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Biomedical subjects

D Hill

Publications and source records attributed to D Hill.

At least 361 records · Page 20Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Knowledge, attitudes and experience associated with testing for prostate cancer: a comparison between male doctors and men in the community.

BACKGROUND: Debate about testing for prostate cancer using prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and digital rectal examination (DRE) continues. The evidence of benefit from screening for prostate cancer using PSA tests is inconclusive, and it is unclear how PSA can be used most effectively in the detection of prostate cancer. Given the lack of consensus, it is important that consumers understand the issues in a way that will permit them to decide whether or not to have a test and, if symptomatic, how their condition is managed. AIMS: To compare prostate cancer knowledge, attitudes and testing experiences reported by male doctors and men in the community, despite the lack of evidence of a benefit. METHODS: The primary method for ascertaining the attitudes of male doctors (MD) was a telephone survey, with some doctors electing to complete a written survey. Each MD was selected, at random, from a register of male practitioners aged > or = 49 years of age. A total of 266 MD participated in the survey. The community sample (CS) was accessed using a telephone survey. Five hundred male Victorian residents aged > or = 49 years of age participated in the study. RESULTS: Knowledge - Overall, 55% of the CS indicated correctly that prostate disease is sometimes cancer, compared to 83% of MD. Attitudes - Fifty-five per cent of MD believed men should be tested for prostate disease at least every 2 years, compared to 68% of men in the CS. Testing experience - Forty-five per cent of MD had been tested for prostate cancer in the past, and 92% of those tests were reported as negative. In the CS, 56% had been tested for prostate cancer in the past, and 78% of the results were reported as negative. The significant independent predictors of having had a prostate test among MD were: (i) age (> or = 60 years; odds ratio (OR): 1.59; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.30-1.88) and (ii) positive attitudes towards regular testing for prostate cancer (OR: 2.27; 95% CI: 1.98-2.56). The significant independent predictors for the CS were: (i) age (> or = 60 years; OR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.40-1.89), (ii) being married (OR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.00-1.60), (iii) knowledge that prostate disease was sometimes cancer (OR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.26-1.66) and (iv) positive attitudes towards regular testing for prostate cancer (OR: 2.12; 95% CI: 1.90-2.34). CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight that testing for prostate cancer is widespread in the community and in the medical profession. Further research should be undertaken to identify how to help men make fully informed decisions about prostate cancer testing.

Aged↗
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Evolving practices of medical equipment. Management following FDA inspections.

This paper outlines one hospital's response to the changing needs for: quality of care; risk management; cost control; and regulatory agency requirements. All recall, update, and product safety alerts are now routed to the office of The Director of Materials Management. The director notifies the appropriate department manager, who must reply in writing. The Clinical Engineering Department maintains a historical data file for medical equipment, which includes service costs information. New purchasing forms and terms have been developed for use in purchasing equipment and service. Maintenance of accurate historical data for medical devices begins at purchase, and continues to installation and through ongoing service. This requires the cooperation of the manufacturer, the service vendor, and the clinical department using the device. Because technology management can improve the quality of care and reduce risk, it is worth doing and can also reduce costs.

Capital Expenditures↗
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Development of a novel TNF alpha ligand-receptor binding assay for screening NATCHEM Libraries.

The TNF alpha receptor is a major therapeutic target since over production of TNF alpha plays a key role in the development of septic shock following bacterial infection and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. To screen our NATCHEM Libraries for novel natural product inhibitors of this target we have developed a sensitive immobilised TNF alpha receptor binding assay based on a commercially available recombinant soluble TNF alpha receptor (p55) and [125I]-TNF alpha.

Antigens, CD↗
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Promoting reduced smoking rates in the context of workplace smoking bans.

A randomized study was conducted in 41 workplaces to determine the potential of self-help and group-based programs to encourage reduced smoking in workplaces that have implemented smoking bans. The trial had limited success in recruiting smokers, attrition was an important limitation, and the study outcomes were modest. The authors conclude that more research is needed on effective strategies that help smokers minimize smoking at work.

Adult↗
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Material selection.

Correct and well-informed material selection is crucial to the manufacture of safe and successful medical devices. However, the vast array of materials and processing methods and the innovation going on in this area can make the task difficult. This article offers advice on the best approach to material selection and sourcing information on new developments.

Choice Behavior↗
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Safe handling and disposal of laboratory animal waste.

Laboratory animal handlers have a strict obligation to consider the safe handling and disposal of their animal waste streams. It is their responsibility to evaluate the hazards, assess the risks, and choose an appropriate strategy. Potential hazards include chemicals, such as commonly used sterilants and disinfectants; physical risks, such as heavy or repetitive lifting activities; hazardous micro-organisms or allergens; and radiologic agents. Furthermore, many animal studies involve compounds with unknown toxicity, which may require special precautions. Animal handlers must protect themselves by using appropriate engineering controls of work practice to minimize their exposure, adding the use of personal protective equipment when necessary. In addition, compliance with institutional waste handling procedures that meet federal, state, and local environmental requirements is essential to ensure the safe transport and disposal of animal waste streams.

Animal Technicians↗
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Physician strives to create lean, clean health care machine. Studies of manufacturing processes may one day help make your practice more efficient.

Elisabeth Hager, MD, MMM, CPE, is teaming up with scientists and industrialists to teach physicians how to apply principles of lean, total-quality manufacturing to their practices. She believes innovation and efficiencies can help doctors resurrect their profession's image and their control over it--and perhaps even reinvent American health care.

Efficiency, Organizational↗
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Adults' accounts of onset of regular smoking: influences of school, work, and other settings.

A representative population sample of 546 adults in Victoria, Australia, who had ever smoked were asked to describe the general setting where they first took up regular smoking and who, if anyone, influenced them to begin. Although school was the dominant setting (35 percent), particularly for younger respondents 20-34 years (55 percent), the workplace was also an important setting for uptake of regular smoking. Overall, 34 percent reported taking up smoking while in a job. The probability of taking up smoking at work increased with age but, even among younger respondents, many did not begin smoking until they started work. Fourteen percent took it up between leaving school and commencing college or a university or their first job, and 22 percent of those who attended college or a university took up smoking in that setting. One-quarter of the sample said that nobody had influenced them to take up smoking, but most of the remainder indicated that either friends, family, or workmates had played a part. Most mentioned were good friends at school (20 percent), good friends known socially (14 percent), and good friends at work (7 percent). Others listed were family (7 percent), boy friend or girl friend (7 percent). Overall, 10 percent had taken up regular smoking under the influence of workmates at work, suggesting that smoke-free workplace policies might be useful in the long term in reducing the prevalence of smoking in the community.

Adult↗