setting The Department of Family Medicine at St Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton in Ontario. Participants Family physicians affiliated with the Department of Family Medicine at St Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton were surveyed in 2014. Data were compared with findings from similar surveys administered at this institution in 1977 and 1997. Main outcome measures Family physicians’ roles in hospital activities, attitudes toward the role of the family physician in the hospital setting, and the barriers to and facilitators of maintaining this role. Results A total of 93 physicians returned completed surveys (37.3% response rate). In 2014, half of the respondents provided some inpatient care. This patient care was largely supportive and newborn care (71.7% and 67.4%, respectively). In 2014, 47.3% believed the quality of care would suffer (compared with 92.1% in 1977 and 87.5% in 1997) if they were not involved in patient care in the hospital. There was also a considerable shift away from the 1977 and 1997 perception that the family physician had a role as patient advocate: 92.0% and 95.3%, respectively, compared with only 49.5% in the 2014 survey. Conclusion Family physicians’ hospital activities and attitudes continued to change from 1977 to 1997 and 2014 in this urban hospital setting. Most of the respondents had stopped providing direct inpatient care, with a few continuing to provide supportive care. Despite this, most respondents still see a role for the Department of Family Medicine within the hospital as a focus for identifying with their family physician community, a place to interact with other specialist colleagues, and a source of some continuing medical education. PMID:28292802
Egerton-Warburton, Diana; Cullen, Louise; Keijzers, Gerben; Fatovich, Daniel M
2018-06-01
Appropriate deliberate clinical inertia refers to the art of doing nothing as a positive clinical response. It includes shared decision-making to improve patient care with the use of clinical judgement. We discuss common clinical scenarios where the use of deliberate clinical inertia can occur. The insertion of peripheral intravenous cannulae, investigating patients with suspected renal colic and the investigation of low risk chest pain are all opportunities for the thoughtful clinician to 'stand there' and use effective patient communication to avoid low value tests and procedures. Awareness is key to identifying these opportunities to practice deliberate clinical inertia, as many of the situations may be so much a part of our environment that they are hidden in plain view. © 2018 Australasian College for Emergency Medicine and Australasian Society for Emergency Medicine.
Runfola, Janine K; House, Jennifer; Miller, Lisa; Colton, Leah; Hite, Donna; Hawley, Alex; Mead, Paul; Schriefer, Martin; Petersen, Jeannine; Casaceli, Colleen; Erlandson, Kristine M; Foster, Clayton; Pabilonia, Kristy L; Mason, Gary; Douglas, John M
2015-05-01
On July 8, 2014, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) laboratory identified Yersinia pestis, the bacterium that causes plague, in a blood specimen collected from a man (patient A) hospitalized with pneumonia. The organism had been previously misidentified as Pseudomonas luteola by an automated system in the hospital laboratory. An investigation led by Tri-County Health Department (TCHD) revealed that patient A's dog had died recently with hemoptysis. Three other persons who had contact with the dog, one of whom also had contact with patient A, were ill with fever and respiratory symptoms, including two with radiographic evidence of pneumonia. Specimens from the dog and all three human contacts yielded evidence of acute Y. pestis infection. One of the pneumonia cases might have resulted through human-to-human transmission from patient A, which would be the first such event reported in the United States since 1924. This outbreak highlights 1) the need to consider plague in the differential diagnosis of ill domestic animals, including dogs, in areas where plague is endemic; 2) the limitations of automated diagnostic systems for identifying rare bacteria such as Y. pestis; and 3) the potential for milder plague illness in patients taking antimicrobial agents. Hospital laboratorians should be aware of the limitations of automated identification systems, and clinicians should suspect plague in patients with clinically compatible symptoms from whom P. luteola is isolated.
32 CFR 536.23 - Identifying claims incidents both for and against the government.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-07-01
..., the Air Force, or DOD (federal agencies other than the armed service to which the Soldier is attached... 32 National Defense 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 true Identifying claims incidents both for and against the government. 536.23 Section 536.23 National Defense Department of Defense (Continued) DEPARTMENT OF...
32 CFR 536.23 - Identifying claims incidents both for and against the government.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-07-01
..., the Air Force, or DOD (federal agencies other than the armed service to which the Soldier is attached... 32 National Defense 3 2011-07-01 2009-07-01 true Identifying claims incidents both for and against the government. 536.23 Section 536.23 National Defense Department of Defense (Continued) DEPARTMENT OF...
Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2012-07-13
... DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Evaluation of In Vitro Tests for Identifying Eye Injury...-animal testing strategies proposed for identifying eye injury hazard potential of chemicals and products... Panel and submission of data from substances tested in in vitro tests for identifying eye injury hazard...
32 CFR Appendix A to Part 504 - Request For Basic Identifying Account Data-Sample Format
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-07-01
... 32 National Defense 3 2011-07-01 2009-07-01 true Request For Basic Identifying Account Data-Sample Format A Appendix A to Part 504 National Defense Department of Defense (Continued) DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY AID OF CIVIL AUTHORITIES AND PUBLIC RELATIONS OBTAINING INFORMATION FROM FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS Pt...
Choosing a commode for the ward environment.
Ballinger, C; Pain, H; Pascoe, J; Gore, S
The choice of appropriate equipment to promote patient independence and enhance nursing care is of major concern to the nurse in the ward environment. This article reports on a recent evaluation of specialist commodes, (Ballinger et al, 1994), with reference to the programme funded by the Medical Devices Agency, Department of Health, under whose auspices the project was carried out. The results of user evaluations and technical tests of six mobile commodes are presented, the preferred model being the Mayfair commode supplied by Carters (J&A) Ltd. The article concludes by identifying a number of important considerations to bear in mind when selecting a commode.
Human Trafficking in the Emergency Department
Patel, Ronak B.; Ahn, Roy; Burke, Thomas F.
2010-01-01
Human trafficking continues to persist, affecting up to 200 million people worldwide. As clinicians in emergency departments commonly encounter victims of intimate partner violence, some of these encounters will be with trafficking victims. These encounters provide a rare opportunity for healthcare providers to intervene and help. This case report of a human trafficking patient from a teaching hospital illustrates the complexity in identifying these victims. Clinicians can better identify potential trafficking cases by increasing their awareness of this phenomenon, using qualified interpreters, isolating potential victims by providing privacy and using simple clear reassuring statements ensuring security. A multidisciplinary approach can then be mobilized to help these patients. PMID:21293753
Tonsillar Surface Micro Flora: Does it Truly Represent Pathological Tonsillar Flora?
Haq, Syed Nadeem Ul; Ayub, Zeeshan; Ahmed, Azeema
2017-01-01
To determine the best method of identifying core tonsillar flora. Quasi-experimental study. ENT Department, Combined Military Hospital, Lahore, from September 2013 to October 2015. Eighty-seven patients of recurrent tonsillitis undergoing tonsillectomy were included. All the patients, after being anaesthetised, had surface swabs taken from the tonsillar surface followed by tonsillar aspiration with a 5cc syringe. Following tonsillectomy, the tonsils were sent for culture of core flora. All three specimens from each patient were cultured according to established criteria. The patient population had 33 (37%) female and 54 (62%) male patients. Flora of 12 (13.8%) surface swabs and 68 (78.2%) tonsillar aspirates matched the flora cultured from core of the tonsils. Chi-square test showed this difference to be significant (p-value <0.001). Tonsillar aspiration gave a much more realistic picture of the tonsillar core flora as compared to surface swabs.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
2002-01-01
In May 2000, senior officials of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and NASA signed an agreement that would commit the two agencies to create the Patient Safety Reporting System (PSRS) to report: events or situations that could have resulted in accident, injury, or illness, but did not, either by chance or through timely intervention (close-calls); unexpected serious occurrences that involved a patient or employee's death, physical injury, or psychological injury; lessens learned; and safety ideas. The VA provided NASA with funding for the initial development of the new system, which automatically removes all personal names, facility names and locations, and other potentially identifying information before entering reports into its database. Designed to complement the VA's current internal reporting systems, the PSRS is modeled after NASA's Aviation Safety Reporting System, which was established in 1975 under a Memorandum of Agreement between the Federal Aviation Administration and NASA and began operation in 1976.
Using soft systems methodology to develop a simulation of out-patient services.
Lehaney, B; Paul, R J
1994-10-01
Discrete event simulation is an approach to modelling a system in the form of a set of mathematical equations and logical relationships, usually used for complex problems, which are difficult to address by using analytical or numerical methods. Managing out-patient services is such a problem. However, simulation is not in itself a systemic approach, in that it provides no methodology by which system boundaries and system activities may be identified. The investigation considers the use of soft systems methodology as an aid to drawing system boundaries and identifying system activities, for the purpose of simulating the outpatients' department at a local hospital. The long term aims are to examine the effects that the participative nature of soft systems methodology has on the acceptability of the simulation model, and to provide analysts and managers with a process that may assist in planning strategies for health care.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-01-01
... 7 Agriculture 8 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Handlers use of identifying marks utilized by the committee in promotional and advertising projects. 906.137 Section 906.137 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Marketing Agreements and Orders; Fruits, Vegetables, Nuts), DEPARTMENT OF...
Bartels, Christie M; Roberts, Tonya J; Hansen, Karen E; Jacobs, Elizabeth A; Gilmore, Andrea; Maxcy, Courtney; Bowers, Barbara J
2016-04-01
Despite increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients often lack CVD preventive care. We examined CVD preventive care processes from RA patient and provider perspectives to develop a process map for identifying targets for future interventions to improve CVD preventive care. Thirty-one participants (15 patients, 7 rheumatologists, and 9 primary care physicians [PCPs]) participated in interviews that were coded using NVivo software and analyzed using grounded theory techniques. Patients and providers reported that receipt of preventive care depends upon identifying and acting on risk factors, although most noted that both processes rarely occurred. Engagement in these processes was influenced by various provider-, system-, visit-, and patient-related conditions, such as patient activation or patients' knowledge about their risk. While nearly half of patients and PCPs were unaware of RA-CVD risk, all rheumatologists were aware of risk. Rheumatologists reported not systematically identifying risk factors, or, if identified, they described communicating about CVD risk factors via clinic notes to PCPs instead of acting directly due to perceived role boundaries. PCPs suggested that scheduling PCP visits could improve CVD risk management, and all participants viewed comanagement positively. Findings from this study illustrate important gaps and opportunities to support identifying and acting on CVD risk factors in RA patients from the provider, system, visit, and patient levels. Future work should investigate professional role support through improved guidelines, patient activation, and system-based RA-CVD preventive care strategies. © 2016, American College of Rheumatology.
25 CFR 23.81 - Assistance in identifying witnesses.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-04-01
... 25 Indians 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Assistance in identifying witnesses. 23.81 Section 23.81 Indians BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR HUMAN SERVICES INDIAN CHILD WELFARE ACT Assistance to State Courts § 23.81 Assistance in identifying witnesses. Upon the request of a party in an...
25 CFR 23.81 - Assistance in identifying witnesses.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-04-01
... 25 Indians 1 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Assistance in identifying witnesses. 23.81 Section 23.81 Indians BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR HUMAN SERVICES INDIAN CHILD WELFARE ACT Assistance to State Courts § 23.81 Assistance in identifying witnesses. Upon the request of a party in an...
Eliason, Michael J; Melzer, Jonathan M; Winters, Jessica R; Gallagher, Thomas Q
2016-08-01
To complement a case series review of button battery impactions managed at our single military tertiary care center with a thorough literature review of laboratory research and clinical cases to develop a protocol to optimize patient care. Specifically, to identify predictive factors of long-term complications which can be used by the pediatric otolaryngologist to guide patient management after button battery impactions. A retrospective review of the Department of Defense's electronic medical record systems was conducted to identify patients with button battery ingestions and then characterize their treatment course. A thorough literature review complemented the lessons learned to identify potentially predictive clinical measures for long-term complications. Eight patients were identified as being treated for button battery impaction in the aerodigestive tract with two sustaining long-term complications. The median age of the patients treated was 33 months old and the median estimated time of impaction in the aerodigestive tract prior to removal was 10.5 h. Time of impaction, anatomic direction of the battery's negative pole, and identifying specific battery parameters were identified as factors that may be employed to predict sequelae. Based on case reviews, advancements in battery manufacturing, and laboratory research, there are distinct clinical factors that should be assessed at the time of initial therapy to guide follow-up management to minimize potential catastrophic sequelae of button battery ingestion. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.
25 CFR 23.81 - Assistance in identifying witnesses.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-04-01
... 25 Indians 1 2012-04-01 2011-04-01 true Assistance in identifying witnesses. 23.81 Section 23.81 Indians BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR HUMAN SERVICES INDIAN CHILD WELFARE ACT Assistance to State Courts § 23.81 Assistance in identifying witnesses. Upon the request of a party in an...
25 CFR 23.81 - Assistance in identifying witnesses.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR
2013-04-01
... 25 Indians 1 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Assistance in identifying witnesses. 23.81 Section 23.81 Indians BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR HUMAN SERVICES INDIAN CHILD WELFARE ACT Assistance to State Courts § 23.81 Assistance in identifying witnesses. Upon the request of a party in an...
25 CFR 23.81 - Assistance in identifying witnesses.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-04-01
... 25 Indians 1 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Assistance in identifying witnesses. 23.81 Section 23.81 Indians BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR HUMAN SERVICES INDIAN CHILD WELFARE ACT Assistance to State Courts § 23.81 Assistance in identifying witnesses. Upon the request of a party in an...
A rare cause of headache: cerebral venous sinus thrombosis due to hyperthyroidism.
Pekdemir, Murat; Yilmaz, Serkan; Ersel, Murat; Sarisoy, Hasan Tahsin
2008-03-01
Headache represents up to 4% of all emergency department (ED) visits. Emergency physicians generally are concerned with identifying those patients whose headaches are caused by life-threatening conditions. Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis may be difficult to diagnose clinically because of its various and nonspecific manifestations. The most frequent but least specific symptom of sinus thrombosis is severe headache, which is present in more than 90% of adult patients. In the case report we present, a patient had severe headache and was diagnosed until third ED visit at different hospitals. He had one of the most unusual causes of headache, that is, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis due to hyperthyroidism.
Turner, Joseph S; Pettit, Katie E; Buente, Bryce B; Humbert, Aloysius J; Perkins, Anthony J; Kline, Jeffrey A
2016-05-21
Effective communication with patients impacts clinical outcome and patient satisfaction. We measure the rate at which medical students use six targeted communication elements with patients and association of element use with patient satisfaction. Participants included fourth year medical students enrolled in an emergency medicine clerkship. A trained observer measured use of six communication elements: acknowledging the patient by name, introducing themselves by name, identifying their role, explaining the care plan, explaining that multiple providers would see the patient, and providing an estimated duration of time in the emergency department. The observer then conducted a survey of patient satisfaction with the medical student encounter. A total of 246 encounters were documented among forty medical student participants. For the six communication elements evaluated, in 61% of encounters medical students acknowledged the patient, in 91% they introduced themselves, in 58 % they identified their role as a student, in 64% they explained the care plan, in 80% they explained that another provider would see the patient, and in only 6% they provided an estimated duration of care. Only 1 encounter (0.4%) contained all six elements. Patients' likelihood to refer a loved one to that ED was increased when students acknowledged the patient and described that other providers would be involved in patient care (P = 0.016 and 0.015 respectively, Chi Square). Likewise, patients' likelihood to return to the ED was increased when students described their role in patient care (P = 0.035, Chi Square). This pilot study demonstrates that medical students infrequently use all targeted communication elements. When they did use certain elements, patient satisfaction increased. These data imply potential benefit to additional training for students in patient communication.
21 CFR 822.37 - Under what circumstances would you inspect records identifying subjects?
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-04-01
... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Under what circumstances would you inspect records identifying subjects? 822.37 Section 822.37 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH... Under what circumstances would you inspect records identifying subjects? We can inspect and copy records...
Lin, Margaret Jane; Tirosh, Adva Gutman; Landry, Alden
2015-12-01
Patient comprehension of emergency department (ED) discharge instructions is important for ensuring that patients understand their diagnosis, recommendations for treatment, appropriate follow-up, and reasons to return. However, many patients may not fully understand their instructions. Furthermore, some patients may state they understand their instructions even when they do not. We surveyed 75 patients on their perception of their understanding of their ED discharge instructions, and asked them specific questions about the instructions. We also performed a chart review, and examined patients' answers for correlation with the written instructions and medical chart. We then performed a statistical analysis evaluating which patients claimed understanding but who were found to have poor understanding on chart review. Overall, there was no significant correlation between patient self-reported understanding and physician evaluation of their understanding (ρ = 0.221, p = 0.08). However, among female patients and patients with less than 4 years of college, there was significant positive correlation between self-report and physician evaluation of comprehension (ρ = 0.326, p = 0.04 and ρ = 0.344, p = 0.04, respectively), whereas there was no correlation for male patients and those with more than 16 years of education (ρ = 0.008, p = 0.9, ρ = -0.041, p = 0.84, respectively). Patients' perception of their understanding may not be accurate, especially among men, and those with greater than college education. Identifying which patients say they understand their discharge instructions, but may actually have poor comprehension could help focus future interventions on improving comprehension.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR
2013-01-01
... Administrative Personnel DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY-OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT) DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT SYSTEM Classification Classification Structure § 9701.212 Bands. (a) For purposes of identifying...
It Could Never Happen Here: Promoting Violence Prevention Education for Emergency Department Nurses.
Koller, Lynne H
2016-08-01
HOW TO OBTAIN CONTACT HOURS BY READING THIS ISSUE Instructions: 1.1 contact hours will be awarded by Villanova University College of Nursing upon successful completion of this activity. A contact hour is a unit of measurement that denotes 60 minutes of an organized learning activity. This is a learner-based activity. Villanova University College of Nursing does not require submission of your answers to the quiz. A contact hour certificate will be awarded after you register, pay the registration fee, and complete the evaluation form online at http://goo.gl/gMfXaf. In order to obtain contact hours you must: 1. Read the article, "It Could Never Happen Here: Promoting Violence Prevention Education for Emergency Department Nurses," found on pages 356-360, carefully noting any tables and other illustrative materials that are included to enhance your knowledge and understanding of the content. Be sure to keep track of the amount of time (number of minutes) you spend reading the article and completing the quiz. 2. Read and answer each question on the quiz. After completing all of the questions, compare your answers to those provided within this issue. If you have incorrect answers, return to the article for further study. 3. Go to the Villanova website to register for contact hour credit. You will be asked to provide your name, contact information, and a VISA, MasterCard, or Discover card number for payment of the $20.00 fee. Once you complete the online evaluation, a certificate will be automatically generated. This activity is valid for continuing education credit until July 31, 2019. CONTACT HOURS This activity is co-provided by Villanova University College of Nursing and SLACK Incorporated. Villanova University College of Nursing is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. OBJECTIVES Suggest strategies targeted for emergency department nurses to prevent or mitigate their exposure to workplace violence. Describe specific patient behaviors that will help emergency nurses in identifying potentially violent patients. Review the importance of following written facility violence prevention policies, as well as reporting all violent events. DISCLOSURE STATEMENT Neither the planners nor the author have any conflicts of interest to disclose. This article describes the necessity for emergency department nurses to receive violence prevention training to identify and mitigate violent events before they occur. In the emergency department setting, violence is a frequent occurrence and continues to be a growing concern. Despite the growing numbers, focus on training of staff in violence minimization and prevention has decreased. This article outlines three important safety topics and interventions that can be used to assist nurses when managing potentially violent patients: creating a safe emergency department environment, recognizing and evaluating the behaviors of a potentially violent patient, and identifying nurses' behaviors that may trigger patient violence. Nurses educated in violence prevention will be better prepared to recognize potentially violent patients, use specific strategies to prevent violence, and manage a violent event in a safe, professional manner. J Contin Educ Nurs. 2016;47(8):356-360. Copyright 2016, SLACK Incorporated.
Li, Jun; Roebuck, Paul; Grünewald, Stefan; Liang, Han
2012-07-01
An important task in biomedical research is identifying biomarkers that correlate with patient clinical data, and these biomarkers then provide a critical foundation for the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Conventionally, such an analysis is based on individual genes, but the results are often noisy and difficult to interpret. Using a biological network as the searching platform, network-based biomarkers are expected to be more robust and provide deep insights into the molecular mechanisms of disease. We have developed a novel bioinformatics web server for identifying network-based biomarkers that most correlate with patient survival data, SurvNet. The web server takes three input files: one biological network file, representing a gene regulatory or protein interaction network; one molecular profiling file, containing any type of gene- or protein-centred high-throughput biological data (e.g. microarray expression data or DNA methylation data); and one patient survival data file (e.g. patients' progression-free survival data). Given user-defined parameters, SurvNet will automatically search for subnetworks that most correlate with the observed patient survival data. As the output, SurvNet will generate a list of network biomarkers and display them through a user-friendly interface. SurvNet can be accessed at http://bioinformatics.mdanderson.org/main/SurvNet.
Salicylate poisoning: an evidence-based consensus guideline for out-of-hospital management.
Chyka, Peter A; Erdman, Andrew R; Christianson, Gwenn; Wax, Paul M; Booze, Lisa L; Manoguerra, Anthony S; Caravati, E Martin; Nelson, Lewis S; Olson, Kent R; Cobaugh, Daniel J; Scharman, Elizabeth J; Woolf, Alan D; Troutman, William G
2007-01-01
A review of U.S. poison center data for 2004 showed over 40,000 exposures to salicylate-containing products. A guideline that determines the conditions for emergency department referral and pre-hospital care could potentially optimize patient outcome, avoid unnecessary emergency department visits, reduce health care costs, and reduce life disruption for patients and caregivers. An evidence-based expert consensus process was used to create the guideline. Relevant articles were abstracted by a trained physician researcher. The first draft of the guideline was created by the lead author. The entire panel discussed and refined the guideline before distribution to secondary reviewers for comment. The panel then made changes based on the secondary review comments. The objective of this guideline is to assist poison center personnel in the appropriate out-of-hospital triage and initial out-of-hospital management of patients with a suspected exposure to salicylates by 1) describing the process by which a specialist in poison information should evaluate an exposure to salicylates, 2) identifying the key decision elements in managing cases of salicylate exposure, 3) providing clear and practical recommendations that reflect the current state of knowledge, and 4) identifying needs for research. This guideline is based on an assessment of current scientific and clinical information. The expert consensus panel recognizes that specific patient care decisions may be at variance with this guideline and are the prerogative of the patient and the health professionals providing care, considering all of the circumstances involved. This guideline does not substitute for clinical judgment. Recommendations are in chronological order of likely clinical use. The grade of recommendation is in parentheses: 1) Patients with stated or suspected self-harm or who are the victims of a potentially malicious administration of a salicylate, should be referred to an emergency department immediately. This referral should be guided by local poison center procedures. In general, this should occur regardless of the dose reported (Grade D). 2) The presence of typical symptoms of salicylate toxicity such as hematemesis, tachypnea, hyperpnea, dyspnea, tinnitus, deafness, lethargy, seizures, unexplained lethargy, or confusion warrants referral to an emergency department for evaluation (Grade C). 3) Patients who exhibit typical symptoms of salicylate toxicity or nonspecific symptoms such as unexplained lethargy, confusion, or dyspnea, which could indicate the development of chronic salicylate toxicity, should be referred to an emergency department (Grade C). 4) Patients without evidence of self-harm should have further evaluation, including determination of the dose, time of ingestion, presence of symptoms, history of other medical conditions, and the presence of co-ingestants. The acute ingestion of more than 150 mg/kg or 6.5 g of aspirin equivalent, whichever is less, warrants referral to an emergency department. Ingestion of greater than a lick or taste of oil of wintergreen (98% methyl salicylate) by children under 6 years of age and more than 4 mL of oil of wintergreen by patients 6 years of age and older could cause systemic salicylate toxicity and warrants referral to an emergency department (Grade C). 5) Do not induce emesis for ingestions of salicylates (Grade D). 6) Consider the out-of-hospital administration of activated charcoal for acute ingestions of a toxic dose if it is immediately available, no contraindications are present, the patient is not vomiting, and local guidelines for its out-of-hospital use are observed. However, do not delay transportation in order to administer activated charcoal (Grade D). 7) Women in the last trimester of pregnancy who ingest below the dose for emergency department referral and do not have other referral conditions should be directed to their primary care physician, obstetrician, or a non-emergent health care facility for evaluation of maternal and fetal risk. Routine referral to an emergency department for immediate care is not required (Grade C). 8) For asymptomatic patients with dermal exposures to methyl salicylate or salicylic acid, the skin should be thoroughly washed with soap and water and the patient can be observed at home for development of symptoms (Grade C). 9) For patients with an ocular exposure of methyl salicylate or salicylic acid, the eye(s) should be irrigated with room-temperature tap water for 15 minutes. If after irrigation the patient is having pain, decreased visual acuity, or persistent irritation, referral for an ophthalmological examination is indicated (Grade D). 10) Poison centers should monitor the onset of symptoms whenever possible by conducting follow-up calls at periodic intervals for approximately 12 hours after ingestion of non-enteric-coated salicylate products, and for approximately 24 hours after the ingestion of enteric-coated aspirin (Grade C).
10 CFR 1017.12 - Prohibitions on identifying Unclassified Controlled Nuclear Information.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-01-01
... Nuclear Information. 1017.12 Section 1017.12 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY (GENERAL PROVISIONS) IDENTIFICATION AND PROTECTION OF UNCLASSIFIED CONTROLLED NUCLEAR INFORMATION Initially Determining What Information Is Unclassified Controlled Nuclear Information § 1017.12 Prohibitions on identifying Unclassified...
10 CFR 1017.12 - Prohibitions on identifying Unclassified Controlled Nuclear Information.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-01-01
... Nuclear Information. 1017.12 Section 1017.12 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY (GENERAL PROVISIONS) IDENTIFICATION AND PROTECTION OF UNCLASSIFIED CONTROLLED NUCLEAR INFORMATION Initially Determining What Information Is Unclassified Controlled Nuclear Information § 1017.12 Prohibitions on identifying Unclassified...
10 CFR 1017.12 - Prohibitions on identifying Unclassified Controlled Nuclear Information.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-01-01
... Nuclear Information. 1017.12 Section 1017.12 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY (GENERAL PROVISIONS) IDENTIFICATION AND PROTECTION OF UNCLASSIFIED CONTROLLED NUCLEAR INFORMATION Initially Determining What Information Is Unclassified Controlled Nuclear Information § 1017.12 Prohibitions on identifying Unclassified...
10 CFR 1017.12 - Prohibitions on identifying Unclassified Controlled Nuclear Information.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-01-01
... Nuclear Information. 1017.12 Section 1017.12 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY (GENERAL PROVISIONS) IDENTIFICATION AND PROTECTION OF UNCLASSIFIED CONTROLLED NUCLEAR INFORMATION Initially Determining What Information Is Unclassified Controlled Nuclear Information § 1017.12 Prohibitions on identifying Unclassified...
Burkhart, Lisa; Sohn, Min-Woong; Jordan, Neil; Tarlov, Elizabeth; Gampetro, Pamela; LaVela, Sherri L
2016-01-01
The Veterans Health Administration piloted patient-centered care (PCC) innovations beginning in 2010 to improve patient and provider experience and environment in ambulatory care. We use secondary data to look at longitudinal trends, evaluate system redesign, and identify areas for further quality improvement. This was a retrospective, observational study using existing secondary data from multiple US Department of Veteran Affairs sources to evaluate changes in veteran and facility outcomes associated with PCC innovations at 2 innovation and matched comparison sites between FY 2008-2010 (pre-PCC innovations) and FY 2011-2012 (post-PCC innovations). Outcomes included access to primary care providers (PCPs); primary, specialty, and emergency care use; and clinical indicators for chronic disease. Longitudinal trends revealed a different story at each site. One site demonstrated better PCP access, decrease in emergency and primary care use, increase in specialty care use, and improvement in diabetic glucose control. The other site demonstrated a decrease in PCP access and primary care use, no change in specialty care use, and an increase in diastolic blood pressure in relation to the comparison site. Secondary data analysis can reveal longitudinal trends associated with system changes, thereby informing program evaluation and identifying opportunities for quality improvement.
Methylphenidate poisoning: an evidence-based consensus guideline for out-of-hospital management.
Scharman, Elizabeth J; Erdman, Andrew R; Cobaugh, Daniel J; Olson, Kent R; Woolf, Alan D; Caravati, E Martin; Chyka, Peter A; Booze, Lisa L; Manoguerra, Anthony S; Nelson, Lewis S; Christianson, Gwenn; Troutman, William G
2007-01-01
A review of US poison center data for 2004 showed over 8,000 ingestions of methylphenidate. A guideline that determines the conditions for emergency department referral and prehospital care could potentially optimize patient outcome, avoid unnecessary emergency department visits, reduce health care costs, and reduce life disruption for patients and caregivers. An evidence-based expert consensus process was used to create the guideline. Relevant articles were abstracted by a trained physician researcher. The first draft of the guideline was created by the lead author. The entire panel discussed and refined the guideline before distribution to secondary reviewers for comment. The panel then made changes based on the secondary review comments. The objective of this guideline is to assist poison center personnel in the appropriate out-of-hospital triage and initial out-of-hospital management of patients with suspected ingestions of methylphenidate by 1) describing the process by which a specialist in poison information should evaluate an exposure to methylphenidate, 2) identifying the key decision elements in managing cases of methylphenidate ingestion, 3) providing clear and practical recommendations that reflect the current state of knowledge, and 4) identifying needs for research. This review focuses on the ingestion of more than a single therapeutic dose of methylphenidate and the effects of an overdose and is based on an assessment of current scientific and clinical information. The expert consensus panel recognizes that specific patient care decisions may be at variance with this guideline and are the prerogative of the patient and the health professionals providing care, considering all of the circumstances involved. This guideline does not substitute for clinical judgment. Recommendations are in chronological order of likely clinical use. The grade of recommendation is in parentheses. 1) All patients with suicidal intent, intentional abuse, or in cases in which a malicious intent is suspected (e.g., child abuse or neglect) should be referred to an emergency department (Grade D). 2) In patients without evidence of self-harm, abuse, or malicious intent, poison center personnel should elicit additional information including the time of the ingestion, the precise dose ingested, and the presence of coingestants (Grade D). 3) Patients who are chronically taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor and who have ingested any amount of methylphenidate require referral to an emergency department (Grade D). 4) Patients experiencing any changes in behavior other than mild stimulation or agitation should be referred to an emergency department. Examples of moderate to severe symptoms that warrant referral include moderate-to-severe agitation, hallucinations, abnormal muscle movements, headache, chest pain, loss of consciousness, or convulsions (Grade D). 5) For patients referred to an emergency department, transportation via ambulance should be considered based on several factors including the condition of the patient and the length of time it will take for the patient to arrive at the emergency department (Grade D). 6) If the patient has no symptoms, and more than 3 hours have elapsed between the time of ingestion and the call to the poison center, referral to an emergency department is not recommended (Grade D). 7) Patients with acute or acute-on-chronic ingestions of less than a toxic dose (see recommendations 8, 9, and 10) or chronic exposures to methylphenidate with no or mild symptoms can be observed at home with instructions to call the poison center back if symptoms develop or worsen. For acute-on-chronic ingestions, the caller should be instructed not to administer methylphenidate to the patient for the next 24 hours. The poison center should consider making a follow-up call at approximately 3 hours after ingestion (Grade D). 8) Patients who ingest more than 2 mg/kg or 60 mg, whichever is less, of an immediate-release formulation (or the equivalent amount of a modified-release formulation that has been chewed) should be referred to an emergency department (Grade C). 9) If a patch has been swallowed, consider the entire contents of the patch (not just the labeled dose of the patch) to have been ingested. Patients who ingest more than 2 mg/kg or 60 mg, whichever is less should be referred to an emergency department. If it is known that the patch has been chewed only briefly, and the patch remains intact, significant toxicity is unlikely and emergency department referral is not necessary (Grade D). 10) Patients who ingest more than 4 mg/kg or 120 mg, whichever is less, of an intact modified-release formulation should be referred to an emergency department (Grade D). 11) For oral exposures, do not induce emesis (Grade D). 12) Pre-hospital activated charcoal administration, if available, should only be carried out by health professionals and only if no contraindications are present. Do not delay transportation in order to administer activate charcoal (Grade D). 13) Benzodiazepines can be administered by EMS personnel if agitation, dystonia, or convulsions are present and if authorized by EMS medical direction expressed by written treatment protocol or policy or direct medical oversight (Grade C). 14) Standard advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) measures should be administered by EMS personnel if respiratory arrest, cardiac dysrhythmias, or cardiac arrest are present and if authorized by EMS medical direction expressed by written treatment protocol or policy or direct medical oversight (Grade C).
42 CFR 2.52 - Research activities.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-10-01
... 42 Public Health 1 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Research activities. 2.52 Section 2.52 Public... OF ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE PATIENT RECORDS Disclosures Without Patient Consent § 2.52 Research... research if the program director makes a determination that the recipient of the patient identifying...
42 CFR 2.52 - Research activities.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-10-01
... 42 Public Health 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Research activities. 2.52 Section 2.52 Public... OF ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE PATIENT RECORDS Disclosures Without Patient Consent § 2.52 Research... research if the program director makes a determination that the recipient of the patient identifying...
42 CFR 2.52 - Research activities.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-10-01
... 42 Public Health 1 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Research activities. 2.52 Section 2.52 Public... OF ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE PATIENT RECORDS Disclosures Without Patient Consent § 2.52 Research... research if the program director makes a determination that the recipient of the patient identifying...
Ronald, L A; Ling, D I; FitzGerald, J M; Schwartzman, K; Bartlett-Esquilant, G; Boivin, J-F; Benedetti, A; Menzies, D
2017-05-01
An increasing number of studies are using health administrative databases for tuberculosis (TB) research. However, there are limitations to using such databases for identifying patients with TB. To summarise validated methods for identifying TB in health administrative databases. We conducted a systematic literature search in two databases (Ovid Medline and Embase, January 1980-January 2016). We limited the search to diagnostic accuracy studies assessing algorithms derived from drug prescription, International Classification of Diseases (ICD) diagnostic code and/or laboratory data for identifying patients with TB in health administrative databases. The search identified 2413 unique citations. Of the 40 full-text articles reviewed, we included 14 in our review. Algorithms and diagnostic accuracy outcomes to identify TB varied widely across studies, with positive predictive value ranging from 1.3% to 100% and sensitivity ranging from 20% to 100%. Diagnostic accuracy measures of algorithms using out-patient, in-patient and/or laboratory data to identify patients with TB in health administrative databases vary widely across studies. Use solely of ICD diagnostic codes to identify TB, particularly when using out-patient records, is likely to lead to incorrect estimates of case numbers, given the current limitations of ICD systems in coding TB.
Quality in transitional care of the elderly: Key challenges and relevant improvement measures
Storm, Marianne; Siemsen, Inger Margrete D.; Laugaland, Kristin; Dyrstad, Dagrunn Nåden; Aase, Karina
2014-01-01
Introduction Elderly people aged over 75 years with multifaceted care needs are often in need of hospital treatment. Transfer across care levels for this patient group increases the risk of adverse events. The aim of this paper is to establish knowledge of quality in transitional care of the elderly in two Norwegian hospital regions by identifying issues affecting the quality of transitional care and based on these issues suggest improvement measures. Methodology Included in the study were elderly patients (75+) receiving health care in the municipality admitted to hospital emergency department or discharged to community health care with hip fracture or with a general medical diagnosis. Participant observations of admission and discharge transitions (n = 41) were carried out by two researchers. Results Six main challenges with belonging descriptions have been identified: (1) next of kin (bridging providers, advocacy, support, information brokering), (2) patient characteristics (level of satisfaction, level of insecurity, complex clinical conditions), (3) health care personnel's competence (professional, system, awareness of others’ roles), (4) information exchange (oral, written, electronic), (5) context (stability, variability, change incentives, number of patient handovers) and (6) patient assessment (complex clinical picture, patient description, clinical assessment). Conclusion Related to the six main challenges, several measures have been suggested to improve quality in transitional care, e.g. information to and involvement of patients and next of kin, staff training, standardisation of routines and inter-organisational staff meetings. PMID:24868196
10 CFR 1017.12 - Prohibitions on identifying Unclassified Controlled Nuclear Information.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR
2013-01-01
... Nuclear Information. 1017.12 Section 1017.12 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY (GENERAL PROVISIONS) IDENTIFICATION AND PROTECTION OF UNCLASSIFIED CONTROLLED NUCLEAR INFORMATION Initially Determining What Information Is Unclassified Controlled Nuclear Information § 1017.12 Prohibitions on identifying Unclassified...
42 CFR 2.52 - Research activities.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-10-01
... 42 Public Health 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Research activities. 2.52 Section 2.52 Public... OF ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE PATIENT RECORDS Disclosures Without Patient Consent § 2.52 Research... research if the program director makes a determination that the recipient of the patient identifying...
42 CFR 2.52 - Research activities.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR
2013-10-01
... 42 Public Health 1 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Research activities. 2.52 Section 2.52 Public... OF ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE PATIENT RECORDS Disclosures Without Patient Consent § 2.52 Research... research if the program director makes a determination that the recipient of the patient identifying...
'Dancing eyes, dancing feet syndrome' in small cell lung carcinoma.
Sharma, Chandramohan; Acharya, Mihir; Kumawat, Bansi Lal; Kochar, Abhishek
2014-04-23
A 60-year-old man presented with a 25-day history of acute onset instability of gait, tremulousness of limbs and involuntary eye movements. Examination revealed presence of opsoclonus, myoclonus and ataxia, without any loss of motor power in the limbs. Prompt investigations were directed towards identifying an underlying malignancy which is often associated with this type of clinical scenario. CT of the brain was normal and cerebrospinal fluid examination showed lymphocytic pleocytosis. A cavitatory lesion was found in the right lung base on the high-resolution CT of the chest and histopathological examination of this lung mass showed small cell lung carcinoma. The patient was managed symptomatically with levetiracetam and baclofen and referred to oncology department for resection of the lung mass.
Klobusicky, Joseph J.; Aryasomayajula, Arun; Marko, Nicholas
2015-01-01
Efforts toward improving patient compliance in medication focus on either identifying trends in patient features or studying changes through an intervention. Our study seeks to provide an important link between these two approaches through defining trends of evolving compliance. In addition to using clinical covariates provided through insurance claims and health records, we also extracted census based data to provide socioeconomic covariates such as income and population density. Through creating quadrants based on periods of medicine intake, we derive several novel definitions of compliance. These definitions revealed additional compliance trends through considering refill histories later in a patient’s length of therapy. These results suggested that the link between patient features and compliance includes a temporal component, and should be considered in policymaking when identifying compliant subgroups. PMID:26958212
DOT National Transportation Integrated Search
2004-12-01
House Report 108-243 (2003) accompanying the FY 2004 Department of Transportation : Appropriations Act requested the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to prepare a : report identifying the impediments to the formation of large, capital-intensiv...
Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2011-08-17
... Transnational Criminal Organizations.'' FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Assistant Director, Sanctions... DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Office of Foreign Assets Control Additional Identifying Information... 13581of July 24, 2011, ``Blocking Property of Transnational Criminal Organizations.'' AGENCY: Office of...
Clinical application of pharmacogenetics: focusing on practical issues.
Chang, Matthew T; McCarthy, Jeanette J; Shin, Jaekyu
2015-01-01
Recent large-scale genetic-based studies have transformed the field of pharmacogenetics to identify, characterize and leverage genetic information to inform patient care. Genetic testing can be used to alter drug selection, optimize drug dosing and prevent unnecessary adverse events. As precision medicine becomes the mainstay in the clinic, it becomes critical for clinicians to utilize pharmacogenetics to guide patient care. One primary challenge is identifying patients where genetic tests that can potentially impact patient care. To address this challenge, our review highlights many practical issues clinicians may encounter: identifying candidate patients and clinical laboratories for pharmacogenetic testing, selecting highly curated resources to help asses test validity, reimbursing costs of pharmacogenetic tests, and interpreting of pharmacogenetic test results.
Improving the processes of care and outcomes in obstetrics/gynecology.
Simon, N V; Heaps, K P; Chodroff, C H
1997-09-01
The obstetrics/gynecology department of York Hospital (York Health System, York, Pennsylvania) initiated a program to improve the processes of care and control costs for common women's and newborns' health care services. Twelve clinical policies were established between June 1993 and February 1995. CONDUCTING THE QUALITY IMPROVEMENT (QI) PROJECTS: Using the plan-do-check-act (PDCA) improvement cycle method, the QI group established clinical pathways for high-volume conditions or procedures known to have low rates of complications and clinical guidelines for those conditions or procedures not requiring coordinated efforts of a group of health care professionals. EXAMPLE--PYELONEPHRITIS IN PREGNANCY: The literature had indicated that the prevalence of pyelonephritis can be decreased by identifying and treating asymptomatic bacteriuria early in prenatal care. After the validity of the clinical policy was demonstrated in the resident service, the policy was extended to all private obstetric practices. Dissemination of the finding that most of the admissions for pyelonephritis were for referred patients (for whom we had no control over prenatal care) or for patients referred by private physicians who were not yet following the guidelines quickly led to complete compliance by our obstetricians and other health care providers referring patients to the York Health System. The 12 clinical policies resulted in the elimination of 113 admissions and 5,595 inpatient days and in the reduction of the cost of patient care by $1,306,214 for the years 1994-1995 and 1995-1996 combined, without apparent adverse effects on patient health. A voluntary clinical policies program can change the culture of a department and lead to cost-effectiveness and better quality of patient care.
Van Zant, R Scott; Cape, Kelly Jo; Roach, Katrina; Sweeney, Janie
2013-01-01
Purpose The study purpose was to assess perceptions of physical therapists (PTs) regarding the role of physical therapy in cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention. Methods A 25-item survey, validated by expert cardiovascular/pulmonary (CVP) PTs, was sent electronically to 2,673 PTs. Each item represented an element of clinical practice behavior: education of CVD/risk factors (EDCVD), administration of primary CVD prevention (PRECVD), identifying underlying CVD/risk factors (IDCVD), monitoring CV status in patients with CVD (MONCVD). Responses were assigned numeric values (strongly agree = 5 to strongly disagree = 1), and mean element scores were analyzed. Results Most of the 516 respondents were APTA Section members (34% CVP Section, 42% other Section membership) and worked in academia (53%). Items showing a high (> 95%) level of agreement included patient education of smoking (97%) and monitoring exercise intensity (99%), assessing exercise benefits (99%), clinically identifying obesity (97%) and hypertension (97%), and monitoring CV response to exercise (99%). Items failing to reach 80% overall agreement were patient education of CVD medications (79%) and blood chemistry (72%), and assessing CVD family history (75%), patient BMI (60%), and body composition (33%). Identifying underlying CVD (77.2%) was the only practice behavior failing to reach 80% agreement. Outpatient PTs agreed significantly less to all elements vs. academics, and to IDCVD vs. all PTs except home health. Conclusions Physical therapists support most CVD prevention behaviors, but not given elements of patient education and identifying underlying CVD/risk factors. PMID:23801901
Best practice in wound assessment.
Benbow, Maureen
2016-03-02
Accurate and considered wound assessment is essential to fulfil professional nursing requirements and ensure appropriate patient and wound management. This article describes the main aspects of holistic assessment of the patient and the wound, including identifying patient risk factors and comorbidities, and factors affecting wound healing to ensure optimal outcomes.
Patient-generated secure messages and eVisits on a patient portal: are patients at risk?
North, Frederick; Crane, Sarah J; Stroebel, Robert J; Cha, Stephen S; Edell, Eric S; Tulledge-Scheitel, Sidna M
2013-01-01
Background Patient portals are becoming increasingly common, but the safety of patient messages and eVisits has not been well studied. Unlike patient-to-nurse telephonic communication, patient messages and eVisits involve an asynchronous process that could be hazardous if patients were using it for time-sensitive symptoms such as chest pain or dyspnea. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 7322 messages (6430 secure messages and 892 eVisits). To assess the overall risk associated with the messages, we looked for deaths within 30 days of the message and hospitalizations and emergency department (ED) visits within 7 days following the message. We also examined message content for symptoms of chest pain, breathing concerns, and other symptoms associated with high risk. Results Two deaths occurred within 30 days of a patient-generated message, but were not related to the message. There were six hospitalizations related to a previous secure message (0.09% of secure messages), and two hospitalizations related to a previous eVisit (0.22% of eVisits). High-risk symptoms were present in 3.5% of messages but a subject line search to identify these high-risk messages had a sensitivity of only 15% and a positive predictive value of 29%. Conclusions Patients use portal messages 3.5% of the time for potentially high-risk symptoms of chest pain, breathing concerns, abdominal pain, palpitations, lightheadedness, and vomiting. Death, hospitalization, or an ED visit was an infrequent outcome following a secure message or eVisit. Screening the message subject line for high-risk symptoms was not successful in identifying high-risk message content. PMID:23703826
Using Active Learning to Identify Health Information Technology Related Patient Safety Events.
Fong, Allan; Howe, Jessica L; Adams, Katharine T; Ratwani, Raj M
2017-01-18
The widespread adoption of health information technology (HIT) has led to new patient safety hazards that are often difficult to identify. Patient safety event reports, which are self-reported descriptions of safety hazards, provide one view of potential HIT-related safety events. However, identifying HIT-related reports can be challenging as they are often categorized under other more predominate clinical categories. This challenge of identifying HIT-related reports is exacerbated by the increasing number and complexity of reports which pose challenges to human annotators that must manually review reports. In this paper, we apply active learning techniques to support classification of patient safety event reports as HIT-related. We evaluated different strategies and demonstrated a 30% increase in average precision of a confirmatory sampling strategy over a baseline no active learning approach after 10 learning iterations.
Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2013-02-04
... personnel and law enforcement officers. For Confidential Informants, fingerprints, handwriting samples... Informant; Fingerprints; Handwriting sample; Identifying numbers, such as Social Security Number, Alien...; Photograph of the individual; Fingerprints; Handwriting sample; Identifying numbers, such as Social Security...
24 CFR 971.3 - Standards for identifying developments.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-04-01
... 24 Housing and Urban Development 4 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Standards for identifying developments. 971.3 Section 971.3 Housing and Urban Development Regulations Relating to Housing and Urban Development (Continued) OFFICE OF ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR PUBLIC AND INDIAN HOUSING, DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND...
Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis
... Gyn): A physician with special skills, training, and education in women’s health. Partner Notification: Identifying and notifying sexual partners ... Your Practice Patient Safety & Quality Payment Reform (MACRA) Education & Events Annual ... Women Global Women's Health Council on Patient Safety For ...
The Natural History of Food Allergy.
Savage, Jessica; Sicherer, Scott; Wood, Robert
2016-01-01
On a population level, it is well recognized that some IgE-mediated childhood food allergies, such as milk and egg allergies, are more likely to resolve than others, such as peanut and tree nuts allergies. Unfortunately, some studies suggest that resolution rates may have slowed compared with impressions from past decades. The clinician can apply the knowledge of the epidemiology of these allergies to describe likely patient outcomes, and direct management in a general manner. However, the ability to evaluate and predict the natural course of specific food allergies for individual patients is essential to inform personalized patient care. Data are accumulating to assist in identifying whether a child's allergy has likely resolved, informing the timing of oral food challenges or subsequent testing. Exciting recent studies are increasingly identifying early prognostic markers as well. Emerging food allergy therapies carry risks and costs. Identifying which egg-allergic patient has likely persistent allergy, and which patient with peanut allergy may experience natural resolution, is becoming an important goal to identify the best candidates for these therapies. Although more work needs to be done to identify reliable predictive markers and validate them, there is already much known about the natural course of food allergies that can be applied by the clinician to improve patient care. Copyright © 2016 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
[Breaking bad news in the emergency room: Suggestions and future challenges].
Landa-Ramírez, Edgar; López-Gómez, Antonio; Jiménez-Escobar, Irma; Sánchez-Sosa, Juan José
2017-01-01
The aim of this paper is to describe educational programs that reportedly teach how to break bad news in the emergency department. We also suggest some recommendations on how to communicate bad news based on the research of evidence available in the field. The examined evidence points toward six major components with which physicians should familiarize when communicating bad news: 1) doctor-patient empathic communication, 2) establishing a proper space to give the news, 3) identifying characteristics of the person who receives the news, 4) essential aspects for communicating the news; 5) emotional support, and 6) medical and administrative aspects of the encounter. Finally, we point out several limitations in the studies in the field and future challenges identified in the communication of bad news in emergency room facilities.
... News Clinical Resources Transfusion Medicine Section Patient Blood Management White Paper - Building a Better Patient Blood Management ... Blood Management Subsection Contact the AABB Patient Blood Management Department Contact the AABB Patient Blood Management Department ...
Prostate cancer: how assessment of QoL can improve delivery of care.
Brown, Michelle
Prostate cancer treatments often affect quality of life and problems may present at any point during treatment. Measuring and identifying issues of quality of life (QoL) may create an opportunity for the patient to discuss problems and induce information transfer from health professional to patient and vice versa. Many practitioners already assess QoL in patients with prostate cancer because treatment for the disease can have a dramatic impact on lifestyle. QoL may facilitate a more holistic approach to patient care. Using a QoL assessment tool may promote and enhance the current service provision and aid identification of bothersome side-effects, for example loss of libido, gynaecomastia (i.e. abnormal over-development of the breasts in a man), and hot flushes. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Prostate scale (FACT-P) (Cella et al, 1993) is a prostate-specific QoL assessment tool, which can be self-administered and takes little time to complete. This may be a useful tool in the ongoing management of patients with advanced prostate cancer. With the emphasis on quality of service for cancer patients (Department of Health (DH), 2000; DH, 2007a; National Health Service Improvement, 2009), it is paramount that health professionals continually examine practice and the quality of the service delivered. Addressing QoL issues for the patient with cancer should be a priority. This article will outline the significant side-effects that a patient with advanced prostate cancer may sustain and attempts to indicate how QoL assessment tools may contribute to care management and delivery.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-01-01
... performance, recognizing and rewarding employees, and other associated duties. (c) DHS must document in... Administrative Personnel DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (DEPARTMENT OF... MANAGEMENT SYSTEM Classification Classification Structure § 9701.212 Bands. (a) For purposes of identifying...
Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-01-01
... performance, recognizing and rewarding employees, and other associated duties. (c) DHS must document in... Administrative Personnel DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (DEPARTMENT OF... MANAGEMENT SYSTEM Classification Classification Structure § 9701.212 Bands. (a) For purposes of identifying...
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-01-01
... performance, recognizing and rewarding employees, and other associated duties. (c) DHS must document in... Administrative Personnel DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (DEPARTMENT OF... MANAGEMENT SYSTEM Classification Classification Structure § 9701.212 Bands. (a) For purposes of identifying...
Ground access to airport study
DOT National Transportation Integrated Search
2001-08-24
The Ground Access to Airport Study for the California Department of Transportation (Department), hereinafter referred to as Caltrans, began in July 2000. The Study's primary purpose was to assist Caltrans in identifying needs and provide tools to imp...
Recognising and responding to 'cutting corners' when providing nursing care: a qualitative study.
Jones, Angela; Johnstone, Megan-Jane; Duke, Maxine
2016-08-01
The aim of this study is to report on a key finding of a larger study investigating the 'gaps' in patient care that registered nurses encounter during the course of their practice. A key finding of this larger study was that 'cutting corners' was a gap discerned by nurses. 'Cutting corners' has been characterised as a 'violation' and threat to patient safety, although there is a paucity of research on this issue. Naturalistic inquiry using a qualitative exploratory descriptive approach. Data were collected from a purposeful sample of 71 registered nurses from emergency department, critical care, perioperative, rehabilitation and transitional care and neurosciences settings in Australia and analysed using content and thematic analysis strategies. Cutting corners was a common practice that encompassed (1) the partial or complete omission of patient care, (2) delays in providing care and (3) the failure to do things correctly. Corners were cut in patient assessment, essential nursing care, the care of central venous catheters and medication administration. The practice of cutting corners was perceived as contributing to preventable adverse events. The study found that cutting corners created gaps that contributed to unfinished nursing care and preventable adverse events. The findings of the study raise the possibility that cutting corners is a salient but underinvestigated characteristic of nursing practice. Further research and inquiry are needed to deepen understanding of cutting corners and its impact on patient safety. Identifying the nature and implications of cutting corners when providing nursing care is an important contributing factor to improving patient safety and quality care. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
A Better Patient Experience Through Better Communication
Lang, Elvira V.
2012-01-01
The transformation of healthcare from a seller’s market to a consumer’s market has pushed the element of patient satisfaction into the forefront of various medical facility evaluation tools, including those used by Medicare when weighing reimbursement to hospitals for patient care. Research has identified good communication skills to be a key factor in ensuring better patient outcomes, and nurturing patient satisfaction. Because of the growing amount of money at stake for patients’ satisfaction with a facility, the communication skills of individual healthcare providers are bound to impact their employees' reimbursement, bonuses, and promotion options. Although the dangers of “poor communication,” are evident: “poor communication” is a primary reason for filing a law suit in >80% of cases (Avery, 1985). Identifying the characteristics of “good communication” has been difficult. One factor that adds to the confusion is that research has found some long accepted codes of professional communication protocol to actually be counterproductive. Another factor that adds to the uncertainty is that accurate interpretations of some communication events are counterintuitive. Fortunately it has been possible to extract observable, proven, and teachable “good communication” behaviors from large-scale trials in the radiology department. The resultant Comfort Talk™ approach to communication includes rapid rapport techniques, patient-centered talking styles, and use of hypnotic language. This article overviews some of the Comfort Talk™ approaches to patients interaction and provides operational summaries of a sampling of specific Comfort Talk™ communication techniques, which nurses, technologists, and other healthcare workers can implement in their own practices. PMID:23471099
25 CFR 23.82 - Assistance in identifying language interpreters.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-04-01
... 25 Indians 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Assistance in identifying language interpreters. 23.82 Section 23.82 Indians BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR HUMAN SERVICES INDIAN CHILD... request of a party in an Indian child custody proceeding or of a court, the Secretary or his/her designee...
Operations research in intensive care unit management: a literature review.
Bai, Jie; Fügener, Andreas; Schoenfelder, Jan; Brunner, Jens O
2018-03-01
The intensive care unit (ICU) is a crucial and expensive resource largely affected by uncertainty and variability. Insufficient ICU capacity causes many negative effects not only in the ICU itself, but also in other connected departments along the patient care path. Operations research/management science (OR/MS) plays an important role in identifying ways to manage ICU capacities efficiently and in ensuring desired levels of service quality. As a consequence, numerous papers on the topic exist. The goal of this paper is to provide the first structured literature review on how OR/MS may support ICU management. We start our review by illustrating the important role the ICU plays in the hospital patient flow. Then we focus on the ICU management problem (single department management problem) and classify the literature from multiple angles, including decision horizons, problem settings, and modeling and solution techniques. Based on the classification logic, research gaps and opportunities are highlighted, e.g., combining bed capacity planning and personnel scheduling, modeling uncertainty with non-homogenous distribution functions, and exploring more efficient solution approaches.
Identifying causes of laboratory turnaround time delay in the emergency department.
Jalili, Mohammad; Shalileh, Keivan; Mojtahed, Ali; Mojtahed, Mohammad; Moradi-Lakeh, Maziar
2012-12-01
Laboratory turnaround time (TAT) is an important determinant of patient stay and quality of care. Our objective is to evaluate laboratory TAT in our emergency department (ED) and to generate a simple model for identifying the primary causes for delay. We measured TATs of hemoglobin, potassium, and prothrombin time tests requested in the ED of a tertiary-care, metropolitan hospital during a consecutive one-week period. The time of different steps (physician order, nurse registration, blood-draw, specimen dispatch from the ED, specimen arrival at the laboratory, and result availability) in the test turnaround process were recorded and the intervals between these steps (order processing, specimen collection, ED waiting, transit, and within-laboratory time) and total TAT were calculated. Median TATs for hemoglobin and potassium were compared with those of the 1990 Q-Probes Study (25 min for hemoglobin and 36 min for potassium) and its recommended goals (45 min for 90% of tests). Intervals were compared according to the proportion of TAT they comprised. Median TATs (170 min for 132 hemoglobin tests, 225 min for 172 potassium tests, and 195.5 min for 128 prothrombin tests) were drastically longer than Q-Probes reported and recommended TATs. The longest intervals were ED waiting time and order processing. Laboratory TAT varies among institutions, and data are sparse in developing countries. In our ED, actions to reduce ED waiting time and order processing are top priorities. We recommend utilization of this model by other institutions in settings with limited resources to identify their own priorities for reducing laboratory TAT.
DOT National Transportation Integrated Search
2011-01-01
This report documents the research project Identifying Excessive Vehicle Idling and Opportunities for Off-Road Fuel Tax Credits for : Stationary Operations in the Caltrans Fleet - Phase 1, performed in response to a California Department of Tra...
21 CFR 3.5 - Procedures for identifying the designated agency component.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-04-01
... and Research have entered into agreements clarifying product jurisdictional issues. These guidance... 21 Food and Drugs 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Procedures for identifying the designated agency component. 3.5 Section 3.5 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN...
21 CFR 3.5 - Procedures for identifying the designated agency component.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-04-01
... and Research have entered into agreements clarifying product jurisdictional issues. These guidance... 21 Food and Drugs 1 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Procedures for identifying the designated agency component. 3.5 Section 3.5 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN...
Study protocol: identifying and delivering point-of-care information to improve care coordination.
Hysong, Sylvia J; Che, Xinxuan; Weaver, Sallie J; Petersen, Laura A
2015-10-19
The need for deliberately coordinated care is noted by many national-level organizations. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently transitioned primary care clinics nationwide into Patient Aligned Care Teams (PACTs) to provide more accessible, coordinated, comprehensive, and patient-centered care. To better serve this purpose, PACTs must be able to successfully sequence and route interdependent tasks to appropriate team members while also maintaining collective situational awareness (coordination). Although conceptual frameworks of care coordination exist, few explicitly articulate core behavioral markers of coordination or the related information needs of team members attempting to synchronize complex care processes across time for a shared patient population. Given this gap, we partnered with a group of frontline primary care personnel at ambulatory care sites to identify the specific information needs of PACT members that will enable them to coordinate their efforts to provide effective, coordinated care. The study has three objectives: (1) development of measurable, prioritized point-of-care criteria for effective PACT coordination; (2) identifying the specific information needed at the point of care to optimize coordination; and (3) assessing the effect of adopting the aforementioned coordination standards on PACT clinicians' coordination behaviors. The study consists of three phases. In phase 1, we will employ the Productivity Measurement and Enhancement System (ProMES), a structured approach to performance measure creation from industrial/organizational psychology, to develop coordination measures with a design team of 6-10 primary care personnel; in phase 2, we will conduct focus groups with the phase 1 design team to identify point-of-care information needs. Phase 3 is a two-arm field experiment (n PACT = 28/arm); intervention arm PACTs will receive monthly feedback reports using the measures developed in phase 1 and attend brief monthly feedback sessions. Control arm PACTs will receive no intervention. PACTs will be followed prospectively for up to 1 year. This project combines both action research and implementation science methods to address important gaps in the existing care coordination literature using a partnership-based research design. It will provide an evidence-based framework for care coordination by employing a structured methodology for a systematic approach to care coordination in PACT settings and identifying the information needs that produce the most successful coordination of care. ISRCTN15412521.
Telemedicine in the Context of Force Protection
2007-03-01
with the implications of patient education , scheduling, telesurgery, telementoring, etc. I use the term strictly to mean “Teleconsultation”, “The...available locally; (8) Transmission of medical data; and (9) Public health, preventive medicine, and patient education . To assist nations in identifying
Using voluntary reports from physicians to learn from diagnostic errors in emergency medicine.
Okafor, Nnaemeka; Payne, Velma L; Chathampally, Yashwant; Miller, Sara; Doshi, Pratik; Singh, Hardeep
2016-04-01
Diagnostic errors are common in the emergency department (ED), but few studies have comprehensively evaluated their types and origins. We analysed incidents reported by ED physicians to determine disease conditions, contributory factors and patient harm associated with ED-related diagnostic errors. Between 1 March 2009 and 31 December 2013, ED physicians reported 509 incidents using a department-specific voluntary incident-reporting system that we implemented at two large academic hospital-affiliated EDs. For this study, we analysed 209 incidents related to diagnosis. A quality assurance team led by an ED physician champion reviewed each incident and interviewed physicians when necessary to confirm the presence/absence of diagnostic error and to determine the contributory factors. We generated descriptive statistics quantifying disease conditions involved, contributory factors and patient harm from errors. Among the 209 incidents, we identified 214 diagnostic errors associated with 65 unique diseases/conditions, including sepsis (9.6%), acute coronary syndrome (9.1%), fractures (8.6%) and vascular injuries (8.6%). Contributory factors included cognitive (n=317), system related (n=192) and non-remedial (n=106). Cognitive factors included faulty information verification (41.3%) and faulty information processing (30.6%) whereas system factors included high workload (34.4%) and inefficient ED processes (40.1%). Non-remediable factors included atypical presentation (31.3%) and the patients' inability to provide a history (31.3%). Most errors (75%) involved multiple factors. Major harm was associated with 34/209 (16.3%) of reported incidents. Most diagnostic errors in ED appeared to relate to common disease conditions. While sustaining diagnostic error reporting programmes might be challenging, our analysis reveals the potential value of such systems in identifying targets for improving patient safety in the ED. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/
Farris, Brian; Shakowski, Courtney; Mueller, Scott W; Phong, Suzanne; Kiser, Tyree H; Jacknin, Gabrielle
2018-03-01
Barriers to and clinical implications of patient nonadherence to filling discharge medication prescriptions from the emergency department (ED) were evaluated. This was a retrospective, observational analysis of patients discharged from the ED from April 2013 through May 2015 with medication prescriptions. Patients age 18-89 years who were seen in the ED and did not retrieve discharge medication prescriptions from the onsite, 24-hour ED discharge pharmacy were included in this study. Patients who did not pick up prescriptions were called and asked about barriers to prescription filling. These charts were then retrospectively reviewed and categorized. The primary study outcome was the frequency of nonadherence to filling discharge medications prescribed during the ED visit at the ED outpatient pharmacy. Secondary outcomes included identifying barriers to medication adherence, the rate of return ED visits within 30 days of ED discharge, and the rate of 30-day hospital admissions. Associations between patient and medication variables and the rates of return ED visits within 30 days of discharge and 30-day hospital admissions were analyzed. Of the 4,444 patients discharged from the ED with a prescription to be filled at the satellite pharmacy, 510 were nonadherent. Of these patients, 505 had complete chart information available for evaluation. A large proportion of nonadherent patients revisited the ED within 30 days of ED discharge. Multivariate logistic regression found payer class, ethnicity, and sex were independently associated with return ED visits. The majority of patients who received a prescription during an ED visit filled their discharge medications. Sex, ethnicity, and payer class were independently associated with nonadherence. Copyright © 2018 by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. All rights reserved.
Microsurgical Treatment of Distal Anterior Cerebral Artery Aneurysms: 3-Dimensional Operative Video.
Agarwal, Vijay; Barrow, Daniel L
2018-05-18
Selecting appropriate patient position for surgery must take into consideration a variety of factors. For an interhemispheric approach to distal anterior cerebral artery (DACA) aneurysms, the patient may be positioned with the head either horizontal or vertical with respect to the floor. We preferentially place the patient in the supine position with the shoulder elevated and the head turned parallel to the floor with the side of the approach down and the vertex tilted 45° up. In this way, gravity is utilized to allow the right frontal lobe to fall away from the falx, eliminating the need for retraction. To demonstrate the importance of individualizing the choice of position to each patient, we present here 2 illustrative cases of DACA aneurysms in which different positioning was selected. One patient presented with a 7-mm bilobed pericallosal artery aneurysm; the aneurysm was approached with the head horizontal with respect to the floor. The second patient had a 3-mm DACA aneurysm and a right frontal proliferative angiopathy and developmental venous anomaly with evidence of prior hemorrhage. Due to the vascular anomaly, we positioned the head in a vertical position for surgery to clip the aneurysm, which was thought to be the source of hemorrhage. The videos illustrate the approach to DACA aneurysms, which typically exposes the aneurysm before complete exposure of the proximal parent artery is obtained. In one case, the use of both frameless guidance and intraoperative angiography was useful in identifying a small previously ruptured aneurysm. All appropriate patient consents were obtained for this submission. Video and Figures (0:57-1:16 and 6:30-6:37), © 2017 Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University. Used with permission.
Remington, Austin C; Hernandez-Boussard, Tina; Warstadt, Nicholus M; Finnegan, Micaela A; Shaffer, Robyn; Kwong, Jereen Z; Curtin, Catherine
2016-07-01
Rates of diabetes and its associated comorbidities have been increasing in the United States, with diabetic foot ulcer treatment representing a large cost to the patient and healthcare system. These ulcers often result in multiple hospital admissions. This study examined readmissions following inpatient care for a diabetic foot ulcer and identified modifiable factors associated with all-cause 30-day readmissions to the inpatient or emergency department (ED) setting. We hypothesized that patients undergoing aggressive treatment would have lower 30-day readmission rates. We identified patient discharge records containing International Classification of Disease ninth revision codes for both diabetes mellitus and distal foot ulcer in the State Inpatient and Emergency Department databases from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project in Florida and New York, 2011-2012. All-cause 30-day return to care visits (ED or inpatient) were analyzed. Patient demographics and treatment characteristics were evaluated using univariate and multivariable regression models. The cohort included 25,911 discharges, having a mean age of 63 and an average of 3.8 comorbidities. The overall rate of return to care was 30%, and 21% of subjects underwent a toe or midfoot amputation during their index stay. The most common diagnosis codes upon readmission were diabetes mellitus (19%) and infection (13%). Patients with a toe or midfoot amputation procedure were less likely to be readmitted within 30 days (odds ratio: 0.78; 95% confidence interval: 0.73, 0.84). Presence of comorbidities, black and Hispanic ethnicities, and Medicare and Medicaid payer status were also associated with higher odds of readmission following initial hospitalization (p < 0.05). The study suggests that there are many factors that affect readmission rates for diabetic foot ulcer patients. Understanding patients at high-risk for readmission can improve counseling and treatment strategies for this fragile patient population. © 2016 by the Wound Healing Society.
Fuller, Christopher; Robotham, Julie; Savage, Joanne; Hopkins, Susan; Deeny, Sarah R; Stone, Sheldon; Cookson, Barry
2013-01-01
The English Department of Health introduced universal MRSA screening of admissions to English hospitals in 2010. It commissioned a national audit to review implementation, impact on patient management, admission prevalence and extra yield of MRSA identified compared to "high-risk" specialty or "checklist-activated" screening (CLAS) of patients with MRSA risk factors. National audit May 2011. Questionnaires to infection control teams in all English NHS acute trusts, requesting number patients admitted and screened, new or previously known MRSA; MRSA point prevalence; screening and isolation policies; individual risk factors and patient management for all new MRSA patients and random sample of negatives. 144/167 (86.2%) trusts responded. Individual patient data for 760 new MRSA patients and 951 negatives. 61% of emergency admissions (median 67.3%), 81% (median 59.4%) electives and 47% (median 41.4%) day-cases were screened. MRSA admission prevalence: 1% (median 0.9%) emergencies, 0.6% (median 0.4%) electives, 0.4% (median 0%) day-cases. Approximately 50% all MRSA identified was new. Inpatient MRSA point prevalence: 3.3% (median 2.9%). 104 (77%) trusts pre-emptively isolated patients with previous MRSA, 63 (35%) pre-emptively isolated admissions to "high-risk" specialties; 7 (5%) used PCR routinely. Mean time to MRSA positive result: 2.87 days (±1.33); 37% (219/596) newly identified MRSA patients discharged before result available; 55% remainder (205/376) isolated post-result. In an average trust, CLAS would reduce screening by 50%, identifying 81% of all MRSA. "High risk" specialty screening would reduce screening by 89%, identifying 9% of MRSA. Implementation of universal screening was poor. Admission prevalence (new cases) was low. CLAS reduced screening effort for minor decreases in identification, but implementation may prove difficult. Cost effectiveness of this and other policies, awaits evaluation by transmission dynamic economic modelling, using data from this audit. Until then trusts should seek to improve implementation of current policy and use of isolation facilities.
Opioid-Prescribing Patterns of Emergency Physicians and Risk of Long-Term Use
Barnett, Michael L.; Olenski, Andrew R.; Jena, Anupam B.
2017-01-01
BACKGROUND Increasing overuse of opioids in the United States may be driven in part by physician prescribing. However, the extent to which individual physicians vary in opioid prescribing and the implications of that variation for long-term opioid use and adverse outcomes in patients are unknown. METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis involving Medicare beneficiaries who had an index emergency department visit in the period from 2008 through 2011 and had not received prescriptions for opioids within 6 months before that visit. After identifying the emergency physicians within a hospital who cared for the patients, we categorized the physicians as being high-intensity or low-intensity opioid prescribers according to relative quartiles of prescribing rates within the same hospital. We compared rates of long-term opioid use, defined as 6 months of days supplied, in the 12 months after a visit to the emergency department among patients treated by high-intensity or low-intensity prescribers, with adjustment for patient characteristics. RESULTS Our sample consisted of 215,678 patients who received treatment from low-intensity prescribers and 161,951 patients who received treatment from high-intensity prescribers. Patient characteristics, including diagnoses in the emergency department, were similar in the two treatment groups. Within individual hospitals, rates of opioid prescribing varied widely between low-intensity and high-intensity prescribers (7.3% vs. 24.1%). Long-term opioid use was significantly higher among patients treated by high-intensity prescribers than among patients treated by low-intensity prescribers (adjusted odds ratio, 1.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.23 to 1.37; P<0.001); these findings were consistent across multiple sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS Wide variation in rates of opioid prescribing existed among physicians practicing within the same emergency department, and rates of long-term opioid use were increased among patients who had not previously received opioids and received treatment from high-intensity opioid prescribers. (Funded by the National Institutes of Health.) PMID:28199807
Eack, Shaun M.; Greeno, Catherine G.; Lee, Bong-Jae
2013-01-01
Objective To determine the concordance between the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) in diagnosing anxiety and depressive disorders. Method Fifty women seeking psychiatric services for their children at two mental health centers in Western Pennsylvania were assessed for anxiety and depressive disorders using the SCID and the PHQ. Results Twenty-five women met SCID criteria for at least one anxiety disorder, 11 (44%) of whom the PHQ failed to identify. The PHQ was particularly limited in identifying individuals with anxiety disorders other than panic disorder. Seventeen women met SCID criteria for at least one major depressive disorder, 6 (35%) of whom the PHQ failed to identify. The PHQ was particularly limited in identifying depressed individuals with dysthymia. Conclusions Caution should be used when screening for anxiety and depression with the PHQ. Implications for improving diagnostic accuracy in social work practice are discussed. PMID:24465121
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Zhou, Lihong; Nunes, Miguel Baptista
2012-01-01
This paper reports on a research project that aims at identifying knowledge sharing (KS) barriers between traditional and western medicine practitioners co-existing and complementing each other in Chinese healthcare organisations. The study focuses on the tacit aspects of patient knowledge, rather than the traditional technical information shared…
Coronary arteriography in a district general hospital: feasibility, safety, and diagnostic accuracy.
Ranjadayalan, K; Mills, P G; Sprigings, D C; Mourad, K; Magee, P; Timmis, A D
1990-01-01
OBJECTIVE--To determine the feasibility, safety, and diagnostic accuracy of coronary arteriography in the radiology department of a district general hospital using conventional fluoroscopy and videotape recording. DESIGN--Observational study of the feasibility and safety of coronary arteriography in a district general hospital and analysis of its diagnostic accuracy by prospective within patient comparison of the video recordings with cinearteriograms obtained in a catheter laboratory. SETTING--Radiology department of a district general hospital and the catheter laboratory of a cardiological referral centre. SUBJECTS--50 Patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with streptokinase who underwent coronary arteriography in a district general hospital three (two to five) days after admission. 45 Of these patients had repeat coronary arteriography after four (three to seven) days in the catheter laboratory of a cardiological referral centre. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Incidence of complications associated with catheterisation and the sensitivity and specificity of video recordings in the district general hospital (judged by two experienced observers) for identifying the location and severity of coronary stenoses. RESULTS--Coronary arteriograms recorded on videotape in the district general hospital were obtained in 47 cases and apart from one episode of ventricular fibrilation (treated successfully by cardioversion) there were no complications of the procedure. 45 Patients were transferred for investigation in the catheter laboratory, providing 45 paired coronary arteriograms recorded on videotape and cine film. The specificity of the video recordings for identifying the location and severity of coronary stenoses was over 90%. Sensitivity, however, was lower and for one observer fell below 40% for lesions in the circumflex artery. A cardiothoracic surgeon judged that only nine of the 47 video recordings were adequate for assessing revascularisation requirements. CONCLUSIONS--Coronary arteriography in the radiology department of a district general hospital is safe and feasible. Nevertheless, the quality of image with conventional fluoroscopy and video film is inadequate and will need to be improved before coronary arteriography in this setting can be recommended. PMID:2182164
DOT National Transportation Integrated Search
2007-01-01
At present, there are no clear guidelines for identifying and managing the wide variety of cultural resources within the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) highway rights of way. These resources include such elements as archaeological sites...
Implementation of the rock slope management project at the Virginia Department of Transportation.
DOT National Transportation Integrated Search
2006-01-01
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is currently developing an asset management system, identifying various transportation assets for inclusion in the system. Rock slopes along Virginia's highways can be viewed as assets that need to be ...
Miró, Òscar; Peacock, Frank W; McMurray, John J; Bueno, Héctor; Christ, Michael; Maisel, Alan S; Cullen, Louise; Cowie, Martin R; Di Somma, Salvatore; Martín Sánchez, Francisco J; Platz, Elke; Masip, Josep; Zeymer, Uwe; Vrints, Christiaan; Price, Susanna; Mebazaa, Alexander; Mueller, Christian
2017-06-01
Heart failure is a global public health challenge frequently presenting to the emergency department. After initial stabilization and management, one of the most important decisions is to determine which patients can be safely discharged and which require hospitalization. This is a complex decision that depends on numerous subjective factors, including both the severity of the patient's underlying condition and an estimate of the acuity of the presentation. An emergency department observation period may help select the correct option. Ideally, during an observation period, risk stratification should be carried out using parameters specifically designed for use in the emergency department. Unfortunately, there is little objective literature to guide this disposition decision. An objective and reliable definition of low-risk characteristics to identify early discharge candidates is needed. Benchmarking outcomes in patients discharged from the emergency department without hospitalization could aid this process. Biomarker determinations, although undoubtedly useful in establishing diagnosis and predicting longer-term prognosis, require prospective validation for emergency department disposition guidance. The challenge of identifying emergency department acute heart failure discharge candidates will only be overcome by future multidisciplinary research defining the current knowledge gaps and identifying potential solutions.
Common medical terms defined by parents: are we speaking the same language?
Gittelman, Michael A; Mahabee-Gittens, E Melinda; Gonzalez-del-Rey, Javier
2004-11-01
Physicians often assume that a patient understands frequently utilized medical words and patient management may be based on these assumptions. The objective of this study was to determine the public's definition of regularly used medical terminology. A cross-sectional convenience survey was conducted for guardians of children presenting to an urban pediatric emergency department. The orally completed, open-ended questionnaire included parental demographic information and their definition of eleven commonly used medical terms. The words chosen represent common chief complaints given in our emergency department. Definitions were grouped, and a concordance rate of 75% was chosen to consider responses similar. One hundred twenty-two guardians completed the survey (89% parents, 88% female, and 55% high school graduates). Caregivers agreed on the definitions of diarrhea, constipation, dehydration, fever, and seizure. However, diarrhea and constipation were mainly defined by either stool consistency or frequency, not both. Dehydration was appropriately defined as lack of body fluids (92%), but many parents had difficulty identifying more than one sign of dehydration. Fever was thought to be an elevated body temperature (76%), yet 69% felt that a temperature less than 100.5 degrees F was considered a fever. Most respondents did not know the definitions of meningitis (70%), lethargy (64%), and virus (40%). Although commonly used in everyday conversation, there seems to be a large disparity between a caregiver's perception and the actual definition of medical terms. More precise communication may help both parties to understand the true situation.
Woolf, Alan D; Erdman, Andrew R; Nelson, Lewis S; Caravati, E Martin; Cobaugh, Daniel J; Booze, Lisa L; Wax, Paul M; Manoguerra, Anthony S; Scharman, Elizabeth J; Olson, Kent R; Chyka, Peter A; Christianson, Gwenn; Troutman, William G
2007-01-01
A review of U.S. poison center data for 2004 showed over 12,000 exposures to tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). A guideline that determines the conditions for emergency department referral and prehospital care could potentially optimize patient outcome, avoid unnecessary emergency department visits, reduce healthcare costs, and reduce life disruption for patients and caregivers. An evidence-based expert consensus process was used to create the guideline. Relevant articles were abstracted by a trained physician researcher. The first draft of the guideline was created by the lead author. The entire panel discussed and refined the guideline before distribution to secondary reviewers for comment. The panel then made changes based on the secondary review comments. The objective of this guideline is to assist poison center personnel in the appropriate prehospital triage and management of patients with suspected ingestions of TCAs by 1) describing the manner in which an ingestion of a TCA might be managed, 2) identifying the key decision elements in managing cases of TCA ingestion, 3) providing clear and practical recommendations that reflect the current state of knowledge, and 4) identifying needs for research. This guideline applies to ingestion of TCAs alone. Co-ingestion of additional substances could require different referral and management recommendations depending on their combined toxicities. This guideline is based on the assessment of current scientific and clinical information. The panel recognizes that specific patient care decisions may be at variance with this guideline and are the prerogative of the patient and the health professionals providing care, considering all the circumstances involved. This guideline does not substitute for clinical judgment. Recommendations are in chronological order of likely clinical use. The grade of recommendation is in parentheses. 1) Patients with suspected self-harm or who are the victims of malicious administration of a TCA should be referred to an emergency department immediately (Grade D). 2) Patients with acute TCA ingestions who are less than 6 years of age and other patients without evidence of self-harm should have further evaluation including standard history taking and determination of the presence of co-ingestants (especially other psychopharmaceutical agents) and underlying exacerbating conditions, such as convulsions or cardiac arrhythmias. Ingestion of a TCA in combination with other drugs might warrant referral to an emergency department. The ingestion of a TCA by a patient with significant underlying cardiovascular or neurological disease should cause referral to an emergency department at a lower dose than for other individuals. Because of the potential severity of TCA poisoning, transportation by EMS, with close monitoring of clinical status and vital signs en route, should be considered (Grade D). 3) Patients who are symptomatic (e.g., weak, drowsy, dizzy, tremulous, palpitations) after a TCA ingestion should be referred to an emergency department (Grade B). 4) Ingestion of either of the following amounts (whichever is lower) would warrant consideration of referral to an emergency department: an amount that exceeds the usual maximum single therapeutic dose or an amount equal to or greater than the lowest reported toxic dose. For all TCAs except desipramine, nortriptyline, trimipramine, and protriptyline, this dose is >5 mg/kg. For despiramine it is >2.5 mg/kg; for nortriptyline it is >2.5 mg/kg; for trimipramine it is >2.5 mg/kg; and for protriptyline it is >1 mg/kg. This recommendation applies to both patients who are naïve to the specific TCA and to patients currently taking cyclic antidepressants who take extra doses, in which case the extra doses should be added to the daily dose taken and then compared to the threshold dose for referral to an emergency department (Grades B/C). 5) Do not induce emesis (Grade D). 6) The risk-to-benefit ratio of prehospital activated charcoal for gastrointestinal decontamination in TCA poisoning is unknown. Prehospital activated charcoal administration, if available, should only be carried out by health professionals and only if no contraindications are present. Do not delay transportation in order to administer activated charcoal (Grades B/D). 7) For unintentional poisonings, asymptomatic patients are unlikely to develop symptoms if the interval between the ingestion and the initial call to a poison center is greater than 6 hours. These patients do not need referral to an emergency department facility (Grade C). 8) Follow-up calls to determine the outcome for a TCA ingestions ideally should be made within 4 hours of the initial call to a poison center and then at appropriate intervals thereafter based on the clinical judgment of the poison center staff (Grade D). 9) An ECG or rhythm strip, if available, should be checked during the prehospital assessment of a TCA overdose patient. A wide-complex arrhythmia with a QRS duration longer than 100 msec is an indicator that the patient should be immediately stabilized, given sodium bicarbonate if there is a protocol for its use, and transported to an emergency department (Grade B). 10) Symptomatic patients with TCA poisoning might require prehospital interventions, such as intravenous fluids, cardiovascular agents, and respiratory support, in accordance with standard ACLS guidelines (Grade D). 11) Administration of sodium bicarbonate might be beneficial for patients with severe or life-threatening TCA toxicity if there is a prehospital protocol for its use (Grades B/D). 12) For TCA-associated convulsions, benzodiazepines are recommended (Grade D). 13) Flumazenil is not recommended for patients with TCA poisoning (Grade D).
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-04-01
... 25 Indians 2 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false For marketing purposes, what is the recommended method of identifying authentic Indian products? 309.8 Section 309.8 Indians INDIAN ARTS AND CRAFTS BOARD, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR PROTECTION OF INDIAN ARTS AND CRAFTS PRODUCTS § 309.8 For marketing purposes, what is the...
McCoy, Siobhán; Wakai, Abel; Blackburn, Carol; Barrett, Michael; Murphy, Adrian; Brenner, Maria; Larkin, Philip; Crispino-O'Connell, Gloria; Ratnapalan, Savithiri; O'Sullivan, Ronan
2013-10-01
The use of procedural sedation outside the operating theatre has increased in hospital settings and has gained popularity among non-anesthesiologists. Sedative agents used for procedural pain, although effective, also pose significant risks to the patient if used incorrectly. There is currently no universally accepted program of education for practitioners using or introducing procedural sedation into their practice. There is emerging literature identifying structured procedural sedation programs (PSPs) as a method of ensuring a standardized level of competency among staff and reducing risks to the patient. We hypothesize that programs of education for healthcare professionals using procedural sedation outside the operating theatre are beneficial in improving patient care, safety, practitioner competence and reducing adverse event rates. Electronic databases will be systematically searched for studies (randomized and non-randomized) examining the effectiveness of structured PSPs from 1966 to present. Database searches will be supplemented by contact with experts, reference and citation checking, and a grey literature search. No language restriction will be imposed. Screening of titles and abstracts, and data extraction will be performed by two independent reviewers. All disagreements will be resolved by discussion with an independent third party. Data analysis will be completed adhering to procedures outlined in the Cochrane Handbook of Systematic Reviews of Interventions. If the data allows, a meta-analysis will be performed. This review will cohere evidence on the effectiveness of structured PSPs on sedation events and patient outcomes within the hospital and other acute care settings. In addition, it will examine key components identified within a PSP associated with patient safety and improved patient outcomes. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42013003851.
Optimizing MRI Logistics: Prospective Analysis of Performance, Efficiency, and Patient Throughput.
Beker, Kevin; Garces-Descovich, Alejandro; Mangosing, Jason; Cabral-Goncalves, Ines; Hallett, Donna; Mortele, Koenraad J
2017-10-01
The objective of this study is to optimize MRI logistics through evaluation of MRI workflow and analysis of performance, efficiency, and patient throughput in a tertiary care academic center. For 2 weeks, workflow data from two outpatient MRI scanners were prospectively collected and stratified by value added to the process (i.e., value-added time, business value-added time, or non-value-added time). Two separate time cycles were measured: the actual MRI process cycle as well as the complete length of patient stay in the department. In addition, the impact and frequency of delays across all observations were measured. A total of 305 MRI examinations were evaluated, including body (34.1%), neurologic (28.9%), musculoskeletal (21.0%), and breast examinations (16.1%). The MRI process cycle lasted a mean of 50.97 ± 24.4 (SD) minutes per examination; the mean non-value-added time was 13.21 ± 18.77 minutes (25.87% of the total process cycle time). The mean length-of-stay cycle was 83.51 ± 33.63 minutes; the mean non-value-added time was 24.33 ± 24.84 minutes (29.14% of the total patient stay). The delay with the highest frequency (5.57%) was IV or port placement, which had a mean delay of 22.82 minutes. The delay with the greatest impact on time was MRI arthrography for which joint injection of contrast medium was necessary but was not accounted for in the schedule (mean delay, 42.2 minutes; frequency, 1.64%). Of 305 patients, 34 (11.15%) did not arrive at or before their scheduled time. Non-value-added time represents approximately one-third of the total MRI process cycle and patient length of stay. Identifying specific delays may expedite the application of targeted improvement strategies, potentially increasing revenue, efficiency, and overall patient satisfaction.
2014-01-01
Background The emergency department has been identified as an area within the health care sector with the highest reports of violence. The best way to control violence is to prevent it before it becomes an issue. Ideally, to prevent violent episodes we should eliminate all triggers of frustration and violence. Our study aims to assess the impact of a quality improvement multi-faceted program aiming at preventing incivility and violence against healthcare professionals working at the ophthalmological emergency department of a teaching hospital. Methods/Design This study is a single-center prospective, controlled time-series study with an alternate-month design. The prevention program is based on the successive implementation of five complementary interventions: a) an organizational approach with a standardized triage algorithm and patient waiting number screen, b) an environmental approach with clear signage of the premises, c) an educational approach with informational videos for patients and accompanying persons in waiting rooms, d) a human approach with a mediator in waiting rooms and e) a security approach with surveillance cameras linked to the hospital security. The primary outcome is the rate of incivility or violence by patients, or those accompanying them against healthcare staff. All patients admitted to the ophthalmological emergency department, and those accompanying them, will be enrolled. In all, 45,260 patients will be included in over a 24-month period. The unit analysis will be the patient admitted to the emergency department. Data analysis will be blinded to allocation, but due to the nature of the intervention, physicians and patients will not be blinded. Discussion The strengths of this study include the active solicitation of event reporting, that this is a prospective study and that the study enables assessment of each of the interventions that make up the program. The challenge lies in identifying effective interventions, adapting them to the context of care in an emergency department, and thoroughly assessing their efficacy with a high level of proof. The study has been registered as a cRCT at clinicaltrials.gov (identifier: NCT02015884). PMID:24885544
Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2012-06-07
... users in the field in preventing the illegal entry of people and goods, or identifying other violations....g., Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number (SSN), where available). f... entry of people and goods, or identifying other violations of law; (2) Allow analysts to conduct...
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Visser, Michelle
2003-01-01
Discusses issues of identifying, storing, handling, and providing access to rare books and materials in institutions without special collections departments. Suggests that although many community colleges do not collect rare materials, they may nonetheless be in possession of books that are rare and that should receive special care. (ontains four…
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-04-01
... 25 Indians 2 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false For marketing purposes, what is the recommended method of identifying authentic Indian products? 309.8 Section 309.8 Indians INDIAN ARTS AND CRAFTS BOARD, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR PROTECTION OF INDIAN ARTS AND CRAFTS PRODUCTS § 309.8 For marketing purposes, what is the...
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-01-01
... Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) OFFICE OF THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC § 3011.3 Indexes. 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(2) also requires that... identifying information for the public with regard to any records which are made available for public...
Health Instruction Packages: Nursing Care Plans.
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Kowalski, Dorcas S.; And Others
Text, illustrations, and exercises are provided in this set of learning modules to teach nurses and nursing students various patient care skills. The first module, "How to Write a Nursing Care Plan" by Dorcas S. Kowalski, discusses three tasks in developing patient care plans: identifying and prioritizing a patient's needs, gathering…
Richardson, Philip; Greenslade, Jaimi; Shanmugathasan, Sulochana; Doucet, Katherine; Widdicombe, Neil; Chu, Kevin; Brown, Anthony
2015-01-01
CARING is a screening tool developed to identify patients who have a high likelihood of death in 1 year. This study sought to validate a modified CARING tool (termed PREDICT) using a population of patients presenting to the Emergency Department. In total, 1000 patients aged over 55 years who were admitted to hospital via the Emergency Department between January and June 2009 were eligible for inclusion in this study. Data on the six prognostic indicators comprising PREDICT were obtained retrospectively from patient records. One-year mortality data were obtained from the State Death Registry. Weights were applied to each PREDICT criterion, and its final score ranged from 0 to 44. Receiver operator characteristic analyses and diagnostic accuracy statistics were used to assess the accuracy of PREDICT in identifying 1-year mortality. The sample comprised 976 patients with a median (interquartile range) age of 71 years (62-81 years) and a 1-year mortality of 23.4%. In total, 50% had ≥1 PREDICT criteria with a 1-year mortality of 40.4%. Receiver operator characteristic analysis gave an area under the curve of 0.86 (95% confidence interval: 0.83-0.89). Using a cut-off of 13 points, PREDICT had a 95.3% (95% confidence interval: 93.6-96.6) specificity and 53.9% (95% confidence interval: 47.5-60.3) sensitivity for predicting 1-year mortality. PREDICT was simpler than the CARING criteria and identified 158 patients per 1000 admitted who could benefit from advance care planning. PREDICT was successfully applied to the Australian healthcare system with findings similar to the original CARING study conducted in the United States. This tool could improve end-of-life care by identifying who should have advance care planning or an advance healthcare directive. © The Author(s) 2014.
Cameron, Kenzie A; Engel, Kirsten G; McCarthy, Danielle M; Buckley, Barbara A; Mercer Kollar, Laura Min; Donlan, Sarah M; Pang, Peter S; Makoul, Gregory; Tanabe, Paula; Gisondi, Michael A; Adams, James G
2010-12-01
We test an initiative with the staff-based participatory research (SBPR) method to elicit communication barriers and engage staff in identifying strategies to improve communication within our emergency department (ED). ED staff at an urban hospital with 85,000 ED visits per year participated in a 3.5-hour multidisciplinary workshop. The workshop was offered 6 times and involved: (1) large group discussion to review the importance of communication within the ED and discuss findings from a recent survey of patient perceptions of ED-team communication; (2) small group discussions eliciting staff perceptions of communication barriers and best practices/strategies to address these challenges; and (3) large group discussions sharing and refining emergent themes and suggested strategies. Three coders analyzed summaries from group discussions by using latent content and constant comparative analysis to identify focal themes. A total of 127 staff members, including attending physicians, residents, nurses, ED assistants, and secretaries, participated in the workshop (overall participation rate 59.6%; range 46.7% to 73.3% by staff type). Coders identified a framework of 4 themes describing barriers and proposed interventions: (1) greeting and initial interaction, (2) setting realistic expectations, (3) team communication and respect, and (4) information provision and delivery. The majority of participants (81.4%) reported that their participation would cause them to make changes in their clinical practice. Involving staff in discussing barriers and facilitators to communication within the ED can result in a meaningful process of empowerment, as well as the identification of feasible strategies and solutions at both the individual and system levels. Copyright © 2010 American College of Emergency Physicians. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.
Agimi, Yll; Regasa, Lemma Ebssa; Ivins, Brian; Malik, Saafan; Helmick, Katherine; Marion, Donald
2018-05-01
To examine the role of Department of Defense policies in identifying theater-sustained traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). We conducted a retrospective study of 48 172 US military service members who sustained their first lifetime TBIs between 2001 and 2016 while deployed to Afghanistan or Iraq. We used multivariable negative binomial models to examine the changes in TBI incidence rates following the introduction of Department of Defense policies. Two Army policies encouraging TBI reporting were associated with an increase of 251% and 97% in TBIs identified following their implementation, respectively. Among airmen, the introduction of TBI-specific screening questions to the Post-Deployment Health Assessment was associated with a 78% increase in reported TBIs. The 2010 Department of Defense Directive Type Memorandum 09-033 was associated with another increase of 80% in the likelihood of being identified with a TBI among soldiers, a 51% increase among sailors, and a 124% increase among Marines. Department of Defense and service-specific policies introduced between 2006 and 2013 significantly increased the number of battlefield TBIs identified, successfully improving the longstanding problem of underreporting of TBIs.
Mayer, T A; Cates, R J; Mastorovich, M J; Royalty, D L
1998-01-01
Customer service initiatives in healthcare have become a popular way of attempting to improve patient satisfaction. This study investigates the effect of clinically focused customer service training on patient satisfaction in the setting of a 62,000-visit emergency department and level I trauma center. Analysis of patient complaints, patient compliments, and a statistically verified patient-satisfaction survey indicate that (1) all 14 key quality characteristics identified in the survey increased dramatically in the study period; (2) patient complaints decreased by over 70 percent from 2.6 per 1,000 emergency department (ED) visits to 0.6 per 1,000 ED visits following customer service training; and (3) patient compliments increased more than 100 percent from 1.1 per 1,000 ED visits to 2.3 per 1,000 ED visits. The most dramatic improvement in the patient satisfaction survey came in ratings of skill of the emergency physician, likelihood of returning, skill of the emergency department nurse, and overall satisfaction. These results show that clinically focused customer service training improves patient satisfaction and ratings of physician and nurse skill. They also suggest that such training may offer a substantial competitive market advantage, as well as improve the patients' perception of quality and outcome.
Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2010-07-09
..., benefits will not be paid or furnished by reason of an incomplete application. Affected Public: Individuals... Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Veterans Benefits....Regulations.gov or to Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration (20M35), Department of Veterans...
INSTRUMENT FOR EVALUATING A DEPARTMENT OF VOCATIONAL AGRICULTURE.
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Pennsylvania State Dept. of Public Instruction, Harrisburg. Agricultural Education Section.
AN EVALUATION TEAM MAY USE THIS INSTRUMENT IN IDENTIFYING STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES IN A DEPARTMENT OF VOCATIONAL AGRICULTURE. INSTRUCTIONS ON PREPARING FOR THE EVALUATION, INVITING PARTICIPANTS, AND DISTRIBUTING SUMMARIES ARE INCLUDED. SECTIONS ARE INCLUDED FOR DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF THE PROGRAM--(1) MAINTAINING RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE SCHOOL…
Melnick, Edward R; Shafer, Katherine; Rodulfo, Nayeli; Shi, Joyce; Hess, Erik P; Wears, Robert L; Qureshi, Rija A; Post, Lori A
2015-12-01
Overuse of computed tomography (CT) for minor head injury continues despite developed and rigorously validated clinical decision rules like the Canadian CT Head Rule (CCHR). Adherence to this sensitive and specific rule could decrease the number of CT scans performed in minor head injury by 35%. But in practice, the CCHR has failed to reduce testing, despite its accurate performance. The objective was to identify nonclinical, human factors that promote or inhibit the appropriate use of CT in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with minor head injury. This was a qualitative study in three phases, each with interview guides developed by a multidisciplinary team. Subjects were recruited from patients treated and released with minor head injuries and providers in an urban academic ED and a satellite community ED. Focus groups of patients (four groups, 22 subjects total) and providers (three groups, 22 subjects total) were conducted until thematic saturation was reached. The findings from the focus groups were triangulated with a cognitive task analysis, including direct observation in the ED (>150 hours), and individual semistructured interviews using the critical decision method with four senior physician subject matter experts. These experts are recognized by their peers for their skill in safely minimizing testing while maintaining patient safety and engagement. Focus groups and interviews were audio recorded and notes were taken by two independent note takers. Notes were entered into ATLAS.ti and analyzed using the constant comparative method of grounded theory, an iterative coding process to determine themes. Data were double-coded and examined for discrepancies to establish consensus. Five core domains emerged from the analysis: establishing trust, anxiety (patient and provider), constraints related to ED practice, the influence of others, and patient expectations. Key themes within these domains included patient engagement, provider confidence and experience, ability to identify and manage patient anxiety, time constraints, concussion knowledge gap, influence of health care providers, and patient expectations to get a CT. Despite high-quality evidence informing use of CT in minor head injury, multiple factors influence the decision to obtain CT in practice. Identifying and disseminating approaches and designing systems that help clinicians establish trust and manage uncertainty within the ED context could optimize CT use in minor head injury. © 2015 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine.
Asthma in pregnancy: management strategies.
McCallister, Jennifer W
2013-01-01
Asthma is one of the most prevalent chronic medical conditions to complicate pregnancy. With approximately one-third of women experiencing a worsening of control during the course of their pregnancy, identifying those at greatest risk has the potential to improve maternal and fetal outcomes for a large number of pregnancies. Similarly, active management strategies that prioritize asthma control in this vulnerable population can have a far-reaching impact. Demographic characteristics and patient noncompliance place certain populations of pregnant women at increased risk of poor asthma control during pregnancy. In addition, undertreatment and disparities in care of acute exacerbations during pregnancy likely contribute. Targeted educational interventions and treatment algorithms using objective markers of disease activity have shown improved outcomes in asthma control. Active management strategies which focus on identifying patient-specific risk factors, patient and provider education, and targeted treatment interventions can improve asthma care for women during pregnancy.
Medical document anonymization with a semantic lexicon.
Ruch, P.; Baud, R. H.; Rassinoux, A. M.; Bouillon, P.; Robert, G.
2000-01-01
We present an original system for locating and removing personally-identifying information in patient records. In this experiment, anonymization is seen as a particular case of knowledge extraction. We use natural language processing tools provided by the MEDTAG framework: a semantic lexicon specialized in medicine, and a toolkit for word-sense and morpho-syntactic tagging. The system finds 98-99% of all personally-identifying information. PMID:11079980
Identifying the Computer Competency Levels of Recreation Department Undergraduates
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Zorba, Erdal
2011-01-01
Computer-based and web-based applications are as major instructional tools to increase undergraduates' motivation at school. In the recreation field usage of, computer and the internet based recreational applications has become more prevalent in order to present visual and interactive entertainment activities. Recreation department undergraduates…
Chart Card: Feasibility of a Tool for Improving Emergency Department Care in Sickle Cell Disease
Neumayr, Lynne; Pringle, Steven; Giles, Stephen; Quirolo, Keith C.; Paulukonis, Susan; Vichinsky, Elliott P.; Treadwell, Marsha J.
2016-01-01
Background Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) are concerned with emergency department care, including time to treatment and staff attitudes and knowledge. Providers are concerned about rapid access to patient information and SCD treatment protocols. A software application that stores and retrieves encrypted personal medical information on a plastic credit card–sized Chart Card was designed. Objective To determine the applicability and feasibility of the Chart Card on patient satisfaction with emergency department care and provider accessibility to patient information and care protocols. Methods One-half of 44 adults (aged ~18 years) and 50 children with SCD were randomized to either the Chart Card or usual care. Patient satisfaction was surveyed pre and post implementation of the Chart Card program, and emergency department staff was surveyed about familiarity with SCD treatment protocols. Results Fifty-two percent of patients were female (mean age, 18.8 ± 15.6); 61% had SCD SS. Adults visited an emergency department 4.2 ± 4.0 times in the year prior to enrollment vs 2.7 ± 3.7 (p = .06) visits for children, most commonly for pain. Patient emergency department care ratings of very good or excellent increased from 47% to 66% (p < .05), and ratings of staff knowledge improved. Qualitative data reflected positive comments about patient and staff experiences with the Chart Card. Conclusion Patient satisfaction with emergency department care and efficacy in health care increased post Chart Card implementation. Providers valued immediate access to patient information and SCD treatment guidelines. The technology has potential for application in the treatment of other illnesses in other settings. PMID:21141289
Identifying Pregnant Women Experiencing Domestic Violence in an Urban Emergency Department
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Datner, Elizabeth M.; Wiebe, Douglas J.; Brensinger, Colleen M.; Nelson, Deborah B.
2007-01-01
The article describes characteristics of pregnant women presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) who are experiencing current violence and presented a screening tool to identify pregnant women experiencing violence. Women completed an in-person interview regarding violence, sociodemo-graphic factors, health status, and drug use. Fifteen percent…
Building a Research Administration Infrastructure at the Department Level
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Chun, Maria B. J.
2010-01-01
Due to the current economic crisis, research administrators at public universities are grappling with declining state funding and are faced with identifying other potential sources of revenue to support operations. Research administrators at all levels are forced to do more with less. Department level research administrators must be innovative…
Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2010-09-16
... Benefits Administration (VBA), Department of Veterans Affairs, will submit the collection of information... one year form the date of such notification, benefits will not be paid or furnished by reason of an... Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: In compliance with the...
The Emergency Care of Patients With Cancer: Setting the Research Agenda.
Brown, Jeremy; Grudzen, Corita; Kyriacou, Demetrios N; Obermeyer, Ziad; Quest, Tammie; Rivera, Donna; Stone, Susan; Wright, Jason; Shelburne, Nonniekaye
2016-12-01
To identify research priorities and appropriate resources and to establish the infrastructure required to address the emergency care of patients with cancer, the National Institutes of Health's National Cancer Institute and the Office of Emergency Care Research sponsored a one-day workshop, "Cancer and Emergency Medicine: Setting the Research Agenda," in March 2015 in Bethesda, MD. Participants included leading researchers and clinicians in the fields of oncology, emergency medicine, and palliative care, and representatives from the National Institutes of Health. Attendees were charged with identifying research opportunities and priorities to advance the understanding of the emergency care of cancer patients. Recommendations were made in 4 areas: the collection of epidemiologic data, care of the patient with febrile neutropenia, acute events such as dyspnea, and palliative care in the emergency department setting. Copyright © 2016 American College of Emergency Physicians. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Singh, Shiva; Khurana, Alkesh Kumar; Harode, Hemant Ashish; Tripathi, Apoorva; Pakhare, Abhijit; Chaware, Prashant
2016-01-01
Background: Dermatoglyphics and bronchial asthma (BA) are both influenced by genetic factors. Hence, we assessed the diagnostic potential of correlation between fingerprint pattern and BA. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in out-patient Department of Pulmonary Medicine of All India Institute of Medical Sciences Bhopal. It included 36 patients of BA and 50 nonasthmatic individuals as controls. The following parameters were studied and analyzed: (a) Whorls, (b) arches, (c) radial loops, (d) ulnar loops, (e) the absolute finger ridge count (AFRC), (f) total finger ridge count (TFRC). Results: A significant decrease in the mean value of the arches and increase in the mean value of the ulnar loops were observed in BA patients compared to the control group. The mean values of TFRC, AFRC, and whorls were similar in both groups. Conclusion: Evaluation of dermatoglyphic patterns may be useful in identifying patients prone to developing BA. PMID:27003968
2014-01-01
the Los Angeles Police Department ( LAPD ) and the FBI recently negotiated an agreement increasing...Coordination Group JTTF Joint Terrorism Task Force LAPD Los Angeles Police Department NCTC National Counterterrorism Center NSA National Security Agency WMD...Agency (CIA), the Department of Defense (DoD), state and local law enforcement agencies, first-responder organizations, and state- level
32 CFR 728.33 - Nonavailability statement (DD 1251).
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-07-01
... patient in his or her own right (the episode of care for the infant after discharge of the mother is not... USTF serving the beneficiary's residence inpatient catchment area. (D) Review, with the patient or... include for each individual to whom a DD 1251 is issued: (1) Patient's name and identifying data. (2) The...
32 CFR 728.33 - Nonavailability statement (DD 1251).
Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR
2013-07-01
... patient in his or her own right (the episode of care for the infant after discharge of the mother is not... USTF serving the beneficiary's residence inpatient catchment area. (D) Review, with the patient or... include for each individual to whom a DD 1251 is issued: (1) Patient's name and identifying data. (2) The...
An evidence-based patient-centered method makes the biopsychosocial model scientific.
Smith, Robert C; Fortin, Auguste H; Dwamena, Francesca; Frankel, Richard M
2013-06-01
To review the scientific status of the biopsychosocial (BPS) model and to propose a way to improve it. Engel's BPS model added patients' psychological and social health concerns to the highly successful biomedical model. He proposed that the BPS model could make medicine more scientific, but its use in education, clinical care, and, especially, research remains minimal. Many aver correctly that the present model cannot be defined in a consistent way for the individual patient, making it untestable and non-scientific. This stems from not obtaining relevant BPS data systematically, where one interviewer obtains the same information another would. Recent research by two of the authors has produced similar patient-centered interviewing methods that are repeatable and elicit just the relevant patient information needed to define the model at each visit. We propose that the field adopt these evidence-based methods as the standard for identifying the BPS model. Identifying a scientific BPS model in each patient with an agreed-upon, evidence-based patient-centered interviewing method can produce a quantum leap ahead in both research and teaching. A scientific BPS model can give us more confidence in being humanistic. In research, we can conduct more rigorous studies to inform better practices. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Key considerations in designing a patient navigation program for colorectal cancer screening.
DeGroff, Amy; Coa, Kisha; Morrissey, Kerry Grace; Rohan, Elizabeth; Slotman, Beth
2014-07-01
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer mortality among those cancers affecting both men and women. Screening is known to reduce mortality by detecting cancer early and through colonoscopy, removing precancerous polyps. Only 58.6% of adults are currently up-to-date with colorectal cancer screening by any method. Patient navigation shows promise in increasing adherence to colorectal cancer screening and reducing health disparities; however, it is a complex intervention that is operationalized differently across institutions. This article describes 10 key considerations in designing a patient navigation intervention for colorectal cancer screening based on a literature review and environmental scan. Factors include (1) identifying a theoretical framework and setting program goals, (2) specifying community characteristics, (3) establishing the point(s) of intervention within the cancer continuum, (4) determining the setting in which navigation services are provided, (5) identifying the range of services offered and patient navigator responsibilities, (6) determining the background and qualifications of navigators, (7) selecting the method of communications between patients and navigators, (8) designing the navigator training, (9) defining oversight and supervision for the navigators, and (10) evaluating patient navigation. Public health practitioners can benefit from the practical perspective offered here for designing patient navigation programs. © 2013 Society for Public Health Education.
Dieckmann, Peter; Clemmensen, Marianne Hald; Sørensen, Trine Kart; Kunstek, Pina; Hellebek, Annemarie
2016-12-01
Medicine label design plays an important role in improving patient safety. This study aimed at identifying facilitators and barriers in a medicine label system to prevent medication errors in clinical use by health care professionals. The study design is qualitative and exploratory, with a convenience sample of 10 nurses and 10 physicians from different acute care specialties working in hospitals in the Capital Region of Denmark. In 2 patient simulation scenarios and a sorting task, the participants selected the medicines from a range of ampules, vials, and infusion bags. After each scenario and in the end of the study, the participants were interviewed. Notes were validated with the participants, and content was analyzed. The label design benefited from the standardized construction of the labels, the clear layout and font, and some warning signs. The complexity of the system and some inconsistencies (different meaning of colors) posed challenges, when considered with the actual application context, in which there is little time to get familiar with the design features. For optimizing medicine labels and obtaining the full benefit of label design features on patient safety, it is necessary to consider the context in which they are used.
Creating an outpatient center of excellence in CT.
Itri, Jason N; Bakow, Eric; Woods, Jordan
2014-12-01
CT examinations represent a substantial portion of the workload for many radiology departments, and optimizing service delivery is a critical function to ensure customer satisfaction. This article describes how the Six Sigma methodology was used in the radiology department at a large academic hospital to improve the patient experience and increase CT capacity while reducing waste and improving staff satisfaction. The 5 distinct phases of Six Sigma are reviewed as they apply to our CT Center of Excellence project: define, measure, analyze, improve, and control. Process metrics used in this project include the percentage of outpatient CT exams started within 5 minutes of the scheduled appointment time, and the number of studies with protocols selected >48 hours before the CT exam is performed. Outcome metrics include monthly department expense per scan and CT Press Ganey "standard test and treatment" mean scores. An approach to developing interventions is described based on identifying critical sources of variation, ranking these by creating risk prioritization numbers, performing root cause analysis, and utilizing the failure mode and effects analysis tool to prioritize possible solutions. Finally, the key features of action plans and a control plan are reviewed. Copyright © 2014 American College of Radiology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Chart Card: feasibility of a tool for improving emergency department care in sickle cell disease.
Neumayr, Lynne; Pringle, Steven; Giles, Stephen; Quirolo, Keith C; Paulukonis, Susan; Vichinsky, Elliott P; Treadwell, Marsha J
2010-11-01
Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) are concerned with emergency department care, including time to treatment and staff attitudes and knowledge. Providers are concerned about rapid access to patient information and SCD treatment protocols. A software application that stores and retrieves encrypted personal medical information on a plastic credit card-sized Chart Card was designed. To determine the applicability and feasibility of the Chart Card on patient satisfaction with emergency department care and provider accessibility to patient information and care protocols. One-half of 44 adults (aged -18 years) and 50 children with SCD were randomized to either the Chart Card or usual care. Patient satisfaction was surveyed pre and post implementation of the Chart Card program, and emergency department staff was surveyed about familiarity with SCD treatment protocols. Patient satisfaction with emergency department care and efficacy in health care increased post Chart Card implementation. Providers valued immediate access to patient information and SCD treatment guidelines. The technology has potential for application in the treatment of other illnesses in other settings.
Solving the patient zero inverse problem by using generalized simulated annealing
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Menin, Olavo H.; Bauch, Chris T.
2018-01-01
Identifying patient zero - the initially infected source of a given outbreak - is an important step in epidemiological investigations of both existing and emerging infectious diseases. Here, the use of the Generalized Simulated Annealing algorithm (GSA) to solve the inverse problem of finding the source of an outbreak is studied. The classical disease natural histories susceptible-infected (SI), susceptible-infected-susceptible (SIS), susceptible-infected-recovered (SIR) and susceptible-infected-recovered-susceptible (SIRS) in a regular lattice are addressed. Both the position of patient zero and its time of infection are considered unknown. The algorithm performance with respect to the generalization parameter q˜v and the fraction ρ of infected nodes for whom infection was ascertained is assessed. Numerical experiments show the algorithm is able to retrieve the epidemic source with good accuracy, even when ρ is small, but present no evidence to support that GSA performs better than its classical version. Our results suggest that simulated annealing could be a helpful tool for identifying patient zero in an outbreak where not all cases can be ascertained.
Faul, Mark; Sasser, Scott M; Lairet, Julio; Mould-Millman, Nee-Kofi; Sugerman, David
2015-01-01
The most effective use of trauma center resources helps reduce morbidity and mortality, while saving costs. Identifying critical infrastructure characteristics, patient characteristics and staffing components of a trauma center associated with the proportion of patients needing major trauma care will help planners create better systems for patient care. We used the 2009 National Trauma Data Bank-Research Dataset to determine the proportion of critically injured patients requiring the resources of a trauma center within each Level I-IV trauma center (n=443). The outcome variable was defined as the portion of treated patients who were critically injured. We defined the need for critical trauma resources and interventions ("trauma center need") as death prior to hospital discharge, admission to the intensive care unit, or admission to the operating room from the emergency department as a result of acute traumatic injury. Generalized Linear Modeling (GLM) was used to determine how hospital infrastructure, staffing Levels, and patient characteristics contributed to trauma center need. Nonprofit Level I and II trauma centers were significantly associated with higher levels of trauma center need. Trauma centers that had a higher percentage of transferred patients or a lower percentage of insured patients were associated with a higher proportion of trauma center need. Hospital infrastructure characteristics, such as bed capacity and intensive care unit capacity, were not associated with trauma center need. A GLM for Level III and IV trauma centers showed that the number of trauma surgeons on staff was associated with trauma center need. Because the proportion of trauma center need is predominantly influenced by hospital type, transfer frequency, and insurance status, it is important for administrators to consider patient population characteristics of the catchment area when planning the construction of new trauma centers or when coordinating care within state or regional trauma systems.
Stang, Antonia Schirmer; Hartling, Lisa; Fera, Cassandra; Johnson, David; Ali, Samina
2014-01-01
Evidence indicates that pain is undertreated in the emergency department (ED). The first step in improving the pain experience for ED patients is to accurately and systematically assess the actual care being provided. Identifying gaps in the assessment and treatment of pain and improving patient outcomes requires relevant, evidence-based performance measures. To systematically review the literature and identify quality indicators specific to the assessment and management of pain in the ED. Four major bibliographical databases were searched from January 1980 to December 2010, and relevant journals and conference proceedings were manually searched. Original research that described the development or collection of data on one or more quality indicators relevant to the assessment or management of pain in the ED was included. The search identified 18,078 citations. Twenty-three articles were included: 15 observational (cohort) studies; three before-after studies; three audits; one quality indicator development study; and one survey. Methodological quality was moderate, with weaknesses in the reporting of study design and methodology. Twenty unique indicators were identified, with the majority (16 of 20) measuring care processes. Overall, 91% (21 of 23) of the studies reported indicators for the assessment or management of presenting pain, as opposed to procedural pain. Three of the studies included children; however, none of the indicators were developed specifically for a pediatric population. Gaps in the existing literature include a lack of measures reflecting procedural pain, patient outcomes and the pediatric population. Future efforts should focus on developing indicators specific to these key areas.
Statistical classification of drug incidents due to look-alike sound-alike mix-ups.
Wong, Zoie Shui Yee
2016-06-01
It has been recognised that medication names that look or sound similar are a cause of medication errors. This study builds statistical classifiers for identifying medication incidents due to look-alike sound-alike mix-ups. A total of 227 patient safety incident advisories related to medication were obtained from the Canadian Patient Safety Institute's Global Patient Safety Alerts system. Eight feature selection strategies based on frequent terms, frequent drug terms and constituent terms were performed. Statistical text classifiers based on logistic regression, support vector machines with linear, polynomial, radial-basis and sigmoid kernels and decision tree were trained and tested. The models developed achieved an average accuracy of above 0.8 across all the model settings. The receiver operating characteristic curves indicated the classifiers performed reasonably well. The results obtained in this study suggest that statistical text classification can be a feasible method for identifying medication incidents due to look-alike sound-alike mix-ups based on a database of advisories from Global Patient Safety Alerts. © The Author(s) 2014.
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Xie, J; Wang, J; P, J
2016-06-15
Purpose: To optimize the clinical processes of radiotherapy and to reduce the radiotherapy risks by implementing the powerful risk management tools of failure mode and effects analysis(FMEA) and PDCA(plan-do-check-act). Methods: A multidiciplinary QA(Quality Assurance) team from our department consisting of oncologists, physicists, dosimetrists, therapists and administrator was established and an entire workflow QA process management using FMEA and PDCA tools was implemented for the whole treatment process. After the primary process tree was created, the failure modes and Risk priority numbers(RPNs) were determined by each member, and then the RPNs were averaged after team discussion. Results: 3 of 9 failuremore » modes with RPN above 100 in the practice were identified in the first PDCA cycle, which were further analyzed to investigate the RPNs: including of patient registration error, prescription error and treating wrong patient. New process controls reduced the occurrence, or detectability scores from the top 3 failure modes. Two important corrective actions reduced the highest RPNs from 300 to 50, and the error rate of radiotherapy decreased remarkably. Conclusion: FMEA and PDCA are helpful in identifying potential problems in the radiotherapy process, which was proven to improve the safety, quality and efficiency of radiation therapy in our department. The implementation of the FMEA approach may improve the understanding of the overall process of radiotherapy while may identify potential flaws in the whole process. Further more, repeating the PDCA cycle can bring us closer to the goal: higher safety and accuracy radiotherapy.« less
Tedesco, Elizabeth R; Whiteman, Kimberly; Heuston, Melanie; Swanson-Biearman, Brenda; Stephens, Kimberly
2017-11-01
Sepsis is a leading cause of death in the United States; however, health care providers struggle with timely recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of patients. Both the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the National Quality Forum have identified this diagnosis as a priority. Presently, many patients with sepsis are identified late, resulting in significant morbidity and death. In this project, a collaborative, interprofessional approach was created for screening and early identification of ED patients with possible sepsis. The department has 38 beds with annual patient volumes of more than 40,000 visits. Education was provided about the symptoms and treatment of patients with sepsis. A screening and management algorithm tool was instituted that consisted of early identification triggers and how to intervene according to Surviving Sepsis Campaign recommendations. The tool allowed for assessment of the patient by the ED team; the team worked to determine if sepsis was present and the extent of the illness. During the first 4 months after implementation, more than 240 patients were screened, assessed, and treated according to the algorithm. Project outcomes resulted in an increase in staff knowledge of sepsis, a decrease in length of stay by 3 hours, and a significant decrease in mortality when compared with the previous year's coded data. This project demonstrates that sepsis education and team collaboration are an integral part of identifying and treating patients with sepsis. An interprofessional collaborative approach could be implemented in other institutions to combat the life-threatening complications of sepsis. Copyright © 2017 Emergency Nurses Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Myers, Jennifer S; Bellini, Lisa M
2018-05-22
Quality improvement (QI) and patient safety (PS) are now core competencies across the medical education continuum. A major challenge to developing and implementing these new curricular requirements is the lack of faculty expertise. In 2015, the authors developed a centralized, vertically integrated, competency-based approach to meet the educational requirements in QI/PS across the continuum of graduate medical education in the Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. By leveraging the QI/PS expertise of one individual, the authors identified and trained core QI/PS faculty members and sequentially deployed QI/PS activities that were tailored to the learner level and specialty. The curriculum includes PS event reporting, systems thinking and root cause analysis skills, adverse event disclosure, and a QI workshop series and project. PS event reporting, an indication of engagement in PS culture, increased by 186% among interns, 384% among PGY 2 and 3 residents, and 613% among fellows between AYs 2013-2014 and 2016-2017. In AY 2017-2018, 9 faculty members and 40 fellows from 9 fellowships participated in the QI workshop series, and 53 fellows from 7 fellowships participated in the adverse event disclosure simulation activity. All educational activities were rated highly. The authors are expanding the adverse event disclosure activity to include residents and the remaining fellowship programs, identifying fellowships to pilot curricular efforts related to clinical quality metrics, developing introductory activities in basic QI/PS concepts for medical students, and evaluating the impact of efforts on the participating faculty members.
2004-01-01
patient education opportunities, which may ultimately change both patient perception and ED utilization behavior. Statement of the... Patient education about the Emergency Department policies, triage process, and associated wait times should serve to narrow the gap between the patient’s...perceptions and the provider’s perceptions. The DDEAMC ED has made advancements in the patient education arena, as well as streamlining ED process
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Iowa State Dept. of Education, Des Moines.
Iowa law requires direct reporting by mandatory reporters in all schools to the Department of Human Services. State law also requires all schools to adopt a uniform procedure for investigating allegations of abuse of students by school employees. The Department of Education and the Department of Human Services have established administrative rules…
Identifying patients with ischemic heart disease in an electronic medical record.
Ivers, Noah; Pylypenko, Bogdan; Tu, Karen
2011-01-01
Increasing utilization of electronic medical records (EMRs) presents an opportunity to efficiently measure quality indicators in primary care. Achieving this goal requires the development of accurate patient-disease registries. This study aimed to develop and validate an algorithm for identifying patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) within the EMR. An algorithm was developed to search the unstructured text within the medical history fields in the EMR for IHD-related terminology. This algorithm was applied to a 5% random sample of adult patient charts (n = 969) drawn from a convenience sample of 17 Ontario family physicians. The accuracy of the algorithm for identifying patients with IHD was compared to the results of 3 trained chart abstractors. The manual chart abstraction identified 87 patients with IHD in the random sample (prevalence = 8.98%). The accuracy of the algorithm for identifying patients with IHD was as follows: sensitivity = 72.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 61.8-81.5); specificity = 99.3% (95% CI: 98.5-99.8); positive predictive value = 91.3% (95% CI: 82.0-96.7); negative predictive value = 97.3 (95% CI: 96.1-98.3); and kappa = 0.79 (95% CI: 0.72-0.86). Patients with IHD can be accurately identified by applying a search algorithm for the medical history fields in the EMR of primary care providers who were not using standardized approaches to code diagnoses. The accuracy compares favorably to other methods for identifying patients with IHD. The results of this study may aid policy makers, researchers, and clinicians to develop registries and to examine quality indicators for IHD in primary care.
Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2011-12-02
... of a passport applicant. Estimated Number of Respondents: 44,000 per year. Estimated Number of...): Passport Forms Management Officer, U.S. Department of State, Office of Program Management and Operational... documents, to Passport Forms Management and Officer, U.S. Department of State, Office of Program Management...
Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2011-07-27
... DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Meeting of the... for Healthcare Research and Quality is authorized by Section 941 of the Public Health Service Act, 42... Department of Health and Human Services and the Director, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ...
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Eack, Shaun M.; Greeno, Catherine G.; Lee, Bong-Jae
2006-01-01
Objective: To determine the concordance between the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) in diagnosing anxiety and depressive disorders. Method: Fifty women seeking psychiatric services for their children at two mental health centers in western Pennsylvania were assessed for anxiety and…
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Lefevre, Fernando; Teixeira, Jorge Juarez Vieira; Lefevre, Ana Maria Cavalcanti; de Castro, Lia Lusitana Cardozo; Spinola, Aracy Witt de Pinho
2004-01-01
Aiming at identifying the relationship between the elderly patient facing drug prescription and health professionals, an exploratory and descriptive study of a qualitative cut was carried out using semi-structured interviews. To this end, the Collective Subject Discourse analysis technique was employed. Thirty elderly patients living in the urban…
Kielar, Ania Z; Shabana, Wael; Vakili, Maryam; Rubin, Jonathan
2012-10-01
The twinkling artifact is an emerging tool for identifying urinary tract calculi. The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the twinkling artifact compared to unenhanced computed tomography in detecting urolithasis. After Research Ethics Board approval, 51 patients with flank pain from the emergency department were enrolled between November 2009 and September 2010. Patients received an unenhanced computed tomographic scan with 1.25-mm raw data and reformatted 5-mm axial and 2-mm coronal images. Blinded assessment of the urinary tract was performed with gray-scale and color Doppler interrogation. The number of calculi, location, size, kidney distance from the skin, body mass index of the patient, and sonographic image parameters were recorded. There were 35 right-sided and 38 left-sided renal calculi, 14 right-sided and 21 left-sided ureteric calculi, and 6 bladder calculi (total, 114 calculi). Thirteen patients had no calculi. The average calculus size was 2.6 mm (range, 1-9 mm). There were 6 false-positive and 22 false-negative instances of twinkling artifacts. On gray-scale evaluation looking for an echogenic focus with shadowing, there were 8 false-positive and 40 false-negative findings. The positive predictive value (PPV) of the twinkling artifact for identifying calculi was 94%, and the sensitivity was 83%. The PPV of gray-scale sonographic shadowing was only 64.9%, and the sensitivity was 80.2%. The twinkling artifact has a high PPV for detecting renal and urinary tract calculi. Evaluation for the twinkling artifact is a complementary technique to standard gray-scale shadowing of calculi and improves detection of urolithiasis on sonography.
Comparison and alignment of an academic medical center's strategic goals with ASHP initiatives.
Engels, Melanie J; Chaffee, Bruce W; Clark, John S
2015-12-01
An academic medical center's strategic goals were compared and aligned with the 2015 ASHP Health-System Pharmacy Initiative and the Pharmacy Practice Model Initiative (PPMI). The department's pharmacy practice model steering committee identified potential solutions to narrow prioritized gaps using a modified nominal group technique and a multivoting dot technique. Five priority solutions were identified and assigned to work groups to develop business plans, which included admission medication history and reconciliation for high-risk patients and those with complex medication regimens, pharmacist provision of discharge counseling to high-risk patients and those with complex medication regimens, improved measurement and reporting of the impact of PPMI programs on patient outcomes, implementation of a departmentwide formalized peer review and evaluation process, and the greeting of every patient at some time during his or her visit by a pharmacy team member. Stakeholders evaluated the business plans based on feasibility, financial return on investment, and anticipated safety enhancements. The solution that received the highest priority ranking and was subsequently implemented was "improved measurement and reporting of the impact of PPMI programs on patient outcomes." A defined process was followed for identifying gaps among current practices at an academic medical center and the 2015 ASHP Health-System Pharmacy Initiative and the PPMI. A key priority to better document the impact of pharmacists on patient care was identified for our department by using a nominal group technique brainstorming process and a multivoting dot technique and creating standardized business plans for five potential priority projects. Copyright © 2015 by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. All rights reserved.
Dhar, Sanjay; Michel, Raquel; Kanna, Balavenkatesh
2011-01-01
Patient waiting time and waiting room congestion are quality indicators that are related to efficiency of ambulatory care systems and patient satisfaction. Our main purpose was to test a program to decrease patient visit cycle time, while maintaining high-quality healthcare in a high-volume inner-city hospital-based clinic in New York City. Use of patient flow analysis and the creation of patient care teams proved useful in identifying areas for improvement, target, and measure effectiveness of interventions. The end result is reduced visit cycle time, improved provider team performance, and sustained patient care outcomes. © 2010 National Association for Healthcare Quality.
Identifying and Eliminating Barriers Faced by Nontraditional Department of Defense Suppliers
2014-01-01
organization that develops solutions to public policy challenges to help make communities throughout the world safer and more secure, healthier and more...Commands, the Department of the Navy, the Marine Corps, the defense agencies, and the defense Intelligence Community . For more information on the RAND...17 Lack of Access to and Communication
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Beath, Cynthia Mathis; Straub, Detmar W.
1991-01-01
Explores where the responsibility for information resources management (IRM) can lie, identifying entities which might carry IRM tasks: (1) individuals; (2) departments; (3) institutions; and (4) markets. It is argued that the IRM function should be located at the department level, and that associated departmental costs may be overshadowed by the…
Ridgeway, Jennifer L; Asiedu, Gladys B; Carroll, Katherine; Tenney, Meaghan; Jatoi, Aminah; Radecki Breitkopf, Carmen
2017-02-01
Clinical trials are vital in the context of ovarian cancer and may offer further treatment options during disease recurrence, yet enrollment remains low. Understanding patient and family member experiences with identifying trials can inform engagement and education efforts. Interviews were conducted with 33 patients who had experience with clinical trial conversations and 39 nominated family members. Thematic analysis examined experiences and generated findings for clinical practice. Trial conversations with providers at diagnosis were uncommon and often overwhelming. Most participants delayed engagement until later in the disease course. With hindsight, though, some wished they considered trials earlier. Difficulty identifying appropriate trials led some to defer searching to providers, but then they worried about missed opportunities. Most family members felt unqualified to search. Trial conversations during clinical encounters should start early and include specifying search responsibilities of providers, patients, and family. Patients and family members can be engaged in searches but need guidance. Trials should be discussed throughout the disease course, even if patients are not ready to participate or are not making a treatment decision. Education should focus on identifying trials that meet search criteria. Transparency regarding each individual's role in identifying trials is critical. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Patient Populations, Clinical Associations, and System Efficiency in Healthcare Delivery System
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Liu, Yazhuo
The efforts to improve health care delivery usually involve studies and analysis of patient populations and healthcare systems. In this dissertation, I present the research conducted in the following areas: identifying patient groups, improving treatments for specific conditions by using statistical as well as data mining techniques, and developing new operation research models to increase system efficiency from the health institutes' perspective. The results provide better understanding of high risk patient groups, more accuracy in detecting disease' correlations and practical scheduling tools that consider uncertain operation durations and real-life constraints.
Role of Pediatric Emergency Physicians in Identifying Bullying.
Waseem, Muhammad; Paul, Audrey; Schwartz, Gerald; Pauzé, Denis; Eakin, Paul; Barata, Isabel; Holtzman, Doug; Benjamin, Lee S; Wright, Joseph L; Nickerson, Amanda B; Joseph, Madeline
2017-02-01
Bullying is an important public health issue with broad implications. Although this issue has been studied extensively, there is limited emergency medicine literature addressing bullying. The emergency department (ED) physician has a unique opportunity to identify children and adolescents that are victims of bullying, and make a difference in their lives. Our aim is to discuss the role of the emergency physician (EP) in identifying patients who have been victims of bullying and how to provide effective management as well as referral for further resources. This document provides a framework for recognizing, stabilizing, and managing children who have experienced bullying. With the advent of social media, bullying behavior is not limited to in-person situations, and often occurs via electronic communication, further complicating recognition because it may not impart any physical harm to the child. Recognition of bullying requires a high level of suspicion, as patients may not offer this history. After the stabilization of any acute or overt indications of physical injury, along with obtaining a history of the mechanism of injury, the EP has the opportunity to identify the existence of bullying as the cause of the injury, and can address the issue in the ED while collaborating with "physician-extenders," such as social workers, toward identifying local resources for further support. The ED is an important arena for the assessment and management of children who have experienced bullying. It is imperative that EPs on the front lines of patient care address this public health epidemic. They have the opportunity to exert a positive impact on the lives of the children and families who are the victims of bullying. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Zhang, Zhongheng; Hong, Yucai; Liu, Ning; Chen, Yuhao
2017-06-30
We aimed to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in evaluating blunt abdominal trauma for patients presenting to the emergency department. Electronic search of Scopus and Pubmed was performed from inception to September 2016. Human studies investigating the diagnostic accuracy of CEUS in identifying abdominal solid organ injuries were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the QUADAS tool. A total of 10 studies were included in the study and 9 of them were included for meta-analysis. The log(DOR) values ranged from 3.80 (95% CI: 2.81-4.79) to 8.52 (95% CI: 4.58-12.47) in component studies. The combined log(DOR) was 6.56 (95% CI: 5.66-7.45). The Cochran's Q was 11.265 (p = 0.793 with 16 degrees of freedom), and the Higgins' I 2 was 0%. The CEUS had a sensitivity of 0.981 (95% CI: 0.868-0.950) and a false positive rate of 0.018 (95% CI: 0.010-0.032) for identifying parenchymal injuries, with an AUC of 0.984. CEUS performed at emergency department had good diagnostic accuracy in identifying abdominal solid organ injuries. CEUS can be recommended in monitoring solid organ injuries, especially for patients managed with non-operative strategy.
Identifying Neck and Back Pain in Administrative Data: Defining the right cohort
Siroka, Andrew M.; Shane, Andrea C.; Trafton, Jodie A.; Wagner, Todd H.
2017-01-01
Structured Abstract Study design We reviewed existing methods for identifying patients with neck and back pain in administrative data. We compared these methods using data from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Objective To answer the following questions: 1) what diagnosis codes should be used to identify patients with neck and back pain in administrative data; 2) because the majority of complaints are characterized as non-specific or mechanical, what diagnosis codes should be used to identify patients with non-specific or mechanical problems in administrative data; and 3) what procedure and surgical codes should be used to identify patients who have undergone a surgical procedure on the neck or back. Summary of background data Musculoskeletal neck and back pain are pervasive problems, associated with chronic pain, disability, and high rates of healthcare utilization. Administrative data have been widely used in formative research which has largely relied on the original work of Volinn, Cherkin, Deyo and Einstadter and the Back Pain Patient Outcomes Assessment Team first published in 1992. Significant variation in reports of incidence, prevalence, and morbidity associated with these problems may be due to non standard or conflicting methods to define study cohorts. Methods A literature review produced seven methods for identifying neck and back pain in administrative data. These code lists were used to search VA data for patients with back and neck problems, and to further categorize each case by spinal segment involved, as non- specific/mechanical and as surgical or not. Results There is considerable overlap in most algorithms. However, gaps remain. Conclusions Gaps are evident in existing methods and a new framework to identify patients with neck and back pain in administrative data is proposed. PMID:22127268
Development of an algorithm to identify fall-related injuries and costs in Medicare data.
Kim, Sung-Bou; Zingmond, David S; Keeler, Emmett B; Jennings, Lee A; Wenger, Neil S; Reuben, David B; Ganz, David A
2016-12-01
Identifying fall-related injuries and costs using healthcare claims data is cost-effective and easier to implement than using medical records or patient self-report to track falls. We developed a comprehensive four-step algorithm for identifying episodes of care for fall-related injuries and associated costs, using fee-for-service Medicare and Medicare Advantage health plan claims data for 2,011 patients from 5 medical groups between 2005 and 2009. First, as a preparatory step, we identified care received in acute inpatient and skilled nursing facility settings, in addition to emergency department visits. Second, based on diagnosis and procedure codes, we identified all fall-related claim records. Third, with these records, we identified six types of encounters for fall-related injuries, with different levels of injury and care. In the final step, we used these encounters to identify episodes of care for fall-related injuries. To illustrate the algorithm, we present a representative example of a fall episode and examine descriptive statistics of injuries and costs for such episodes. Altogether, we found that the results support the use of our algorithm for identifying episodes of care for fall-related injuries. When we decomposed an episode, we found that the details present a realistic and coherent story of fall-related injuries and healthcare services. Variation of episode characteristics across medical groups supported the use of a complex algorithm approach, and descriptive statistics on the proportion, duration, and cost of episodes by healthcare services and injuries verified that our results are consistent with other studies. This algorithm can be used to identify and analyze various types of fall-related outcomes including episodes of care, injuries, and associated costs. Furthermore, the algorithm can be applied and adopted in other fall-related studies with relative ease.
Shahrami, Ali; Rahmati, Farhad; Kariman, Hamid; Hashemi, Behrooz; Rahmati, Majid; Baratloo, Alireza; Forouzanfar, Mohammad Mehdi; Safari, Saeed
2013-01-01
The balance between revenue and cost of an organization/system is essential to maintain its survival and quality of services. Emergency departments (ED) are one of the most important parts of health care delivery system. Financial discipline of EDs, by increasing the efficiency and profitability, can directly affect the quality of care and subsequently patient satisfaction. Accordingly, the present study attempts to investigate failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) method in identifying the problems leading to the loss of ED revenue and offer solutions to help fix these problems. This prospective cohort study investigated the financial records of ED patients and evaluated the effective errors in reducing the revenue in ED of Imam Hossein hospital, Tehran, Iran, from October 2007 to November 2009. The whole department was divided into one main system and six subsystems, based on FMEA. The study was divided into two phases. In the first phase, the problems leading to the loss of revenue in each subsystem were identified and weighted into four groups using risk priority number (RPN), and the solutions for fixing them were planned. Then, in the second phase, discovered defects in the first phase were fixed according to their priority. Finally, the impact of each solution was compared before and after intervention using the repeated measure ANOVA test. 100 financial records of ED patients were evaluated during the first phase of the study. The average of ED revenue in the six months of the first phase was 73.1±3.65 thousand US dollars/month. 12 types of errors were detected in the predefined subsystems. ED revenue rose from 73.1 to 153.1, 207.06, 240, and 320 thousand US dollars/month after solving first, second, third, and fourth priority problems, respectively (337.75% increase in two years) (p<0.001). 111.0% increase in the ED revenue after solving of first priority problems revealed that they were extremely indispensable in decreasing the revenue (p<0.0001). The findings of the present study revealed that FMEA could be considered as an efficient model for increasing the revenue of emergency department. According to this model, not recording the services by the nursing unit, and lack of specific identifying code for the patients moving from ED to any other department, were the two first priority problems in decreasing our ED revenue.
Shahrami, Ali; Rahmati, Farhad; Kariman, Hamid; Hashemi, Behrooz; Rahmati, Majid; Baratloo, Alireza; Forouzanfar, Mohammad Mehdi; Safari, Saeed
2013-01-01
Introduction: The balance between revenue and cost of an organization/system is essential to maintain its survival and quality of services. Emergency departments (ED) are one of the most important parts of health care delivery system. Financial discipline of EDs, by increasing the efficiency and profitability, can directly affect the quality of care and subsequently patient satisfaction. Accordingly, the present study attempts to investigate failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) method in identifying the problems leading to the loss of ED revenue and offer solutions to help fix these problems. Methods: This prospective cohort study investigated the financial records of ED patients and evaluated the effective errors in reducing the revenue in ED of Imam Hossein hospital, Tehran, Iran, from October 2007 to November 2009. The whole department was divided into one main system and six subsystems, based on FMEA. The study was divided into two phases. In the first phase, the problems leading to the loss of revenue in each subsystem were identified and weighted into four groups using risk priority number (RPN), and the solutions for fixing them were planned. Then, in the second phase, discovered defects in the first phase were fixed according to their priority. Finally, the impact of each solution was compared before and after intervention using the repeated measure ANOVA test. Results: 100 financial records of ED patients were evaluated during the first phase of the study. The average of ED revenue in the six months of the first phase was 73.1±3.65 thousand US dollars/month. 12 types of errors were detected in the predefined subsystems. ED revenue rose from 73.1 to 153.1, 207.06, 240, and 320 thousand US dollars/month after solving first, second, third, and fourth priority problems, respectively (337.75% increase in two years) (p<0.001). 111.0% increase in the ED revenue after solving of first priority problems revealed that they were extremely indispensable in decreasing the revenue (p<0.0001). Conclusion: The findings of the present study revealed that FMEA could be considered as an efficient model for increasing the revenue of emergency department. According to this model, not recording the services by the nursing unit, and lack of specific identifying code for the patients moving from ED to any other department, were the two first priority problems in decreasing our ED revenue. PMID:26495327
Hudec, John C.; MacDougall, Steven; Rankin, Elaine
2010-01-01
ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To examine the effects of advanced access (same-day physician appointments) on patient and provider satisfaction and to determine its association with other variables such as physician income and patient emergency department use. DESIGN Patient satisfaction survey and semistructured interviews with physicians and support staff; analysis of physician medical insurance billings and patient emergency department visits. SETTING Cape Breton, NS. PARTICIPANTS Patients, physicians, and support staff of 3 comparable family physician practices that had not implemented advanced access and an established advanced access practice. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Self-reported provider and patient satisfaction, physician office income, and patients’ emergency department use. RESULTS The key benefits of implementation of advanced access were an increase in provider and patient satisfaction levels, same or greater physician office income, and fewer less urgent (triage level 4) and nonurgent (triage level 5) emergency department visits by patients. CONCLUSION Currently within the Central Cape Breton Region, 33% of patients wait 4 or more days for urgent appointments. Findings from this study can be used to enhance primary care physician practice redesign. This research supports many benefits of transitioning to an advanced access model of patient booking. PMID:20944024
Managing length of stay using patient flow--part 1.
Cesta, Toni
2013-02-01
This month we have discussed the fundamentals of patient flow and its related theories. We reviewed the concepts of demand and capacity management as they apply to the hospital setting. Patient flow requires daily diligence and attention. It should not be something focused on only on busy days, but should be managed each and every day. By taking a proactive approach to patient flow, the number of days your hospital will be bottlenecked can be reduced. Patient flow needs to be part of the daily activities of every case management department and should be factored in as a core role and function in a contemporary case management department. Patient flow needs to be addressed at the patient, departmental, and hospital level. In next month's issue we will continue our discussion on patient flow with a detailed review of specific examples that any case management department can use. We will also review all the departments and disciplines that contribute to patient flow and their role in it.
Implementation of a Data-Based Medical Event Reporting System in the U.S. Department of Defense
2005-05-01
where patient safety events warrant further investigation. Introduction Department of Defense Instruction 6025.17 established the Military Health ...Administration (VHA) Patient Safety Reporting Program for error tracking and reporting within all military health care facilities. 5 On August 16, 2001...DoD Instruction number 6025.17 “established a Military Health System Patient Safety Center (MHSPSC), including a MHS Patient Safety Registry (MHSPSR
Connectedness in the context of patient-provider relationships: a concept analysis.
Phillips-Salimi, Celeste R; Haase, Joan E; Kooken, Wendy Carter
2012-01-01
This paper is a report of an analysis of the concept of connectedness. Previous attempts to conceptualize patient-provider relationships were limited in explaining how such relationships are fostered and maintained, and how they influence patient outcomes. Connectedness is a concept that may provide insights into the advantages of patient-provider relationships; however, the usefulness of this concept in health care is limited by its conceptual ambiguity. Although connectedness is widely used to describe other social relationships, little consistency exists among its definitions and measures. Sources identified through CINAHL, OVID, PubMed and PsychINFO databases and references lists of selected articles between 1983 and 2010. A hybrid concept analysis approach was used, involving a combination of traditional concept analysis strategies that included: describing historical conceptualizations, identifying attributes, critiquing existing definitions, examining boundaries and identifying antecedents and consequences. Using five distinct historical perspectives, seven attributes of connectedness were identified: intimacy, sense of belonging, caring, empathy, respect, trust and reciprocity. A broad definition of connectedness, which can be used in the context of patient-provider relationships, was developed. A preliminary theoretical framework of connectedness was derived from the identified antecedents, attributes and consequences. Research efforts to advance the concept of connectedness in patient-provider relationships have been hampered by a lack of conceptual clarity. This concept analysis offers a clearer understanding of connectedness, provides recommendations for future research and suggests practice implications. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Toscos, Tammy; Carpenter, Maria; Flanagan, Mindy; Kunjan, Kislaya; Doebbeling, Bradley N
2018-01-01
Despite health care access challenges among underserved populations, patients, providers, and staff at community health clinics (CHCs) have developed practices to overcome limited access. These "positive deviant" practices translate into organizational policies to improve health care access and patient experience. To identify effective practices to improve access to health care for low-income, uninsured or underinsured, and minority adults and their families. Seven CHC systems, involving over 40 clinics, distributed across one midwestern state in the United States. Ninety-two key informants, comprised of CHC patients (42%) and clinic staff (53%), participated in semi-structured interviews. Interview transcripts were subjected to thematic analysis to identify patient-centered solutions for managing access challenges to primary care for underserved populations. Transcripts were coded using qualitative analytic software. Practices to improve access to care included addressing illiteracy and low health literacy, identifying cost-effective resources, expanding care offerings, enhancing the patient-provider relationship, and cultivating a culture of teamwork and customer service. Helping patients find the least expensive options for transportation, insurance, and medication was the most compelling patient-centered strategy. Appointment reminders and confirmation of patient plans for transportation to appointments reduced no-show rates. We identified nearly 35 practices for improving health care access. These were all patient-centric, uncovered by both clinic staff and patients who had successfully navigated the health care system to improve access.
Epplen, Kelly T
2014-08-15
This article discusses how to plan and implement an ambulatory care pharmacist service, how to integrate a hospital- or health-system-based service with the mission and operations of the institution, and how to help the institution meet its challenges related to quality improvement, continuity of care, and financial sustainability. The steps in implementing an ambulatory care pharmacist service include (1) conducting a needs assessment, (2) aligning plans for the service with the mission and goals of the parent institution, (3) collaborating with patients and physicians, (4) standardizing the patient care process, (5) proposing the service, (6) attaining the necessary resources, (7) identifying stakeholders, (8) identifying applicable quality standards, (9) defining competency standards, (10) planning for service payment, and (11) monitoring outcomes. Ambulatory care pharmacists have current opportunities to become engaged with patient-centered medical homes, accountable care organizations, preventive and wellness programs, and continuity of care initiatives. Common barriers to the advancement of ambulatory care pharmacist services include lack of complete access to patient information, inadequate information technology, and lack of payment. Ambulatory care pharmacy practitioners must assertively promote appropriate medication use, provide patient-centered care, pursue integration with the patient care team, and seek appropriate recognition and compensation for the services they provide. Copyright © 2014 by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. All rights reserved.
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Etienne, John
2012-01-01
A department of computer information systems at a community college in the southeastern United States was struggling to retain students, a large number of whom often dropped out within the first and second semester of enrollment. Identifying potential solutions to the retention problem is important to department leaders, faculty, and students…
More than a Set of Teeth: Assessing and Enhancing Dental Students' Perceptions of Older Adults
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Waldrop, Deborah P.; Fabiano, Jude A.; Nochajski, Thomas H.; Zittel-Palamara, Kimberly; Davis, Elaine L.; Goldberg, Louis J.
2006-01-01
Dental professionals play a key role in maintaining the well-being of older adults by identifying problems that disturb systemic health. A 3-part instrument was used to assess dental students' knowledge of aging, comfort with patient diversity and patient care strategies (Years 1-4; N = 321). Collaborative education and services were developed by…
Okuyama, Kohei; Sakamoto, Yuki; Naruse, Tomofumi; Kawakita, Akiko; Yanamoto, Souichi; Furukawa, Kohei; Umeda, Masahiro
2017-09-01
To present a case report on the presence of an ectopic mandibular third molar (EMTM), the surgical treatment, and outcome. A 63-year-old woman presented with right preauricular facial swelling, limited jaw function, and pain. Radiographic assessment demonstrated an EMTM positioned in the superoposterior aspect of the ramus. Radiographically, there was a bony tunnel extending from the third molar to distal of the second molar. The patient was treated by an intraoral approach on the medial aspect of the ramus for removal of the ectopic third molar, as well as the tissue in the bony tunnel. The patient healed uneventfully. The soft tissue in the bony canal was granulation tissue, and nerve function was preserved. A literature search of EMTMs was conducted identifying 17 reported cases. Three-dimensional imaging in the management of EMTM can be beneficial in identifying position of the tooth, associated pathology, and identifying the position of neurovascular structures to aid in removal of the ectopic tooth.
A patient safety objective structured clinical examination.
Singh, Ranjit; Singh, Ashok; Fish, Reva; McLean, Don; Anderson, Diana R; Singh, Gurdev
2009-06-01
There are international calls for improving education for health care workers around certain core competencies, of which patient safety and quality are integral and transcendent parts. Although relevant teaching programs have been developed, little is known about how best to assess their effectiveness. The objective of this work was to develop and implement an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) to evaluate the impact of a patient safety curriculum. The curriculum was implemented in a family medicine residency program with 47 trainees. Two years after commencing the curriculum, a patient safety OSCE was developed and administered at this program and, for comparison purposes, to incoming residents at the same program and to residents at a neighboring residency program. All 47 residents exposed to the training, all 16 incoming residents, and 10 of 12 residents at the neighboring program participated in the OSCE. In a standardized patient case, error detection and error disclosure skills were better among trained residents. In a chart-based case, trained residents showed better performance in identifying deficiencies in care and described more appropriate means of addressing them. Third year residents exposed to a "Systems Approach" course performed better at system analysis and identifying system-based solutions after the course than before. Results suggest increased systems thinking and inculcation of a culture of safety among residents exposed to a patient safety curriculum. The main weaknesses of the study are its small size and suboptimal design. Much further investigation is needed into the effectiveness of patient safety curricula.
Designing a model of patient tracking system for natural disaster in Iran
Tavakoli, Nahid; Yarmohammadian, Mohammad H.; Safdari, Reza; Keyvanara, Mahmoud
2017-01-01
CONTEXT: Disaster patient tracking consists of identifying and registering patients, recording data on their medical conditions, settings priorities for evacuation of scene, locating the patients from scene to health care centers and then till completion of treatment and discharge. AIM: The aim of this study was to design a model of patient tracking system for natural disaster in Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This applied study was conducted in two steps in 2016. First, data on disaster patient tracking systems used in selected countries were collected from library-printed and electronic references and then compared. Next, a preliminary model of disaster patient tracking system was provided using these systems and validated by Delphi technique and focus group. The data of the first step were analyzed by content analysis and those of the second step by descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Analysis of the comments of key information persons in three Delphi rounds, consisting of national experts, yielded three themes, i.e., content, function, and technology, ten subthemes, and 127 components, with consensus rate of over 75%, to provide a disaster patient tracking system for Iran. CONCLUSION: In Iran, there is no comprehensive process to manage the data on disaster patients. Offering a patient tracking system can be considered a humanitarian and effective measure to promote the process of identifying, caring for, evacuating, and transferring patients as well as documenting and following up their medical and location conditions from scene till completion of the treatment. PMID:28852666
Caterino, Jeffrey M; Karaman, Rowan; Arora, Vinay; Martin, Jacqueline L; Hiestand, Brian C
2009-09-28
More than one-third of US adults 65 and over fall every year. These falls may cause serious injury including substantial long-term morbidity (due declines in activities of daily living) and death. The emergency department (ED) visit represents an opportunity for identifying high risk elders and potentially instituting falls-related interventions. The unique characteristic of the ED environment and patient population necessitate that risk-assessment modalities be validated in this specific setting. In order to better identify elders at risk of falls, we examined the relationship between patient-provided history of falling and two testing modalities (a balance plate system and the timed up-and-go [TUG] test) in elder emergency department (ED) patients. We conducted a cross-sectional observational study of patients > or = 60 years old being discharged from the ED. Patient history of falls in the past week, month, 6 months, and year was obtained. Balance plate center of pressure excursion (COP) measurements and TUG testing times were recorded. COP was recorded under four conditions: normal stability eyes open (NSEO) and closed (NSEC), and perturbed stability eyes open and closed. Correlation between TUG and COP scores was measured. Univariate logistic regression was used to identify the relationship between patient-provided falls history and the two testing modalities. Proportions, likelihood ratios, and receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) curves for prediction of previous falls were reported. Fifty-three subjects were enrolled, 11% had fallen in the previous week and 42% in the previous year. There was no correlation between TUG and any balance plate measurements. In logistic regression, neither testing modality was associated with prior history of falls (p > 0.05 for all time periods). Balance plate NSEO and NSEC testing cutoffs could be identified which were 83% sensitive and had a negative likelihood ratio (LR-) of 0.3 for falls in the past week. TUG testing was not useful for falls in the past week, but performed best for more distant falls in the past month, 6 months, or year. TUG cutoffs with sensitivity over 80% and LR(-) of 0.17-0.32 could be identified for these time periods. Over 40% of community-dwelling elder ED patients report a fall within the past year. Balance plate and TUG testing were feasibly conducted in an ED setting. There is no relationship between scores on balance plate and TUG testing in these patients. In regression analysis, neither modality was significantly associated with patient provided history of falls. These modalities should not be adopted for screening purposes in elders in the ED setting without validation in future studies or as part of multi-factorial risk assessment.
Gene Signature for Predicting Solid Tumors Patient Prognosis | NCI Technology Transfer Center | TTC
The National Cancer Institute’s Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis seeks parties to license or co-develop a method of predicting the prognosis of a patient diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or breast cancer by detecting expression of one or more cancer-associated genes, and a method of identifying an agent for use in treating HCC.
Evaluation of emergency department nursing services and patient satisfaction of services.
Mollaoğlu, Mukadder; Çelik, Pelin
2016-10-01
To identify nursing services and assess patient satisfaction in patients who present to the emergency department. Emergency nursing care is a significant determinant of patient satisfaction. Patient satisfaction is often regarded as a reliable indicator of the quality of services provided in the emergency department. This is a descriptive study. Eighty-four patients who presented to the university emergency department were included in the study. The study data were collected by the Patient Information Form and the Satisfaction Level Form. Emergency nursing services, including history taking, assessing vital signs, preparing the patient for an emergency intervention, oxygen therapy, drug delivery and blood-serum infusion were shown to be more commonly provided compared with other services such as counselling the patients and the relatives about their care or delivering educational and psychosocial services. However, 78·6% of the patients were satisfied with their nursing services. The highest satisfaction rates were observed in the following sub-dimensions of the Satisfaction Level Form: availability of the nurse (82·1%), behaviour of the nurse towards the patient (78·6%) and the frequency of nursing rounds (77·4%). The most common practices performed by nurses in the emergency department were physical nursing services. Patient satisfaction was mostly associated with the availability of nurses when they were needed. Our results suggest that in addition to the physical care, patients should also receive education and psychosocial care in the emergency department. We believe that this study will contribute to the awareness and understanding of principles and concepts of emergency nursing, extend the limits of nursing knowledge and abilities, and improve and maintain the quality of clinical nursing education and practice to train specialist nurses with high levels of understanding in ethical, intellectual, administrative, investigative and professional issues. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Identifying the Training Needs of Heads of Department in a Newly Established University in Vietnam
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Nguyen, Thi Lan Huong
2012-01-01
Although middle-level academic managers really need training in order to perform their roles adequately in the very changing context of higher education, little formal training is provided, particularly in less developed countries. This paper identifies the training needs of Heads of Department in a newly established university in Vietnam as a…
The legal and ethical implications of social media in the emergency department.
Lyons, Rachel; Reinisch, Courtney
2013-01-01
Social media is a growing and popular means of communication. It is understandable that health care providers may not share identifying information on patients through these sources. Challenges arise when patients and family members wish to record the care provided in the emergency department. The health care provider may be faced with an ethical and possibly legal dilemma when social media is present in the emergency department. This article seeks to discuss the legal and ethical principles surrounding social media in the emergency department.
A novel missense mutation of COL5A2 in a patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
Watanabe, Miki; Nakagawa, Ryuji; Naruto, Takuya; Kohmoto, Tomohiro; Suga, Ken-Ichi; Goji, Aya; Kagami, Shoji; Masuda, Kiyoshi; Imoto, Issei
2016-01-01
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of inherited connective tissue disorders characterized by hyperextensible skin, joint hypermobility and soft tissue fragility. For molecular diagnosis, targeted exome sequencing was performed on a 9-year-old male patient who was clinically suspected to have EDS. The patient presented with progressive kyphoscoliosis, joint hypermobility and hyperextensible skin without scars. Ultimately, classical EDS was diagnosed by identifying a novel, mono-allelic mutation in COL5A2 [NM_000393.3(COL5A2_v001):c.682G>A, p.Gly228Arg].
A novel missense mutation of COL5A2 in a patient with Ehlers–Danlos syndrome
Watanabe, Miki; Nakagawa, Ryuji; Naruto, Takuya; Kohmoto, Tomohiro; Suga, Ken-ichi; Goji, Aya; Kagami, Shoji; Masuda, Kiyoshi; Imoto, Issei
2016-01-01
Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of inherited connective tissue disorders characterized by hyperextensible skin, joint hypermobility and soft tissue fragility. For molecular diagnosis, targeted exome sequencing was performed on a 9-year-old male patient who was clinically suspected to have EDS. The patient presented with progressive kyphoscoliosis, joint hypermobility and hyperextensible skin without scars. Ultimately, classical EDS was diagnosed by identifying a novel, mono-allelic mutation in COL5A2 [NM_000393.3(COL5A2_v001):c.682G>A, p.Gly228Arg]. PMID:27656288
What cues do nurses use to predict aggression in people with acquired brain injury?
Pryor, Julie
2005-04-01
There is a paucity of research on the frequent and repeated episodes of aggression and violence experienced by nurses when working with people who have an acquired brain injury. The purpose of this study was to bring this issue into focus by identifying the cues nurses use to predict aggression in people with acquired brain injury. Twenty-eight nurses from 10 different inpatient brain injury rehabilitation units in Australia participated in the study. Participants were interviewed using the Critical Decision Method on a one to one basis for up to one and one half hours on two consecutive days. Transcripts of the interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Results revealed that nurses identified five groups of cues that predict aggression in a patient: (1) what a patient is saying; (2) changes in a patient's voice; (3) changes in a patient's face; (4) changes in a patient's behavior; and (5) a patient's emotions. Nurses reported using multiple cues to predict aggression and highlighted the importance of personal knowledge of the patient in conjunction with identified cues when predicting aggression. Nurses caring for patients with acquired brain injury can predict many episodes of aggression, though not all, by identifying cues from the patient.
Gobat, Nina; Kinnersley, Paul; Gregory, John W; Robling, Michael
2015-07-01
To establish consensus on the core domains of agenda setting in consultations. We reviewed the healthcare literature and, using a modified Delphi technique to embrace both patient and clinician perspectives, conducted an iterative online survey, with 30 experts in health communication. Participants described agenda setting and rated the importance of proposed domains. Consensus was determined where the group median was ≥5 on a 7-point Likert-like response scale, and the interquartile range fell to within one point on this scale. Relevant publications were identified in three overlapping bodies of healthcare literature. Survey respondents considered that agenda setting involved a process whereby patients and clinicians establish a joint focus for both their conversation and their working relationship. Consensus was obtained on six core domains: identifying patient talk topics, identifying clinician talk topics, agreement of shared priorities, establishing conversational focus, collaboration and engagement. New terminology--agenda mapping and agenda navigation--is proposed. We identified core agenda setting domains that embraced patient and clinician perspectives. An integrated conceptualization of agenda setting may now be used by researchers and educators in both clinician and patient focused interventions. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Qualitative analysis and conceptual mapping of patient experiences in home health care.
Lines, Lisa M; Anderson, Wayne L; Blackmon, Brian D; Pronier, Cristalle R; Allen, Rachael W; Kenyon, Anne E
2018-01-01
This study explored patient experiences in home health care through a literature review, focus groups, and interviews. Our goal was to develop a conceptual map of home health care patient experience domains. The conceptual map identifies technical and personal spheres of care, relating prior studies to new focus group and interview findings and identifying the most important domains of care. Study participants (n = 35) most frequently reported the most important domain as staff who are caring, supportive, patient, empathetic, respectful, and considerate (endorsed by 29% of participants). The conceptual map includes 114 discrete domains.
A Patient-Centered Approach to Informed Consent: Results from a Survey and Randomized Trial.
Krishnamurti, Tamar; Argo, Nichole
2016-08-01
Traditional informed consent documents tend to be too lengthy and technical to facilitate proper patient engagement. Patient-centered, short informed consent content could be equally informative, while minimizing patient burden and producing greater patient engagement. This study aimed to develop and evaluate patient-centered, patient-designed paper and video informed consent formats. Two studies were conducted. In study 1, 118 self-identifying asthma patients recruited from a national, online pool completed survey tasks from their personal computers. Participants in study 1 were randomly assigned to examine sections of a standard informed consent document for an asthma trial and to select information they deemed critical to their decision making. In study 2, a sample of 83 self-identifying asthma patients completed experimental tasks in a university laboratory. Participants in study 2 were randomly assigned to a full informed consent document; a shortened, patient-designed informed consent document created from study 1; or a video with content matched to the shortened paper form. Study 1 yielded a more readable, concise version of a standard informed consent document (5 v. 17 pages). This shortened, patient-designed form closely met normative criteria for good clinical practice. In study 2, participants who viewed either the shortened paper consent or video reported greater engagement than those viewing the standard paper consent, without lowered performance on any other decision-relevant variables (i.e., comprehension, judged risk/benefit, feelings of trust). The video consent format did not cause increased enrollment. Results suggest that providing concise informed consent content, systematically developed from patients' self-reported information needs, may be more effective at engaging and informing clinical trial participants than the traditional consent approach, without detriment to trial comprehension, risk assessment, or enrollment. © The Author(s) 2016.
Elliot, Alex J; Hughes, Helen E; Hughes, Thomas C; Locker, Thomas E; Shannon, Tony; Heyworth, John; Wapling, Andy; Catchpole, Mike; Ibbotson, Sue; McCloskey, Brian; Smith, Gillian E
2012-12-01
The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games is a mass gathering event that will present a major public health challenge. The Health Protection Agency, in collaboration with the College of Emergency Medicine, has established the Emergency Department Sentinel Syndromic Surveillance System (EDSSS) to support the public health surveillance requirements of the Games. This feasibility study assesses the usefulness of EDSSS in monitoring indicators of disease in the community. Daily counts of anonymised attendance data from six emergency departments across England were analysed by patient demographics (age, gender, partial postcode), triage coding and diagnosis codes. Generic and specific syndromic indicators were developed using aggregations of diagnosis codes recorded during each attendance. Over 339,000 attendances were recorded (26 July 2010 to 25 July 2011). The highest attendances recorded on weekdays between 10:00 and 11:00 and on weekends between 12:00 and 13:00. The mean daily attendance per emergency department was 257 (range 38-435). Syndromic indicators were developed including: respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiac, acute respiratory infection, gastroenteritis and myocardial ischaemia. Respiratory and acute respiratory infection indicators peaked during December 2010, concomitant with national influenza activity, as monitored through other influenza surveillance systems. The EDSSS has been established to provide an enhanced surveillance system for the London 2012 Olympics. Further validation of the data will be required; however, the results from this initial descriptive study demonstrate the potential for identifying unusual and/or severe outbreaks of infectious disease, or other incidents with public health impact, within the community.
Physicians' and nurses' perceptions of patient safety risks in the emergency department.
Källberg, Ann-Sofie; Ehrenberg, Anna; Florin, Jan; Östergren, Jan; Göransson, Katarina E
2017-07-01
The emergency department has been described as a high-risk area for errors. It is also known that working conditions such as a high workload and shortage off staff in the healthcare field are common factors that negatively affect patient safety. A limited amount of research has been conducted with regard to patient safety in Swedish emergency departments. Additionally, there is a lack of knowledge about clinicians' perceptions of patient safety risks. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to describe emergency department clinicians' experiences with regard to patient safety risks. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 physicians and 10 registered nurses from two emergency departments. Interviews were analysed by inductive content analysis. The experiences reflect the complexities involved in the daily operation of a professional practice, and the perception of risks due to a high workload, lack of control, communication and organizational failures. The results reflect a complex system in which high workload was perceived as a risk for patient safety and that, in a combination with other risks, was thought to further jeopardize patient safety. Emergency department staff should be involved in the development of patient safety procedures in order to increase knowledge regarding risk factors as well as identify strategies which can facilitate the maintenance of patient safety during periods in which the workload is high. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Regional consolidation of orthopedic surgery: impacts on hip fracture surgery access and outcomes.
Kreindler, Sara A; Siragusa, Lanette; Bohm, Eric; Rudnick, Wendy; Metge, Colleen J
2017-09-01
Timely access to orthopedic trauma surgery is essential for optimal outcomes. Regionalization of some types of surgery has shown positive effects on access, timeliness and outcomes. We investigated how the consolidation of orthopedic surgery in 1 Canadian health region affected patients requiring hip fracture surgery. We retrieved administrative data on all regional emergency department visits for lower-extremity injury and all linked inpatient stays from January 2010 through March 2013, identifying 1885 hip-fracture surgeries. Statistical process control and interrupted time series analysis controlling for demographics and comorbidities were used to assess impacts on access (receipt of surgery within 48-h benchmark) and surgical outcomes (complications, in-hospital/30-d mortality, length of stay). There was a significant increase in the proportion of patients receiving surgery within the benchmark. Complication rates did not change, but there appeared to be some decrease in mortality (significant at 6 mo). Length of stay increased at a hospital that experienced a major increase in patient volume, perhaps reflecting challenges associated with patient flow. Regionalization appeared to improve the timeliness of surgery and may have reduced mortality. The specific features of the present consolidation (including pre-existing interhospital performance variation and the introduction of daytime slates at the referral hospital) should be considered when interpreting the findings.
Jenkins, Constance L; Elliott, Aaron R; Harris, Janet R
2006-08-01
The purposes of this study were to identify the ethical issues Department of the Army civilian and Army Nurse Corps certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) encountered in their anesthesia practice and how disturbed they were by these issues. This descriptive study used a secondary data analysis of a cross-sectional survey of Army Nurse Corps officers and Department of the Army civilian registered nurses (N = 5,293). The CRNA subset (n = 97) was obtained from questionnaires that indicated a primary practice setting as anesthesia. The most frequently occurring ethical issue identified was conflict in the nurse-physician relationship, whereas the most disturbing issue was working with incompetent/impaired colleagues. Unresolved ethical conflicts can negatively influence the nurses' morale, leading to avoidance of the issue and contributing to burnout. Identifying the ethical issues and disturbance level experienced by CRNAs should contribute to the development of an ethics education program that addresses issues encountered in CRNA practice.
Famiglietti, Robin M; Norboge, Emily C; Boving, Valentine; Langabeer, James R; Buchholz, Thomas A; Mikhail, Osama
To meet demand for radiation oncology services and ensure patient-centered safe care, management in an academic radiation oncology department initiated quality improvement efforts using discrete-event simulation (DES). Although the long-term goal was testing and deploying solutions, the primary aim at the outset was characterizing and validating a computer simulation model of existing operations to identify targets for improvement. The adoption and validation of a DES model of processes and procedures affecting patient flow and satisfaction, employee experience, and efficiency were undertaken in 2012-2013. Multiple sources were tapped for data, including direct observation, equipment logs, timekeeping, and electronic health records. During their treatment visits, patients averaged 50.4 minutes in the treatment center, of which 38% was spent in the treatment room. Patients with appointments between 10 AM and 2 PM experienced the longest delays before entering the treatment room, and those in the clinic in the day's first and last hours, the shortest (<5 minutes). Despite staffed for 14.5 hours daily, the clinic registered only 20% of patients after 2:30 PM. Utilization of equipment averaged 58%, and utilization of staff, 56%. The DES modeling quantified operations, identifying evidence-based targets for next-phase remediation and providing data to justify initiatives.
Adjusted hospital death rates: a potential screen for quality of medical care.
Dubois, R W; Brook, R H; Rogers, W H
1987-09-01
Increased economic pressure on hospitals has accelerated the need to develop a screening tool for identifying hospitals that potentially provide poor quality care. Based upon data from 93 hospitals and 205,000 admissions, we used a multiple regression model to adjust the hospitals crude death rate. The adjustment process used age, origin of patient from the emergency department or nursing home, and a hospital case mix index based on DRGs (diagnostic related groups). Before adjustment, hospital death rates ranged from 0.3 to 5.8 per 100 admissions. After adjustment, hospital death ratios ranged from 0.36 to 1.36 per 100 (actual death rate divided by predicted death rate). Eleven hospitals (12 per cent) were identified where the actual death rate exceeded the predicted death rate by more than two standard deviations. In nine hospitals (10 per cent), the predicted death rate exceeded the actual death rate by a similar statistical margin. The 11 hospitals with higher than predicted death rates may provide inadequate quality of care or have uniquely ill patient populations. The adjusted death rate model needs to be validated and generalized before it can be used routinely to screen hospitals. However, the remaining large differences in observed versus predicted death rates lead us to believe that important differences in hospital performance may exist.
Regional consolidation of orthopedic surgery: impacts on hip fracture surgery access and outcomes
Kreindler, Sara A.; Siragusa, Lanette; Bohm, Eric; Rudnick, Wendy; Metge, Colleen J.
2017-01-01
Background Timely access to orthopedic trauma surgery is essential for optimal outcomes. Regionalization of some types of surgery has shown positive effects on access, timeliness and outcomes. We investigated how the consolidation of orthopedic surgery in 1 Canadian health region affected patients requiring hip fracture surgery. Methods We retrieved administrative data on all regional emergency department visits for lower-extremity injury and all linked inpatient stays from January 2010 through March 2013, identifying 1885 hip-fracture surgeries. Statistical process control and interrupted time series analysis controlling for demographics and comorbidities were used to assess impacts on access (receipt of surgery within 48-h benchmark) and surgical outcomes (complications, in-hospital/30-d mortality, length of stay). Results There was a significant increase in the proportion of patients receiving surgery within the benchmark. Complication rates did not change, but there appeared to be some decrease in mortality (significant at 6 mo). Length of stay increased at a hospital that experienced a major increase in patient volume, perhaps reflecting challenges associated with patient flow. Conclusion Regionalization appeared to improve the timeliness of surgery and may have reduced mortality. The specific features of the present consolidation (including pre-existing interhospital performance variation and the introduction of daytime slates at the referral hospital) should be considered when interpreting the findings. PMID:28930037
Military Interoperable Digital Hospital Testbed (MIDHT)
2010-02-01
note build and system setup. There was significant progress in identifying workflows and processes. A sample note for a patient visit can be seen...between EMR systems did not exist when surveys were completed in early 2009. There is a significant opportunity to enhance patient care of military...interpret the provider’s handwriting . Many EHRs have included decision support into their functionality to help alert physicians to medication conflicts
Everett, Christine M; Morgan, Perri; Jackson, George L
2016-12-01
Team-based care involving physician assistants (PAs) and advance practice nurses (APNs) is one strategy for improving access and quality of care. PA/APNs perform a variety of roles on primary care teams. However, limited research describes the relationship between PA/APN role and patient outcomes. We examined multiple outcomes associated with primary care PA/APN roles. In this cross-sectional survey analysis, we studied adult respondents to the 2010 Health Tracking Household Survey. Outcomes included primary care and emergency department visits, hospitalizations, unmet need, and satisfaction. PA/APN role was categorized as physician only (no PA/APN visits; reference), usual provider (PA/APN provide majority of primary care visits) or supplemental provider (physician as usual provider, PA/APN provide a subset of visits). Multivariable logistic and multinomial logistic regressions were performed. Compared to people with physician only care, patients with PA/APNs as usual providers [5-9 visits RRR=2.4 (CI 1.8-3.4), 10+ visits RRR=3.0 (CI 2.0-4.5): reference 2-4 visits] and supplemental providers had increased risk of having 5 or more primary care visits [5-9 visits RRR=1.3 (CI 1.0-1.6)]. Patients reporting PA/APN as supplemental providers had increased risk of emergency department utilization [2+ visits: RRR 1.8 (CI 1.3, 2.5)], and lower satisfaction [very dissatisfied: RRR 1.8 (CI 1.03-3.0)]. No differences were seen for hospitalizations or unmet need. Healthcare utilization patterns and satisfaction varied between adults with PA/APN in different roles, but reported unmet need did not. These findings suggest a wide range of outcomes should be considered when identifying the best PA/APN role on primary care teams. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Suicide Risk Screening in Healthcare Settings: Identifying Males and Females at Risk
King, Cheryl A.; Horwitz, Adam; Czyz, Ewa; Lindsay, Rebecca
2017-01-01
Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for more than 42,000 deaths in 2014. Although this tragedy cuts across groups defined by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and geographic location, it is striking that nearly four times as many males as females die by suicide in the U.S. We describe the current regulations and recommendations for suicide risk screening in healthcare systems and also describe the aspirational goal of “Zero Suicide,” put forth by the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention. We then provide information about suicide risk screening tools and steps to take when a patient screens positive for suicide risk. Given the substantially higher suicide rate among males than females, we argue that it is important to consider how we could optimize suicide risk screening strategies to identify males and females at risk. Further research is needed to accomplish this. It is recommended that we consider multi-factorial suicide risk screens that incorporate risk factors known to be particularly important for males as well computerized, adaptive screens that are tailored for the specific risk considerations of the individual patient, male or female. These strategies are not mutually exclusive. Finally, universal suicide risk screening in healthcare settings, especially primary care, specialty medical care, and emergency department settings, is recommended. PMID:28251427
Horng, Steven; Sontag, David A; Halpern, Yoni; Jernite, Yacine; Shapiro, Nathan I; Nathanson, Larry A
2017-01-01
To demonstrate the incremental benefit of using free text data in addition to vital sign and demographic data to identify patients with suspected infection in the emergency department. This was a retrospective, observational cohort study performed at a tertiary academic teaching hospital. All consecutive ED patient visits between 12/17/08 and 2/17/13 were included. No patients were excluded. The primary outcome measure was infection diagnosed in the emergency department defined as a patient having an infection related ED ICD-9-CM discharge diagnosis. Patients were randomly allocated to train (64%), validate (20%), and test (16%) data sets. After preprocessing the free text using bigram and negation detection, we built four models to predict infection, incrementally adding vital signs, chief complaint, and free text nursing assessment. We used two different methods to represent free text: a bag of words model and a topic model. We then used a support vector machine to build the prediction model. We calculated the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve to compare the discriminatory power of each model. A total of 230,936 patient visits were included in the study. Approximately 14% of patients had the primary outcome of diagnosed infection. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for the vitals model, which used only vital signs and demographic data, was 0.67 for the training data set, 0.67 for the validation data set, and 0.67 (95% CI 0.65-0.69) for the test data set. The AUC for the chief complaint model which also included demographic and vital sign data was 0.84 for the training data set, 0.83 for the validation data set, and 0.83 (95% CI 0.81-0.84) for the test data set. The best performing methods made use of all of the free text. In particular, the AUC for the bag-of-words model was 0.89 for training data set, 0.86 for the validation data set, and 0.86 (95% CI 0.85-0.87) for the test data set. The AUC for the topic model was 0.86 for the training data set, 0.86 for the validation data set, and 0.85 (95% CI 0.84-0.86) for the test data set. Compared to previous work that only used structured data such as vital signs and demographic information, utilizing free text drastically improves the discriminatory ability (increase in AUC from 0.67 to 0.86) of identifying infection.
Uittenbogaard, Annemieke J M; de Deckere, Ernie R J T; Sandel, Maro H; Vis, Alice; Houser, Christine M; de Groot, Bas
2014-06-01
Timely administration of effective antibiotics is important in sepsis management. Source-targeted antibiotics are believed to be most effective, but source identification could cause time delays. First, to describe the accuracy/time delays of a diagnostic work-up and the association with time to antibiotics in septic emergency department (ED) patients. Second, to assess the fraction in which source-targeted antibiotics could have been administered solely on the basis of patient history and physical examination. Secondary analysis of the prospective observational study on septic ED patients was carried out. The time to test result availability was associated with time to antibiotics. The accuracy of the suspected source of infection in the ED was assessed. For patients with pneumosepsis, urosepsis, and abdominal sepsis, combinations of signs and symptoms were assessed to achieve a maximal positive predictive value for the sepsis source, identifying a subset of patients in whom source-targeted antibiotics could be administered without waiting for diagnostic test results. The time to antibiotics increased by 18 (95% confidence interval: 12-24) min/h delay in test result availability (n=323). In 38-79% of patients, antibiotics were administered after additional tests, whereas the ED diagnosis was correct in 68-85% of patients. The maximal positive predictive value of signs and symptoms was 0.87 for patients with pneumosepsis and urosepsis and 0.75 for those with abdominal sepsis. Use of signs and symptoms would have led to correct ED diagnosis in 33% of patients. Diagnostic tests are associated with delayed administration of antibiotics to septic ED patients while increasing the diagnostic accuracy to only 68-85%. In one-third of septic ED patients, the choice of antibiotics could have been accurately determined solely on the basis of patient history and physical examination.
Graham, Blair; Smith, Jason E; Enki, Doyo
2017-12-01
Identifying weaknesses in emergency department (ED) communication may highlight areas where quality improvement may be beneficial. This study explores whether the Communication Assessment Tool-Team (CAT-T) survey can identify communication strengths and weaknesses in a UK setting. This study aimed to determine the frequency of patient responses for each item on the CAT-T survey and to compare the proportion of responses according to patient and operational characteristics. Adults presenting to the minors area of a semi-urban ED between April and May 2015 were included. Those lacking capacity or in custody were excluded. Multivariate analysis identified associations between responses and demographic/operational characteristics. A total of 407/526 eligible patients responded (77.3%). Respondents were mostly White British (93.9%), with a median age of 45 years. Most responses were obtained during daytime hours (84.2% between 08 : 00 and 18 : 00). The median reported times to triage, assessment and disposition were 15, 35 and 90 min, respectively. Items most frequently rated as 'very good'/'excellent' (strengths) were 'ambulance staff treated me with respect' (86.7%), ED staff 'let me talk without interruptions' (85%) and 'paid attention to me' (83.7%). Items most frequently rated as 'poor'/'fair' (weaknesses) were 'encouraged me to ask questions', 'reception treated me with respect' (10.4%) and 'staff showed an interest in my health' (6.8%). Arrival time, analgesia at triage and time to assessment were associated with significantly increased odds of positive perception of team communication for a range of items. The CAT-T survey may be used within a UK setting to identify discrete strengths and weaknesses in ED team communication.
Mosquitoes: A Viable 21st-Century Soft Power Tool
2015-01-01
to several continents, hitting North America when a 10-year- old patient in California was diagnosed with the disease . Eighteen thousand people...and biological aspects of disease and conditions and its efficiencies in identifying, in person, defects and dysfunctions of disease using patient ...ser- vants of the covenants of the Hippocratic oath. The oath obligates the taker to share scientific gains, look to disease prevention rather than
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Gustavsson, Maria; Ekberg, Kerstin
2015-01-01
This article reports on the findings of a planned workplace health promotion intervention, and the aim is to identify conditions that facilitated or restricted the learning to promote health at an emergency care department in a Swedish hospital. The study had a longitudinal design, with interviews before and after the intervention and follow-up…
Claims-based proxies of patient instability among commercially insured adults with schizophrenia
Ruetsch, Charles; Un, Hyong; Waters, Heidi C
2018-01-01
Objective Schizophrenia (Sz) patients are among the highest utilizers of hospital-based services. Prevention of relapse is in part a treatment goal in order to reduce hospital admissions. However, predicting relapse is a challenge, particularly for payers and disease management firms with only access to claims data. Understandably, such organizations have had little success predicting relapse. A tool that allows payers to identify patients at elevated risk of relapse could facilitate targeted interventions prior to relapse and avoid rehospitalization. In this study, a series of proxy measures of patient instability, calculated from claims data were examined for their utility in identifying Sz patients at elevated risk of relapse. Methods Aetna claims were used to assess the relationship between instability of Sz patients and valence and magnitude of antipsychotic (AP) medication change during a 2-year period. Six proxies of instability including hospital admissions, emergency department visits, medication utilization patterns, and use of outpatient services were identified. Results were replicated using claims data from Truven MarketScan®. Results Patients who switched AP ingredient had the highest overall instability at the point of switch and the second steepest decline in instability following switch. Those who changed to a long-acting injectable AP showed the second highest level of instability and the steepest decrease in instability following the change. Patients augmented with a second AP showed the smallest increase in instability, up to the switch. Results were directionally consistent between the two data sets. Conclusion Using claims-based proxy measures to estimate instability may provide a viable method to better understand Sz patient markers of change in disease severity. Also, such proxies could be used to identify those individuals with the greatest need for treatment modification preventing relapse, improving patient outcomes, and reducing the burden of illness. PMID:29765242
Spain, David; Crilly, Julia; Pierce, John; Steele, Michael; Scuffham, Paul; Keijzers, Gerben
2015-02-01
To describe the effect of interventions designed to improve patient identification (PI) during pathology collection in the ED. A prospective before-and-after intervention study was conducted between June 2009 and June 2010 in a regional ED in Queensland, Australia. Interventions aimed to improve PI and specimen labelling, and consisted of: (i) education alone; and (ii) education plus an armband scanner that voice-prompted collector behaviour. Main outcomes measured included: frequency of correct key behaviours (KBs) during specimen collection, pathology integrity errors and cost of interventions. Data from 282 ED pathology collections were analysed (before: n = 115, after with education: n = 95, after with education plus armband scanner: n = 72). KBs for PI and labelling improved significantly following education plus armband scanner use. Application of armbands before sample collection increased (36% vs 90%, P < 0.001), as did asking the patient to state their name (25% vs 93%, P < 0.001) and date of birth (22% vs 93%, P < 0.001). These results were similar, albeit less pronounced, when the effect of education only was assessed. No primary patient misidentification was detected in this small study. The annual costs for a hospital to adopt the education programme with and without the armband scanner were $104,045 and $5330 respectively. ED staff had poor behaviours for identifying patients and labelling pathology specimens before intervention. These safety behaviours were considered an assumed skill. Education alone improved critical KBs markedly that was further augmented by the armband scanner. The cost to adopt education alone is relatively low compared to the addition of armband scanner technology. © 2015 The Authors. Emergency Medicine Australasia published by Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd on behalf of Australasian College for Emergency Medicine and Australasian Society for Emergency Medicine.
48 CFR 52.212-1 - Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Items.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-10-01
... ordered from the Department of Defense Single Stock Point (DoDSSP) by— (i) Using the ASSIST Shopping... CCR records for identifying alternative Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) accounts (see FAR Subpart 32...
A study on the impact of prioritising emergency department arrivals on the patient waiting time.
Van Bockstal, Ellen; Maenhout, Broos
2018-05-03
In the past decade, the crowding of the emergency department has gained considerable attention of researchers as the number of medical service providers is typically insufficient to fulfil the demand for emergency care. In this paper, we solve the stochastic emergency department workforce planning problem and consider the planning of nurses and physicians simultaneously for a real-life case study in Belgium. We study the patient arrival pattern of the emergency department in depth and consider different patient acuity classes by disaggregating the arrival pattern. We determine the personnel staffing requirements and the design of the shifts based on the patient arrival rates per acuity class such that the resource staffing cost and the weighted patient waiting time are minimised. In order to solve this multi-objective optimisation problem, we construct a Pareto set of optimal solutions via the -constraints method. For a particular staffing composition, the proposed model minimises the patient waiting time subject to upper bounds on the staffing size using the Sample Average Approximation Method. In our computational experiments, we discern the impact of prioritising the emergency department arrivals. Triaging results in lower patient waiting times for higher priority acuity classes and to a higher waiting time for the lowest priority class, which does not require immediate care. Moreover, we perform a sensitivity analysis to verify the impact of the arrival and service pattern characteristics, the prioritisation weights between different acuity classes and the incorporated shift flexibility in the model.
Patient financial management as a community benefit.
Shank, Corey
2007-03-01
Steps to take in documenting medical assistance advocacy include: Designating the program as a social service, not a collections effort. Detailing the program's practices. Identifying outcomes. Sharing the impact of advocacy efforts with the community.
48 CFR 52.212-1 - Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Items.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-10-01
... ordered from the Department of Defense Single Stock Point (DoDSSP) by— (i) Using the ASSIST Shopping... CCR records for identifying alternative Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) accounts (see FAR Subpart 32...
48 CFR 52.212-1 - Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Items.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR
2013-10-01
... ordered from the Department of Defense Single Stock Point (DoDSSP) by— (i) Using the ASSIST Shopping... for identifying alternative Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) accounts (see FAR Subpart 32.11) for the...
48 CFR 52.212-1 - Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Items.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-10-01
... be ordered from the Department of Defense Single Stock Point (DoDSSP) by— (i) Using the ASSIST... SAM records for identifying alternative Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) accounts (see FAR Subpart 32...
Dunn, Graham; Chadwick, Paul; Young, Duncan; Bentley, Andrew; Carlson, Gordon; Warhurst, Geoffrey
2011-01-01
Background There is growing interest in the potential utility of real-time PCR in diagnosing bloodstream infection by detecting pathogen DNA in blood samples within a few hours. SeptiFast is a multipathogen probe-based real-time PCR system targeting ribosomal DNA sequences of bacteria and fungi. It detects and identifies the commonest pathogens causing bloodstream infection and has European regulatory approval. The SeptiFast pathogen panel is suited to identifying healthcare-associated bloodstream infection acquired during complex healthcare, and the authors report here the protocol for the first detailed health-technology assessment of multiplex real-time PCR in this setting. Methods/design A Phase III multicentre double-blinded diagnostic study will determine the clinical validity of SeptiFast for the rapid detection of healthcare-associated bloodstream infection, against the current service standard of microbiological culture, in an adequately sized population of critically ill adult patients. Results from SeptiFast and standard microbiological culture procedures in each patient will be compared at study conclusion and the metrics of clinical diagnostic accuracy of SeptiFast determined in this population setting. In addition, this study aims to assess further the preliminary evidence that the detection of pathogen DNA in the bloodstream using SeptiFast may have value in identifying the presence of infection elsewhere in the body. Furthermore, differences in circulating immune-inflammatory markers in patient groups differentiated by the presence/absence of culturable pathogens and pathogen DNA will help elucidate further the patho-physiology of infection developing in the critically ill. Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval has been granted by the North West 6 Research Ethics Committee (09/H1003/109). Based on the results of this first non-commercial study, independent recommendations will be made to The Department of Health (open-access health technology assessment report) as to whether SeptiFast has sufficient clinical diagnostic accuracy to move forward to efficacy testing during the provision of routine clinical care. PMID:22021785
Addressing work zone traffic safety issues in Arizona.
DOT National Transportation Integrated Search
2017-03-01
The occurrence of work zone crashes is expected to increase in Arizona with the Arizona Department of Transportations (ADOTs) shifted emphasis from constructing new roadways to preserving existing facilities. Identifying factors that contribute...
Identifying customer-focused performance measures : final report 655.
DOT National Transportation Integrated Search
2010-10-01
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) completed a comprehensive customer satisfaction : assessment in July 2009. ADOT commissioned the assessment to acquire statistically valid data from residents : and community leaders to help it identify...
Molecular diagnostics in the management of rhabdomyosarcoma.
Arnold, Michael A; Barr, Fredric G
2017-02-01
A classification of rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) with prognostic relevance has primarily relied on clinical features and histologic classification as either embryonal or alveolar RMS. The PAX3-FOXO1 and PAX7-FOXO1 gene fusions occur in 80% of cases with the alveolar subtype and are more predictive of outcome than histologic classification. Identifying additional molecular hallmarks that further subclassify RMS is an active area of research. Areas Covered: The authors review the current state of the PAX3-FOXO1 and PAX7-FOXO1 fusions as prognostic biomarkers. Emerging biomarkers, including mRNA expression profiling, MYOD1 mutations, RAS pathway mutations and gene fusions involving NCOA2 or VGLL2 are also reviewed. Expert commentary: Strategies for modifying RMS risk stratification based on molecular biomarkers are emerging with the potential to transform the clinical management of RMS, ultimately improving patient outcomes by tailoring therapy to predicted patient risk and identifying targets for novel therapies.
Identifying significant environmental features using feature recognition.
DOT National Transportation Integrated Search
2015-10-01
The Department of Environmental Analysis at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has expressed an interest in feature-recognition capability because it may help analysts identify environmentally sensitive features in the landscape, : including those r...
[Rhodococcus equi pneumonia in an HIV+ patient: An uncommon association].
Esteves, Paula; Mineiro, Ana; Serrado, Margarida; Diniz, António
2007-01-01
The human infection by Rhodococcus equi, even in the presence of HIV infection, remains a rare disease. The authors present a case report of pneumonia, occurring in a HIV+ man. After identifying Pneumocystis jiroveci in the BAL, despite proper medication, the patient didn't improve. Another BAL was performed and a Rhodococcus equi isolated. The therapeutic regimen was changed according to this finding and the patient improved. The authors make a review of the literature, focusing on the rarity of this association and the high survival observed.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-10-01
... Section 242.7502 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEFENSE ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE CONTRACT MANAGEMENT CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION AND AUDIT SERVICES Contractor Accounting Systems and Related Controls 242.7502 Procedures. (a) Upon receipt of an audit report identifying...
Fong, Allan; Clark, Lindsey; Cheng, Tianyi; Franklin, Ella; Fernandez, Nicole; Ratwani, Raj; Parker, Sarah Henrickson
2017-07-01
The objective of this paper is to identify attribute patterns of influential individuals in intensive care units using unsupervised cluster analysis. Despite the acknowledgement that culture of an organisation is critical to improving patient safety, specific methods to shift culture have not been explicitly identified. A social network analysis survey was conducted and an unsupervised cluster analysis was used. A total of 100 surveys were gathered. Unsupervised cluster analysis was used to group individuals with similar dimensions highlighting three general genres of influencers: well-rounded, knowledge and relational. Culture is created locally by individual influencers. Cluster analysis is an effective way to identify common characteristics among members of an intensive care unit team that are noted as highly influential by their peers. To change culture, identifying and then integrating the influencers in intervention development and dissemination may create more sustainable and effective culture change. Additional studies are ongoing to test the effectiveness of utilising these influencers to disseminate patient safety interventions. This study offers an approach that can be helpful in both identifying and understanding influential team members and may be an important aspect of developing methods to change organisational culture. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Wong, C K H; Wong, W C W; Wan, Y F; Chan, A K C; Chan, F W K; Lam, C L K
2016-10-01
To assess whether a structured diabetes education programme, the Patient Empowerment Programme, was associated with a lower rate of all-cause hospitalization and emergency department visits in a population-based cohort of patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus in primary care. A cohort of 24 250 patients was evaluated using a linked administrative database during 2009-2013. We selected 12 125 patients with Type 2 diabetes who had at least one Patient Empowerment Programme session attendance. Patients who did not participate in the Patient Empowerment Programme were matched one-to-one with patients who did, using the propensity score method. Hospitalization events and emergency department visits were the events of interest. Cox proportional hazard and negative binomial regressions were performed to estimate the hazard ratios for the initial event, and incidence rate ratios for the number of events. During a median 30.5 months of follow-up, participants in the Patient Empowerment Programme had a lower incidence of an initial hospitalization event (22.1 vs 25.2%; hazard ratio 0.879; P < 0.001) and emergency department visit (40.5 vs 44%; hazard ratio 0.901; P < 0.001) than those who did not participate in the Patient Empowerment Programme. Participation in the Patient Empowerment Programme was associated with a significantly lower number of emergency department visits (incidence rate ratio 0.903; P < 0.001): 40.4 visits per 100 patients annually in those who did not participate in the Patient Empowerment Programme vs. 36.2 per 100 patients annually in those who did. There were significantly fewer hospitalization episodes (incidence rate ratio 0.854; P < 0.001): 20.0 hospitalizations per 100 patients annually in those who did not participate in the Patient Empowerment Programme vs. 16.9 hospitalizations per 100 patients annually in those who did. Among patients with Type 2 diabetes, the Patient Empowerment Programme was shown to be effective in delaying the initial hospitalization event and in reducing their frequency. © 2015 Diabetes UK.
Kittipittayakorn, Cholada; Ying, Kuo-Ching
2016-01-01
Many hospitals are currently paying more attention to patient satisfaction since it is an important service quality index. Many Asian countries' healthcare systems have a mixed-type registration, accepting both walk-in patients and scheduled patients. This complex registration system causes a long patient waiting time in outpatient clinics. Different approaches have been proposed to reduce the waiting time. This study uses the integration of discrete event simulation (DES) and agent-based simulation (ABS) to improve patient waiting time and is the first attempt to apply this approach to solve this key problem faced by orthopedic departments. From the data collected, patient behaviors are modeled and incorporated into a massive agent-based simulation. The proposed approach is an aid for analyzing and modifying orthopedic department processes, allows us to consider far more details, and provides more reliable results. After applying the proposed approach, the total waiting time of the orthopedic department fell from 1246.39 minutes to 847.21 minutes. Thus, using the correct simulation model significantly reduces patient waiting time in an orthopedic department.
Kittipittayakorn, Cholada
2016-01-01
Many hospitals are currently paying more attention to patient satisfaction since it is an important service quality index. Many Asian countries' healthcare systems have a mixed-type registration, accepting both walk-in patients and scheduled patients. This complex registration system causes a long patient waiting time in outpatient clinics. Different approaches have been proposed to reduce the waiting time. This study uses the integration of discrete event simulation (DES) and agent-based simulation (ABS) to improve patient waiting time and is the first attempt to apply this approach to solve this key problem faced by orthopedic departments. From the data collected, patient behaviors are modeled and incorporated into a massive agent-based simulation. The proposed approach is an aid for analyzing and modifying orthopedic department processes, allows us to consider far more details, and provides more reliable results. After applying the proposed approach, the total waiting time of the orthopedic department fell from 1246.39 minutes to 847.21 minutes. Thus, using the correct simulation model significantly reduces patient waiting time in an orthopedic department. PMID:27195606
Identifying traffic safety needs - a systematic approach : [technical summary].
DOT National Transportation Integrated Search
2011-01-01
The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) manages road safety in Indiana through safety emphasis areas, identification of safety needs within these areas, and development and implementation of transportation interventions that address the safe...
Cowell, Alexander J; Dowd, William N; Mills, Michael J; Hinde, Jesse M; Bray, Jeremy W
2017-02-01
To examine the conditions under which Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) programs can be sustained by health insurance payments. A mathematical model was used to estimate the number of patients needed for revenues to exceed costs. Three medical settings in the United States were examined: in-patient, out-patient and emergency department. Components of SBIRT were delivered by combinations of health-care practitioners (generalists) and behavioral health specialists. Practitioners in seven SBIRT programs who received grants from the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Program costs and revenues were measured using data from grantees. Patient flows were measured from administrative data and adjusted with prevalence and screening estimates from the literature. SBIRT can be sustained through health insurance reimbursement in out-patient and emergency department settings in most staffing mixes. To sustain SBIRT in in-patient programs, a patient flow larger than the national average may be needed; if that flow is achieved, the range of screens required to maintain a surplus is narrow. Sensitivity analyses suggest that the results are very sensitive to changes in the proportion of insured patients. Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment programs in the United States can be sustained by health insurance payments under a variety of staffing models. Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment programs can be sustained only in an in-patient setting with above-average patient flow (more than 2500 screens). Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment programs in out-patient and emergency department settings can be sustained with below-average patient flows (fewer than 125 000 out-patient visits and fewer than 27 000 emergency department visits). © 2017 Society for the Study of Addiction.
Seeing Our Discipline through a New Lens: Speech Communication in a Professional College.
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Brenton, Angela Laird; Gray, John
1992-01-01
Discusses benefits and problems of locating a communication department in a professional college, thus identifying it is an applied professional program rather than a liberal arts course of study. (SR)
38 CFR 17.33 - Patients' rights.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-07-01
... matter concerning Department of Veterans Affairs benefits, shall not be reviewed. (ii) A patient may... instructions concerning patients' mail published by the Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, and/or the local health care facility. (iv) Each patient shall be afforded the opportunity to...
Are care plans suitable for the management of multiple conditions?
Young, Charlotte E.; Boyle, Frances M.; Mutch, Allyson J.
2016-01-01
Background Care plans have been part of the primary care landscape in Australia for almost two decades. With an increasing number of patients presenting with multiple chronic conditions, it is timely to consider whether care plans meet the needs of patients and clinicians. Objectives To review and benchmark existing care plan templates that include recommendations for comorbid conditions, against four key criteria: (i) patient preferences, (ii) setting priorities, (iii) identifying conflicts and synergies between conditions, and (iv) setting dates for reviewing the care plan. Design Document analysis of Australian care plan templates published from 2006 to 2014 that incorporated recommendations for managing comorbid conditions in primary care. Results Sixteen templates were reviewed. All of the care plan templates addressed patient preference, but this was not done comprehensively. Only three templates included setting priorities. None assisted in identifying conflicts and synergies between conditions. Fifteen templates included setting a date for reviewing the care plan. Conclusions Care plans are a well-used tool in primary care practice, but their current format perpetuates a single-disease approach to care, which works contrary to their intended purpose. Restructuring care plans to incorporate shared decision-making and attention to patient preferences may assist in shifting the focus back to the patient and their care needs. PMID:29090181
Missouri Department of Transportation research peer exchange : final report, March 5-7, 2007.
DOT National Transportation Integrated Search
2007-03-01
MoDOTs Organizational Results identified four critical focus issues for this peer exchange: : identifying research needs, : conducting external research and the role of the Missouri Transportation Institute, : implementing research results through...
Optimizing postpartum care for the patient with gestational diabetes mellitus.
Martinez, Noelle G; Niznik, Charlotte M; Yee, Lynn M
2017-09-01
Gestational diabetes mellitus poses well-established risks to both the mother and infant. As >50% of women with gestational diabetes mellitus will develop type 2 diabetes mellitus in their lifetime, performing postpartum oral glucose tolerance testing is paramount to initiation of appropriate lifestyle interventions and pharmacologic therapy. Nonetheless, test completion among women with gestational diabetes mellitus is estimated to be <50%, with particularly low rates in Latina patients, as well as patients with public insurance, low education levels, and low health literacy. Data suggest our current health services infrastructure loses patients in the postpartum gap between pregnancy-focused care and primary care. Previous studies have suggested strategies to promote oral glucose tolerance testing completion to identify type 2 diabetes mellitus. Based on existing evidence, we propose best practices for the postpartum care of women with gestational diabetes mellitus: (1) enhanced patient support for identifying long-term health care providers, (2) patient-centered medical home utilization when possible, (3) patient and provider test reminders, and (4) formalized obstetrician-primary care provider hand offs using the Situation Background Assessment Recommendation (SBAR) mnemonic. These strategies deserve future investigation to solidify a multilevel approach for identifying and preventing the continuum of diabetes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Tzeng, Huey-Ming; Pierson, James Marcus
2017-01-01
This exploratory survey study aimed to identify patient engagement actions that are the most frequently named as being highly important (top 30 by importance) or ones that they want to do (top 30 by desire) for community-dwelling adult patients living in the southern United States. Items not making the list of the top 30 by ability were also identified. Patient engagement is still an ambiguous term among population health and health care professionals in the United States as we lack a clear understanding of what it entails. This 2015-2016 study used convenience sampling to recruit subjects in a university's student health service department and in eight senior centers. Two hundred and fifty adult patients older than 18 years in the Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee participated in the study (82% response rate). A 57-item inventory, "The Patient Action Inventory for Self-Care," was developed and used to ascertain patients' self-designated preferences and capabilities in order to understand their needs for education and support. Respondents included 159 (63.6%) women, 62 (24.8%) men, and 29 (11.6%) who did not indicate their gender. Combining the list of the top 30 importance items and the list of the top 30 desired items yielded a list of 35 items; noteworthy is the fact that the list of the top 30 ability actions contained nine items that were not found in a previously mentioned list of 35 high-ranking importance and desired items. This study validated the necessity of analyzing patient engagement actions by importance, desirability, and ability to accomplish it. These three levels are distinct from each other. Nurses may use future versions of the inventory to assist patients in identifying self-care actions to engage in. Use of the inventory will demonstrate respect for patients' preferences and may thus improve engagement.
Web-Based Predictive Analytics to Improve Patient Flow in the Emergency Department
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Buckler, David L.
2012-01-01
The Emergency Department (ED) simulation project was established to demonstrate how requirements-driven analysis and process simulation can help improve the quality of patient care for the Veterans Health Administration's (VHA) Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (VAMC). This project developed a web-based simulation prototype of patient flow in EDs, validated the performance of the simulation against operational data, and documented IT requirements for the ED simulation.
Applied Use of Safety Event Occurrence Control Charts of Harm and Non-Harm Events: A Case Study.
Robinson, Susan N; Neyens, David M; Diller, Thomas
Most hospitals use occurrence reporting systems that facilitate identifying serious events that lead to root cause investigations. Thus, the events catalyze improvement efforts to mitigate patient harm. A serious limitation is that only a few of the occurrences are investigated. A challenge is leveraging the data to generate knowledge. The goal is to present a methodology to supplement these incident assessment efforts. The framework affords an enhanced understanding of patient safety through the use of control charts to monitor non-harm and harm incidents simultaneously. This approach can identify harm and non-harm reporting rates and also can facilitate monitoring occurrence trends. This method also can expedite identifying changes in workflow, processes, or safety culture. Although unable to identify root causes, this approach can identify changes in near real time. This approach also supports evaluating safety or policy interventions that may not be observable in annual safety climate surveys.
Extracting Sexual Trauma Mentions from Electronic Medical Notes Using Natural Language Processing.
Divita, Guy; Brignone, Emily; Carter, Marjorie E; Suo, Ying; Blais, Rebecca K; Samore, Matthew H; Fargo, Jamison D; Gundlapalli, Adi V
2017-01-01
Patient history of sexual trauma is of clinical relevance to healthcare providers as survivors face adverse health-related outcomes. This paper describes a method for identifying mentions of sexual trauma within the free text of electronic medical notes. A natural language processing pipeline for information extraction was developed and scaled to handle a large corpus of electronic medical notes used for this study from US Veterans Health Administration medical facilities. The tool was used to identify sexual trauma mentions and create snippets around every asserted mention based on a domain-specific lexicon developed for this purpose. All snippets were evaluated by trained human reviewers. An overall positive predictive value (PPV) of 0.90 for identifying sexual trauma mentions from the free text and a PPV of 0.71 at the patient level are reported. The metrics are superior for records from female patients.
Hope, Kirsty; Durrheim, David N; Muscatello, David; Merritt, Tony; Zheng, Wei; Massey, Peter; Cashman, Patrick; Eastwood, Keith
2008-08-01
To retrospectively review the performance of a near real-time Emergency Department (ED) Syndromic Surveillance System operating in New South Wales for identifying pneumonia outbreaks of public health importance. Retrospective data was obtained from the NSW Emergency Department data collection for a rural hospital that has experienced a cluster of pneumonia diagnoses among teenage males in August 2006. ED standard reports were examined for signals in the overall count for each respiratory syndrome, and for elevated counts in individual subgroups including; age, sex and admission to hospital status. Using the current thresholds, the ED syndromic surveillance system would have trigged a signal for pneumonia syndrome in children aged 5-16 years four days earlier than the notification by a paediatrician and this signal was maintained for 14 days. If the ED syndromic surveillance system had been operating it could have identified the outbreak earlier than the paediatrician's notification. This may have permitted an earlier public health response. By understanding the behaviour of syndromes during outbreaks of public health importance, response protocols could be developed to facilitate earlier implementation of control measures.
Active-learning strategies to develop health literacy knowledge and skills.
Devraj, Radhika; Butler, Lakesha M; Gupchup, Gireesh V; Poirier, Therese I
2010-10-11
To implement active-learning exercises in a required pharmacy course and assess their impact on students' knowledge and confidence in identifying and communicating with patients with low health literacy, as part of a required course in cultural competency, health literacy, and health beliefs. Active-learning activities including administering health literacy assessments, identifying informal signs of low health literacy, conducting mock patient counseling sessions, rating the readability of drug information, analyzing information in drug advertisements, and writing patient education materials were incorporated into the 6-sesssion health literacy portion of the course. A pretest and posttest showed that students' knowledge of health literacy increased, and a retrospective pretest found improvement in students' confidence in their ability to care for patients with low health literacy. In-class discussions provided informal evidence that students gained new knowledge from the active-learning activities. The addition of active-learning activities was effective in teaching health literacy concepts to pharmacy students.
Preparing Florida for deployment of SafetyAnalyst for all roads : [summary].
DOT National Transportation Integrated Search
2012-01-01
Safety on Floridas roads is a top priority for the : Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). : Identifying and prioritizing locations with high : potential for safety improvement is the critical : step in roadway safety management. New : tech...
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-04-01
... SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY (CONTINUED) MISCELLANEOUS EXCISE TAXES (CONTINUED) EXCISE TAX ON REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS AND REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANIES Procedure and Administration § 55.6109-1 Tax...
Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR
2013-04-01
... SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY (CONTINUED) MISCELLANEOUS EXCISE TAXES (CONTINUED) EXCISE TAX ON REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS AND REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANIES Procedure and Administration § 55.6109-1 Tax...
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-04-01
... SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY (CONTINUED) MISCELLANEOUS EXCISE TAXES (CONTINUED) EXCISE TAX ON REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS AND REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANIES Procedure and Administration § 55.6109-1 Tax...
Spring 2008 Industry Study. Privatized Military Operations Industry
2008-01-01
Department of Defense Civilian Lt Col Nathan “ Chili ” Lindsay, United States Air Force COL Darius Lukowski, Polish Army Ms. Diane Meyer, Department...efforts of the USG. Recommendations This Liberia case study demonstrates the benefits and costs of using contractors for the execution of U.S...PMFs and the USG to explore innovative ways to partner such that both parties would benefit by identifying requirements and capabilities in a more
Just, Beth Haenke; Marc, David; Munns, Megan; Sandefer, Ryan
2016-01-01
Patient identification matching problems are a major contributor to data integrity issues within electronic health records. These issues impede the improvement of healthcare quality through health information exchange and care coordination, and contribute to deaths resulting from medical errors. Despite best practices in the area of patient access and medical record management to avoid duplicating patient records, duplicate records continue to be a significant problem in healthcare. This study examined the underlying causes of duplicate records using a multisite data set of 398,939 patient records with confirmed duplicates and analyzed multiple reasons for data discrepancies between those record matches. The field that had the greatest proportion of mismatches (nondefault values) was the middle name, accounting for 58.30 percent of mismatches. The Social Security number was the second most frequent mismatch, occurring in 53.54 percent of the duplicate pairs. The majority of the mismatches in the name fields were the result of misspellings (53.14 percent in first name and 33.62 percent in last name) or swapped last name/first name, first name/middle name, or last name/middle name pairs. The use of more sophisticated technologies is critical to improving patient matching. However, no amount of advanced technology or increased data capture will completely eliminate human errors. Thus, the establishment of policies and procedures (such as standard naming conventions or search routines) for front-end and back-end staff to follow is foundational for the overall data integrity process. Training staff on standard policies and procedures will result in fewer duplicates created on the front end and more accurate duplicate record matching and merging on the back end. Furthermore, monitoring, analyzing trends, and identifying errors that occur are proactive ways to identify data integrity issues. PMID:27134610
Enhanced clinical pharmacy service targeting tools: risk-predictive algorithms.
El Hajji, Feras W D; Scullin, Claire; Scott, Michael G; McElnay, James C
2015-04-01
This study aimed to determine the value of using a mix of clinical pharmacy data and routine hospital admission spell data in the development of predictive algorithms. Exploration of risk factors in hospitalized patients, together with the targeting strategies devised, will enable the prioritization of clinical pharmacy services to optimize patient outcomes. Predictive algorithms were developed using a number of detailed steps using a 75% sample of integrated medicines management (IMM) patients, and validated using the remaining 25%. IMM patients receive targeted clinical pharmacy input throughout their hospital stay. The algorithms were applied to the validation sample, and predicted risk probability was generated for each patient from the coefficients. Risk threshold for the algorithms were determined by identifying the cut-off points of risk scores at which the algorithm would have the highest discriminative performance. Clinical pharmacy staffing levels were obtained from the pharmacy department staffing database. Numbers of previous emergency admissions and admission medicines together with age-adjusted co-morbidity and diuretic receipt formed a 12-month post-discharge and/or readmission risk algorithm. Age-adjusted co-morbidity proved to be the best index to predict mortality. Increased numbers of clinical pharmacy staff at ward level was correlated with a reduction in risk-adjusted mortality index (RAMI). Algorithms created were valid in predicting risk of in-hospital and post-discharge mortality and risk of hospital readmission 3, 6 and 12 months post-discharge. The provision of ward-based clinical pharmacy services is a key component to reducing RAMI and enabling the full benefits of pharmacy input to patient care to be realized. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identifying impediments and solutions to sidewalk project implementation in Pennsylvania.
DOT National Transportation Integrated Search
2016-09-30
The purpose of this research project was to evaluate the implementation issues of sidewalk projects that are funded through various federal programs administrated by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). This evaluation has identif...
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-04-01
... SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY (CONTINUED) MISCELLANEOUS EXCISE TAXES (CONTINUED) EXCISE TAX ON REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS AND REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANIES Procedure and Administration § 55.6109-1 Tax...
77 FR 45379 - Advisory Board Hearing
Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2012-07-31
.... Place: U.S. Department of Justice, Main Conference Center, 7th Floor, 950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW...- based Budgeting and Public Safety; reengineering population management; cost-effective strategies for meeting policy requirements and legislative mandates; innovative cost-saving strategies; identifying and...
Simplifying Bridge Expansion Joint Design and Maintenance
DOT National Transportation Integrated Search
2011-10-19
This report presents a study focused on identifying the most durable expansion joints for the South : Carolina Department of Transportation. This is performed by proposing a degradation model for the : expansion joints and updating it based on bridge...
Desai, Vishal; Cox, Mougnyan; Deshmukh, Sandeep; Roth, Christopher G
2018-04-20
In the emergency setting, flank pain commonly leads to a noncontrast CT despite a significant percentage of patients having alternative diagnoses, often difficult to characterize without contrast. We investigated the combined utility of urinalysis and history of urolithiasis in identifying patients who are unlikely to have urolithiasis and may benefit from a contrast-enhanced study. Retrospective review of 350 patients from May 2013 to May 2016 was performed for patients in the emergency department with renal colic that underwent noncontrast CT and urinalysis testing. Urolithiasis was present in 282 of the 350 patients reviewed (81%), of which 175 (62%) had an obstructing calculus. RBC-positive urinalysis was present in 231 patients with calculi on CT (sensitivity 82%). Patient history of urolithiasis plus urinalysis had a sensitivity of 94% for detecting calculi. Thirty-five patients (10%) had alternative diagnoses, 33 of which were in patients without obstructing calculi. Sixty-seven patients underwent noncontrast CT despite no history of urolithiasis and a negative urinalysis, 10 of which (15%) had alternative diagnoses. Only three cases in this subset (4%) had nonobstructing 1-2-mm calculi, potentially missed with contrast. In this subset, the projected proportion of optimally characterized cases with intravenous contrast is 96%, compared to 85% without contrast (p = .03). Given the high combined sensitivity of urinalysis and patient history (94%), this simple analysis can confidently direct clinicians to a contrast-enhanced CT in "rule-out" cases of flank pain in patients with a negative history and negative urinalysis, particularly given that 15% of these patients had alternative diagnoses.
Brunner, Emanuel; Dankaerts, Wim; Meichtry, André; O'Sullivan, Kieran; Probst, Michel
2018-06-01
In the management of chronic low back pain (LBP), identifying and managing more patients who are at high risk and who have psychological barriers to recovery is important yet difficult. The objective of this study was to test physical therapists' ability to allocate patients into risk stratification groups, test correlations between therapists' assessments of psychological factors and patient questionnaires, and explore relationships between psychological factors and therapists' self-reported competence to manage patients with chronic LBP. This was a pragmatic, observational study. Patients completed the STarT Back Tool (SBT, for risk stratification), the Four-Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire (distress, depression, anxiety), and the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (kinesiophobia) prior to the intake session. After this session, physical therapists estimated patient prognostic risk using the 3 SBT categories and rated patient psychological factors using a 0-to-10 scale. Finally, therapists reported their self-reported competence to manage the patient. Intraclass and Spearman rank correlations tested correlations between therapists' intuitive assessments and patient questionnaires. A linear-mixed model explored relationships between psychological factors and therapists' self-reported competence. Forty-nine patients were managed by 20 therapists. Therapists accurately estimated SBT risk allocation in only 41% of patients. Correlations between therapist perceptions and patient questionnaires were moderate for distress (r = 0.602) and fair for depression (r = 0.304) and anxiety (r = 0.327). There was no correlation for kinesiophobia (r = -0.007). Patient distress was identified as a negative predictor of therapists' self-reported competence. This was a cross-sectional study, conducted in only 1 center. Physical therapists were not very accurate at allocating patients into risk stratification groups or identifying psychological factors. Therapists' self-reported competence in managing patients was lowest when patients reported higher distress.
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Garrison, Debra Linley
2010-01-01
This study provides an in-depth analysis of the Community-Based Job Training Grants awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor from 2005 to 2008. The primary research question is designed to identify the most important factors in meeting grant-training outcomes; however, numerous secondary questions were addressed to provide the reader with in-depth…
Development and Testing of Emergency Department Patient Transfer Communication Measures
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Klingner, Jill; Moscovice, Ira
2012-01-01
Purpose: Communication problems are a major contributing factor to adverse events in hospitals. The contextual environment in small rural hospitals increases the importance of emergency department (ED) patient transfer communication quality. This study addresses the communication problems through the development and testing of ED quality…
Pierce, Lisa; Hocking, Matthew C; Schwartz, Lisa A; Alderfer, Melissa A; Kazak, Anne E; Barakat, Lamia P
2017-10-01
Reports of acceptability of psychosocial screening are limited, and the utility of screening in identifying risk factors for health-related quality of life (HRQL) of children with cancer has not been established. This study aimed to assess acceptability of screening for parents and evaluate associations between family risk factors and patient HRQL in the first year post-diagnosis. Sixty-seven parents of children with cancer completed the Psychosocial Assessment Tool (family risk), Distress Thermometer (caregiver distress), Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Civilian 6 (caregiver traumatic stress), PedsQL 4.0 (parent-proxy report of patient HRQL) and four acceptability questions via a tablet (iPad). Patients (Mage = 9.5 SD = 5.5 years) were equally distributed across major pediatric cancer diagnoses. The majority of parents endorsed electronic screening as acceptable (70%-97%). Patient gender, diagnosis, intensity of treatment and time since diagnosis were not significantly correlated with family risk, caregiver distress, traumatic stress, or patient HRQL. The full regression model predicting total HRQL was significant (R 2 = .42, F(4,64) = 10.7, p = .000). Age (older) was a significant covariate, family risk and caregiver distress were significant independent predictors of poorer total HRQL. The full regression models for physical and psychosocial HRQL were significant; age and caregiver distress were independent predictors of physical HRQL, and age and family risk were independent predictors of psychosocial HRQL. Screening is acceptable for families and important for identifying risk factors associated with poorer patient HRQL during childhood cancer treatment. Targeted interventions addressing family resource needs as well as parent distress identified through screening may be effective in promoting patient HRQL. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evidence-based management of neonatal vomiting in the emergency department.
Ratnayake, Kristin; Kim, Tommy Y
2014-11-01
Vomiting accounts for up to 36% of neonatal visits to the emergency department. The causes of vomiting can range from benign to life-threatening. Evidence to guide the diagnosis and management of neonatal vomiting in the emergency department is limited. History and physical examination are extremely important in these cases, especially in identifying red flags such as bilious or projectile emesis. A thorough review is presented, discussing various imaging modalities, including plain abdominal radiography, upper gastrointestinal studies, ultrasonography, and contrast enema. A systematic approach in the emergency department, as outlined in this review, is required to identify the serious causes of vomiting in the neonate.
Identifying traffic safety needs - a systematic approach : research report and user manual.
DOT National Transportation Integrated Search
2012-01-01
The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) manages road safety in Indiana through safety emphasis areas, identification of : safety needs within these areas, and development and implementation of transportation interventions that address the sa...
Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-04-01
... SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY (CONTINUED) MISCELLANEOUS EXCISE TAXES (CONTINUED) EXCISE TAX ON REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS AND REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANIES Procedure and Administration § 55.6109-1 Tax...
Swary, Jillian Havey; Stratman, Erik J
2014-07-01
Curriculum and role modeling adjustments are necessary to address patient safety gaps occurring during dermatology residency. To identify the source of clinical practices among dermatology residents that affect patient safety and determine the best approach for overcoming gaps in knowledge and practice patterns that contribute to these practices. A survey-based study, performed at a national medical dermatology meeting in Itasca, Illinois, in 2012, included 142 dermatology residents from 44 residency programs in the United States and Canada. Self-reported rates of dermatology residents committing errors, identifying local systems errors, and identifying poor patient safety role modeling. Of surveyed dermatology residents, 45.2% have failed to report needle-stick injuries incurred during procedures, 82.8% reported cutting and pasting a previous author's patient history information into a medical record without confirming its validity, 96.7% reported right-left body part mislabeling during examination or biopsy, and 29.4% reported not incorporating clinical photographs of lesions sampled for biopsy in the medical record at their institution. Residents variably perform a purposeful pause ("time-out") when indicated to confirm patient, procedure, and site before biopsy, with 20.0% always doing so. In addition, 59.7% of residents work with at least 1 attending physician who intimidates the residents, reducing the likelihood of reporting safety issues they witness. Finally, 78.3% have witnessed attending physicians purposefully disregarding required safety steps. Our data reinforce the need for modified curricula, systems, and teacher development to reduce injuries, improve communication with patients and between physicians, residents, and other members of the health care team, and create an environment free of intimidation.
Jennings, Jacky M; Stover, Jeffrey A; Bair-Merritt, Megan H; Fichtenberg, Caroline; Munoz, Mary Grace; Maziad, Rafiq; Ketemepi, Sherry Johnson; Zenilman, Jonathan
2009-01-01
Integrated infectious disease surveillance information systems have the potential to provide important new surveillance capacities and business efficiencies for local health departments. We conducted a case study at a large city health department of the primary computer-based infectious disease surveillance information systems during a 10-year period to identify the major challenges for information integration across the systems. The assessment included key informant interviews and evaluations of the computer-based surveillance information systems used for acute communicable diseases, human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, sexually transmitted diseases, and tuberculosis. Assessments were conducted in 1998 with a follow-up in 2008. Assessments specifically identified and described the primary computer-based surveillance information system, any duplicative information systems, and selected variables collected. Persistent challenges to information integration across the information systems included the existence of duplicative data systems, differences in the variables used to collect similar information, and differences in basic architecture. The assessments identified a number of challenges for information integration across the infectious disease surveillance information systems at this city health department. The results suggest that local disease control programs use computer-based surveillance information systems that were not designed for data integration. To the extent that integration provides important new surveillance capacities and business efficiencies, we recommend that patient-centric information systems be designed that provide all the epidemiologic, clinical, and research needs in one system. In addition, the systems should include a standard system of elements and fields across similar surveillance systems.
The attitudes of emergency department nurses towards patient safety.
Durgun, Hanife; Kaya, Hülya
2017-11-23
This research was planned to identify the attitudes of emergency department nurses towards patient safety. The study was performed as descriptive. The universe of the research the universe comprised hospitals defined as 3rd level according to Turkish health care classification, which provides service to all health disciplines in Istanbul. The sample consisted of emergency department (ED) nurses who work in those hospitals. The data was collected by using tools such as the "Information Questionnaire" and the "Patient Safety Attitudes Scale". In this study, the attitudes of ED nurses towards patient safety were found to be average and was not related to age, gender, education level, nursing experience, ED experience, ED certification, patient safety training, nurse's self sufficiency perception of patient safety, hospital's quality certification or ED quality certification. The attitudes of nurses towards patient safety were compared by age, gender, marital status, education level, ED experience and there was no meaningful difference. However, a meaningful difference was found between the age groups and the "defining stress" sub-dimension of the Patient Safety Attitudes Scale. ED nurses' status of certification for emergency care, patient safety training, training of quality, hospitals' or ED's quality certification status had no significant statistical difference. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
21 CFR 821.55 - Confidentiality.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-04-01
... MEDICAL DEVICE TRACKING REQUIREMENTS Records and Inspections § 821.55 Confidentiality. (a) Any patient receiving a device subject to tracking requirements under this part may refuse to release, or refuse... identifying information for the purpose of tracking. (b) Records and other information submitted to FDA under...
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-07-01
... impairs the physical, mental, emotional, or social well-being of the user. Contractor. The term... purposes which impairs the physical, mental, emotional, or social well-being of the user. Eye bank and.... The term “patient identifying information” means the name, address, social security number...
Taylor, David McD; Wolfe, Rory; Cameron, Peter A
2002-03-01
Emergency department patient complaints are often justified and may lead to apology, remedial action or compensation. The aim of the present study was to analyse emergency department patient complaints in order to identify procedures or practices that require change and to make recommendations for intervention strategies aimed at decreasing complaint rates. We undertook a retrospective analysis of patient complaints from 36 Victorian emergency departments during a 61 month period. Data were obtained from the Health Complaint Information Program (Health Services Commissioner). In all, 2,419 emergency department patients complained about a total of 3,418 separate issues (15.4% of all issues from all hospital departments). Of these, 1,157 complaints (47.80%) were received by telephone and 829 (34.3%) were received by letter; 1,526 (63.1 %) complaints were made by a person other than the patient. Highest complaint rates were received from patients who were female, born in non-English-speaking countries and very young or very old. One thousand one hundred and forty-one issues (33.4%) related to patient treatment, including inadequate treatment (329 issues) and inadequate diagnosis (249 issues); 1079 (31.6%) issues related to communication, including poor staff attitude, discourtesy and rudeness (444 issues); 407 (11.9%) issues related to delay in treatment. Overall, 2516 issues (73.6%) were resolved satisfactorily, usually by explanation or apology. Only 59 issues (1.7%) resulted in a procedure or policy change. Remedial action was taken in 109 issues (3.2%) and compensation was paid to eight patients. Communication remains a significant factor in emergency department patient dissatisfaction. While patient complaints have resulted in major changes to policy and procedure, research and intervention strategies into communication problems are indicated. In the short term, focused staff training is recommended.
Scott, Jason; Waring, Justin; Heavey, Emily; Dawson, Pamela
2014-01-01
Background It is increasingly recognised that patients can play a role in reporting safety incidents. Studies have tended to focus on patients within hospital settings, and on the reporting of patient safety incidents as defined within a medical model of safety. This study aims to determine the feasibility of collecting and using patient experiences of safety as a proactive approach to identifying latent conditions of safety as patients undergo organisational care transfers. Methods and analysis The study comprises three components: (1) patients’ experiences of safety relating to a care transfer, (2) patients’ receptiveness to reporting experiences of safety, (3) quality improvement using patient experiences of safety. (1) A safety survey and evaluation form will be distributed to patients discharged from 15 wards across four clinical areas (cardiac, care of older people, orthopaedics and stroke) over 1 year. Healthcare professionals involved in the care transfer will be provided with a regular summary of patient feedback. (2) Patients (n=36) who return an evaluation form will be sampled representatively based on the four clinical areas and interviewed about their experiences of healthcare and safety and completing the survey. (3) Healthcare professionals (n=75) will be invited to participate in semistructured interviews and focus groups to discuss their experiences with and perceptions of receiving and using patient feedback. Data analysis will explore the relationship between patient experiences of safety and other indicators and measures of quality and safety. Interview and focus group data will be thematically analysed and triangulated with all other data sources using a convergence coding matrix. Ethics and dissemination The study has been granted National Health Service (NHS) Research Ethics Committee approval. Patient experiences of safety will be disseminated to healthcare teams for the purpose of organisational development and quality improvement. Results will be disseminated to study participants as well as through peer-reviewed outputs. PMID:24833698
Quantifying prognosis with risk predictions.
Pace, Nathan L; Eberhart, Leopold H J; Kranke, Peter R
2012-01-01
Prognosis is a forecast, based on present observations in a patient, of their probable outcome from disease, surgery and so on. Research methods for the development of risk probabilities may not be familiar to some anaesthesiologists. We briefly describe methods for identifying risk factors and risk scores. A probability prediction rule assigns a risk probability to a patient for the occurrence of a specific event. Probability reflects the continuum between absolute certainty (Pi = 1) and certified impossibility (Pi = 0). Biomarkers and clinical covariates that modify risk are known as risk factors. The Pi as modified by risk factors can be estimated by identifying the risk factors and their weighting; these are usually obtained by stepwise logistic regression. The accuracy of probabilistic predictors can be separated into the concepts of 'overall performance', 'discrimination' and 'calibration'. Overall performance is the mathematical distance between predictions and outcomes. Discrimination is the ability of the predictor to rank order observations with different outcomes. Calibration is the correctness of prediction probabilities on an absolute scale. Statistical methods include the Brier score, coefficient of determination (Nagelkerke R2), C-statistic and regression calibration. External validation is the comparison of the actual outcomes to the predicted outcomes in a new and independent patient sample. External validation uses the statistical methods of overall performance, discrimination and calibration and is uniformly recommended before acceptance of the prediction model. Evidence from randomised controlled clinical trials should be obtained to show the effectiveness of risk scores for altering patient management and patient outcomes.
2017-09-05
Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma; Stage IA Pancreatic Cancer; Stage IB Pancreatic Cancer; Stage IIA Pancreatic Cancer; Stage IIB Pancreatic Cancer; Stage III Pancreatic Cancer; Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer
Identifying Successful Practices to Overcome Access to Care Challenges in Community Health Centers
Toscos, Tammy; Carpenter, Maria; Flanagan, Mindy; Kunjan, Kislaya; Doebbeling, Bradley N.
2018-01-01
Background: Despite health care access challenges among underserved populations, patients, providers, and staff at community health clinics (CHCs) have developed practices to overcome limited access. These “positive deviant” practices translate into organizational policies to improve health care access and patient experience. Objective: To identify effective practices to improve access to health care for low-income, uninsured or underinsured, and minority adults and their families. Participants: Seven CHC systems, involving over 40 clinics, distributed across one midwestern state in the United States. Methods: Ninety-two key informants, comprised of CHC patients (42%) and clinic staff (53%), participated in semi-structured interviews. Interview transcripts were subjected to thematic analysis to identify patient-centered solutions for managing access challenges to primary care for underserved populations. Transcripts were coded using qualitative analytic software. Results: Practices to improve access to care included addressing illiteracy and low health literacy, identifying cost-effective resources, expanding care offerings, enhancing the patient–provider relationship, and cultivating a culture of teamwork and customer service. Helping patients find the least expensive options for transportation, insurance, and medication was the most compelling patient-centered strategy. Appointment reminders and confirmation of patient plans for transportation to appointments reduced no-show rates. Conclusion: We identified nearly 35 practices for improving health care access. These were all patient-centric, uncovered by both clinic staff and patients who had successfully navigated the health care system to improve access. PMID:29552599
DOT National Transportation Integrated Search
2016-08-01
Attaining adequate vegetation cover along highways is important for Nebraska Department of Roads (NDOR) to comply with the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPAs) stormwater regulations. However, low plant cover is a common problem on shoulders (...
7 CFR 58.46 - Fees for service performed under cooperative agreement.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-01-01
... MARKETING SERVICE (Standards, Inspections, Marketing Practices), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (CONTINUED) REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS UNDER THE AGRICULTURAL MARKETING ACT OF 1946 AND THE EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION ACT... provided for by such agreement. Marking, Branding, and Identifying Product ...
The replace repair decision for heavy equipment.
DOT National Transportation Integrated Search
2004-01-01
The fleet of equipment operated by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) constitutes a large investment, on the order of half a billion dollars. A means of identifying earlier and more accurately those pieces of equipment whose timely repl...
Kallenberg, F G J; Aalfs, C M; The, F O; Wientjes, C A; Depla, A C; Mundt, M W; Bossuyt, P M M; Dekker, E
2017-09-21
Identifying a hereditary colorectal cancer (CRC) syndrome or familial CRC (FCC) in a CRC patient may enable the patient and relatives to enroll in surveillance protocols. As these individuals are insufficiently recognized, we evaluated an online family history tool, consisting of a patient-administered family history questionnaire and an automated genetic referral recommendation, to facilitate the identification of patients with hereditary CRC or FCC. Between 2015 and 2016, all newly diagnosed CRC patients in five Dutch outpatient clinics, were included in a trial with a stepped-wedge design, when first visiting the clinic. Each hospital continued standard procedures for identifying patients at risk (control strategy) and then, after a predetermined period, switched to offering the family history tool to included patients (intervention strategy). After considering the tool-based recommendation, the health care provider could decide on and arrange the referral. Primary outcome was the relative number of CRC patients who received screening or surveillance recommendations for themselves or relatives because of hereditary CRC or FCC, provided by genetic counseling. The intervention effect was evaluated using a logit-linear model. With the tool, 46/489 (9.4%) patients received a screening or surveillance recommendation, compared to 35/292 (12.0%) in the control group. In the intention-to-treat-analysis, accounting for time trends and hospital effects, this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.58). A family history tool does not necessarily assist in increasing the number of CRC patients and relatives enrolled in screening or surveillance recommendations for hereditary CRC or FCC. Other interventions should be considered.
Shimazu, Chisato; Hoshino, Satoshi; Furukawa, Taiji
2013-08-01
We constructed an integrated personal identification workflow chart using both bar code reading and an all in-one laboratory information system. The information system not only handles test data but also the information needed for patient guidance in the laboratory department. The reception terminals at the entrance, displays for patient guidance and patient identification tools at blood-sampling booths are all controlled by the information system. The number of patient identification errors was greatly reduced by the system. However, identification errors have not been abolished in the ultrasound department. After re-evaluation of the patient identification process in this department, we recognized that the major reason for the errors came from excessive identification workflow. Ordinarily, an ultrasound test requires patient identification 3 times, because 3 different systems are required during the entire test process, i.e. ultrasound modality system, laboratory information system and a system for producing reports. We are trying to connect the 3 different systems to develop a one-time identification workflow, but it is not a simple task and has not been completed yet. Utilization of the laboratory information system is effective, but is not yet perfect for patient identification. The most fundamental procedure for patient identification is to ask a person's name even today. Everyday checks in the ordinary workflow and everyone's participation in safety-management activity are important for the prevention of patient identification errors.
Time series modelling and forecasting of emergency department overcrowding.
Kadri, Farid; Harrou, Fouzi; Chaabane, Sondès; Tahon, Christian
2014-09-01
Efficient management of patient flow (demand) in emergency departments (EDs) has become an urgent issue for many hospital administrations. Today, more and more attention is being paid to hospital management systems to optimally manage patient flow and to improve management strategies, efficiency and safety in such establishments. To this end, EDs require significant human and material resources, but unfortunately these are limited. Within such a framework, the ability to accurately forecast demand in emergency departments has considerable implications for hospitals to improve resource allocation and strategic planning. The aim of this study was to develop models for forecasting daily attendances at the hospital emergency department in Lille, France. The study demonstrates how time-series analysis can be used to forecast, at least in the short term, demand for emergency services in a hospital emergency department. The forecasts were based on daily patient attendances at the paediatric emergency department in Lille regional hospital centre, France, from January 2012 to December 2012. An autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) method was applied separately to each of the two GEMSA categories and total patient attendances. Time-series analysis was shown to provide a useful, readily available tool for forecasting emergency department demand.
Using simulation in out-patient queues: a case study.
Huarng, F; Lee, M H
1996-01-01
Overwork and overcrowding in some periods was an important issue for the out-patient department of a local hospital in Chia-Yi in Taiwan. The hospital administrators wanted to manage the patient flow effectively. Describes a study which focused on the utilization of doctors and staff in the out-patient department, the time spent in the hospital by an out-patient, and the length of the out-patient queue. Explains how a computer simulation model was developed to study how changes in the appointment system, staffing policies and service units would affect the observed bottleneck. The results show that the waiting time was greatly reduced and the workload of the doctor was also reduced to a reasonable rate in the overwork and overcrowding periods.
Perfecting patient flow in the surgical setting.
Amato-Vealey, Elaine J; Fountain, Patricia; Coppola, Deborah
2012-07-01
Reduced surgical efficiency and productivity, delayed patient discharges, and prolonged use of hospital resources are the results of an OR that is unable to move patients to the postanesthesia care unit or other patient units. A primary reason for perioperative patient flow delay is the lack of hospital beds to accommodate surgical patients, which consequently causes backups of patients currently in the surgical suite. In one facility, implementing Six Sigma methodology helped to improve OR patient flow by identifying ways that frontline staff members could work more intelligently and more efficiently, and with less stress to streamline workflow and eliminate redundancy and waste in ways that did not necessitate reducing the number of employees. The results were improved employee morale, job satisfaction and safety, and an enhanced patient experience. Copyright © 2012 AORN, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
DOT National Transportation Integrated Search
2016-09-30
The purpose of this research project was to evaluate the implementation issues of sidewalk projects that are funded through various federal programs administrated by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). This evaluation has identif...
Shukla, Nagesh; Keast, John E; Ceglarek, Darek
2014-10-01
The modelling of complex workflows is an important problem-solving technique within healthcare settings. However, currently most of the workflow models use a simplified flow chart of patient flow obtained using on-site observations, group-based debates and brainstorming sessions, together with historic patient data. This paper presents a systematic and semi-automatic methodology for knowledge acquisition with detailed process representation using sequential interviews of people in the key roles involved in the service delivery process. The proposed methodology allows the modelling of roles, interactions, actions, and decisions involved in the service delivery process. This approach is based on protocol generation and analysis techniques such as: (i) initial protocol generation based on qualitative interviews of radiology staff, (ii) extraction of key features of the service delivery process, (iii) discovering the relationships among the key features extracted, and, (iv) a graphical representation of the final structured model of the service delivery process. The methodology is demonstrated through a case study of a magnetic resonance (MR) scanning service-delivery process in the radiology department of a large hospital. A set of guidelines is also presented in this paper to visually analyze the resulting process model for identifying process vulnerabilities. A comparative analysis of different workflow models is also conducted. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
1975-08-01
Dispensary Industrial Relations Function entitled Medical Director, Industrial Health, Yard Doctor , etc. Dental, Department No comparable department Quality...8217 * (2) Development of revised basing policies to provide I~o ovrhals f telv mothsduration or longer, the Navy has a policy of teprrlycagn tesi ’ home...would have a comprehensive document identifying the ,, apa - bilities and capacities in the private sector to perform Navy workloads. RECOMMENDATION
Intramuscular injection technique: an evidence-based approach.
Ogston-Tuck, Sherri
2014-09-30
Intramuscular injections require a thorough and meticulous approach to patient assessment and injection technique. This article, the second in a series of two, reviews the evidence base to inform safer practice and to consider the evidence for nursing practice in this area. A framework for safe practice is included, identifying important points for safe technique, patient care and clinical decision making. It also highlights the ongoing debate in selection of intramuscular injection sites, predominately the ventrogluteal and dorsogluteal muscles.
Learning to live with a permanent intestinal ostomy: impact on everyday life and educational needs.
Danielsen, Anne Kjaergaard; Soerensen, Erik Elgaard; Burcharth, Kirsten; Rosenberg, Jacob
2013-01-01
The aim of the study was to explore the impact of a permanent stoma on patients' everyday lives and to gain further insight into their need for ostomy-related education. The sample population comprised 15 persons with permanent ostomies. Stomas were created to manage colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease. The research setting was the surgical department at a hospital in the Capitol Region of Denmark associated with the University of Copenhagen. Focus group interviews were conducted using a phenomenological hermeneutic approach. Data were collected and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Stoma creation led to feelings of stigma, worries about disclosure, a need for control and self-imposed limits. Furthermore, patients experienced difficulties identifying their new lives with their lives before surgery. Participants stated they need to be seen as a whole person, to have close contact with health care professionals, and receive trustworthy information about life with an ostomy. Respondents proposed group sessions conducted after hospital discharge. They further recommended that sessions be delivered by lay teachers who had a stoma themselves. Self-imposed isolation was often selected as a strategy for avoiding disclosing the presence of a stoma. Patient education, using health promotional methods, should take the settings into account and patients' possibility of effective knowledge transfer. Respondents recommend involvement of lay teachers, who have a stoma, and group-based learning processes are proposed, when planning and conducting patient education.
Localization of hemorrhage in a recurrent hemothorax using Tc-99m-sulfur colloid
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Taillefer, R.; Essiambre, R.; Lemieux, R.
1981-05-01
Tc99m-sulfur colloid scintigraphy has proven clinically useful in identifying gastrointestinal hemorrhages. The authors describe a patient with recurrent hemothorax under oral anticoagulation therapy in which Tc-99m-sulfur colloid imaging was used to determine the site of bleeding.
Downey, La Vonne A; Zun, Leslie S
2010-07-01
(1) To determine the patient's comprehension of the reasons for admission in the emergency department and (2) to examine what, if any, correlation there is between patients' understanding and satisfaction with care. Using a convenience sample over a 6-month period, patients from an urban, level 1 adult and pediatric trauma center were interviewed by research fellows in a patient care area. A total of 287 patients were given the Emergency Department Quality Study (EDQS) survey in either English or Spanish. Only patients 18 years or older, who were able to consent, spoke English or Spanish, and were medically stable were included in the study. The study was approved by the institutional review board. An analysis of variance was used to determine if any significant difference exists between patient understanding and satisfaction with care. In order to determine which of these variables could predict patient satisfaction levels, a log linear regression was used. The majority (90%) of patients rated their care as good to excellent, and 78% of them did understand why they were being admitted. A total of 22%, however, did not understand their test results and the cause for their being admitted to the hospital. There was a significant negative finding among the patient not having an understanding of tests, reason for admission, returning to the emergency department for care, and their overall patient satisfaction. Successful communication between doctors and patients around the reasons for admission and test results can be an important predictor of patient satisfaction. Medical information not communicated in an understandable way to patients can lead to lower levels of patient satisfaction.
Gago-Veiga, A B; Díaz de Terán, J; González-García, N; González-Oria, C; González-Quintanilla, V; Minguez-Olaondo, A; Santos-Lasaosa, S; Viguera Romero, J; Pozo-Rosich, P
2017-09-01
When secondary headache is suspected and the patient is referred to the emergency department or to the outpatient neurology clinic, it is important to know which are the appropriate complementary examinations to perform and the suitable referral pathway for patients to follow. In order to establish recommendations on this matter, the Spanish Society of Neurology's Headache Study Group (GECSEN) has decided to issue a series of agreed recommendations constituting a referral protocol for patients with headache and/or craniofacial neuralgias. Young neurologists with an interest and experience in headache were invited to draft a series of practical guidelines in collaboration with GECSEN's Executive Committee. For practical reasons, the document was divided into 2 articles: the first focuses on primary headaches and craniofacial neuralgias and this second article on secondary headaches and other craniofacial pain. In order for the recommendations to be helpful for daily practice, they follow a practical approach, with tables summarising referral criteria, examinations to be performed, and referral to other specialists. We hope to offer a guide and tools to improve decision-making regarding patients with headache, identifying complementary tests to prioritise and referral pathways to be followed, in order to avoid duplicated consultations and delayed diagnosis and treatment. Copyright © 2017. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U.
Urban Warfare at the Operational Level: Identifying Centers of Gravity and Key Nodes
1999-04-01
less than the major urban centers, making their lot even worse. Consider these other statistics and the implications they can have for US national...Command and Staff College coursebook ; Maxwell AFB, AL: Department of War Theory and Campaign Studies, Air Command and Staff College, Sep 1998), 288. 24...College coursebook ; Maxwell AFB, AL: Department of War Theory and Campaign Studies, Air Command and Staff College, Sep 1998) World Resources
Validation of the Ottawa Knee Rules.
Emparanza, J I; Aginaga, J R
2001-10-01
We sought to validate the Ottawa Knee Rules for determining the need for radiography in patients with acute knee injury. A prospective cohort study was performed in emergency departments of 11 hospitals of the Osakidetza-Basque Country Health Service. The patient population was composed of a convenience sample of 1,522 eligible adults of 2,315 patients with acute knee injuries. The attending emergency physicians assessed each patient for standardized clinical variables and determined the need for radiography according to the decision rule. Radiography was performed in each patient, irrespective of the determination of the rule, after clinical evaluation findings were recorded. The rule was assessed for the ability to correctly identify fracture of the knee. The decision rule had a sensitivity of 1.0 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.96 to 1.0), identifying 89 patients with clinically important fractures. The potential reduction in use of radiography was estimated to be 49%. The probability of fracture, if the decision rules were negative, is estimated to be 0% (95% CI 0% to 0.5%). Prospective validation has shown the Ottawa Knee Rules to be 100% sensitive for identifying fractures of the knee and to have the potential to allow physicians to reduce the use of radiography in patients with acute knee injuries.
Ready or Not: Preparation through Simulation
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Spellman, Joy
2008-01-01
Immediately after 9/11, Burlington County College (BCC) realized that the focus of emergency preparedness must change. BCC responded by identifying community needs, developing customized simulation training using high-fidelity human patient simulators and laptop/desktop technology; developing partnerships, and securing outside funding. Over 8,500…
[Successful treatment of hyperthyroidism simulating acute abdomen and psychosis].
Kósa, D; Patakfalvi, A; Györi, L
1992-07-19
A 49 years old female patient entered the surgical department because of epigastric and ileocoecal pains with the symptoms of acute abdomen. A surgical intervention was performed because of supposed appendicitis, but it was not verified. During the surgical observation the patient was confused and negativistic so she was transferred to the psychiatric department. Because of loss of 20 kg weight, high blood sedimentation and anaemia she was sent to our department with the suspicion of an organic disease. A moderate exophthalmos, glittering eyes and Graefe's sign was noted, therefore hyperthyroidism was diagnosed, which was proved by Kocher's blood picture, low serum cholesterol, extremely high T3 and T4 level, and iodine storage diagram. The antithyreotic treatment resulted a dramatic improvement in the extremely serious moreover hopeless case and after a long-term treatment the patient became symptom-free without complaints. Later because of regression of hyperthyreoidism and the growing nodular goitre the patient was treated on two occasions with radioactive iodine. At present the patient is in remission.
Florida Department of Transportation peer exchange, September 24 - 27, 2007.
DOT National Transportation Integrated Search
2007-09-01
The theme of this Peer Exchange was to identify research opportunities through visioning. : FDOT implemented a new process for identifying research needs which called for a statewide : meeting of transportation experts from both FDOT and the state un...
7 CFR 3015.310 - Interstate situations.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-01-01
... Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) OFFICE OF THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER...) Identifying proposed Federal financial assistance and direct Federal development that have an impact on interstate areas; (2) Notifying appropriate officials in States which have adopted a process and which...
41 CFR 60-2.11 - Organizational profile.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-07-01
... Contracts OFFICE OF FEDERAL CONTRACT COMPLIANCE PROGRAMS, EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR... establishment. It is one method contractors use to determine whether barriers to equal employment opportunity... that may assist in identifying organizational units where women or minorities are underrepresented or...
Detection of recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) in bituminous mixtures
DOT National Transportation Integrated Search
2004-06-01
The overall goal of this study was to assist the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) in identifying and developing methods for quality assurance of hot-mix asphalt (HMA) containing recycled asphalt pavement (RAP). Although the use of RAP can...
Krähenbühl, Jean-Marc; Decollogny, Anne; Bugnon, Olivier
2008-12-01
To measure the positive predictive value (PPV) of the cost of drug therapy (threshold = 2000 Swiss francs [CHF], US$1440,
42 CFR 137.180 - Are there other laws that govern access to patient records?
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-10-01
... 42 Public Health 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Are there other laws that govern access to patient records? 137.180 Section 137.180 Public Health PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES TRIBAL SELF-GOVERNANCE Operational...
7 CFR 3015.310 - Interstate situations.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-01-01
... Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) OFFICE OF THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER...) Identifying proposed Federal financial assistance and direct Federal development that have an impact on interstate areas; (2) Notifying appropriate officials in States which have adopted a process and which...
9 CFR 592.370 - Certificate issuance.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-01-01
... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Certificate issuance. 592.370 Section 592.370 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION VOLUNTARY INSPECTION OF EGG PRODUCTS Identifying and Marking Products § 592.370...
Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR
2013-10-01
... 42 Public Health 1 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Reports. 60.57 Section 60.57 Public Health PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GRANTS HEALTH EDUCATION ASSISTANCE LOAN PROGRAM..., address, postgraduate destination and other reasonable identifying information for each of the school's...
Fund-raising strategies for the allied health professions.
Cornesky, R A; Anderson, J A
1987-05-01
Academic units of allied health (eg, schools and colleges of allied health) are relatively new to institutions of higher education. As a result, the academic units lack prestige with private funding sources. This article describes a development model for raising private contributions emphasizing allied health academic units. The roles of the academic department, development advisory committee, and faculty in developing the mission statement, needs, objectives, and case statement for the department are described. How the department chairperson, faculty, dean, and advisory committee members interact with the staff from a development office in identifying, cultivating, and soliciting private support are explained.
49 CFR 545.4 - Response to inquiries.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-10-01
... ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT PREVENTION STANDARD PHASE-IN AND SMALL..., 2007, each manufacturer must, upon request from the Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance, provide information identifying the vehicles (by make, model, and vehicle identification number) that have been...
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-01-01
... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Certificates. 592.360 Section 592.360 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION VOLUNTARY INSPECTION OF EGG PRODUCTS Identifying and Marking Products § 592.360 Certificates...
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-10-01
... 42 Public Health 1 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Reports. 60.57 Section 60.57 Public Health PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GRANTS HEALTH EDUCATION ASSISTANCE LOAN PROGRAM..., address, postgraduate destination and other reasonable identifying information for each of the school's...
Halpern, Yoni; Jernite, Yacine; Shapiro, Nathan I.; Nathanson, Larry A.
2017-01-01
Objective To demonstrate the incremental benefit of using free text data in addition to vital sign and demographic data to identify patients with suspected infection in the emergency department. Methods This was a retrospective, observational cohort study performed at a tertiary academic teaching hospital. All consecutive ED patient visits between 12/17/08 and 2/17/13 were included. No patients were excluded. The primary outcome measure was infection diagnosed in the emergency department defined as a patient having an infection related ED ICD-9-CM discharge diagnosis. Patients were randomly allocated to train (64%), validate (20%), and test (16%) data sets. After preprocessing the free text using bigram and negation detection, we built four models to predict infection, incrementally adding vital signs, chief complaint, and free text nursing assessment. We used two different methods to represent free text: a bag of words model and a topic model. We then used a support vector machine to build the prediction model. We calculated the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve to compare the discriminatory power of each model. Results A total of 230,936 patient visits were included in the study. Approximately 14% of patients had the primary outcome of diagnosed infection. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for the vitals model, which used only vital signs and demographic data, was 0.67 for the training data set, 0.67 for the validation data set, and 0.67 (95% CI 0.65–0.69) for the test data set. The AUC for the chief complaint model which also included demographic and vital sign data was 0.84 for the training data set, 0.83 for the validation data set, and 0.83 (95% CI 0.81–0.84) for the test data set. The best performing methods made use of all of the free text. In particular, the AUC for the bag-of-words model was 0.89 for training data set, 0.86 for the validation data set, and 0.86 (95% CI 0.85–0.87) for the test data set. The AUC for the topic model was 0.86 for the training data set, 0.86 for the validation data set, and 0.85 (95% CI 0.84–0.86) for the test data set. Conclusion Compared to previous work that only used structured data such as vital signs and demographic information, utilizing free text drastically improves the discriminatory ability (increase in AUC from 0.67 to 0.86) of identifying infection. PMID:28384212
Supporting Patient Care in the Emergency Department with a Computerized Whiteboard System
Aronsky, Dominik; Jones, Ian; Lanaghan, Kevin; Slovis, Corey M.
2008-01-01
Efficient information management and communication within the emergency department (ED) is essential to providing timely and high-quality patient care. The ED whiteboard (census board) usually serves as an ED’s central access point for operational and patient-related information. This article describes the design, functionality, and experiences with a computerized ED whiteboard, which has the ability to display relevant operational and patient-related information in real time. Embedded functionality, additional whiteboard views, and the integration with ED and institutional information system components, such as the computerized patient record or the provider order entry system, provide rapid access to more detailed information. As an information center, the computerized whiteboard supports our ED environment not only for providing patient care, but also for operational, educational, and research activities. PMID:18096913
Incident reporting in one UK accident and emergency department.
Tighe, Catherine M; Woloshynowych, Maria; Brown, Ruth; Wears, Bob; Vincent, Charles
2006-01-01
Greater focus is needed on improving patient safety in modern healthcare systems and the first step to achieving this is to reliably identify the safety issues arising in healthcare. Research has shown the accident and emergency (A&E) department to be a particularly problematic environment where safety is a concern due to various factors, such as the range, nature and urgency of presenting conditions and the high turnover of patients. As in all healthcare environments clinical incident reporting in A&E is an important tool for detecting safety issues which can result in identifying solutions, learning from error and enhancing patient safety. This tool must be responsive and flexible to the local circumstances and work for the department to support the clinical governance agenda. In this paper, we describe the local processes for reporting and reviewing clinical incidents in one A&E department in a London teaching hospital and report recent changes to the system within the department. We used the historical data recorded on the Trust incident database as a representation of the information that would be available to the department in order to identify the high risk areas. In this paper, we evaluate the internal processes, the information available on the database and make recommendations to assist the emergency department in their internal processes. These will strengthen the internal review and staff feedback system so that the department can learn from incidents in a consistent manner. The process was reviewed by detailed examination of the centrally held electronic record (Datix database) of all incidents reported in a one year period. The nature of the incident and the level and accuracy of information provided in the incident reports was evaluated. There were positive aspects to the established system including evidence of positive changes made as a result of the reporting process, new initiatives to feedback to staff, and evolution of the programme for reporting and discussing the incidents internally. There appeared to be a mismatch between the recorded events and the category allocated to the incident in the historical record. In addition the database did not contain complete information for every incident, contributory factors were rarely recorded and relatively large numbers of incidents were recorded as "other" in the type of incident. There was also observed difficulty in updating the system as there is at least a months time lag between reporting or an incident and discussion/resolution of issues at the local departmental clinical risk management committee meetings. We used Leape's model for assessing the reporting system as a whole and found the system in the department to be relatively safe, fairly easy to use and moderately effective. Recommendations as a result of this study include the introduction of an electronic reporting system, limiting the number of staff who categorise the incidents--using clear definitions for classifications including a structured framework for contributory factors, and a process that allows incidents to be updated on the database locally after the discussion. This research may have implications for the incident reporting process in other specialities as well as in other hospitals.
Identifying and responding to customer needs at the Kennedy Space Center
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Ferguson, E. B.
1993-01-01
The Patient Questionnaire Program at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) has been in place for several years. It has helped to identify customer perceptions and needs. The questionnaire is presented and the survey results are discussed with respect to total quality management.
Mishra, Mark V; Bennett, Michele; Vincent, Armon; Lee, Olivia T; Lallas, Costas D; Trabulsi, Edouard J; Gomella, Leonard G; Dicker, Adam P; Showalter, Timothy N
2013-01-01
Qualitative research aimed at identifying patient acceptance of active surveillance (AS) has been identified as a public health research priority. The primary objective of this study was to determine if analysis of a large-sample of anonymous internet conversations (ICs) could be utilized to identify unmet public needs regarding AS. English-language ICs regarding prostate cancer (PC) treatment with AS from 2002-12 were identified using a novel internet search methodology. Web spiders were developed to mine, aggregate, and analyze content from the world-wide-web for ICs centered on AS. Collection of ICs was not restricted to any specific geographic region of origin. NLP was used to evaluate content and perform a sentiment analysis. Conversations were scored as positive, negative, or neutral. A sentiment index (SI) was subsequently calculated according to the following formula to compare temporal trends in public sentiment towards AS: [(# Positive IC/#Total IC)-(#Negative IC/#Total IC) x 100]. A total of 464 ICs were identified. Sentiment increased from -13 to +2 over the study period. The increase sentiment has been driven by increased patient emphasis on quality-of-life factors and endorsement of AS by national medical organizations. Unmet needs identified in these ICs include: a gap between quantitative data regarding long-term outcomes with AS vs. conventional treatments, desire for treatment information from an unbiased specialist, and absence of public role models managed with AS. This study demonstrates the potential utility of online patient communications to provide insight into patient preferences and decision-making. Based on our findings, we recommend that multidisciplinary clinics consider including an unbiased specialist to present treatment options and that future decision tools for AS include quantitative data regarding outcomes after AS.
Patient- and family-centered care of children in the emergency department.
O'Malley, Patricia J; Brown, Kathleen; Krug, Steven E
2008-08-01
Patient- and family-centered care is an innovative approach to the planning, delivery, and evaluation of health care that is grounded in a mutually beneficial partnership among patients, families, and health care professionals. Providing patient- and family-centered care to children in the emergency department setting presents many opportunities and challenges. This technical report draws on previously published policy statements and reports, reviews the current literature, and describes the present state of practice and research regarding patient- and family-centered care for children in the emergency department setting as well as some of the complexities of providing such care. This technical report has been endorsed by the Academic Pediatric Association (formerly the Ambulatory Pediatric Association), the American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians, the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, the Institute for Family-Centered Care, and the American College of Emergency Physicians. This report is also supported by the Emergency Nurses Association.
Strudwick, Gillian; Booth, Richard; Strauss, John
2018-01-01
Patient portals are secure online websites that allow patients access to their medical information from a particular healthcare organization. Currently, it is unknown how this technology can best be used to support patients with mental illness, and what types of indicators of portal adoption are meaningful to these patients. This study addresses this gap in our knowledge by obtaining the perspectives on this topic from patients, family members and Peer Support Workers.
Targeting errors in the ICU: use of a national database.
Kleinpell, Ruth; Thompson, David; Kelso, Lynn; Pronovost, Peter J
2006-12-01
The authors believe that as we move from viewing adverse event reporting system as punitive, and as the safety culture improves, reporting will likely increase. Voluntary incident reporting systems can be used to improve patient safety in the ICU by identifying broken or inadequate systems that lead to adverse events [26]. Voluntary external reporting systems such as the ICUSRS can be used to target errors and produce evidence-based best practice measures to improve patient safety in the ICU.
New Tools for Measuring and Improving Patient Safety in Canadian Hospitals.
D'Silva, Jennifer; Amuah, Joseph Emmanuel; Sovran, Vanessa; MacLaurin, Anne; Rodgers, Jennifer; Johnson, Tracy; Leeb, Kira; Kossey, Sandi
2017-01-01
The Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) and the Canadian Patient Safety Institute (CPSI) have collaborated on a new measure of patient safety, along with a resource of evidence-informed practices. This measure captures four broad categories of harm in acute care hospitals, consisting of 31 clinical groups selected by clinicians. Analysis showed that harm was experienced in 1 of 18 hospital stays in Canada in 2014ߝ2015 and that no single category accounted for the majority of harmful events. Although CIHI and CPSI continue to work with hospitals and experts to further refine the methodology, the measure and associated Improvement Resource are useful new tools for monitoring and identifying harm, and have the potential to improve patient safety.
7 CFR 955.50 - Research and development.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-01-01
... Agreements and Orders; Fruits, Vegetables, Nuts), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE VIDALIA ONIONS GROWN IN GEORGIA... promote the marketing, distribution, consumption, or efficient production of Vidalia onions. Any such project for the promotion and advertising of Vidalia onions may utilize an identifying mark which shall be...
28 CFR 74.5 - Identification of eligible persons.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-07-01
... establish an information system with names and other identifying information of potentially eligible individuals from the following sources: (1) Official sources: (i) The National Archives; (ii) The Department... libraries; (vi) State and local libraries; (vii) State and local historical societies; (viii) State and...
Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-01-01
... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Certificates. 592.360 Section 592.360 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION VOLUNTARY INSPECTION OF EGG PRODUCTS Identifying and Marking Products § 592.360 Certificates. Certificates (including appeal...
Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR
2013-01-01
... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Certificates. 592.360 Section 592.360 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION VOLUNTARY INSPECTION OF EGG PRODUCTS Identifying and Marking Products § 592.360 Certificates. Certificates (including appeal...
Organization Development: Concept, Process, and Applications in the Department of Defense
1989-04-01
collection, the consultant performs an organizational diagnosis in which the focus is on identifying ways to improve the technical, administrative, and...dynamics, and organizational diagnosis . 2. Action/Planning Workshops. This activity consisted of management conferences and management/worker conferences
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-04-01
... ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND RESEARCH PUBLIC ROAD MILEAGE FOR APPORTIONMENT OF HIGHWAY SAFETY FUNDS § 460.1 Purpose. The purpose of this part is to prescribe the policies and procedures followed in identifying and reporting public road mileage for utilization in the statutory formula for the...
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-04-01
... ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND RESEARCH PUBLIC ROAD MILEAGE FOR APPORTIONMENT OF HIGHWAY SAFETY FUNDS § 460.1 Purpose. The purpose of this part is to prescribe the policies and procedures followed in identifying and reporting public road mileage for utilization in the statutory formula for the...
49 CFR 545.4 - Response to inquiries.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-10-01
... information identifying the vehicles (by make, model, and vehicle identification number) that have been... vehicles (by make, model, and vehicle identification number) that are excluded from the requirements of 49... ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT PREVENTION STANDARD PHASE-IN AND SMALL...
49 CFR 545.4 - Response to inquiries.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-10-01
... information identifying the vehicles (by make, model, and vehicle identification number) that have been... vehicles (by make, model, and vehicle identification number) that are excluded from the requirements of 49... ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT PREVENTION STANDARD PHASE-IN AND SMALL...
9 CFR 592.300 - Approval of official identification.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-01-01
... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Approval of official identification. 592.300 Section 592.300 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION VOLUNTARY INSPECTION OF EGG PRODUCTS Identifying and Marking Products...
9 CFR 592.350 - Accessibility of product.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-01-01
... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Accessibility of product. 592.350 Section 592.350 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION VOLUNTARY INSPECTION OF EGG PRODUCTS Identifying and Marking Products § 592...
9 CFR 592.380 - Disposition of certificates.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-01-01
... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Disposition of certificates. 592.380 Section 592.380 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION VOLUNTARY INSPECTION OF EGG PRODUCTS Identifying and Marking Products § 592...
9 CFR 592.390 - Advance information.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-01-01
... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Advance information. 592.390 Section 592.390 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION VOLUNTARY INSPECTION OF EGG PRODUCTS Identifying and Marking Products § 592.390 Advance...
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-01-01
... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Certificates. 592.360 Section 592.360 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION VOLUNTARY INSPECTION OF EGG PRODUCTS Identifying and Marking Products § 592.360 Certificates. Certificates (including appeal...
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-01-01
... 7 Agriculture 15 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Indexes. 2710.3 Section 2710.3 Agriculture..., DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC § 2710.3 Indexes. (a) Background. 5 U.S.C... current indexes providing identifying information for the public with regard to any records which are made...
42 CFR 455.13 - Methods for identification, investigation, and referral.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-10-01
... referral. 455.13 Section 455.13 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS PROGRAM INTEGRITY: MEDICAID Medicaid... referral. The Medicaid agency must have— (a) Methods and criteria for identifying suspected fraud cases; (b...
Relationship between total quality management, critical paths, and outcomes management.
Lynn, P A
1996-09-01
Total quality management (TQM), clinical paths, and outcomes management are high-profile strategies in today's health care environment. Each strategy is distinct, yet there are interrelationships among them. TQM supports a customer-focused organizational culture, providing tools and techniques to identify and solve problems. Clinical paths are tools for enhancing patient care coordination and for identifying system-wide and patient population specific issues. Outcomes management is an integrated system for measuring the results in patient populations over time. There is a recent shift in outcomes measurement towards expanding both the nature of the outcomes examined and the timeframes in which they are studied.
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Kunisch, Joseph Martin
2012-01-01
Background: The Emergency Severity Index (ESI) is an emergency department (ED) triage classification system based on estimated patient-specific resource utilization. Rules for a computerized clinical decision support (CDS) system based on a patient's chief complaint were developed and tested using a stochastic model for predicting ESI scores.…
Pfortmueller, Carmen Andrea; Keller, Michael; Mueller, Urs; Zimmermann, Heinz; Exadaktylos, Aristomenis Konstantinos
2013-01-01
Introduction. In this era of high-tech medicine, it is becoming increasingly important to assess patient satisfaction. There are several methods to do so, but these differ greatly in terms of cost, time, and labour and external validity. The aim of this study is to describe and compare the structure and implementation of different methods to assess the satisfaction of patients in an emergency department. Methods. The structure and implementation of the different methods to assess patient satisfaction were evaluated on the basis of a 90-minute standardised interview. Results. We identified a total of six different methods in six different hospitals. The average number of patients assessed was 5012, with a range from 230 (M5) to 20 000 patients (M2). In four methods (M1, M3, M5, and M6), the questionnaire was composed by a specialised external institute. In two methods, the questionnaire was created by the hospital itself (M2, M4).The median response rate was 58.4% (range 9–97.8%). With a reminder, the response rate increased by 60% (M3). Conclusion. The ideal method to assess patient satisfaction in the emergency department setting is to use a patient-based, in-emergency department-based assessment of patient satisfaction, planned and guided by expert personnel. PMID:23984073
McAlister, Finlay A; Bakal, Jeffrey A; Green, Lee; Bahler, Brad; Lewanczuk, Richard
2018-03-12
Primary care networks are designed to facilitate access to inter-professional, team-based care. We compared health outcomes associated with primary care networks versus conventional primary care. We obtained data on all adult residents of Alberta who visited a primary care physician during fiscal years 2008 and 2009 and classified them as affiliated with a primary care network or not, based on the physician most involved in their care. The primary outcome was an emergency department visit or nonelective hospital admission for a Patient Medical Home indicator condition (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure, coronary disease, hypertension and diabetes) within 12 months. Adults receiving care within a primary care network ( n = 1 502 916) were older and had higher comorbidity burdens than those receiving conventional primary care ( n = 1 109 941). Patients in a primary care network were less likely to visit the emergency department for an indicator condition (1.4% v. 1.7%, mean 0.031 v. 0.035 per patient, adjusted risk ratio [RR] 0.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.96-0.99) or for any cause (25.5% v. 30.5%, mean 0.55 v. 0.72 per patient, adjusted RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.93-0.94), but were more likely to be admitted to hospital for an indicator condition (0.6% v. 0.6%, mean 0.018 v. 0.017 per patient, adjusted RR 1.07, 95% CI 1.03-1.11) or all-cause (9.3% v. 9.1%, mean 0.25 v. 0.23 per patient, adjusted RR 1.08, 95% CI 1.07-1.09). Patients in a primary care network had 169 fewer all-cause emergency department visits and 86 fewer days in hospital (owing to shorter lengths of stay) per 1000 patient-years. Care within a primary care network was associated with fewer emergency department visits and fewer hospital days. © 2018 Joule Inc. or its licensors.
Bakal, Jeffrey A.; Green, Lee; Bahler, Brad; Lewanczuk, Richard
2018-01-01
BACKGROUND: Primary care networks are designed to facilitate access to inter-professional, team-based care. We compared health outcomes associated with primary care networks versus conventional primary care. METHODS: We obtained data on all adult residents of Alberta who visited a primary care physician during fiscal years 2008 and 2009 and classified them as affiliated with a primary care network or not, based on the physician most involved in their care. The primary outcome was an emergency department visit or nonelective hospital admission for a Patient Medical Home indicator condition (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure, coronary disease, hypertension and diabetes) within 12 months. RESULTS: Adults receiving care within a primary care network (n = 1 502 916) were older and had higher comorbidity burdens than those receiving conventional primary care (n = 1 109 941). Patients in a primary care network were less likely to visit the emergency department for an indicator condition (1.4% v. 1.7%, mean 0.031 v. 0.035 per patient, adjusted risk ratio [RR] 0.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.96–0.99) or for any cause (25.5% v. 30.5%, mean 0.55 v. 0.72 per patient, adjusted RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.93–0.94), but were more likely to be admitted to hospital for an indicator condition (0.6% v. 0.6%, mean 0.018 v. 0.017 per patient, adjusted RR 1.07, 95% CI 1.03–1.11) or all-cause (9.3% v. 9.1%, mean 0.25 v. 0.23 per patient, adjusted RR 1.08, 95% CI 1.07–1.09). Patients in a primary care network had 169 fewer all-cause emergency department visits and 86 fewer days in hospital (owing to shorter lengths of stay) per 1000 patient-years. INTERPRETATION: Care within a primary care network was associated with fewer emergency department visits and fewer hospital days. PMID:29530868
7 CFR 955.50 - Research and development.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-01-01
... Agreements and Orders; Fruits, Vegetables, Nuts), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE VIDALIA ONIONS GROWN IN GEORGIA... promote the marketing, distribution, consumption, or efficient production of Vidalia onions. Any such project for the promotion and advertising of Vidalia onions may utilize an identifying mark which shall be...
7 CFR 955.50 - Research and development.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-01-01
... AGREEMENTS AND ORDERS; FRUITS, VEGETABLES, NUTS), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE VIDALIA ONIONS GROWN IN GEORGIA... promote the marketing, distribution, consumption, or efficient production of Vidalia onions. Any such project for the promotion and advertising of Vidalia onions may utilize an identifying mark which shall be...
49 CFR 545.4 - Response to inquiries.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-10-01
... information identifying the vehicles (by make, model, and vehicle identification number) that have been... vehicles (by make, model, and vehicle identification number) that are excluded from the requirements of 49... ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT PREVENTION STANDARD PHASE-IN AND SMALL...
49 CFR 545.4 - Response to inquiries.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR
2013-10-01
... information identifying the vehicles (by make, model, and vehicle identification number) that have been... vehicles (by make, model, and vehicle identification number) that are excluded from the requirements of 49... ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT PREVENTION STANDARD PHASE-IN AND SMALL...
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-01-01
... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Certificates. 592.360 Section 592.360 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION VOLUNTARY INSPECTION OF EGG PRODUCTS Identifying and Marking Products § 592.360 Certificates. Certificates (including appeal...
7 CFR 58.52 - Time limit for packaging inspected or graded products with official identification.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-01-01
... Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Standards, Inspections, Marketing Practices), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (CONTINUED) REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS UNDER THE AGRICULTURAL MARKETING ACT OF 1946... Grading Services of Manufactured or Processed Dairy Products Marking, Branding, and Identifying Product...
ACE inhibitors and potassium foods--nurses' knowledge.
Bertrand, Brenda; Livingston-Bowen, Carrie; Duffrin, Christopher; Mann, Amanda
2014-01-01
According to Joint Commission standards, patients should be educated about drug-nutrient interactions. Because nurses are well-suited to educating patients, this paper aims to assess their knowledge of ACE inhibitor drugs, nutrient interactions and high- and low-potassium foods. Licensed nurses from a teaching hospital in the US south eastern Atlantic region completed a self-administered questionnaire (n = 83). Means, standard deviations and 95 percent confidence intervals were calculated for continuous data and frequency and percentage distribution for discrete data. Student's t-test was used to evaluate responses by ACE inhibitor patient load and nursing education. Mean nurse knowledge of ACE inhibitors and potassium was 62 +/- 16 percent and identifying high- and low-potassium foods was 32 +/- 23 percent. Most identified five from 12 high-potassium foods and did not know the designation of six, one from 14 low-potassium foods and did not know the designation of 11. Knowledge scores and identifying high- and low-potassium foods were similar regardless of ACE inhibitor patient load and nursing education. ACE inhibitors are the fourth most commonly used drug class in the USA. Nurses are well positioned to recognize potential drug-nutrient interactions owing to changing or adding a drug, dose delivery method, dietary change or a patient's physical or clinical status that may indicate nutrient deficiency. The findings suggest that the nurses surveyed were proficient in identifying ACE inhibitors pharmacology, but that most were unable to identify foods that increase drug-nutrient interaction risk, and thus this is an area in which additional training might be beneficial. Case menus were used to portray real-life scenarios in which healthcare practitioners can provide patient education about ACE inhibitor drug and dietary potassium interactions.
Identifying the nontechnical skills required of nurses in general surgical wards.
Marshall, Dianne C; Finlayson, Mary P
2018-04-01
To identify the nontechnical skills (NTS) required of nurses in general surgical wards for safe and effective care. As the largest occupational group, nurses are in an ideal position to block the vulnerabilities of patient adverse events in a surgical ward. Previous studies in the surgical environment have identified the NTS required of nurses for safe care in operating rooms; however, these skills have not been identified for nurses in general surgical wards. A nonparticipant observational descriptive design was used. A purposive sample of 15 registered nurses was recruited from four surgical wards and observed for a full shift on a morning, afternoon or night shift. Nonparticipant observations were conducted using field notes to collect data. A coding frame was developed, and an inductive process was used to analyse the data. A taxonomy comprising seven NTS required of nurses in their roles in surgical ward teams emerged from the data analysis. They are communication, leadership and management, planning, decision-making, situation awareness, teamwork and patient advocacy. Patient care provided by general surgical nurses involved the seven identified key NTS. These particular NTS are an important component of safe nursing practice as they underpin the provision of safe and effective care for general surgical patients. Nurses block the trajectory of error by using NTS to address the vulnerabilities in the system that can lead to adverse patient events. Identifying general surgical nurses' NTS enables the development of teaching strategies that target the learning of those skills to achieve successful work outcomes and improve patient safety. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Impact of triage in accident and emergency departments in Bahrain.
Fateha, B E; Hamza, A Y
2001-01-01
We aimed to assess the impact of triage by physicians on the workload and expenditure of the Accident and Emergency (AE) Department of Salmaniya Medical Complex, Bahrain. We analysed three sets of data: patient visits to the AE Department over a 9-month period; patient visits 1 year previously; and forecast patient visits over 9 months starting from July 1999. The referral of patients to AE cubicles was reduced by 54.4% after the implementation of the triage, and reduction in the workload was statistically significant. The reduction in health care expenditure was estimated at between 15.3% and 17.3%. We conclude that triage by physicians can be cost-effective and can reduce the AE Department workload, freeing more time to manage life-threatening and urgent cases.
Defining lactation acuity to improve patient safety and outcomes.
Mannel, Rebecca
2011-05-01
While substantial evidence exists identifying risks factors associated with premature weaning from breastfeeding, there are no previously published definitions of patient acuity in the lactation field. This article defines evidence-based levels of lactation acuity based on maternal and infant characteristics. Patient acuity, matching severity of illness to intensity of care required, is an important determinant of patient safety and outcomes. It is often used as part of a patient classification system to determine staffing needs and acceptable workloads in health care settings. As acuity increases, more resources, including more skilled clinicians, are needed to provide optimal care. Developing an evidence-based definition of lactation acuity can help to standardize terminology, more effectively distribute health care staff resources, encourage research to verify the validity and reliability of lactation acuity, and potentially improve breastfeeding initiation and duration rates.
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Rangaraj, D; Chan, K; Boddu, S
Lean thinking has revolutionized the manufacturing industry. Toyota has pioneered and leveraged this aspect of Lean thinking. Application of Lean thinking and Lean Six Sigma techniques into Healthcare and in particular in Radiation Oncology has its merits and challenges. To improve quality, safety and patient satisfaction with available resources or reducing cost in terms of time, staff and resources is demands of today's healthcare. Radiation oncology treatment involves many processes and steps, identifying and removing the non-value added steps in a process can significantly improve the efficiency. Real projects undertaken in radiation oncology department in cutting down the procedure timemore » for MRI guided brachytherapy to 40% less using lean thinking will be narrated. Simple Lean tools and techniques such as Gemba walk, visual control, daily huddles, standard work, value stream mapping, error-proofing, etc. can be applied with existing resources and how that improved the operation in a Radiation Oncology department's two year experience will be discussed. Lean thinking focuses on identifying and solving the root-cause of a problem by asking “Why” and not “Who” and this requires a culture change of no blame. Role of leadership in building lean culture, employee empowerment and trains and develops lean thinkers will be presented. Why Lean initiatives fail and how to implement lean successfully in your clinic will be discussed. Learning Objectives: Concepts of lean management or lean thinking. Lean tools and techniques applied in Radiation Oncology. Implement no blame culture and focus on system and processes. Leadership role in implementing lean culture. Challenges for Lean thinking in healthcare.« less
Hernandez, Caleb; Shuler, Klaus; Hannan, Hashibul; Sonyika, Chionesu; Likourezos, Antonios; Marshall, John
2008-02-01
Cardiac arrest is a condition frequently encountered by physicians in the hospital setting including the Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit and medical/surgical wards. This paper reviews the current literature involving the use of ultrasound in resuscitation and proposes an algorithmic approach for the use of ultrasound during cardiac arrest. At present there is the need for a means of differentiating between various causes of cardiac arrest, which are not a direct result of a primary ventricular arrhythmia. Identifying the cause of pulseless electrical activity or asystole is important as the underlying cause is what guides management in such cases. This approach, incorporating ultrasound to manage cardiac arrest aids in the diagnosis of the most common and easily reversible causes of cardiac arrest not caused by primary ventricular arrhythmia, namely; severe hypovolemia, tension pneumothorax, cardiac tamponade, and massive pulmonary embolus. These four conditions are addressed in this paper using four accepted emergency ultrasound applications to be performed during resuscitation of a cardiac arrest patient with the aim of determining the underlying cause of a cardiac arrest. Identifying the underlying cause of cardiac arrest represents the one of the greatest challenges of managing patients with asystole or PEA and accurate determination has the potential to improve management by guiding therapeutic decisions. We include several clinical images demonstrating examples of cardiac tamponade, massive pulmonary embolus, and severe hypovolemia secondary to abdominal aortic aneurysm. In conclusion, this protocol has the potential to reduce the time required to determine the etiology of a cardiac arrest and thus decrease the time between arrest and appropriate therapy.
A novel technique to identify the nerve of origin in head and neck schwannomas.
Ching, H H; Spinner, A G; Reeve, N H; Wang, R C
2018-04-18
Identifying the nerve of origin in head and neck schwannomas is a diagnostic challenge. Surgical management leads to a risk of permanent deficit. Accurate identification of the nerve would improve operative planning and patient counselling. Three patients with head and neck schwannomas underwent a diagnostic procedure hypothesised to identify the nerve of origin. The masses were infiltrated with 1 per cent lidocaine solution, and the patients were observed for neurological deficits. All three patients experienced temporary loss of nerve function after lidocaine injection. Facial nerve palsy, voice changes with documented unilateral same-side vocal fold paralysis, and numbness in the distribution of the maxillary nerve (V2), respectively, led to a likely identification of the nerve of origin. Injection of lidocaine into a schwannoma is a safe, in-office procedure that produces a temporary nerve deficit, which may enable accurate identification of the nerve of origin of a schwannoma. Identifying the nerve of origin enhances operative planning and patient counselling.
Social Determinants of LGBT Cancer Health Inequities.
Matthews, Alicia K; Breen, Elizabeth; Kittiteerasack, Priyoth
2018-02-01
To describe the extant literature on social determinants of health as they relate to the cancer disparities and to highlight the research findings relating to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) populations. Published scientific literature and clinical literature, and published reports from the World Health Organization and US Department of Health and Human Services. The larger literature on health inequities is moving beyond individual-level predictors of risk to evaluate the influence of social determinants of health on the persistent health inequalities in a population. As it has for other groups, additional research into social determinants of health for LGBT persons of color may play an important role in identifying and reducing cancer inequities for this group. Increased awareness of the factors that contribute to health inequities for the LGBT population may provide insight into improving patient-provider relationships with LGBT patients. A large body of experiential and clinical knowledge positions nurses to conduct meaningful research to expand the current understanding of the social determinants of LGBT cancer health inequities. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Shetty, Devdas; Saifi, Shenaz
2017-01-01
Summary Background Testicular adrenal rest tumours (TARTs) are benign testicular masses that are found in inadequately treated patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Recognizing this association and identifying characteristic ultrasound features of TARTs is important so as to avoid misdiagnosing them as malignancies, which can lead to unnecessary interventions. Case Report We describe a case of a 9-year-old boy, with a diagnosis of CAH and precocious puberty, who was referred to our department for an ultrasound evaluation of the abdomen and scrotum. On ultrasound, there were well-defined, heterogeneous, predominantly hypoechoic, round-to-oval masses in both testes. Taking into account the presence of CAH and a typical sonographic appearance of bilateral testicular masses, a diagnosis of testicular adrenal rest tumour was made; biopsy was deferred and hormonal treatment was modified. Conclusions Prompt diagnosis of testicular adrenal rest tumours is essential, as it only indicates inadequate hormonal control. Moreover, it can prevent unnecessary biopsies and orchidectomies, and can maintain fertility. TARTs have a typical imaging appearance that every radiologist must be aware of. PMID:29662583
Bartiaux, M; Mols, P
2017-01-01
patient management in the acute and sub-acute setting of an Emergency Department is challenging. An assessment of the quality of provided care enables an evaluation of failings. It contributes to the identification of areas for improvement. to obtain an analysis, by hospital-ward physicians, of adult patient care management quality, as well as of the correctness of diagnosis made during emergency admissions. To evaluate the consequences of inadequate patient care management on morbidity, mortality and cost and duration of hospitalization. prospective data analysis obtained between the 1/12/2009 and the 21/12/2009 from physicians using a questionnaire on adult-patient emergency admissions and subsequent hospitalization. questionnaires were completed for 332 patients. Inadequate management of patient care were reported for 73/332 (22 %) cases. Incorrect diagnoses were reported for 20/332 (6 %) cases. 35 cases of inadequate care management (10.5 % overall) were associated with morbidity (34 cases) or mortality (1 case), including 4 cases (1.2 % ) that required emergency intensive-care or surgical interventions. this quality study analyzed the percentage of patient management cases and incorrect diagnoses in the emergency department. The data for serious outcome and wrong diagnosis are comparable with current literature. To improve performance, we consider the process for establishing a diagnosis and therapeutic care.
Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2013-01-31
..., Center for Quality Improvement and Patient Safety, AHRQ, 540 Gaither Road, Rockville, MD 20850; Telephone... DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Patient Safety Organizations: Voluntary Relinquishment From The Connecticut Hospital Association Federal Patient Safety...
21 CFR 880.6375 - Patient lubricant.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-04-01
... § 880.6375 Patient lubricant. (a) Identification. A patient lubricant is a device intended for medical... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Patient lubricant. 880.6375 Section 880.6375 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL...
Deshpande, Saurabh S; Shetty, Devdas; Saifi, Shenaz
2017-01-01
Testicular adrenal rest tumours (TARTs) are benign testicular masses that are found in inadequately treated patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Recognizing this association and identifying characteristic ultrasound features of TARTs is important so as to avoid misdiagnosing them as malignancies, which can lead to unnecessary interventions. We describe a case of a 9-year-old boy, with a diagnosis of CAH and precocious puberty, who was referred to our department for an ultrasound evaluation of the abdomen and scrotum. On ultrasound, there were well-defined, heterogeneous, predominantly hypoechoic, round-to-oval masses in both testes. Taking into account the presence of CAH and a typical sonographic appearance of bilateral testicular masses, a diagnosis of testicular adrenal rest tumour was made; biopsy was deferred and hormonal treatment was modified. Prompt diagnosis of testicular adrenal rest tumours is essential, as it only indicates inadequate hormonal control. Moreover, it can prevent unnecessary biopsies and orchidectomies, and can maintain fertility. TARTs have a typical imaging appearance that every radiologist must be aware of.
"Geriatricizing" Hospitalists: Identifying Educational Opportunities
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Friedman, Susan M.; Gillespie, Suzanne M.; Medina-Walpole, Annette M.; Caprio, Thomas V.; Karuza, Jurgis; McCann, Robert M.
2013-01-01
The objective of this study was to identify differences between geriatricians and hospitalists in caring for hospitalized older adults, so as to inform faculty development programs that have the goal of improving older patient care. Eleven hospitalists and 13 geriatricians were surveyed regarding knowledge, confidence, and practice patterns in…
7 CFR 956.50 - Research and development.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-01-01
... Agreements and Orders; Fruits, Vegetables, Nuts), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SWEET ONIONS GROWN IN THE WALLA..., or efficient production of Walla Walla Sweet Onions. Any such project for the promotion and advertising of Walla Walla Sweet Onions may utilize an identifying mark, including but not limited to...
7 CFR 956.50 - Research and development.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-01-01
... Agreements and Orders; Fruits, Vegetables, Nuts), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SWEET ONIONS GROWN IN THE WALLA..., or efficient production of Walla Walla Sweet Onions. Any such project for the promotion and advertising of Walla Walla Sweet Onions may utilize an identifying mark, including but not limited to...
Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2011-05-26
... Introductions. 2. Member Discussion Methodology Options for Identifying Emerging Technologies. 3. Public... DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Bureau of Industry and Security Emerging Technology and Research Advisory Committee; Notice of Partially Closed Meeting The Emerging Technology and Research Advisory Committee (ETRAC...
49 CFR 604.13 - Registration of private charter operators.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-10-01
... ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION CHARTER SERVICE Procedures for Registration and Notification § 604..., if available, state motor carrier identifying number; (3) The geographic service areas of public... intends to provide charter service; (4) The number of buses or vans the private charter operator owns; (5...
78 FR 59344 - Proposed Collection; Comment Request
Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2013-09-26
... includes the Navy Access Control Management System (NACMS) and the U.S. Marine Corps Biometric and... identifying or verifying an individual through the use of biometric databases and associated data processing... appear in person, record their personal identifiable information on the SECNAV 5512/1 Department of the...
DOT National Transportation Integrated Search
2009-01-01
A peer exchange can discuss general research management, or the agency can focus on certain parts of the research process. MDOT chose to focus on four themes: 1) Current Research Organization, 2) Identifying improvements That Streamline the Research ...
Sarel, D; Marmorstein, H
1996-01-01
Even though there is intuitive appeal in identifying the user profile for a given service and then targeting similar nonusers, this approach can be very misleading when marketing health care services with low market penetration. If usage segmentation is employed without checking other indicators of latent demand and perceived barriers to use, significant misallocation of marketing resources is likely to occur. Confidentiality and embarrassment can be significant barriers to use by segments that are excellent patient prospects. In this study of mental and behavioral care, females and non-whites were found to be more concerned with confidentiality than were members of the user group. Lack of awareness can be a much bigger impediment to adoption than negative attitudes. Health care marketers need to design communications that not only increase awareness and familiarity for services with low market penetration, but also address other issues of concern to highly receptive segments.
Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2013-08-28
... Patient Satisfaction Survey) Activity: Comment Request AGENCY: Veterans Health Administration, Department... notice solicits comments for information needed to measure patient satisfaction with VA's dental services... Patient Satisfaction Survey)'' in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed...
7 CFR 956.50 - Research and development.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-01-01
... AGREEMENTS AND ORDERS; FRUITS, VEGETABLES, NUTS), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SWEET ONIONS GROWN IN THE WALLA..., or efficient production of Walla Walla Sweet Onions. Any such project for the promotion and advertising of Walla Walla Sweet Onions may utilize an identifying mark, including but not limited to...
42 CFR 482.42 - Condition of participation: Infection control.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR
2013-10-01
... communicable diseases. The infection control officer or officers must develop a system for identifying... 42 Public Health 5 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Condition of participation: Infection control. 482.42 Section 482.42 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND...
Affirmative Action in Medical Education: A Legal Perspective.
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Helms, Lelia B.; Helms, Charles M.
1998-01-01
Describes history of legal theory behind affirmative action, with examples from case law and Department of Education regulations, identifying legal pitfalls in admissions and financial aid, including categorization of students by race, racially disproportionate financial aid awards after accounting for need, racially disproportionate scholarship…
24 CFR 3282.409 - Manufacturer's plan for notification and correction.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-04-01
... homes; (4) Inspection of the design of the manufactured home in question to determine whether the... COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT MANUFACTURED HOME PROCEDURAL AND ENFORCEMENT... identifying criteria, all manufactured homes with respect to which notification is to be provided. The class...
DOT National Transportation Integrated Search
2012-06-01
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) wants to construct durable concrete pavements with minimal maintenance needs. This goal can only be achieved by using durable aggregates that are resistant to freezing and thawing damage when used in con...
Veterinary Accreditation. A Reference Guide for Practitioners.
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA), Washington, DC.
This reference manual was designed as a guide for veterinarians who have been accredited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services. The guide provides instructions on the following topics: identifying animals, reportable diseases and conditions, brucellosis, tuberculosis, pseudorabies, miscellaneous…
42 CFR 482.42 - Condition of participation: Infection control.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-10-01
... communicable diseases. The infection control officer or officers must develop a system for identifying... 42 Public Health 5 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Condition of participation: Infection control. 482.42 Section 482.42 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND...
42 CFR 482.42 - Condition of participation: Infection control.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-10-01
... communicable diseases. The infection control officer or officers must develop a system for identifying... 42 Public Health 5 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Condition of participation: Infection control. 482.42 Section 482.42 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND...
Mathews, Kusum S; Durst, Matthew S; Vargas-Torres, Carmen; Olson, Ashley D; Mazumdar, Madhu; Richardson, Lynne D
2018-05-01
ICU admission delays can negatively affect patient outcomes, but emergency department volume and boarding times may also affect these decisions and associated patient outcomes. We sought to investigate the effect of emergency department and ICU capacity strain on ICU admission decisions and to examine the effect of emergency department boarding time of critically ill patients on in-hospital mortality. A retrospective cohort study. Single academic tertiary care hospital. Adult critically ill emergency department patients for whom a consult for medical ICU admission was requested, over a 21-month period. None. Patient data, including severity of illness (Mortality Probability Model III on Admission), outcomes of mortality and persistent organ dysfunction, and hourly census reports for the emergency department, for all ICUs and all adult wards were compiled. A total of 854 emergency department requests for ICU admission were logged, with 455 (53.3%) as "accept" and 399 (46.7%) as "deny" cases, with median emergency department boarding times 4.2 hours (interquartile range, 2.8-6.3 hr) and 11.7 hours (3.2-20.3 hr) and similar rates of persistent organ dysfunction and/or death 41.5% and 44.6%, respectively. Those accepted were younger (mean ± SD, 61 ± 17 vs 65 ± 18 yr) and more severely ill (median Mortality Probability Model III on Admission score, 15.3% [7.0-29.5%] vs 13.4% [6.3-25.2%]) than those denied admission. In the multivariable model, a full medical ICU was the only hospital-level factor significantly associated with a lower probability of ICU acceptance (odds ratio, 0.55 [95% CI, 0.37-0.81]). Using propensity score analysis to account for imbalances in baseline characteristics between those accepted or denied for ICU admission, longer emergency department boarding time after consult was associated with higher odds of mortality and persistent organ dysfunction (odds ratio, 1.77 [1.07-2.95]/log10 hour increase). ICU admission decisions for critically ill emergency department patients are affected by medical ICU bed availability, though higher emergency department volume and other ICU occupancy did not play a role. Prolonged emergency department boarding times were associated with worse patient outcomes, suggesting a need for improved throughput and targeted care for patients awaiting ICU admission.
Murphy, David J; Rubinson, Lewis; Blum, James; Isakov, Alexander; Bhagwanjee, Statish; Cairns, Charles B; Cobb, J Perren; Sevransky, Jonathan E
2015-11-01
In developed countries, public health systems have become adept at rapidly identifying the etiology and impact of public health emergencies. However, within the time course of clinical responses, shortfalls in readily analyzable patient-level data limit capabilities to understand clinical course, predict outcomes, ensure resource availability, and evaluate the effectiveness of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for seriously ill and injured patients. To be useful in the timeline of a public health emergency, multi-institutional clinical investigation systems must be in place to rapidly collect, analyze, and disseminate detailed clinical information regarding patients across prehospital, emergency department, and acute care hospital settings, including ICUs. As an initial step to near real-time clinical learning during public health emergencies, we sought to develop an "all-hazards" core dataset to characterize serious illness and injuries and the resource requirements for acute medical response across the care continuum. A multidisciplinary panel of clinicians, public health professionals, and researchers with expertise in public health emergencies. Group consensus process. The consensus process included regularly scheduled conference calls, electronic communications, and an in-person meeting to generate candidate variables. Candidate variables were then reviewed by the group to meet the competing criteria of utility and feasibility resulting in the core dataset. The 40-member panel generated 215 candidate variables for potential dataset inclusion. The final dataset includes 140 patient-level variables in the domains of demographics and anthropometrics (7), prehospital (11), emergency department (13), diagnosis (8), severity of illness (54), medications and interventions (38), and outcomes (9). The resulting all-hazard core dataset for seriously ill and injured persons provides a foundation to facilitate rapid collection, analyses, and dissemination of information necessary for clinicians, public health officials, and policymakers to optimize public health emergency response. Further work is needed to validate the effectiveness of the dataset in a variety of emergency settings.
Patient handover in the emergency department: 'How' is as important as 'what'.
de Lange, Santel; van Eeden, Ilze; Heyns, Tanya
2018-01-01
We explored the existing patient handover practices between emergency care practitioners and healthcare professionals in the emergency department. In the emergency department, patient handover between emergency care practitioner's and healthcare professionals is a complex process involving multiple functions, such as the transfer of information, responsibility and accountability from one person to another. We used a qualitative study design. Emergency care practitioners and healthcare professionals were identified using purposive and convenience sampling data. Data were collected through unstructured participant observation. We conducted 20 observation sessions, varying between 15 and 20min. The data were analysed using a creative hermeneutic approach. The 'how' or manner of patient handover observed between emergency care practitioners and health professionals was perceived as important. A diagnosis of disrespectful behaviour was made which could negatively influence patient handover and ultimately patient outcome. Disrespectful behaviour stemmed from the two signs that supported the diagnosis: task-orientated behaviour and the use of indigenous language. Involving the emergency care practitioners and healthcare professionals in observing and analysing the existing patient handover practices in the ED raised their awareness of the current workplace culture. Transforming behaviour from disrespectful to respectful should include greeting one another, listening attentively to the patient handover and include emergency care practitioners, patients and their significant other in the handover process that should be conducted in a commonly understood language. Emergency care practitioners and healthcare professionals should recognise that during patient handover 'how' is as important as 'what'. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Glen, Peter; Earl, Naomi; Gooding, Felix; Lucas, Emily; Sangha, Nicole; Ramcharitar, Steve
2015-01-01
Clinical documentation is an integral part of the healthcare professional's job. Good record keeping is essential for patient care, accurate recording of consultations and for effective communication within the multidisciplinary team. Within the surgical department at the Great Western Hospital, Swindon, the case notes were deemed to be bulky and cumbersome, inhibiting effective record keeping, potentially putting patients' at risk. The aim of this quality improvement project was therefore to improve the standard of documentation, the labelling of notes and the overall filing. A baseline audit was firstly undertaken assessing the notes within the busiest surgical ward. A number of variables were assessed, but notably, only 12% (4/33) of the case notes were found to be without loose pages. Furthermore, less than half of the pages with entries written within the last 72 hours contained adequate patient identifiers on them. When assessing these entries further, the designation of the writer was only recorded in one third (11/33) of the cases, whilst the printed name of the writer was only recorded in 65% (21/33) of the entries. This project ran over a 10 month period, using a plan, do study, act methodology. Initial focus was on simple education. Afterwards, single admission folders were introduced, to contain only information required for that admission, in an attempt to streamline the notes and ease the filing. This saw a global improvement across all data subsets, with a sustained improvement of over 80% compliance seen. An educational poster was also created and displayed in clinical areas, to remind users to label their notes with patient identifying stickers. This saw a 4-fold increase (16%-68%) in the labelling of notes. In conclusion, simple, cost effective measures in streamlining medical notes, improves the quality of documentation, facilitates the filing and ultimately improves patient care.
Dadkhah, Shahriar; Almuwaqqat, Zakaria; Sulaiman, Samian; Husein, Husein; Nguyen, Quang; Ali, Saad; Taskesen, Tuncay
2017-09-01
Despite improvements in identifying high-risk patients with non-ST segment ACS (acute coronary syndrome), low risk patients presenting with atypical chest pain and non-diagnostic Electrocardiogram (ECG) continued to undergo unnecessary admissions and testing. Since 1992, our chest pain protocol included using 4-hour serial biomarkers from ED admission in combination with stress testing to evaluate these patients. Our study aimed at determining whether a new accelerated diagnostic protocol using sensitive cardiac troponin I (cTnI) 2 hours after admission to the ED followed by stress testing is safe and effective in emergency settings, allowing for appropriate triage, earlier discharge and reducing costs. We conducted a single center randomized trial at Presence St. Francis Hospital Chest pain center in Evanston, Illinois enrolling sixty-four consecutive patients with atypical chest pain and non-diagnostic ECG, participants were randomized to accelerated 2 hrs protocol or our pre-existing 4-hrs protocol. Sixty patients completed the protocol and were randomized to either a 2-hour (29 patients) or 4-hour protocol using both I-STAT and PATHFAST cTnI (31 Patients). Troponin I was evaluated at 0 and at 2 hours from ED presentation with and additional draw for patients in the 4-hour rule out-group. Patients with normal serial biomarkers were then evaluated with stress testing and qualified for earlier discharge if the stress test was negative, while those with a positive biomarker at any time were admitted. Thirty-six patients had exercise treadmill stress test and 24 patients had either nuclear or Echo stress test. Fifty-three patients had a normal stress test and were discharged home. One patient in the 4-hour group with normal serial troponins developed ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation during the recovery period of a regular stress test. Six patients had a positive PATHFAST cTnI and a normal I-STAT cTnI at 2-hours. Two out of these six patients evaluated by coronary angiography. One patient had severe tortuous coronaries but no significant obstructive lesion and one had a severe CAD who needed Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Three of the six patients had a normal stress test and one patient decided to leave without further testing. None of the patients with a normal stress test had a major cardiac event or adverse cardiac outcome at six-month follow up. This study demonstrates that the 2 hours accelerated protocol using high sensitivity Troponin assay at 0 and 2 hours with comprehensive clinical evaluation and ECG followed by stress testing might be successful in identifying low-risk patient population who may benefit from early discharge from ED reducing associated costs and length of stay.
21 CFR 892.5770 - Powered radiation therapy patient support assembly.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-04-01
... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Powered radiation therapy patient support assembly. 892.5770 Section 892.5770 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN... therapy patient support assembly. (a) Identification. A powered radiation therapy patient support assembly...
21 CFR 892.5770 - Powered radiation therapy patient support assembly.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR
2013-04-01
... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Powered radiation therapy patient support assembly. 892.5770 Section 892.5770 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN... therapy patient support assembly. (a) Identification. A powered radiation therapy patient support assembly...
42 CFR 2.2 - Statutory authority for confidentiality of alcohol abuse patient records.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-10-01
... abuse patient records. 2.2 Section 2.2 Public Health PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GENERAL PROVISIONS CONFIDENTIALITY OF ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE PATIENT RECORDS Introduction § 2.2 Statutory authority for confidentiality of alcohol abuse patient records. The restrictions of...
Identifying types of drug intoxication : laboratory evaluation of a subject-examination procedure
DOT National Transportation Integrated Search
1985-05-01
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has developed a rating procedures for use in detecting drug-impaired drivers. The purpose of the rating procedures is to determine whether the driver is impaired and to identify the responsible drug class (e.g...
10 CFR 436.35 - Standard terms and conditions.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-01-01
... Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY ENERGY CONSERVATION FEDERAL ENERGY MANAGEMENT AND PLANNING PROGRAMS Methods... acquisition of energy conservation measures; (4) Providing for an annual energy audit and identifying who shall conduct such an audit, consistent with § 436.37 of this subpart; and (5) Providing for a guarantee...
Wu, Honghan; Toti, Giulia; Morley, Katherine I; Ibrahim, Zina M; Folarin, Amos; Jackson, Richard; Kartoglu, Ismail; Agrawal, Asha; Stringer, Clive; Gale, Darren; Gorrell, Genevieve; Roberts, Angus; Broadbent, Matthew; Stewart, Robert; Dobson, Richard J B
2018-05-01
Unlocking the data contained within both structured and unstructured components of electronic health records (EHRs) has the potential to provide a step change in data available for secondary research use, generation of actionable medical insights, hospital management, and trial recruitment. To achieve this, we implemented SemEHR, an open source semantic search and analytics tool for EHRs. SemEHR implements a generic information extraction (IE) and retrieval infrastructure by identifying contextualized mentions of a wide range of biomedical concepts within EHRs. Natural language processing annotations are further assembled at the patient level and extended with EHR-specific knowledge to generate a timeline for each patient. The semantic data are serviced via ontology-based search and analytics interfaces. SemEHR has been deployed at a number of UK hospitals, including the Clinical Record Interactive Search, an anonymized replica of the EHR of the UK South London and Maudsley National Health Service Foundation Trust, one of Europe's largest providers of mental health services. In 2 Clinical Record Interactive Search-based studies, SemEHR achieved 93% (hepatitis C) and 99% (HIV) F-measure results in identifying true positive patients. At King's College Hospital in London, as part of the CogStack program (github.com/cogstack), SemEHR is being used to recruit patients into the UK Department of Health 100 000 Genomes Project (genomicsengland.co.uk). The validation study suggests that the tool can validate previously recruited cases and is very fast at searching phenotypes; time for recruitment criteria checking was reduced from days to minutes. Validated on open intensive care EHR data, Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III, the vital signs extracted by SemEHR can achieve around 97% accuracy. Results from the multiple case studies demonstrate SemEHR's efficiency: weeks or months of work can be done within hours or minutes in some cases. SemEHR provides a more comprehensive view of patients, bringing in more and unexpected insight compared to study-oriented bespoke IE systems. SemEHR is open source, available at https://github.com/CogStack/SemEHR.
The Effect of Bedside Presentations in the Emergency Department on Patient Satisfaction
Schranz, Craig I.; Sobehart, Robert J.; Fallgatter, Kiva; Riffenburgh, Robert H.; Matteucci, Michael J.
2011-01-01
Background Due to increasing time constraints, the use of bedside presentations in resident education has declined. We examined whether patient satisfaction in the emergency department is affected when first-year residents present at the bedside with attendings. Methods We performed an observational, prospective, nonblinded study in the emergency department of a military teaching hospital. We alternately assigned first-year residents to present a convenience sample of 248 patients to the attending physician at the patient's bedside or away from the patient. We measured patient satisfaction by using the Patient Satisfaction Questionaire-18 (PSQ-18), a validated survey instrument that utilizes a Likert scale, and additional nonvalidated survey questions involving Likert and visual analog scales. Results While the median PSQ-18 score of 74 (95% confidence interval [CI], 72–76) was higher for patient satisfaction when residents made bedside presentations than that for standard presentations, 72 (95% CI, 70–74), the difference did not reach statistical significance (P = .33). Conclusion There was no significant difference in overall patient satisfaction between residents' bedside presentations and presentations to attendings away from the patient. Although not significant, the differences noted in PSQ-18 subscales of communication, general satisfaction, and interpersonal manner warrant further investigation. Patients did not appear to be uncomfortable with having their care discussed and with having subsequent resident education at the bedside. Future research on patient satisfaction after implementation of standardized bedside teaching techniques 5 help further elucidate this relationship. PMID:23205195
21 CFR 892.5770 - Powered radiation therapy patient support assembly.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-04-01
... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Powered radiation therapy patient support assembly. 892.5770 Section 892.5770 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN... therapy patient support assembly. (a) Identification. A powered radiation therapy patient support assembly...
42 CFR 2.2 - Statutory authority for confidentiality of alcohol abuse patient records.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-10-01
... abuse patient records. 2.2 Section 2.2 Public Health PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GENERAL PROVISIONS CONFIDENTIALITY OF ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE PATIENT RECORDS Introduction § 2.2 Statutory authority for confidentiality of alcohol abuse patient records. The restrictions of...
42 CFR 2.2 - Statutory authority for confidentiality of alcohol abuse patient records.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR
2013-10-01
... abuse patient records. 2.2 Section 2.2 Public Health PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GENERAL PROVISIONS CONFIDENTIALITY OF ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE PATIENT RECORDS Introduction § 2.2 Statutory authority for confidentiality of alcohol abuse patient records. The restrictions of...
42 CFR 2.2 - Statutory authority for confidentiality of alcohol abuse patient records.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-10-01
... abuse patient records. 2.2 Section 2.2 Public Health PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GENERAL PROVISIONS CONFIDENTIALITY OF ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE PATIENT RECORDS Introduction § 2.2 Statutory authority for confidentiality of alcohol abuse patient records. The restrictions of...
A new day for patient financial services.
Canfield, David P; Johnston, Scott
2002-09-01
The patient financial services (PFS) department plays a crucial role in the financial health of a provider organization. Complete, accurate data are a competitive advantage. Data should be obtained and validated as early as possible in the process of providing a healthcare service. A redefined revenue cycle should emphasize interdepartmental collaboration, technology, and patient satisfaction. The PFS department should expand its role to emphasize the merging of clinical and financial data in support of the organization's goals. PFS professionals require educational and career opportunities to fulfill the PFS department's expanded role.
21 CFR 892.5770 - Powered radiation therapy patient support assembly.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-04-01
... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Powered radiation therapy patient support assembly. 892.5770 Section 892.5770 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN... therapy patient support assembly. (a) Identification. A powered radiation therapy patient support assembly...
42 CFR 3.208 - Continued protection of patient safety work product.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-10-01
... 42 Public Health 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Continued protection of patient safety work product. 3.208 Section 3.208 Public Health PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GENERAL PROVISIONS PATIENT SAFETY ORGANIZATIONS AND PATIENT SAFETY WORK PRODUCT Confidentiality and...
21 CFR 880.2400 - Bed-patient monitor.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-04-01
... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Bed-patient monitor. 880.2400 Section 880.2400 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED... Devices § 880.2400 Bed-patient monitor. (a) Identification. A bed-patient monitor is a battery-powered...
42 CFR 2.2 - Statutory authority for confidentiality of alcohol abuse patient records.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-10-01
... abuse patient records. 2.2 Section 2.2 Public Health PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GENERAL PROVISIONS CONFIDENTIALITY OF ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE PATIENT RECORDS Introduction § 2.2 Statutory authority for confidentiality of alcohol abuse patient records. The restrictions of...
The Implicit Contract: Implications for Health Social Work
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
McCoyd, Judith L. M.
2010-01-01
Identifying common patient dynamics is useful for developing social work practice sensitivity in health social work. This article draws on findings from a study of women who terminated desired pregnancies because of fetal anomalies and identifies dynamics that may be applicable to many health settings. Data suggest that women have expectations…
Identifying the Educationally Influential Physician: A Systematic Review of Approaches
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Kronberger, Matthew P.; Bakken, Lori L.
2011-01-01
Introduction: Previous studies have indicated that educationally influential physicians' (EIPs) interactions with peers can lead to practice changes and improved patient outcomes. However, multiple approaches have been used to identify and investigate EIPs' informal or formal influence on practice, which creates study outcomes that are difficult…
Weiland, Tracey J; Marck, Claudia H; Jelinek, George A; Neate, Sandra L; Hickey, Bernadette B
2013-09-01
To determine Australian emergency department clinicians' cultural and religious barriers to organ and tissue donation (OTD). A national cross-sectional survey of physicians and nurses working in Australian emergency departments. An online questionnaire of 133 items was delivered via e-mail. Responses were received from 599 of 2969 (20%) physicians and 212 of 1026 (21%) nurses. Respondents were generally representative of the colleges. Participants were from 26 cultures and 9 religious groups. Self-rated competence in OTD tasks was low for some minority groups: South American, Caribbean, and Pacific Islanders reported little competence in identifying, referring, and caring for potential donors, introducing OTD to families, and approaching distressed families. Those of Arabic, Jewish, North African, and Middle Eastern background reported low competence in referring and caring for potential donors and comforting distressed families. They reported low support for OTD after cardiac death, low familiarity with OTD processes after cardiac death, and poor familiarity with the coroner's process. Those of Southern Asian background reported low comfort in undertaking OTD processes, poor familiarity with the coroner's process, and low competence in caring for potential donors. Those of Islamic faith reported low competence in identifying potential donors, low support for OTD after cardiac death, and thought that the emergency department was an inappropriate location to identify potential donors. Those of Buddhist and Hindu faiths reported low competence in identifying potential donors. Respondent numbers for members of minority groups were low, thereby limiting the statistical accuracy of results. Among clinicians working in Australian emergency departments, religion and culture may be barriers to facilitating OTD in emergency departments because of the perceptions and attitudes held by particular religious and cultural groups. Improving access to education may address these differences.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Cahyono, H.; Wessiani, N. A.
2018-04-01
Government of Indonesia has been launched the bureaucratic reform program since 2010. One of the action is conducted restructuring organization in all city governments. Department of Food Security and Agriculture in Government of Surabaya City is the result of merger from two Department, namely Bureau of Food Security and Department of Agriculture. This merger makes Department of Food Security and Agriculture to redefine their business process. The new business process is needed to be defined in order to align the new structure with the long term strategic planning of Surabaya City Government. This research aims to redefine the business process of Department of Food Security and Agriculture in Government of Surabaya City. The CIMOSA model is adopted for identifying the activities in the business process. The new business process is important for the department to allocate their resource, mainly the human resource and as the main input for the department to build their standard operating procedure.
2013-01-01
Background In 2005, the International Patient Decision Aids Standards Collaboration identified twelve quality dimensions to guide assessment of patient decision aids. One dimension—the delivery of patient decision aids on the Internet—is relevant when the Internet is used to provide some or all components of a patient decision aid. Building on the original background chapter, this paper provides an updated definition for this dimension, outlines a theoretical rationale, describes current evidence, and discusses emerging research areas. Methods An international, multidisciplinary panel of authors examined the relevant theoretical literature and empirical evidence through 2012. Results The updated definition distinguishes Internet-delivery of patient decision aids from online health information and clinical practice guidelines. Theories in cognitive psychology, decision psychology, communication, and education support the value of Internet features for providing interactive information and deliberative support. Dissemination and implementation theories support Internet-delivery for providing the right information (rapidly updated), to the right person (tailored), at the right time (the appropriate point in the decision making process). Additional efforts are needed to integrate the theoretical rationale and empirical evidence from health technology perspectives, such as consumer health informatics, user experience design, and human-computer interaction. Despite Internet usage ranging from 74% to 85% in developed countries and 80% of users searching for health information, it is unknown how many individuals specifically seek patient decision aids on the Internet. Among the 86 randomized controlled trials in the 2011 Cochrane Collaboration’s review of patient decision aids, only four studies focused on Internet-delivery. Given the limited number of published studies, this paper particularly focused on identifying gaps in the empirical evidence base and identifying emerging areas of research. Conclusions As of 2012, the updated theoretical rationale and emerging evidence suggest potential benefits to delivering patient decision aids on the Internet. However, additional research is needed to identify best practices and quality metrics for Internet-based development, evaluation, and dissemination, particularly in the areas of interactivity, multimedia components, socially-generated information, and implementation strategies. PMID:24625064
USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database
In functional gastrointestinal disorders, patient recall of symptoms drives diagnostic decisions and evaluation of treatment response, and research conclusions about potential treatments. In pediatrics, parent report also impacts assessment and care. Hence, identifying methods for accurately capturi...
Cluster of Ebola Virus Disease, Bong and Montserrado Counties, Liberia.
Nyenswah, Tolbert G; Fallah, Mosaka; Calvert, Geoffrey M; Duwor, Stanley; Hamilton, E Dutch; Mokashi, Vishwesh; Arzoaquoi, Sampson; Dweh, Emmanuel; Burbach, Ryan; Dlouhy, Diane; Oeltmann, John E; Moonan, Patrick K
2015-07-01
Lack of trust in government-supported services after the death of a health care worker with symptoms of Ebola resulted in ongoing Ebola transmission in 2 Liberia counties. Ebola transmission was facilitated by attempts to avoid cremation of the deceased patient and delays in identifying and monitoring contacts.
9 CFR 592.320 - Products that may bear the inspection mark.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-01-01
... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Products that may bear the inspection mark. 592.320 Section 592.320 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION VOLUNTARY INSPECTION OF EGG PRODUCTS Identifying and...
49 CFR 563.11 - Information in owner's manual.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-10-01
... law enforcement, could combine the EDR data with the type of personally identifying data routinely... SAFETY ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION EVENT DATA RECORDERS § 563.11 Information in owner's... statement in English: This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder (EDR). The main purpose of an EDR...
Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-01-01
... Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Standards, Inspections, Marketing... organically produced ingredients may only identify the organic content of the product by: (1) Identifying each... statement, displaying the product's percentage of organic contents on the information panel. (b...
9 CFR 592.370 - Certificate issuance.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-01-01
... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Certificate issuance. 592.370 Section 592.370 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION VOLUNTARY INSPECTION OF EGG PRODUCTS Identifying and Marking Products § 592.370 Certificate issuance. When performing inspectio...
9 CFR 592.370 - Certificate issuance.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-01-01
... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Certificate issuance. 592.370 Section 592.370 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION VOLUNTARY INSPECTION OF EGG PRODUCTS Identifying and Marking Products § 592.370 Certificate issuance. When performing inspectio...
Operational Reconnaissance: Identifying the Right Problems in a Complex World
2015-05-23
about the activities and resources of an enemy or rival, or to secure data concerning the meteorological , hydrographic, or geographic characteristics of...Information. Kansas City, KS: Hudson -Kimberly Publishing Co., 1896. War Department. Field Manual (FM) 1-20, Army Air Force Field Manual, Tactics and
The Long and Winding Path (from Instructional Design to Performance Technology).
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Carr, Clay; Totzke, Larry
1995-01-01
Presents a case study based on experiences at Amway Corporation that explains how the Human Resources Development Department progressed from providing training to providing a broader range of human performance technology interventions. Strategic planning is described, including identifying incentives and required competencies, providing for…
Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR
2013-01-01
... Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Standards, Inspections, Marketing... organically produced ingredients may only identify the organic content of the product by: (1) Identifying each... statement, displaying the product's percentage of organic contents on the information panel. (b...
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-01-01
... Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Standards, Inspections, Marketing... organically produced ingredients may only identify the organic content of the product by: (1) Identifying each... statement, displaying the product's percentage of organic contents on the information panel. (b...
42 CFR 2.23 - Patient access and restrictions on use.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-10-01
... 42 Public Health 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Patient access and restrictions on use. 2.23 Section 2.23 Public Health PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GENERAL PROVISIONS CONFIDENTIALITY OF ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE PATIENT RECORDS General Provisions § 2.23 Patient access...
Optimising the emergency to ward handover process: A mixed methods study.
Bakon, Shannon; Millichamp, Tracey
2017-11-01
The effective handover of patient health data from the emergency department to other hospital units is integral for the continuity of patient care. Yet no handover process has been identified as superior to others within this context. This study within a regional Australian hospital employed mixed methods approach including focus groups and key stakeholder consultation to develop a handover form appropriate for patient transfer from the emergency department to a variety of clinical areas. Paper-based surveys and audits were then employed to evaluate the implementation and understand staff perceptions of the form. The implementation of a patient handover form within the emergency setting was well received. Participants indicated that the form is clear, well designed and easy to navigate. It provided prompts to standardise their clinical handover and increased their accountability and responsibility within this process. To deliver an optimal nursing handover from the emergency department to various wards handovers should be structured and provide standardised content. The positive reception and use of this form provides evidence that a structured handover process can ensure standardisation of emergency department to ward nursing handovers. Copyright © 2017 College of Emergency Nursing Australasia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Inter-patient image registration algorithms to disentangle regional dose bioeffects.
Monti, Serena; Pacelli, Roberto; Cella, Laura; Palma, Giuseppe
2018-03-20
Radiation therapy (RT) technological advances call for a comprehensive reconsideration of the definition of dose features leading to radiation induced morbidity (RIM). In this context, the voxel-based approach (VBA) to dose distribution analysis in RT offers a radically new philosophy to evaluate local dose response patterns, as an alternative to dose-volume-histograms for identifying dose sensitive regions of normal tissue. The VBA relies on mapping patient dose distributions into a single reference case anatomy which serves as anchor for local dosimetric evaluations. The inter-patient elastic image registrations (EIRs) of the planning CTs provide the deformation fields necessary for the actual warp of dose distributions. In this study we assessed the impact of EIR on the VBA results in thoracic patients by identifying two state-of-the-art EIR algorithms (Demons and B-Spline). Our analysis demonstrated that both the EIR algorithms may be successfully used to highlight subregions with dose differences associated with RIM that substantially overlap. Furthermore, the inclusion for the first time of covariates within a dosimetric statistical model that faces the multiple comparison problem expands the potential of VBA, thus paving the way to a reliable voxel-based analysis of RIM in datasets with strong correlation of the outcome with non-dosimetric variables.
Bias in Magnitude Estimation Following Left Hemisphere Injury
Woods, Adam J.; Mennemeier, Mark; Garcia-Rill, Edgar; Meythaler, Jay; Mark, Victor W.; Jewel, George R.; Murphy, Heather
2015-01-01
There is a growing interest both in identifying the neural mechanisms of magnitude estimation and in identifying forms of bias that can explain aspects of behavioral syndromes like unilateral neglect. Magnitude estimation is associated with activation of temporo-parietal cortex in both cerebral hemispheres of normal subjects; however, it is unclear if and how left hemisphere lesions bias magnitude estimation because the infrequency of neglect and the presence of aphasia in these subjects confound examination. In contrast, we examined magnitude estimation using 12 different types of sensory stimuli that spanned five sensory domains in two patients with very different clinical presentations following unilateral left hemisphere stroke. One patient had neglect sub-acutely without aphasia. The other had aphasia chronically after a temporo-parietal lesion but not neglect. The neglect patient was re-examined 48 hours after being treated with modafinil (Provigil) for decreased arousal. Both patients demonstrated bias in magnitude estimation relative to normal subjects (n=83). Alertness improved in the neglect patient after taking modafinil. His neglect also resolved and his magnitude estimates more closely resembled those of normal subjects. This is the first evidence, to our knowledge, that the left hemisphere injury can bias magnitude estimation in a manner similar but not identical to that associated with right hemisphere injury. PMID:16434066
76 FR 23487 - Race to the Top Fund
Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2011-04-27
... according to its share of the national population of children ages 5 through 17 and identifying natural breaks in the population numbers. The Department then developed overlapping budget ranges for each category based on the student population data. As explained in the preamble to the interim final...
9 CFR 592.330 - Unauthorized use or disposition of approved labels.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-01-01
... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Unauthorized use or disposition of approved labels. 592.330 Section 592.330 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION VOLUNTARY INSPECTION OF EGG PRODUCTS Identifying and...
9 CFR 592.370 - Certificate issuance.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-01-01
... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Certificate issuance. 592.370 Section 592.370 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION VOLUNTARY INSPECTION OF EGG PRODUCTS Identifying and Marking Products § 592.370 Certificate issuance. When performing inspectio...
9 CFR 592.370 - Certificate issuance.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR
2013-01-01
... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Certificate issuance. 592.370 Section 592.370 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION VOLUNTARY INSPECTION OF EGG PRODUCTS Identifying and Marking Products § 592.370 Certificate issuance. When performing inspectio...
Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2010-07-21
... Director, Compliance Outreach & Implementation, Office of Foreign Assets Control, Department of the... their businesses and agents access to the U.S. financial system and the benefits of trade and..., the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation...
49 CFR 563.11 - Information in owner's manual.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-10-01
... law enforcement, could combine the EDR data with the type of personally identifying data routinely... SAFETY ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION EVENT DATA RECORDERS § 563.11 Information in owner's... statement in English: This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder (EDR). The main purpose of an EDR...
42 CFR 2.23 - Patient access and restrictions on use.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-10-01
... 42 Public Health 1 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Patient access and restrictions on use. 2.23 Section 2.23 Public Health PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GENERAL PROVISIONS CONFIDENTIALITY OF ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE PATIENT RECORDS General Provisions § 2.23 Patient access...
Reasons for discharges against medical advice: a qualitative study
Onukwugha, Eberechukwu; Saunders, Elijah; Mullins, C. Daniel; Pradel, Françoise G.; Zuckerman, Marni; Weir, Matthew R.
2013-01-01
Background There is limited information in the literature about reasons for discharges against medical advice (DAMA) as supplied by patients and providers. Information about the reasons for DAMA is necessary for identifying workable strategies to reduce the likelihood and health consequences of DAMA. The objective of this study is to identify the reasons for DAMA based on patient and multi-category provider focus group interviews (FGIs). Methods Patients who discharged against medical advice between 2006 and 2008 from a large, academic medical center along with hospital providers reporting contact with patients who left against medical advice were recruited. Three patient-only groups, one physician-only group, and one nurse/social worker group were held. Focus group interviews were transcribed and a thematic analysis was performed to identify themes within and across groups. Participants discussed the reasons for patient DAMA and identified potential solutions. Results Eighteen patients, 5 physicians, 6 nurses and 4 social workers participated in the FGIs. Seven themes emerged across the separate patient, doctor, nurse/social worker group FGIs of reasons why patients leave against medical advice: 1) drug addiction, 2) pain management, 3) external obligations, 4) wait time, 5) doctor’s bedside manner, 6) teaching hospital setting, and 7) communication. Solutions to tackle DAMA identified by participants revolve mainly around enhanced communication and provider education. Conclusions In a large, academic medical center we find some differences and many similarities across patients and providers in identifying the causes of and solutions to DAMA, many of which relate to communication. PMID:20538627
[Coping strategies used by the family of a patient with acute fulminant hepatitis].
Iriarte Cerdán, Laura; Ruiz de Galarreta, Leire Martínez; Olano Lizarraga, Maddi; García Vivar, Cristina
2012-04-01
In the holistic care to the patient, the family should be an important part because its members are also affected by the situation. Therefore, nursing work should be directed to both the individual and his environment, being of great help to identify family's needs in order to meet their specific needs accurately. Also in the process of recovery the family goes through several stages of coping, each of them have its own characteristics and nurses' interventions should be adapted to them. The aim of this paper is to evidence the importance of caring for the family, identifying the stages of coping, recognizing their needs and identifying relevant care. For this, a clinical case of a family with a relative hospitalised in an intensive care unit because of an acute fulminant hepatitis was developed. The instruments used to carry out the analysis of the case are: family's needs described by Leske et al., coping stages identified by Kubler-Ross, and ways of coping scale developed by Lazarus and Folkman. Nurses have a relevant role due to their close contact with people, this helps to become a factor which facilitates the interaction of patient and family within the hospital environment. A holistic approach of nursing care involves assessing the needs of families to develop strategies for effective interventions.
Reasons for discharges against medical advice: a qualitative study.
Onukwugha, Eberechukwu; Saunders, Elijah; Mullins, C Daniel; Pradel, Françoise G; Zuckerman, Marni; Weir, Matthew R
2010-10-01
There is limited information in the literature about reasons for discharges against medical advice (DAMA) as supplied by patients and providers. Information about the reasons for DAMA is necessary for identifying workable strategies to reduce the likelihood and health consequences of DAMA. The objective of this study is to identify the reasons for DAMA based on patient and multicategory provider focus-group interviews (FGIs). Patients who discharged against medical advice between 2006 and 2008 from a large, academic medical centre along with hospital providers reporting contact with patients who left against medical advice were recruited. Three patient-only groups, one physician-only group and one nurse/social worker group were held. Focus-group interviews were transcribed, and a thematic analysis was performed to identify themes within and across groups. Participants discussed the reasons for patient DAMA and identified potential solutions. Eighteen patients, five physicians, six nurses and four social workers participated in the FGIs. Seven themes emerged across the separate patient, doctor, nurse/social worker FGIs of reasons why patients leave against medical advice: (1) drug addiction, (2) pain management, (3) external obligations, (4) wait time, (5) doctor's bedside manner, (6) teaching hospital setting and (7) communication. Solutions to tackle DAMA identified by participants revolved mainly around enhanced communication and provider education. In a large, academic medical centre, the authors find some differences and many similarities across patients and providers in identifying the causes of and solutions to DAMA, many of which relate to communication.
Saigal, Christopher S; Lambrechts, Sylvia I; Seenu Srinivasan, V; Dahan, Ely
2017-06-01
Many guidelines advocate the use of shared decision making for men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer. Decision aids can facilitate the process of shared decision making. Implicit in this approach is the idea that physicians understand which elements of treatment matter to patients. Little formal work exists to guide physicians or developers of decision aids in identifying these attributes. We use a mixed-methods technique adapted from marketing science, the 'Voice of the Patient', to describe and identify treatment elements of value for men with localized prostate cancer. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 30 men treated for prostate cancer in the urology clinic of the West Los Angeles Veteran Affairs Medical Center. We used a qualitative analysis to generate themes in patient narratives, and a quantitative approach, agglomerative hierarchical clustering, to identify attributes of treatment that were most relevant to patients making decisions about prostate cancer. We identified five 'traditional' prostate cancer treatment attributes: sexual dysfunction, bowel problems, urinary problems, lifespan, and others' opinions. We further identified two novel treatment attributes: a treatment's ability to validate a sense of proactivity and the need for an incision (separate from risks of surgery). Application of a successful marketing technique, the 'Voice of the Customer', in a clinical setting elicits non-obvious attributes that highlight unique patient decision-making concerns. Use of this method in the development of decision aids may result in more effective decision support.
78 FR 6819 - Patient Safety Organizations: Voluntary Relinquishment From the BREF PSO
Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2013-01-31
..., Center for Quality Improvement and Patient Safety, AHRQ, 540 Gaither Road, Rockville, MD 20850; Telephone... DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Patient Safety... (AHRQ), HHS. ACTION: Notice of delisting. SUMMARY: The Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act of...
42 CFR 2.23 - Patient access and restrictions on use.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-10-01
... 42 Public Health 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Patient access and restrictions on use. 2.23 Section 2.23 Public Health PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GENERAL PROVISIONS CONFIDENTIALITY OF ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE PATIENT RECORDS General Provisions § 2.23 Patient access...
42 CFR 2.23 - Patient access and restrictions on use.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-10-01
... 42 Public Health 1 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Patient access and restrictions on use. 2.23 Section 2.23 Public Health PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GENERAL PROVISIONS CONFIDENTIALITY OF ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE PATIENT RECORDS General Provisions § 2.23 Patient access...
42 CFR 2.23 - Patient access and restrictions on use.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR
2013-10-01
... 42 Public Health 1 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Patient access and restrictions on use. 2.23 Section 2.23 Public Health PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GENERAL PROVISIONS CONFIDENTIALITY OF ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE PATIENT RECORDS General Provisions § 2.23 Patient access...
Assessment of nurse attitudes on psychiatric patient compliance with pharmacotherapy.
Gajski, Anita; Karlović, Dalibor
2008-09-01
The aim of the study was to assess the opinion of nurses employed at a psychiatry department about compliance with pharmacotherapy in patients they provide care for on a daily basis, i.e. assessment of the nurse's role in patient compliance with prescribed medication and how much the nurse can contribute to better patient compliance with pharmacotherapy. Thirty-nine nurses, i.e. 2/3 of nurses employed at University Department of Psychiatry, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital, participated in the study Data were collected through a structured survey/questionnaire for nurses, which is used to assess the nurses' opinion of patient compliance with pharmacotherapy. Study results confirmed the belief that nurses recognize the importance of patient compliance in daily work and are aware that this compliance depends on the patient himself, his diagnosis, the medicine he receives, his family and medical professionals involved in his medical care.
Early diagnosis of iliofemoral DVT in pregnancy in the emergency department.
van Zyl Smit, Nellis; Govind, Abha; Sharma, Devesh
2012-06-12
The case of a 26-year-old woman who was 23 weeks pregnant is described; the patient presented, on a weekend, to the emergency department (ED) with left groin pain. There were few clinical signs of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) but ED ultrasound (US) showed a left external iliac vein thrombus. This is a new technique in the ED. Not only does this case show the importance of using this technique in the ED, but it also shows the importance of correct training in how to examine for thrombus in the external iliac vein in the pregnant patient. The patient was admitted to the hospital and started on low-molecular-weight heparin. A formal radiology department US performed the next week confirmed the diagnosis of DVT.
U.S. - India Collaboration on Air Quality and Climate Research and Education
With partial support from the U.s. National Science Foundation and U.S. Department of Energy, a workshop held March 14 - 24,2011, in India, brought together experts from the United States and India (among other countries) with a common vision for identifying priority areas of res...
Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2013-09-10
... enforcement, immigration, and intelligence databases, including a fingerprint-based criminal history records... boarding pass printing instruction. If the passenger's identifying information matches the entry on the TSA... enforcement, immigration, intelligence, or other homeland security functions. In addition, TSA may share...
Peña, Adolfo; Estrada, Carlos A; Soniat, Debbie; Taylor, Benjamin; Burton, Michael
2012-01-01
Pain management in hospitalized patients remains a priority area for improvement; effective strategies for consensus development are needed to prioritize interventions. To identify challenges, barriers, and perspectives of healthcare providers in managing pain among hospitalized patients. Qualitative and quantitative group consensus using a brainstorming technique for quality improvement-the nominal group technique (NGT). One medical, 1 medical-surgical, and 1 surgical hospital unit at a large academic medical center. Nurses, resident physicians, patient care technicians, and unit clerks. Responses and ranking to the NGT question: "What causes uncontrolled pain in your unit?" Twenty-seven health workers generated a total of 94 ideas. The ideas perceived contributing to a suboptimal pain control were grouped as system factors (timeliness, n = 18 ideas; communication, n = 11; pain assessment, n = 8), human factors (knowledge and experience, n = 16; provider bias, n = 8; patient factors, n = 19), and interface of system and human factors (standardization, n = 14). Knowledge, timeliness, provider bias, and patient factors were the top ranked themes. Knowledge and timeliness are considered main priorities to improve pain control. NGT is an efficient tool for identifying general and context-specific priority areas for quality improvement; teams of healthcare providers should consider using NGT to address their own challenges and barriers. Copyright © 2011 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Goss, Foster R.; Plasek, Joseph M.; Lau, Jason J.; Seger, Diane L.; Chang, Frank Y.; Zhou, Li
2014-01-01
Emergency department (ED) visits due to allergic reactions are common. Allergy information is often recorded in free-text provider notes; however, this domain has not yet been widely studied by the natural language processing (NLP) community. We developed an allergy module built on the MTERMS NLP system to identify and encode food, drug, and environmental allergies and allergic reactions. The module included updates to our lexicon using standard terminologies, and novel disambiguation algorithms. We developed an annotation schema and annotated 400 ED notes that served as a gold standard for comparison to MTERMS output. MTERMS achieved an F-measure of 87.6% for the detection of allergen names and no known allergies, 90% for identifying true reactions in each allergy statement where true allergens were also identified, and 69% for linking reactions to their allergen. These preliminary results demonstrate the feasibility using NLP to extract and encode allergy information from clinical notes. PMID:25954363
Palacholla, Ramya Sita; Fischer, Nils C; Agboola, Stephen; Nikolova-Simons, Mariana; Odametey, Sharon; Golas, Sara Bersche; Op den Buijs, Jorn; Schertzer, Linda; Kvedar, Joseph; Jethwani, Kamal
2018-05-09
Soaring health care costs and a rapidly aging population, with multiple comorbidities, necessitates the development of innovative strategies to deliver high-quality, value-based care. The goal of this study is to evaluate the impact of a risk assessment system (CareSage) and targeted interventions on health care utilization. This is a two-arm randomized controlled trial recruiting 370 participants from a pool of high-risk patients receiving care at a home health agency. CareSage is a risk assessment system that utilizes both real-time data collected via a Personal Emergency Response Service and historical patient data collected from the electronic medical records. All patients will first be observed for 3 months (observation period) to allow the CareSage algorithm to calibrate based on patient data. During the next 6 months (intervention period), CareSage will use a predictive algorithm to classify patients in the intervention group as "high" or "low" risk for emergency transport every 30 days. All patients flagged as "high risk" by CareSage will receive nurse triage calls to assess their needs and personalized interventions including patient education, home visits, and tele-monitoring. The primary outcome is the number of 180-day emergency department visits. Secondary outcomes include the number of 90-day emergency department visits, total medical expenses, 180-day mortality rates, time to first readmission, total number of readmissions and avoidable readmissions, 30-, 90-, and 180-day readmission rates, as well as cost of intervention per patient. The two study groups will be compared using the Student t test (two-tailed) for normally distributed and Mann Whitney U test for skewed continuous variables, respectively. The chi-square test will be used for categorical variables. Time to event (readmission) and 180-day mortality between the two study groups will be compared by using the Kaplan-Meier survival plots and the log-rank test. Cox proportional hazard regression will be used to compute hazard ratio and compare outcomes between the two groups. We are actively enrolling participants and the study is expected to be completed by end of 2018; results are expected to be published in early 2019. Innovative solutions for identifying high-risk patients and personalizing interventions based on individual risk and needs may help facilitate the delivery of value-based care, improve long-term patient health outcomes and decrease health care costs. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03126565; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03126565 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6ymDuAwQA). ©Ramya Sita Palacholla, Nils C Fischer, Stephen Agboola, Mariana Nikolova-Simons, Sharon Odametey, Sara Bersche Golas, Jorn op den Buijs, Linda Schertzer, Joseph Kvedar, Kamal Jethwani. Originally published in JMIR Research Protocols (http://www.researchprotocols.org), 09.05.2018.
[Design of a plan for patient safety in pediatric surgery service].
Paredes Esteban, R M; Castillo Fernández, A L; Miñarro del Moral, R; Garrido Pérez, J I; Granero Cendón, R; Gómez Beltrán, O; Berenguer Garcia, M J; Tejedor Fernández, M
2014-10-01
Patient safety is a key priority in quality management for healthcare services providers. Every patient is entitled to receive safe and effective healthcare. The aim of this study was to design a patient safety plan for a Paediatric Surgery Department. We carried out a literature review and we established a work group that included healthcare professionals from the Paediatric Surgery Department and the Quality and Medical Records Department. The group identified potential adverse events, failures and causes and established a rating using Failure Mode Effects Analysis. Potential risks were mapped out and a plan was designed establishing actions to reduce risks. We designated leaders to ensure the effective implementation of the plan. A total of 58 adverse events were identified in the Paediatric Surgery Department. We detected 128 failures that were produced by 211 different causes. The group developed a proposal with 424 specific measures to carry out preventive and/or remedial actions that were then narrowed down to 322. The group designed a plan to apply the programme, which is currently being implemented. The methodology used enabled obtaining key information for improvement of patient safety and developing preventive and/or remedial actions. These measures are applicable in practice, as they were designed using proposals and agreements with professionals that take active part in the care of children with surgical conditions.
A first step toward understanding patient safety
2016-01-01
Patient safety has become an important policy agenda in healthcare systems since publication of the 1999 report entitled "To Err Is Human." The paradigm has changed from blaming the individual for the error to identifying the weakness in the system that led to the adverse events. Anesthesia is one of the first healthcare specialties to adopt techniques and lessons from the aviation industry. The widespread use of simulation programs and the application of human factors engineering to clinical practice are the influences of the aviation industry. Despite holding relatively advanced medical technology and comparable safety records, the Korean health industry has little understanding of the systems approach to patient safety. Because implementation of the existing system and program requires time, dedication, and financial support, the Korean healthcare industry is in urgent need of developing patient safety policies and putting them into practice to improve patient safety before it is too late. PMID:27703622
Mundt, Marlon P; Zakletskaia, Larissa I; Shoham, David A; Tuan, Wen-Jan; Carayon, Pascale
2015-10-01
Identifying and engaging excessive alcohol users in primary care may be an effective way to improve patient health outcomes, reduce alcohol-related acute care events, and lower costs. Little is known about what structures of primary care team communication are associated with alcohol-related patient outcomes. Using a sociometric survey of primary care clinic communication, this study evaluated the relation between team communication networks and alcohol-related utilization of care and costs. Between May 2013 and December 2013, a total of 155 healthcare employees at 6 primary care clinics participated in a survey on team communication. Three-level hierarchical modeling evaluated the link between connectedness within the care team and the number of alcohol-related emergency department visits, hospital days, and associated medical care costs in the past 12 months for each team's primary care patient panel. Teams (n = 31) whose registered nurses displayed more strong (at least daily) face-to-face ties and strong (at least daily) electronic communication ties had 10% fewer alcohol-related hospital days (rate ratio [RR] = 0.90; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.84, 0.97). Furthermore, in an average team size of 19, each additional team member with strong interaction ties across the whole team was associated with $1,030 (95% CI: -$1,819, -$241) lower alcohol-related patient healthcare costs per 1,000 team patients in the past 12 months. Conversely, teams whose primary care practitioner (PCP) had more strong face-to-face communication ties and more weak (weekly or several times a week) electronic communication ties had 12% more alcohol-related hospital days (RR = 1.12; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.23) and $1,428 (95% CI: $378, $2,478) higher alcohol-related healthcare costs per 1,000 patients in the past 12 months. The analyses controlled for patient age, gender, insurance, and comorbidity diagnoses. Excessive alcohol-using patients may fair better if cared for by teams whose face-to-face and electronic communication networks include more team members and whose communication to the PCP has been streamlined to fewer team members. Copyright © 2015 by the Research Society on Alcoholism.
Mundt, Marlon P.; Zakletskaia, Larissa I.; Shoham, David A.; Tuan, Wen-Jan; Carayon, Pascale
2015-01-01
Background Identifying and engaging excessive alcohol users in primary care may be an effective way to improve patient health outcomes, reduce alcohol-related acute care events, and lower costs. Little is known about what structures of primary care team communication are associated with alcohol-related patient outcomes. Methods Using a sociometric survey of primary care clinic communication, this study evaluated the relation between team communication networks and alcohol-related utilization of care and costs. Between May 2013 and December 2013, a total of 155 healthcare employees at 6 primary care clinics participated in a survey on team communication. Three-level hierarchical modeling evaluated the link between connectedness within the care team and the number of alcohol-related emergency department visits, hospital days, and associated medical care costs in the past 12 months for each team’s primary care patient panel. Results Teams (n=31) whose RNs displayed more strong (at least daily) face-to-face ties and strong (at least daily) electronic communication ties had 10% fewer alcohol-related hospital days (RR=0.90; 95% CI: 0.84, 0.97). Furthermore, in an average team size of 19, each additional team member with strong interaction ties across the whole team was associated with $1030 (95% CI: −$1819, −$241) lower alcohol-related patient health care costs per 1000 team patients in the past 12 months. Conversely, teams whose primary care practitioner had more strong face-to-face communication ties and more weak (weekly or several times a week) electronic communication ties had 12% more alcohol-related hospital days (RR=1.12; 95: CI: 1.03, 1.23) and $1428 (95% CI: $378, $2478) higher alcohol-related healthcare costs per 1000 patients in the past 12 months. The analyses controlled for patient age, gender, insurance, and co-morbidity diagnoses. Conclusions Excessive alcohol-using patients may fair better if cared for by teams whose face-to-face and electronic communication networks include more team members and whose communication to the PCP has been streamlined to fewer team members. PMID:26350957
Fuentebella, Judy; Kerner, John A
2009-10-01
Refeeding syndrome (RFS) is the result of aggressive enteral or parenteral feeding in a malnourished patient, with hypophosphatemia being the hallmark of this phenomenon. Other metabolic abnormalities, such as hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia, may also occur, along with sodium and fluid retention. The metabolic changes that occur in RFS can be severe enough to cause cardiorespiratory failure and death. This article reviews the pathophysiology, the clinical manifestations, and the management of RFS. The key to prevention is identifying patients at risk and being aware of the potential complications involved in rapidly reintroducing feeds to a malnourished patient.
Attribute correlates of hospital outpatient satisfaction.
Krueckeberg, H F; Hubbert, A
1995-01-01
Customer satisfaction (patient satisfaction) with hospital outpatient or ambulatory services is an important factor in influencing patient patronage and loyalty. Based on an empirical study, this article examines the attributes of the ambulatory care experience which were significantly associated with the level of satisfaction resulting from the most recent hospital ambulatory visit. This study focuses on identifying attributes of ambulatory services. This article brings to the health care marketing literature information on ambulatory satisfaction comparable to that which has been contributed to the literature regarding satisfaction with physician and hospital experiences.
Meisel, Zachary F; Carr, Brendan G; Conway, Patrick H
2012-09-01
Federal legislation placed comparative effectiveness research and patient-centered outcomes research at the center of current and future national investments in health care research. The role of this research in emergency care has not been well described. This article proposes an agenda for researchers and health care providers to consider comparative effectiveness research and patient-centered outcomes research methods and results to improve the care for patients who seek, use, and require emergency care. This objective will be accomplished by (1) exploring the definitions, frameworks, and nomenclature for comparative effectiveness research and patient-centered outcomes research; (2) describing a conceptual model for comparative effectiveness research in emergency care; (3) identifying specific opportunities and examples of emergency care-related comparative effectiveness research; and (4) categorizing current and planned funding for comparative effectiveness research and patient-centered outcomes research that can include emergency care delivery. Copyright © 2012. Published by Mosby, Inc.
Dalal, Anuj K; Schnipper, Jeffrey L
2016-05-01
Patient-centered communication is essential to coordinate care and safely progress patients from admission through discharge. Hospitals struggle with improving the complex and increasingly electronic conversation patterns among care team members, patients, and caregivers to achieve effective patient-centered communication across settings. Accurate and reliable identification of all care team members is a precursor to effective patient-centered communication and ideally should be facilitated by the electronic health record. However, the process of identifying care team members is challenging, and team lists in the electronic health record are typically neither accurate nor reliable. Based on the literature and on experience from 2 initiatives at our institution, we outline strategies to improve care team identification in the electronic health record and discuss potential implications for patient-centered communication. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:381-385. © 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine. © 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine.
[When should a patient with abdominal pain be referred to the emergency ward?].
de Saussure, Wassila Oulhaci; Andereggen, Elisabeth; Sarasin, François
2010-08-25
When should a patient with abdominal pain be referred to the emergency ward? The following goals must be achieved upon managing patients with acute abdominal pain: 1) identify vital emergency situations; 2) detect surgical conditions that require emergency referral without further diagnostic procedures; 3) in "non surgical acute abdomen patients" perform appropriate diagnostic procedures, or in selected cases delay tests and reevaluate the patient after an observation period, after which a referral decision is made. Clues from the history and physical examination are critical to perform this evaluation. A good knowledge of the most frequent acute abdominal conditions, and identifying potential severity criteria allow an appropriate management and decision about emergency referral.
Left ventricular hypertrophy diagnosed after a stroke: a case report.
Umeojiako, Wilfred Ifeanyi; Kanyal, Ritesh
2018-03-22
Stroke is a recognized clinical course of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This interesting case showed notable difference on the electrocardiogram of a patient 4 months prior to suffering a stroke and 10 days after suffering a stroke. The pre-stroke electrocardiogram showed atrial fibrillation with a narrow QRS complex, while the post-stroke electrocardiogram showed marked left ventricular hypertrophy. Left ventricular hypertrophy was diagnosed using the Sokolow-Lyon indices. The development of left ventricular hypertrophy a few days after suffering a stroke has not previously been reported. An 83-year-old white British woman with a background history of permanent atrial fibrillation, hypertension, and previous stroke attended the emergency department with a 2-day history of exertional dyspnea, and chest tightness. On examination, she had bibasal crepitations with a systolic murmur loudest at the apex. In-patient investigations include an electrocardiogram, blood tests, chest X-ray, contrast echocardiogram, coronary angiogram, and cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging. An electrocardiogram showed atrial fibrillation, with inferolateral T wave inversion, and left ventricular hypertrophy. A chest X-ray showed features consistent with pulmonary edema. A contrast echocardiogram showed marked hypertrophy of the mid to apical left ventricle, appearance consistent with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Coronary angiography showed eccentric shelf-type plaque with non-flow-limiting stenosis in the left coronary artery main stem. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging reported findings highly suggestive of apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Our patient was treated and discharged on rivaroxaban, bisoprolol, and atorvastatin with a follow-up in the cardiomyopathy outpatient clinic. Electrocardiogram diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy led to the diagnosis of apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in this patient. Left ventricular hypertrophy was only evident a few days after our patient suffered a stroke. The underlying mechanisms responsible for this remain unclear. Furthermore, differential diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy should be considered in people with electrocardiogram criteria for left ventricular hypertrophy. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging is an important diagnostic tool in identifying causes of left ventricular hypertrophy. Family screening should be recommended in patients with new diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Aiyegbusi, Olalekan Lee; Kyte, Derek; Cockwell, Paul; Marshall, Tom; Dutton, Mary; Slade, Anita; Marklew, Neil; Price, Gary; Verdi, Rav; Waters, Judi; Sharpe, Keeley; Calvert, Melanie
2017-06-30
Advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a major effect on the quality of life and health status of patients and requires accurate and responsive management. The use of electronic patient-reported outcome measures (ePROMs) could assist patients with advanced pre-dialysis CKD, and the clinicians responsible for their care, by identifying important changes in symptom burden in real time. We report the protocol for 'Using Patient-Reported Outcome measures (PROMs) to promote quality of care and safety in the management of patients with Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease' (PRO-trACK) project, which will explore the feasibility and validity of an ePROM system for use in patients with advanced CKD. The project will use a mixed-methods approach in three studies: (1) usability testing of the ePROM system involving up to 30 patients and focusing on acceptability and technical performance/stability; (2) ascertaining the views of patient and clinician stakeholders on the optimal use and administration of the CKD ePROM system-this will involve qualitative face-to-face/telephone interviewing with up to 30 patients or until saturation is achieved, focus groups with up to 15 clinical staff, management and IT team members; (3) psychometric assessment of the system, within a cohort of at least 180 patients with advanced CKD, to establish the measurement properties of the ePROM. This project was approved by the West Midlands Edgbaston Research Ethics Committee (Reference 17/WM/0010) and received Health Research Authority (HRA) approval on 24 February 2017.The findings from this project will be provided to clinicians at the Department of Renal Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospitals, Birmingham (QEHB), NHS England, presented at conferences and to the Kidney Patients' Association, British Kidney Patient Association and the British Renal Society. Articles based on the findings will be written and submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.
Hayes, Kathryn J; Eljiz, Kathy; Dadich, Ann; Fitzgerald, Janna-Anneke; Sloan, Terry
2015-01-01
The purpose of this paper is to provide a retrospective analysis of computer simulation's role in accelerating individual innovation adoption decisions. The process innovation examined is Lean Systems Thinking, and the organizational context is the imaging department of an Australian public hospital. Intrinsic case study methods including observation, interviews with radiology and emergency personnel about scheduling procedures, mapping patient appointment processes and document analysis were used over three years and then complemented with retrospective interviews with key hospital staff. The multiple data sources and methods were combined in a pragmatic and reflexive manner to explore an extreme case that provides potential to act as an instructive template for effective change. Computer simulation of process change ideas offered by staff to improve patient-flow accelerated the adoption of the process changes, largely because animated computer simulation permitted experimentation (trialability), provided observable predictions of change results (observability) and minimized perceived risk. The difficulty of making accurate comparisons between time periods in a health care setting is acknowledged. This work has implications for policy, practice and theory, particularly for inducing the rapid diffusion of process innovations to address challenges facing health service organizations and national health systems. Originality/value - The research demonstrates the value of animated computer simulation in presenting the need for change, identifying options, and predicting change outcomes and is the first work to indicate the importance of trialability, observability and risk reduction in individual adoption decisions in health services.
Detection of adverse events in general surgery using the " Trigger Tool" methodology.
Pérez Zapata, Ana Isabel; Gutiérrez Samaniego, María; Rodríguez Cuéllar, Elías; Andrés Esteban, Eva María; Gómez de la Cámara, Agustín; Ruiz López, Pedro
2015-02-01
Surgery is one of the high-risk areas for the occurrence of adverse events (AE). The purpose of this study is to know the percentage of hospitalisation-related AE that are detected by the «Global Trigger Tool» methodology in surgical patients, their characteristics and the tool validity. Retrospective, observational study on patients admitted to a general surgery department, who underwent a surgical operation in a third level hospital during the year 2012. The identification of AE was carried out by patient record review using an adaptation of «Global Trigger Tool» methodology. Once an AE was identified, a harm category was assigned, including the grade in which the AE could have been avoided and its relation with the surgical procedure. The prevalence of AE was 36,8%. There were 0,5 AE per patient. 56,2% were deemed preventable. 69,3% were directly related to the surgical procedure. The tool had a sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 93,6%. The positive predictive value was 89% and the negative predictive value 92%. Prevalence of AE is greater than the estimate of other studies. In most cases the AE detected were related to the surgical procedure and more than half were also preventable. The adapted «Global Trigger Tool» methodology has demonstrated to be highly effective and efficient for detecting AE in surgical patients, identifying all the serious AE with few false negative results. Copyright © 2014 AEC. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.
Why do patients with cancer access out-of-hours primary care? A retrospective study.
Adam, Rosalind; Wassell, Patrick; Murchie, Peter
2014-02-01
Identifying why patients with cancer seek out-of-hours (OOH) primary medical care could highlight potential gaps in anticipatory cancer care. To explore the reasons for contact and the range and prevalence of presenting symptoms in patients with established cancer who presented to a primary care OOH department. A retrospective review of 950 anonymous case records for patients with cancer who contacted the OOH general practice service in Grampian, Scotland between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2011. Subjects were identified by filtering the OOH computer database using the Read Codes 'neoplasm', 'terminal care', and 'terminal illness'. Consultations by patients without cancer and repeated consultations by the same patient were excluded. Data were anonymised. Case records were read independently by two authors who determined the presenting symptom(s). Anonymous case records were reviewed for 950 individuals. Eight hundred and fifty-two patients made contact because of a symptom. The remaining 97 were mostly administrative and data were missing for one patient. The most frequent symptoms were pain (n = 262/852, 30.8%); nausea/vomiting (n = 102/852, 12.0%); agitation (n = 53/852, 6.2%); breathlessness (n = 51/852, 6.0%); and fatigue (n = 48/852, 5.6%). Of the 262 patients who presented with pain, at least 127 (48.5%) had metastatic disease and 141 (53.8%) were already prescribed strong opiate medication. Almost one-third of patients with cancer seeking OOH primary medical care did so because of poorly controlled pain. Pain management should specifically be addressed during routine anticipatory care planning.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-01-01
... rabbits identified with consumer grademarks. 70.52 Section 70.52 Agriculture Regulations of the Department... RABBIT PRODUCTS Grading of Poultry Products and Rabbit Products Identifying and Marking Products § 70.52 Prerequisites to packaging ready-to-cook poultry or rabbits identified with consumer grademarks. The official...
Influence of Culture on Curriculum Development in Ghana: An Undervalued Factor?
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Gervedink Nijhuis, Chantal J.; Pieters, Jules M.; Voogt, Joke M.
2013-01-01
Curriculum implementation often falls short because of a lack of cultural understanding by curriculum developers and aid organizations. This paper describes a single-case study of a professional development programme for polytechnic Heads of Department in Ghana, which aimed at identifying how curriculum development activities were sensitive to…
9 CFR 592.350 - Accessibility of product.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-01-01
... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Accessibility of product. 592.350 Section 592.350 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION VOLUNTARY INSPECTION OF EGG PRODUCTS Identifying and Marking Products § 592.350 Accessibility of product. Each product for...
9 CFR 592.390 - Advance information.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-01-01
... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Advance information. 592.390 Section 592.390 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION VOLUNTARY INSPECTION OF EGG PRODUCTS Identifying and Marking Products § 592.390 Advance information. Upon request of an applican...
9 CFR 592.300 - Approval of official identification.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-01-01
... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Approval of official identification. 592.300 Section 592.300 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION VOLUNTARY INSPECTION OF EGG PRODUCTS Identifying and Marking Products § 592.300 Approval of official...
9 CFR 592.350 - Accessibility of product.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-01-01
... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Accessibility of product. 592.350 Section 592.350 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION VOLUNTARY INSPECTION OF EGG PRODUCTS Identifying and Marking Products § 592.350 Accessibility of product. Each product for...
9 CFR 592.380 - Disposition of certificates.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-01-01
... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Disposition of certificates. 592.380 Section 592.380 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION VOLUNTARY INSPECTION OF EGG PRODUCTS Identifying and Marking Products § 592.380 Disposition of certificates. The origina...
9 CFR 592.300 - Approval of official identification.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR
2013-01-01
... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Approval of official identification. 592.300 Section 592.300 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION VOLUNTARY INSPECTION OF EGG PRODUCTS Identifying and Marking Products § 592.300 Approval of official...
9 CFR 592.300 - Approval of official identification.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-01-01
... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Approval of official identification. 592.300 Section 592.300 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION VOLUNTARY INSPECTION OF EGG PRODUCTS Identifying and Marking Products § 592.300 Approval of official...
Identifying Evidence-Based Special Education Interventions from Single-Subject Research
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Freeman, Jennifer; Sugai, George
2013-01-01
Special educators are required to use evidence-based academic and behavioral interventions in their classrooms (U.S. Department of Education, 2010). No rigorous and comprehensive database currently exists to support educators. Within the field of special education, single-subject research is the primary research methodology (Horner, Carr, Halle,…
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Lester, Richard A.
1975-01-01
Problems of extending the Equal Pay Act to university faculty are examined in light of the complicated market forces and merit systems affecting faculty appointments and salaries. Solutions to the problem are suggested including guidelines for the Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor to use in identifying sex discrimination. (JT)
76 FR 37779 - Rural Broadband Access Loans and Loan Guarantees Program
Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2011-06-28
... DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Utilities Service Rural Broadband Access Loans and Loan Guarantees... of $325,663,157 in loan funds for the Rural Broadband Access Loans and Loan Guarantees Program for... identifying a definite funding amount. The maximum amount of a loan under this authority will be $75 million...
Four Fish kills Spanning 2011 – 2013 in the Red River Watershed Beaver Creek to Lake Texoma, OK
The USEPA/ORD-National Exposure Research Laboratory-Environmental Sciences Division (USEPA/ORD-NERL-ESD) assisted USEPA Region 6 and the State of Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (OKDEQ) in identifying unknown contaminant(s) that were present during four fish kills in...
9 CFR 592.390 - Advance information.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-01-01
... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Advance information. 592.390 Section 592.390 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION VOLUNTARY INSPECTION OF EGG PRODUCTS Identifying and Marking Products § 592.390 Advance information. Upon request of an applican...
9 CFR 592.350 - Accessibility of product.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR
2013-01-01
... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Accessibility of product. 592.350 Section 592.350 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION VOLUNTARY INSPECTION OF EGG PRODUCTS Identifying and Marking Products § 592.350 Accessibility of product. Each product for...
9 CFR 592.350 - Accessibility of product.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-01-01
... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Accessibility of product. 592.350 Section 592.350 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION VOLUNTARY INSPECTION OF EGG PRODUCTS Identifying and Marking Products § 592.350 Accessibility of product. Each product for...
high-performance building district. The Seattle 2030 District recently was chosen as one of the first community partners in the Department of EnergyÂs Better Buildings Challenge. They saw examples of the Section 106. The discussion was important in identifying a number of issues. One issue raised was that
77 FR 70457 - Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Recovery Permit Applications
Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2012-11-26
... your personal identifying information--may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us... DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS-R6-ES-2012-N272; FXES11130600000D2-123... Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments. SUMMARY: We, the U.S...
78 FR 26384 - Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Recovery Permit Applications
Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2013-05-06
.... While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public... DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS-R6-ES-2013-N099; FXES11130600000D2-123... Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments. SUMMARY: We, the U.S...
78 FR 64529 - Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Recovery Permit Applications
Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2013-10-29
... your personal identifying information--may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us... DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS-R6-ES-2013-N217: FXES11130600000D2-123... Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments. SUMMARY: We, the U.S...
77 FR 64374 - Petition for Waiver of Compliance
Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2012-10-19
... internal safety audits to evaluate compliance with SSPP and measure its effectiveness. An annual report identifying the audits performed and any corrective action must be submitted to the New Jersey Department of... audit. In addition, NJDOT conducts a safety review a minimum of once every 3 years to evaluate the...
Bobrovitz, Niklas; Lasserson, Daniel S; Briggs, Adam D M
2017-11-02
The four-hour target is a key hospital emergency department performance indicator in England and one that drives the physical and organisational design of the ED. Some studies have identified time of presentation as a key factor affecting waiting times. Few studies have investigated other determinants of breaching the four-hour target. Therefore, our objective was to describe patterns of emergency department breaches of the four-hour wait time target and identify patients at highest risk of breaching. This was a retrospective cohort study of a large type 1 Emergency department at an NHS teaching hospital in Oxford, England. We analysed anonymised individual level patient data for 378,873 emergency department attendances, representing all attendances between April 2008 and April 2013. We examined patient characteristics and emergency department presentation circumstances associated with the highest likelihood of breaching the four-hour wait time target. We used 374,459 complete cases for analysis. In total, 8.3% of all patients breached the four-hour wait time target. The main determinants of patients breaching the four-hour wait time target were hour of arrival to the ED, day of the week, patient age, ED referral source, and the types of investigations patients receive (p < 0.01 for all associations). Patients most likely to breach the four-hour target were older, presented at night, presented on Monday, received multiple types of investigation in the emergency department, and were not self-referred (p < 0.01 for all associations). Patients attending from October to February had a higher odds of breaching compared to those attending from March to September (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.59 to 1.66). There are a number of independent patient and circumstantial factors associated with the probability of breaching the four-hour ED wait time target including patient age, ED referral source, the types of investigations patients receive, as well as the hour, day, and month of arrival to the ED. Efforts to reduce the number of breaches could explore late-evening/overnight staffing, access to diagnostic tests, rapid discharge facilities, and early assessment and input on diagnostic and management strategies from a senior practitioner.
ATLAS: A Community Policing Response to Adverse Student Athlete Behavior
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Williams, Robert
2011-01-01
The University at Albany Police and the University at Albany Athletics Department have teamed together to implement a ground breaking program aimed at identifying, addressing and managing negative behavior among student athletes. ATLAS stands for: Athletics, Team Building, Leadership Development, And Mentoring for Student Athletes. The program was…
DOT National Transportation Integrated Search
2007-01-01
This research was undertaken to develop an evaluation procedure to identify high-risk four-legged signalized intersections in VDOT's Northern Virginia district by traffic movements and times of day. By using the developed procedure, traffic engineers...
1990-03-15
move into industrial applications. Under the European Researh Coordination Agency (EUREKA) program, they are also developing capabilities for real-iiime...thermoplastics using the molecular biology approaches will continue. In the composite arena, work has begun on identifying biosynthetic pathways for the
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Battista, John R
The primary objectives of this proposal was to define the subset of proteins required for the ionizing radiation (IR) resistance of Deinococcus radiodurans R1, characterize the activities of those proteins, and apply what was learned to problems of interest to the Department of Energy.
9 CFR 592.380 - Disposition of certificates.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR
2013-01-01
... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Disposition of certificates. 592.380 Section 592.380 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION VOLUNTARY INSPECTION OF EGG PRODUCTS Identifying and Marking Products § 592.380 Disposition of certificates. The origina...
9 CFR 592.390 - Advance information.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR
2013-01-01
... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Advance information. 592.390 Section 592.390 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION VOLUNTARY INSPECTION OF EGG PRODUCTS Identifying and Marking Products § 592.390 Advance information. Upon request of an applican...
9 CFR 592.390 - Advance information.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-01-01
... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Advance information. 592.390 Section 592.390 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION VOLUNTARY INSPECTION OF EGG PRODUCTS Identifying and Marking Products § 592.390 Advance information. Upon request of an applican...
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-04-01
... March 16, 2009, the specified vacancy rate is 15 percent. For a conversion analysis performed after that... housing developments subject to required conversion. 972.124 Section 972.124 Housing and Urban Development... INDIAN HOUSING, DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT CONVERSION OF PUBLIC HOUSING TO TENANT-BASED...
77 FR 73494 - Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Recovery Permit Application
Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2012-12-10
... your personal identifying information--may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us... DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS-R6-ES-2012-N278: FXES11130600000D2-123... Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments. SUMMARY: We, the U.S...
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
In June 2016, the Workplace Charging Challenge distributed its third annual survey to 295 partners with the goal of tracking partners' progress and identifying trends in workplace charging. This document summarizes findings from the survey and highlights accomplishments of the EV Everywhere Workplace Charging Challenge.
Jeffries, Carla; Lobue, Phil; Chorba, Terence; Metchock, Beverly; Kashef, Ijaz
2017-03-01
Because tuberculosis is caused by an infectious organism that is spread from person to person through the air, public health measures are essential to control the disease. There are three priority strategies for tuberculosis prevention and control in the United States: (i) identifying and treating persons who have tuberculosis disease; (ii) finding persons exposed to infectious tuberculosis patients, evaluating them for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and disease, and providing subsequent treatment, if appropriate; and (iii) testing populations at high risk for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and treating those persons who are infected to prevent progression to disease. These strategies for prevention and control of tuberculosis are discussed in a framework containing the following important topics: historical and epidemiological context of tuberculosis control, organization of public health tuberculosis control programs, legal basis for public health authority, conducting overall planning and development of policy, identifying persons who have clinically active tuberculosis, evaluation of immigrants, managing persons who have or who are suspected of having disease, medical consultation, interjurisdictional referrals, identifying and managing persons infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, providing laboratory and diagnostic services, collecting and analyzing data, and providing training and education. This chapter describes the role of the health department in the context of these components. This discussion is primarily applicable to tuberculosis prevention and control programs in the United States.
Patient-specific rhytidectomy: finding the angle of maximal rejuvenation.
Jacono, Andrew A; Ransom, Evan R
2012-09-01
Rhytidectomy is fundamentally an operation of tissue release and resuspension, although the manner and direction of suspension are subject to perpetual debate. The authors describe a method for identifying the angle of maximal rejuvenation during rhytidectomy and quantify the resulting angle and its relationship to patient age. Patients were prospectively enrolled; demographic data, history, and operative details were recorded. Rhytidectomies were performed by the senior author (AAJ). After complete elevation, the face-lift flap was rotated in a medially-based arc (0-90°) while attention was given to the submental area, jawline, and midface. The angle of maximal rejuvenation for each hemiface was identified as described, and the flap was resuspended. During redraping, measurements of vertical and horizontal skin excess were recorded in situ. The resulting angle of lift was then calculated for each hemiface using trigonometry. Symmetry between sides was determined, and the effect of patient age on this angle was assessed. Three hundred hemifaces were operated (147 women; 3 men). Mean age was 60 years (range, 37-80 years). Mean resulting angle for the cohort was 60° from horizontal (range, 46-77°). This was inversely correlated with patient age (r = -.3). Younger patients (<50 years, 64°) had a significantly more vertical angle than older patients (≥70 years, 56°; P < .0002). No significant intersubject difference was found between hemifaces (P = .53). The authors present a method for identifying the angle of maximal rejuvenation during rhytidectomy. This angle was more superior than posterior in all cases and is intimately related to patient age. Lasting results demand a detailed anatomical understanding and strict attention to the direction and degree of laxity.
Frisse, Mark E; Holmes, Rodney L
2007-12-01
Data and financial models based on an operational health information exchange suggest that health care delivery costs can be reduced by making clinical data available at the time of care in urban emergency departments. Reductions are the result of decreases in laboratory and radiographic tests, fewer admissions for observation, and lower overall emergency department costs. The likelihood of reducing these costs depends on the extent to which clinicians alter their workflow and take into account information available through the exchange from other institutions prior to initiating a treatment plan. Far greater savings can be realized in theory by identifying individuals presenting to emergency departments whose acute and long-term care needs are more suitably addressed at lower costs in ambulatory settings or medical homes. These alternative ambulatory settings can more effectively address the chronic care needs of those who receive most of their care in emergency departments. To support a shift from emergency room care to clinic care, health care information available through the health information exchange must be made available in both emergency department and ambulatory care settings. If practice workflow and patient behavior can be changed, a more effective and efficient care delivery system will be made possible through the secure exchange of clinical information across regional settings. These projections support the case for the financial viability of regional health information exchanges and motivate participation of hospitals and ambulatory care organizations-particularly in urban settings.
Porter, Stephen C.; Cai, Zhaohui; Gribbons, William; Goldmann, Donald A.; Kohane, Isaac S.
2004-01-01
The authors report on the development and evaluation of a novel patient-centered technology that promotes capture of critical information necessary to drive guideline-based care for pediatric asthma. The design of this application, the asthma kiosk, addresses five critical issues for patient-centered technology that promotes guideline-based care: (1) a front-end mechanism for patient-driven data capture, (2) neutrality regarding patients' medical expertise and technical backgrounds, (3) granular capture of medication data directly from the patient, (4) formal algorithms linking patient-level semantics and asthma guidelines, and (5) output to both patients and clinical providers regarding best practice. The formative evaluation of the asthma kiosk demonstrates its ability to capture patient-specific data during real-time care in the emergency department (ED) with a mean completion time of 11 minutes. The asthma kiosk successfully links parents' data to guideline recommendations and identifies data critical to health improvements for asthmatic children that otherwise remains undocumented during ED-based care. PMID:15298999
Christ, M; Liebeton, J; Breker, I M; Grett, M; von Auenmüller, K I; Trappe, H-J
2015-11-01
Despite an increasing attention to living wills, the effects of such living wills on patient care in the emergency departments remains unknown. All patients who were admitted to our emergency department between September 24th, 2014 and November 23th, 2014 were asked, whether they have signed living wills previously and if so, whether they have it on hand at admission. 496 patients (229 men (46.2 %), 267 women (53.8 %)) with a mean age of 64.9 ± 18.8 years were included in this survey. 138 patients (27.8 %) had a living will but only 16 patients (3.2 %) had it on hand.Altogether, the existence of living wills increased with an increasing patient`s age; only 5 of 117 patients aged 50 years old or younger (4,3 %) had a living will, but 133 of 379 patients older than 50 years (35,1 %). Despite an obviously broad acceptance of living wills especially in the elderly population, there are hardly any consequences on the daily patient care in an emergency department by now, as hardly any patient has hers or his living will on hand at admission. We therefore see the need for further educational work to guarantee that living wills get adequate priority in patient care at emergency departments. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.
42 CFR 493.1231 - Standard: Confidentiality of patient information.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-10-01
... 42 Public Health 5 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Standard: Confidentiality of patient information. 493.1231 Section 493.1231 Public Health CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH... Nonwaived Testing General Laboratory Systems § 493.1231 Standard: Confidentiality of patient information...
An initial, qualitative investigation of patient-centered education in dentistry.
Clayton, Marc; Borromeo, Chuck; Hess, Sherry; Hochheiser, Harry; Schleyer, Titus
2013-01-01
Patient education plays an important role in the delivery of dental care. Current evidence suggests that the emergence of the Internet and other electronic resources are significantly influencing how patients learn about their healthcare. We conducted a qualitative inquiry using a combination of interviews with patients and clinicians, and direct observation of patient education episodes, to begin identifying requirements for customized, patient-centered approaches to education at the point of care. Most patients in our study felt comfortable with the amount and method of education during the dental visit, but 38% sought additional information on the Internet. Dentists and their team members provided patient education mostly verbally, supported by media such as radiographs, images and models. Electronic means, especially the Internet, were little used. Patient education occupied a significant portion of the time of initial comprehensive examination (29%) and routine (7%) dental visits. A deeper understanding of patient knowledge deficits and information needs will be needed to design effective educational interventions. Patient education should be meaningfully integrated into the workflow shared by dentists, their team members and patients, in order to maximize its outcomes.
76 FR 57940 - Revision of Department of Justice Freedom of Information Act Regulations
Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2011-09-19
... posted online, you must include the phrase ``CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS INFORMATION'' in the first paragraph... comments received are considered part of the public record and made available for public inspection online... posted online, you must include the phrase ``PERSONAL IDENTIFYING INFORMATION'' in the first paragraph of...
28 CFR 30.11 - What are the Attorney General's obligations in interstate situations?
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-07-01
... 28 Judicial Administration 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false What are the Attorney General's... INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW OF DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES § 30.11 What are the Attorney General's obligations in interstate situations? (a) The Attorney General is responsible for: (1) Identifying proposed...
Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2013-12-09
... transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce. To achieve this mission, TSA is... security screening and identity verification of individuals, including identification media and identifying... addresses, phone numbers); Social Security Number, Fingerprints or other biometric identifiers; Photographs...
9 CFR 592.300 - Approval of official identification.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-01-01
... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Approval of official identification. 592.300 Section 592.300 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION VOLUNTARY INSPECTION OF EGG PRODUCTS Identifying and Marking Products § 592.300 Approval of official...