Reviewing the integration of patient data: how systems are evolving in practice to meet patient needs

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The integration of Information Systems (IS) is essential to support shared care and to provide consistent care to individuals – patient-centred care. This paper identifies, appraises and summarises studies examining different approaches to integrate patient data from heterogeneous IS.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The literature was systematically reviewed between 1995–2005 to identify articles mentioning patient records, computers and data integration or sharing.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Of 3124 articles, 84 were included describing 56 distinct projects. Most of the projects were on a regional scale. Integration was most commonly accomplished by messaging with pre-defined templates and middleware solutions. HL7 was the most widely used messaging standard. Direct database access and web services were the most common communication methods. The user interface for most systems was a Web browser. Regarding the type of medical data shared, 77% of projects integrated diagnosis and problems, 67% medical images and 65% lab results. More recently significantly more IS are extending to primary care and integrating referral letters.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>It is clear that Information Systems are evolving to meet people's needs by implementing regional networks, allowing patient access and integration of ever more items of patient data. Many distinct technological solutions coexist to integrate patient data, using differing standards and data architectures which may difficult further interoperability.</p

Uncertainty-Based Approach for Dynamic Aerodynamic Data Acquisition and Analysis

Development of improved modeling methods to provide increased fidelity of flight predictions for aircraft motions during flight in flow regimes with large nonlinearities requires improvements in test techniques for measuring and characterizing wind tunnel data. This paper presents a method for providing a measure of data integrity for static and forced oscillation test techniques. Data integrity is particularly important when attempting to accurately model and predict flight of today s high performance aircraft which are operating in expanded flight envelopes, often maneuvering at high angular rates at high angles-of-attack, even above maximum lift. Current aerodynamic models are inadequate in predicting flight characteristics in the expanded envelope, such as rapid aircraft departures and other unusual motions. Present wind tunnel test methods do not factor changes of flow physics into data acquisition schemes, so in many cases data are obtained over more iterations than required, or insufficient data may be obtained to determine a valid estimate with statistical significance. Additionally, forced oscillation test techniques, one of the primary tools used to develop dynamic models, do not currently provide estimates of the uncertainty of the results during an oscillation cycle. A method to optimize the required number of forced oscillation cycles based on decay of uncertainty gradients and balance tolerances is also presented

A novel technique for sacropelvic fixation using image-guided sacroiliac screws: a case series and biomechanical study

In this study, we sought to assess the safety and accuracy of sacropelvic fixation performed with image-guided sacroiliac screw placement using postoperative computed tomography and X-rays. The sacroiliac screws were placed with navigation in five patients. Intact specimens were mounted onto a six-degrees-of-freedom spine motion simulator. Long lumbosacral constructs using bilateral sacroiliac screws and bilateral S1 pedicle and iliac screws were tested in seven cadaveric spines. Nine sacroiliac screws were well-placed under an image guidance system (IGS); one was placed poorly without IGS with no symptoms. Both fixation techniques significantly reduced range of motion (P&lt;0.05) at L5-S1. The research concluded that rigid lumbosacral fixation can be achieved with sacroiliac screws, and image guidance improves its safety and accuracy. This new technique of image-guided sacroiliac screw insertion should prove useful in many types of fusion to the sacrum, particularly for patients with poor bone quality, complicated anatomy, infection, previous failed fusion and iliac harvesting

Level of awareness and preventive practices on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among selected jeepney drivers from Baclaran

The study utilized correlational research design with a sample of 122 jeepney drivers from Baclaran, They were selected using stratified random sampling. Pasay. A self-made questionnaire was used to identify the demographic variables of the respondents, measure the level of awareness of the respondents towards COPD and determine the preventive practices done by the respondents. The data gathered were subjected to statistical treatment such as frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-test for Independent Means, One Way Analysis of Variance, and Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. Based on the findings of the study, the following conclusions were drawn: 1) Most of the jeepney drivers aged 41-65 years old, were married, and have graduated elementary. The majority of the respondents are smoke that consumes 1 to 10 cigarette sticks per day, and has been working for 12 years and above; 2) Most of these jeepney drivers have moderate awareness on COPD; 3) Most of the jeepney drivers have high level of preventive practices towards COPD; 4) The jeepney drivers have the same level awareness on COPD regardless of their age, civil status, working experience, smoking status, and number of cigarette sticks consumed per day. The result may indicate that the level of awareness towards COPD do not vary according to the demographic profile of the respondents; 5) There respondent’s preventive practices on COPD of the respondents do not differ significantly when grouped according to their age group, civil status, educational attainment, and length of experience as a jeepney driver. However, it differs when the respondents were grouped according to smoking status; smokers have significant lower scores than non-smokers, and number of cigarette sticks consumed per day; smoker who consumed 1-10 cigarette sticks per day have higher scores than those who consume 11 and above sticks per day; 6) There was no significant relationship between level of awareness on COPD and preventive practices on COPD