Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Program Efficiency”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 595 records · Page 33Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

A comparative study of a new, fully automated procedure and the standard mononuclear cell program using the Cobe Spectra for peripheral blood stem cell collection.

Recently, a completely automated procedure, the AutoPBSC program for the COBE Spectra cell separator, has been developed for peripheral blood stem cell harvest (PBSCH). We compared the performance of the AutoPBSC program with the standard mononuclear cell (MNC) program in the same patients and in a donor. Peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) were collected from 3 patients or a donor alternately using the MNC program and the AutoPBSC program in a course of PBSC mobilization. Equal blood volume was processed from each patient (200 ml/kg) and a donor (150 ml/kg). We used a harvest volume of 3 ml and a chase volume of 7 ml in all AutoPBSC procedures. The procedure duration was almost equivalent for both programs. The volume of products was significantly lower in the AutoPBSC program (71 +/- 13 ml) than in the MNC program (183 +/- 30 ml). MNC yields were fewer, and total nucleated cell (TNC) and MNC collection efficiency was less for the AutoPBSC program compared to the MNC program. The CD34+ cell collection efficiency was less for the AutoPBSC program (26.5 +/- 13.7%, compared with 77.7 +/- 60.6%; p > 0.05). The contamination of platelets and red cells was significantly less in the AutoPBSC program than in the MNC program. In conclusion, we consider that the collection efficiency in the new program should be improved by modification of parameters because there exist great advantages to automated procedures.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

The need for evidence in medical education: the development of best evidence medical education as an opportunity to inform, guide, and sustain medical education research.

The development of the Best Evidence Medical Education (BEME) Collaboration is introduced in the context of other systematic review initiatives, specifically the Cochrane and Campbell collaborations. The commentary addresses two goals: to describe the current status of BEME and to situate BEME in the broader context of the medical education community's need to be accountable, to conduct research to understand educational processes and results, and the key role that medical educational research must play within the quality-improvement agenda. Lessons drawn from the evidence-based practice movement of the last ten years and the current experience with BEME suggest that, although BEME will inform some educational policies and practices, its initial success may be limited because of the paucity of studies that meet current standards for evidence and the great difficulty in conducting methodologically rigorous studies in the complex social interaction called education. Nonetheless, the need exists for medical education research to continue to address key issues in medical education using experimental designs, while at the same time anticipating the need for more situation-specific data to permit educators to monitor and benchmark their existing programs within a quality-improvement and accountability framework. The authors conclude that the very nature of being professional in today's social and fiscal context demands that medical educators provide evidence of effectiveness and efficiency of their programs while at the same time BEME and medical education research continue to grow and mature.

Benchmarking↗
PubMed2002

[Evaluation of the computerized program in stress testing in workplace].

The aim of the study was to design a computerized version of two paper-pencil questionnaires: "Objective Work Characteristics" and "Subjective Work Characteristics". The methods allowed to objectively assess the level of occupational stress related to a given work post and to obtain its subjective assessment as perceived by the employees. The computerized version of the questionnaires contributed to fast identification of psychological factors present at workplace and their influence on the level of stress experienced by individual employees. The computer programming simplified scoring, as well as proved to be helpful in a detailed analysis of psychosocial characteristics of the work post and developing periodical reports in any time interval from 0.5 to 5 years. The efficiency of the program was verified on the basis of the study carried out in five sanitary and epidemiological stations located in the city of Łódź. A group of experts evaluated the level of stress at six work posts and 140 workers provided the self-assessment of occupational stress experienced at work. The data were collected and calculated in two databases of the statistical program SPSS+ and the originally designed application. The comparisons of the results obtained in these two programs showed no differences which proved the proper functioning of the program.

Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted↗
PubMed2002

Exercise and muscle strength training and their effect on quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure.

BACKGROUND: There is now evidence that moderate training plays an important role in the treatment of chronic heart failure. No clear instructions exist to date as to how such training programs should be carried out. AIM: to assess the efficiency of a training program including bicycle ergometer training, moderate muscle strength training and the 6-min walk test and their influence on quality of life, anxiety and depression. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients (67 male, 21 female) underwent a standardized 4-week training program. BASELINE DATA: LVEF=31+/-8%; LVEDD=143+/-59 ml; peak VO(2)=13.9+/-4.6 kg/ml. No adverse side effects could be observed. At discharge LVEF was 37+/-9%, (P=0.001); LVEDD=131+/-44ml (P=0.01); and peak VO(2)=15.4+/-5.0 kg/ml. Quality of life improved significantly in nearly all domains and in summary score. There were no significant changes in anxiety and depression. There is a negative correlation between the initial workload and changes in physical health (r=-0.42, P=0.001) and only a weak correlation between age and positive changes in physical health (r=0.26, P=0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A standardized training program including moderate muscle strength training could be performed safely and demonstrated improvement in clinical parameters and quality of life.

Adult↗
PubMed1977

Synchronisation of oestrus in beef cattle artificial breeding programs using prostaglandin F2alpha.

PGF2alpha either as a subcutaneous injection (8 or 10mg) or intrauterine infusion (dose 5 mg) successfully synchronised oestrus in beef cattle AI programs. The beef cattle programs were managed by 1 of the following 2 systems. 1. Two 10-day insemination periods, 1 for the first and the second for the repeat inseminations. Oestrus was detected and oestrus cows inseminated for the first 4 days of the first period. On the fifth day all cows not inseminated were treated with PGF2alpha. The treated cattle came into oestrus and were inseminated over the following 2 to 5 days. 2. Two PGF2alpha treatments 10 days appart followed by two 4-day insemination perids. During the first 4-day period, cows exhibiting synchronised oestrus were inseminated. Cows returning to oestrus were inseminated during the second 4-day period, about 18 days after the first, period. Synchronisation of oestrus was not sharp, oestrus being distributed over 7 days, with the majority of cows being in oestrus on the third (42.3%) and fourth (22.4%) days. The route of administration of PGF2alpha (injection or infusion) did not effect oestrus synchronisation. PGF2alpha by either route of administration did not effect the fertility of cows inseminated at either the synchronised or subsequent oestrus. Pregnancy rates at the synchronised oestrus were higher when cows were inseminated after dectection of oestrus than when they were inseminated without reference to oestrus at a fixed time 3 days after PGF2alpha treatment (mass injection). Oestrus synchronisation greatly reduced the input of time, labour and feed required during the total program. However, oestrus synchronisation did not alter the overall efficiency of artificial breeding programs measured in terms of the proportion of cattle entering a program that were inseminated and became pregnant. The main problem encountered was drug wastage through unknowingly treating cows and heifers that were not cycling.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Overlooked connections: policy development and implementation in state-local relations.

Increased public demand for health services, combined with fiscal and operating restraints, has led to the need for programs that will operate efficiently and effectively to achieve their objectives. Establishing such programs requires an understanding of the factors that contribute to their development and implementation. This in turn requires a greater understanding of the policy formulation and policy implementation processes. This paper uses a case study of Michigan's State/Local Cost Sharing Program to explore how policy formulation links to and influences implementation; it considers the interaction between the administrative and political processes and how they are affected by shifting power relations, constituencies, and the environment, and how in turn these affect program leadership and operating policies. The paper develops a model as a framework for monitoring the course of the program through the policy cycle and recommends that the policy process be considered as dynamic, interactive, and evolutionary. The case study approach allows for a greater understanding of the phases of the process, their interaction, and their impact on specific policy outcomes.

Community Participation↗
PubMed1992

Genetic influences on reproductive performance.

The potential for genetic improvement of reproductive performance in pigs is great. Improvement can be achieved by increased commercial use of F1 hybrid females produced by crossing lines with excellent reproductive performance and by selection within nucleus populations of these lines for improved reproduction as well a for growth and carcass characteristics. The value of incorporating reproductive traits in selection programs is critically dependent on the relative economic values of fat (or lean) and of extra pigs produced. There is widespread agreement that litter size is the first choice as both the selection objective and the criterion to improve reproductive performance, on economic, genetic, and ease of measurement grounds. Although there are few examples of successful response to selection for increased litter size in pigs (exceptions being the University of Nebraska selection experiment and results achieved by hyperprolific selection schemes), overall results do not suggest that selection for litter size is impossible, only that it is difficult with limited resources. Artificial insemination is being used increasingly by pig breeding companies to accelerate rates of genetic improvement and to improve dissemination. Combining data from genetically connected herds and analyzing with BLUP computer programs to make efficient use of information on relatives makes selection for litter size feasible while maintaining selection pressure for growth and carcass traits. Although selection for lifetime productivity is impractical today, the knowledge and data accumulated from successful breeding programs for litter size may help make it the selection objective of the future. Meanwhile, the search continues for useful indirect criteria for selection, from testis size to molecular markers, and scientists are working with highly prolific breeds of Chinese pigs to better understand the physiologic and genetic basis of large litter size.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Development and application of a sorption data base for the performance assessment of a radwaste repository.

A sorption data base (SDB) provides readily available data for the performance assessment of a radwaste repository when site-specific and/or reference data are needed. The software developed at KAERI, SDB-21C, is a graphic user interface (GUI) program that provides efficient and user-friendly tools for evaluating large amount of sorption data. In addition, the most comprehensive sorption data base that contains about 11,000 NEA data and 2,000 KAERI data was compiled in the program. Besides the simple Kd approach, a parametric model and its compiled data sets are also included in the SDB-21C. In order to evaluate the versatility of SDB-21C, several applications were performed for relevant hypothetical situations.

Adsorption↗
PubMed1985

A complete computerized program for nutritional management in the neonatal intensive care nursery.

A computerized program in BASIC, which integrates the infant's fluid and nutritional requirements per gestational age and weight with the infant's postpartum age, was developed using the Apple II Plus microcomputer, dual floppy disks, and an Epson printer. Daily requirements of fluids, proteins, fat, CHO, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements are computed. For reference, the program displays the composition and indications for intravenous and hyperalimentation solutions, mature human milk, and 14 commercial formulas. Safety limits to prevent overload or deficient formulations are strategically displayed, warning the physician about possible complications and gradually orienting him toward achieving adequate nutritional balance in the patient. The nutritional intake, weight, and other important clinical variables are stored and retrieved for future evaluation. The flexibility of the program allows for modifications in intravenous and oral composition according to clinical requirements. The program improves the efficiency of the arduous daily formulation of nutritional needs, reduces the possibility of human error, facilitates the calculation process, diminishes time spent on the calculations, and increases the ease of nutritional data retrieval and the development of output programs.

Birth Weight↗
PubMed1999

Physical activity and weight gain and fat distribution changes with menopause: current evidence and research issues.

PURPOSE: At the onset of menopause a woman's body weight reaches its maximum. For any given subsequent body weight there is an increase in relative body fat and abdominal fatness with advancing age. The increased body fatness and abdominal fat distribution are associated with a high incidence of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers, particularly breast cancer. The aim of this analysis was to assess the role of physical activity for weight gain and changes in fat distribution occurring with menopause. METHODS: A systematic review based on a Medline search was conducted. RESULTS: According to cross-sectional observational studies postmenopausal women with high levels of physical activity have lower body fat and abdominal fat. Longitudinal studies show that physically active women are less likely to gain body fat and abdominal fat after menopause than sedentary women (Evidence category C). There are very few randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing exercise with no intervention, and diet with diet plus exercise, and the results do not allow a firm conclusion as to whether physical activity may prevent or limit the gain of total fat and abdominal fat after menopause, or whether it may be effective as part of an obesity treatment program. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for RCT to evaluate the effect of increased physical activity and fitness as a tool for prevention of the changes in body composition associated with menopause and aging in normal weight women. The efficiency of different programs of exercise training as a treatment option in postmenopausal women with existing overweight and obesity should be investigated. RCT should have the appropriate design and size and use accurate methods to assess exercise compliance, body composition, and intra-abdominal adipose tissue.

Abdomen↗
PubMed1980

Primary nursing and pharmacy systems: are they compatible?

The effects of primary care nursing on the provision of pharmaceutical services are discussed. The major pharmacy-related problem caused by primary care nursing is the increased complexity of communications and drug distribution. Decentralized pharmaceutical services and pharmacy-coordinated drug administration programs can be used to overcome the problem. Primary care nursing's advantages are improved control over controlled substances, quicker access to accurate patient information, more complete patient-care plans and drug-charge records, and a more efficient discharge medication program. Understanding the intent of primary care nursing is fundamental to maximizing these benefits and avoiding problems with this type of nursing service.

Communication↗
PubMed2005

Comparison efficiency of the artificial intelligence methods for the diagnosis of Acid - base and anion gap disorders.

Diagnosis of the most complicated disorders in acid-base status and accompanying electrolyte balance creates a lot of troubles for practicing physicians. The purpose of our study was to create and compare: 1) an artificial neural network, 2) genetic program, 3) fuzzy-neural system that can diagnose acid-base disorders, based on a set of laboratory gasometric and electrolyte measurements. We took into account 7 single acid-base disorders, 11 double acid-base disorders and 6 triple complicated disorders with accompanying anion gap alterations. We prepared a set laboratory measurements consisting of 250 results for training and the same number of results for testing the program. Finally, the efficiency of presented artificial intelligence (AI) methods has been described and compared.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗
PubMed2000

[Beliefs, attitudes and knowledge about sex education].

BACKGROUND: Previous reports show that Chilean teenagers have an inadequate knowledge about sexuality and reproduction. AIM: To compare the knowledge about sexuality among adolescents coming from private and public schools, with and without sexual education programs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A structured anonymous inquiry, containing multiple choice and open questions, was applied to a sample of 229 adolescents attending seventh and eighth grade of junior school, in private and public schools of Temuco, Chile. RESULTS: Eleven percent of adolescents had already their first sexual intercourse at a mean age of 12.2 +/- 2.4 years old. Of these, 96% came from public schools. An overall analysis of tests, disclosed a 53% of correct answers to the inquiry. Adolescents coming from private schools had a better performance than those coming from public schools. Sexual attitudes were not influenced by sexual education programs. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents coming from private schools have a better sexual knowledge level and more conservative attitudes towards sexuality. Overall knowledge is inadequate albeit overvalued. These teenagers are high risk group for unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases and require efficient sexual education programs.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Treatment of overweight. Use of a program].

This article publicizes the results of an overweight treatment program carried out as a working model under the auspices of Primary Health Care. This program placed special emphasis on educational aspects, preventive as well as promoting healthy ways of living; and one in which activities planned towards establishing means of conduct which play a direct role in their users health factors are focused on. This treatment program occurred as a group activity. The 27 participating subjects, 23 women and 4 men, were recommended by their doctor/nurse. Their average age was 37.6 years, +/- 11.3. 19 subjects were overweight with an IMC between 25 and 30; the other 8 had been diagnosed as obese with an IMC over 30. This program took place in the Health Center meeting hall over 4 months, from February through June. Among the elements of this program, these deserve special mention: the use of a vocabulary exempt of adverse connotations, for example, instead of diet we spoke of menus; the establishment of behavioral goals before weight loss goals; the practice of elaborating and designing hypercaloric menus; providing positive reinforcement for those behaviors which increased the level of physical activity which was objectively measured by means of podometers; the practice of eating slowly; etc. At the end of the program, the results showed an average weight loss of 4.2 kilograms, a range of 0.9 to 6.12 K, with respect to the average weight at the start of the program. One can foresee that this loss will continue to occur, especially in those cases where the subject had modified some habits such as eating rapidly or performing physical exercise related to overweightness. These results are open to discussion regarding the efficiency of the program and with regards to this program as an example of a coordinated effort between the Mental Health Unit and a Primary Health Care Team in relation to the design and implementation of health programs directed towards the attention of people with overweight problems.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme: a program for holistic development of children in India.

The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme is the largest program for promotion of maternal and child health and nutrition not only in India but in the whole world. The scheme was launched in 1975 in pursuance of the National Policy for Children. The scheme has expanded in the last twenty-seven years form 33 projects to 5171 blocks. ICDS is a multi-sectoral program and involves several government departments. The program services are coordinated at the village, block, district, state and central government levels. The primary responsibility for the implementation of the program lies with the Department of Women & Child Development at the Centre and nodal department at the states, which may be Social Welfare, Rural Development, Tribal Welfare or Health Department or an independent Department. The beneficiaries are children below 6 years, pregnant and lactating women and women in the age group of 15 to 44 yrs. The beneficiaries of ICDS are to a large extent identical with those under the Maternal and Child Health Program. The program provides an integrated approach for converging all the basic services for improved childcare, early stimulation and learning, health and nutrition, water and environmental sanitation aimed at the young children, expectant and lactating mothers, other women and adolescent girls in a community. ICDS program is the reflection of the Government of India to effectively improve the nutrition and health status of underprivileged section of the population through direct intervention mechanism. The program covers 27.6 million beneficiaries with supplementary nutrition. The program services and beneficiaries has essentially remained the same since 1975. Recently a review of the scheme was held, sponsored by Government of India, which suggested modifications in the health and nutrition component of ICDS scheme to improve the program implementation and efficiency.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Costs and efficiency of a tumor follow-up program for the detection of colorectal liver metastases.

From January 1987 until July 1999 we admitted 1003 patients with colorectal cancer and 31 with resected colorectal liver metastases to our tumor follow-up program. After R0 resection of the primary tumor 60 patients developed liver metastases during the postoperative follow-up. R0 resection of the metastases was performed in 16 of these cases without lethality and low morbidity. In the further course of the follow-up 8 of these patients again developed liver metastases, two of whom underwent reoperation. The overall 5-year survival rate after R0 resection of liver metastases was 20%. In 726 patients we performed 3719 follow-up examinations. Following the German regulations on physicians' fees for follow-up-examinations we calculated the cost of detecting a liver metastasis to be DM 16,500 per patient. Mean costs were DM 62,000 in patients in whom the metastases were successfully resected. The results of this study show that although the costs are very high for patients who benefit from the follow-up program, 26.7% of those with liver metastases are detected in such an early stage, and that an R0 resection can be performed. This study shows that the high costs of tumor follow-up programs for detecting liver metastases in patients with resected colorectal cancer can be justified by the good outcome of patients in whom an early diagnosis of recurrent disease is made.

Adenocarcinoma↗