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Biomedical subjects

L Doyle

Publications and source records attributed to L Doyle.

58 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

A comparison of the case-finding effectiveness and average costs of screening and partner notification.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Sexually transmitted disease control programs rely on case-finding through screening and partner notification to control syphilis. Difficulty in controlling recent syphilis epidemics have raised questions about the effectiveness of these strategies. GOALS OF THE STUDY: This study sought to evaluate the contributions of screening and field epidemiology to case-finding and compare average costs of these methods. STUDY DESIGN: The study was designed as a descriptive study of outcomes in a cohort tested for syphilis through a county health department. Cost-effectiveness analysis using average costs per outcome were used. RESULTS: Testing self-motivated individuals accounted for 85% of the case-finding. Testing was more cost-effective than Disease Intervention Specialist activity when measured as cost per new case. Testing and Disease Intervention Specialist activity were comparable in cost when measured in terms of a Weighted Disease Intervention Index. CONCLUSIONS: Sexually transmitted disease control programs must consider how to balance investments in screening and DIS field intervention. Programs also should reevaluate their approach to control of epidemic syphilis in light of the limited effectiveness of traditional control strategies.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The development and application of a surgical database.

Since 1971, the members of a department of surgery in a staff model HMO have maintained a surgical database using a microcomputer. The reasons for this effort are discussed with specific reference to the ethical requirements of such a database. The system design lends itself to any type of practice. Illustrative examples are given of the types of data easily obtained. The role this information plays in the practice of surgery is discussed. This approach is one way to address issues of clinical decision-making, quality control and research.

Computer Systems↗