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Biomedical subjects

J Barton

Publications and source records attributed to J Barton.

103 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Have we underestimated shiftworkers' problems? Evidence from a 'reminiscence' study.

This paper argues that shiftworkers may have gradually habituated to their problems and hence that they underestimate them. Some support for this view was obtained in a 'reminiscence' questionnaire study of retired UK Police Officers who had all subsequently taken on another (mainly day-time) job. They completed a specially constructed questionnaire, which included several measures of health and well being, and in which they were asked to reminisce about how they had felt while still a shiftworker. These reminiscence scores were compared to their current perception of how they were. The results clearly indicated that individuals in retrospect perceive their situation as being worse than they realised at the time. This effect was most marked for scores on the General Health Questionnaire and Chronic Fatigue scale. The results of this study draw attention to a potential confounding in much of the shiftwork literature which demands further, more detailed, investigation.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Is there an optimum number of night shifts? Relationship between sleep, health and well-being.

By concentrating on the impact of a specific shift-system feature on the well-being of those concerned, rather than on the impact of the shift system as a whole, one might be able to offer more meaningful suggestions as to what constitutes a better form of shift system. The present study focused on the impact of the number of consecutive night shifts worked on the health and well-being of two groups of nurses (permanent night and rotating shift). All nurses completed a copy of the Standard Shiftwork Index, which is a set of questionnaires designed for comparing the effects of different types of shift system on large groups of workers. It includes measurements of psychological ill-health, physical ill-health, chronic fatigue, social and domestic disruption, attitudes towards shiftwork, sleep quality and sleep habits. Results showed clearly the impact of the number of consecutive nights worked on health and well-being, not directly, but indirectly through the impact on sleep duration and sleep quality. Sleep duration was shown to increase with more consecutive nights worked. This in turn was found to predict sleep quality, which in turn was found to be the stronger direct predictor of psychological and physical ill-health i.e. better health was associated with longer and better quality sleeps. Explanations in terms of circadian adaptation are discussed.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMedDate not supplied

An innovative, interdisciplinary educational experience in field research.

Although interdisciplinary practice is necessary to meet the complex health needs of populations, there are few planned interdisciplinary learning experiences within educational programs for the health professions. The authors describe an interdisciplinary learning experience in field research for students and faculty members from schools of nursing and medicine.

Education, Medical, Undergraduate↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Calibration and use of the Wisconsin kVp test cassette.

The Ardran-Crooks kVp test cassette is widely used in diagnostic radiology to provide a rapid, simple, noninvasive measurement of x-ray tube potential. A modified version of this cassette called the Wisconsin kVp Test Cassette was introduced commercially in the U. S. in 1972. Since then, the method of calibration of these cassettes has changed significantly. Wisconsin kVp Test Cassettes calibrated by the manufacturer prior to August 1982 may yield underestimates of kVp measurements, particularly when using the 90-110 and 110-130 kVp regions with single-phase units. In August 1982 significant improvements in the calibration methods were implemented. The resultant change in calibration is demonstrated by data from the Centers for Radiological Physics. Present calibration methods are believed to be accurate within the greater of +/- 2 kVp or 2% of actual peak tube potential. Proper use of the cassette is necessary to achieve this level of accuracy.

Biophysical Phenomena↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Incessant ventricular tachycardia complicating acute myocardial infarction: treatment by map-guided infarctectomy.

A 58-year-old man developed incessant ventricular tachycardia on the fourth and fifth days following acute anterior myocardial infarction. The tachycardia was resistant to antiarrhythmic drugs, cardioversion and pacing. Preoperative and intraoperative mapping suggested a subendocardial origin, and successful infarctectomy was performed on the fifth day of the infarction.

Electrocardiography↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Nursing shifts. Is flexible rostering helpful?

Shiftwork is an essential part of nursing, where care is delivered over 24-hour periods. It is recognised, however, that such systems can have adverse physical and psychological effects on the people who have to work within them. This paper describes research into the value of flexible rostering and concludes that individual involvement in the timing and sequencing of shifts can reduce some of the problems normally encountered.

Humans↗