Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to P D Davis.
Investigations using recommended gauging tools have shown that many tapered connectors on breathing systems do not meet the relevant standard. It would be important to improve dimensional tolerances so that better interchangeability is achieved. This improvement may make it unnecessary to employ 'anti-disconnexion' fittings.
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A series of 30 multiple choice questions were modified for presentation on a microcomputer which was programmed to present them to the user and mark them. In a preliminary study, 15 trainee anaesthetists all agreed the system was satisfactory as an aid to preparation for the FFARCS.
Three personal pollution monitors (adsorption tubes, diffusion dosimeters and evacuated bottles) have been tested, in routinely used operating rooms and under controlled laboratory conditions, for their accuracy and reproducibility relative to one another and to measurements by infra-red spectroscopy. All the techniques provide time-weighted average measurements of pollutant concentrations. Tubes and dosimeters measure halothane with greater accuracy than that required by N.I.O.S.H. regulations, but neither technique can measure inorganic pollutants such as nitrous oxide. The prototype evacuated bottles tested are unsatisfactory at their present stage of development for the measurement of both halothane and nitrous oxide concentrations. We believe that, at the present time, surveys of operating room pollution can best be carried out using adsorption tubes of diffusion dosimeters for personal halothane concentrations and a portable infra-red spectrometer for measurement of background nitrous oxide concentrations.
Fifty-six anaesthetists participated in a trial of the use of microcomputers for self-assessment. Ninety-three per cent of the anaesthetists found the concept of computer-assisted self-assessment acceptable. The only significant difference in the scores achieved by different groups was found with a specialised intensive care program in which senior registrars had a higher average score than older consultants.
Circuits have been developed to allow the presentation of a video cassette lecture to be controlled by an inexpensive micro computer. The potential of both video cassette lecture and standard computer assisted learning techniques is extended, resulting in increased interaction between the student and the teaching material presented to him.
Pollution by waste anaesthetic gases was measured in all operating departments in a typical N.H.S. district. Methods were chosen to provide time-weighted average levels over the period of each operating session. The results showed that air-conditioning alone could not guarantee pollution levels below suggested maximum levels and that to meet those requirements air-conditioning plus scavenging was necessary. Background pollution levels were found to be representative of the personal exposure of nursing staff but approximated to only one third of the anaesthetists' personal exposure. Dental clinics presented special problems, namely the very high levels of pollution to which the dentist and his assistants were exposed.
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Five factors influencing pollution in the dental surgery are considered. Despite leakage from round the mask and from the mouth, scavenging can remove the majority of expired anaesthetic. The effectiveness of scavenging can usefully be monitored with a Wright respirometer. Spillage of anaesthetic vapour at induction and at the end of anaesthesia must be avoided. In addition to scavenging, pollution levels are minimised if a Boyle's type machine is used and excessive fresh gas flow avoided. Room ventilation, e.g. extract fans in windows, is vital in reducing pollution levels in the surgery. Room size and non-uniformity of ventilation must also be considered.
The use of a relatively inexpensive microcomputer in computer-assisted learning is described. Circuits have been developed to allow slides to be shown during the course of a computer-assisted learning presentation, and also to allow the computer to control the delivery of an audiotape slide lecture.
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Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.