Novel User-friendly Device for Human Bite Force Measurement

Statement of Problem: Bite force is generated due to the consonance between different parts of the masticatory system. In dentistry, measurement of the bite force is quite common through several methods and devices. Objective: The aim was to present a novel bite force-measuring device that could help reducing the costs. Materials and Methods:This study presented the design, fabrication, and calibration method of a novel low-cost bite force-measuring device based on a force-sensitive resistor and application of strain gages. The FSR 402 was the selected sensor, which was suitable in size for placement in mouth, sterilizable for reuse, and contained biocompatible material.It could measure a large bite force of up to 90 kg with high repeatability.The device had a liquid crystal display (LCD) for immediate visualization of the results and a system for quick calibration of the device in office. To assess the accuracy of the device, some forces were applied to the sensor in nine values from11 to 80kg. The mean of measured force, absolute error, and error percentage were measured and recorded. Results: The mean relative error was almost 2% within the range of 11-80kg. The lowest error percentage was 0.46% at the load of 52kg and the highest error percentage was 3.97% at the load of 28 kg.Error percentage was 2.51% in the lowest range (11kg) and 2.65% in the highest range (80kg).The relative error in different ranges did not follow a particular trend. Conclusions:The bite force-measuring device is an economical and user-friendly appliance that can be simply used for routine practice in the office. The device shows good linearity and repeatability. It also has a calibration apparatus that can help maintaining the device accuracy

Improving medical emergency services system by evaluating patient satisfaction: means for health management

Introduction: One of the important aspects in high quality health care system is delivering health services in an appropriate way which can lead to development of the systems. Patient satisfaction is a quality indicator that has the potential to provide valuable information about the care delivered by an Emergency Medical Services system (EMS). This indicator is considered as an important marker of quality by paramedics. Method: This is a descriptive- analytical study on 1096 patient satisfaction of emergency services suffering from cardiovascular, dyspnea, low level of consciousness and cerebral problems. Variables such as the type of diseases, technicians’ and operators’ behavior, time of response and outcome of the missions were measured with a valid checklist. ANOVA and correlation Pearson were employed as analytical tests. Results: Considering different types of diseases, 4 categories of diseases had positive correlation with satisfaction of the patients and also there was a meaningful correlation between factors which were measured and satisfied patients.( P<0.001 ) Conclusion: Developing some instructions for technicians and operators focusing on interpersonal skills and enhanced sensitivities and behaviors not only toward patients but also toward bystanders and family members is recommended to improve patient satisfaction and thought quality of delivered care in the prehospital emergency medical systems