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People are as important as programmes.

The introduction of a clinical management computer system into a dental practice involves more than selecting and installing a suitable software package. The computer system introduces a new set of dynamics within the dental practice and a new set of demands on the practice staff. Research conducted in South African practices has identified practice staff as being crucial to the success of the system. This article identifies some of the major human-computer interaction problems that can occur when a clinical management computer system is installed into a dental practice. Recommendations for preventing and solving these problems are made.

Attitude to Computers↗

[A data storage system in computer dialog for dental prosthetics].

It is reported on a data processing system with computer dialogue for the "standardized sheet of findings". The computer-readable form, improved error control, and optimum evaluation possibilities are emphasized as special advantages. Simple handling and optimum data protection permit to have this system operated by trained laymen.

Computers↗

A computer-based system for identification of the static characteristics of medical sensors.

This paper presents the design and implementation of a computer-based system for identification of the static characteristics of medical sensors. The static characteristic obtained is then used to correct the input-output non-idealities caused by nonlinearity effects, gain error, hysteresis and environmental effects. The knowledge of this characteristic enables digital signal processing of the sensor response, facilitates correction of input-output non-idealities and forms a compensation formula which is required for the optimal design of the experiment for medical sensor calibration. The identification system consists of a personal computer and a microcontroller-based electronic system. In consideration of practical situations special emphasis is oriented toward its user friendliness and future extendability.

Algorithms↗

Privacy protections afforded by computer-based patient record systems.

Computer-based patient record (CPR) systems can afford greater protection of private health information. Key factors that enhance security of CPR systems include the capability to identify the user, verify authorization, determine legitimacy of use, restrict retrieval to only specific "need-to-know" information, encrypt access mechanisms and content, and track all access. The public demands greater protections for computer systems than for paper-based systems. Coupled with appropriate internal management controls and federal preemptive privacy law, breaches of confidentiality from CPRs would occur virtually through the only means that cannot be safeguarded: human communication.

Computer Security↗

Development and evaluation of a new 3-D digitization and computer graphic system to study the anatomic tissue and restoration surfaces.

It is necessary to visualize and reconstruct tissue anatomic surfaces accurately for a variety of oral rehabilitation applications such as surface wear characterization and automated fabrication of dental restorations, accuracy of reproduction of impression and die materials, etc. In this investigation, a 3-D digitization and computer-graphic system was developed for surface characterization. The hardware consists of a profiler assembly for digitization in an MTS biomechanical test system with an artificial mouth, an IBM PS/2 computer model 70 for data processing and a Hewlett-Packard laser printer for hardcopy outputs. The software used includes a commercially available Surfer 3-D graphics package, a public domain data-fitting alignment software and an inhouse Pascal program for intercommunication plus some other limited tasks. Surfaces were digitized before and after rotation by angular displacement, the digital data were interpolated by Surfer to provide a data grid and the surfaces were computer graphically reconstructed: Misaligned surfaces were aligned by the data-fitting alignment software under different choices of parameters. The effect of different interpolation parameters (e.g. grid size, method of interpolation) and extent of rotation on the alignment accuracy was determined. The results indicate that improved alignment accuracy results from optimization of interpolation parameters and minimization of the initial misorientation between the digitized surfaces. The method provides important advantages for surface reconstruction and visualization, such as overlay of sequentially generated surfaces and accurate alignment of pairs of surfaces with small misalignment.

Computer Communication Networks↗

Interactive, image-guided, stereotactic neurosurgery systems.

Interactive, image-guided, stereotactic neurosurgery systems and advanced computer programs enable neurosurgery teams to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans to perform less-invasive intracranial tumor excisions. This new methodology, also known as frameless stereotactic neurosurgery, provides accurate, precise preoperative and intraoperative patient information to neurosurgeons. Neurosurgeons use a pointing device to communicate surgical locations quickly to a computer system. The computer then provides immediate, three-dimensional displays of pertinent MRI and CT scan information on the monitor. These intracranial images serve as navigational guides to neurosurgeons before and during surgical intervention. Interactive, image-guided, stereotactic neurosurgery systems, however, are only surgical tools, not substitutes for health care providers' knowledge or expertise. Neurosurgeons must balance their medical judgment with interpretations of computer-generated information throughout the surgical procedures. Interactive, image-guided systems should not interfere with patient care priorities but rather should be worked into the intraoperative nursing routine.

Brain Neoplasms↗

Performance evaluation of a "dual-side read" dedicated mammography computed radiography system.

The image quality of a dedicated mammography computed radiography (CR) system was characterized. A unique feature of this system is that it collects image signals from both sides of the storage phosphor. Measurements of the modulation transfer function (MTF), noise power spectrum (NPS), and detective quantum efficiency (DQE) were made. This work included improvements in our measurement methods to specifically account for the detrimental effects of system glare on the MTF and to accurately characterize the low-frequency NPS components. Image quality measurements were performed using a 25 kVp beam filtered with 2 mm Al and an exposure range of 1 to 100 mR (87 to 870 microGy). The DQE was found to decrease with increasing exposure due to an increased contribution of storage phosphor structure noise. The DQE of this system was compared to similar measurements made using a standard CR system. The dual-side read system demonstrated superior DQE compared to the standard system. The decrease in DQE with increasing exposure was more severe for the standard system than the dual-side read system. This finding suggests that the CR system noise was reduced for the dual-side read system compared to the standard system.

Equipment Failure Analysis↗

Data base management systems extend computer use.

A data base management system (DBMS) is a tool that can help the healthcare industry manage more information efficiently. This tool has the capability to store and retrieve data without the need for several programs or files. The DBMS is a sophisticated yet "user friendly" program that does not require any extensive computer training. In the age of microcomputers, the DBMS provides more power, eliminates seemingly unnecessary and repetitive work with data input, and falls within the budget range of most healthcare institutions.

Computers↗

Effects of x-ray spectra on the DQE of a computed radiography system.

The effect of incident x-ray beam quality on the measured detective quantum efficiency (DQE) of a computed radiography system was investigated. The incident x-ray beams used had peak tube potentials of 70, 95, and 120 kVp, were filtered with various thicknesses of a "patient equivalent phantom" (PEP), aluminum, and copper, and provided a consistent exposure to the storage phosphor. For each peak tube potential and filter combination, the one-dimensional modulation transfer function and noise power spectrum were measured and the square of the incident signal-to-noise ratio was estimated. The spatial frequency dependent DQE was calculated from these data. The DQE was integrated to provide an overall estimate of the efficiency and frequency response of the computed radiography system for the various x-ray beams. There was found to be a wide range of integral DQE (IDQE) values for the peak tube potential and filter combinations used. For example, the IDQE ranged from 3.0 to 0.9 mm(-2) using the peak tube potential and filter combinations 70 kVp with 5.1 cm PEP and 120 kVp with 30.3 cm PEP, respectively. Finally, peak tube potential and filter combinations 70 kVp with 10.2 cm PEP and 120 kVp with 20.2 cm PEP were chosen as standard x-ray beams that will be used at our facility to measure the DQE of digital radiographic imaging systems for evaluation and acceptance testing.

Biophysical Phenomena↗

Evaluation of closed-loop control of arterial pressure after cardiopulmonary bypass.

A closed loop computer system has been developed to deliver sodium nitroprusside (by infusion) to control systolic arterial pressure (SAP) after cardiopulmonary bypass. The performance of the closed-loop control system was evaluated by comparing nurse and computer control of SAP in 60 patients during the early postoperative period. The computer system provided better control of SAP than manual control by a member of the nursing staff.

Blood Pressure Determination↗

Evaluation of flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy for the estimation of bovine mononuclear phagocytes.

Bovine blood mononuclear cells were isolated by density gradient centrifugation on Ficoll-Paque. Phagocytic mononuclear cells were characterized functionally by ingestion of fluorescent latex beads. After incubation with beads the cells were treated with Triton X-100 and propidium iodide (PI) to stain DNA. Cells were analyzed with a FACS-III instrument connected to a Nuclear Data-6660 multiparameter computer system. The computer was used to evaluate the 2 parameter histograms in order to enumerate the percentage of cells with different numbers of associated beads. With this system we also obtained information about cell concentration and number of beads per cell. Results from flow cytometry and manual counting by fluorescence microscopy were compared and good correlation (r = 0.91) was obtained. During the first hours of incubation latex beads adhered to cell surfaces as demonstrated by FCM histograms and fluorescence microscopy. Blood mononuclear phagocytes have to be incubated for several hours before significant phagocytotic activity can be detected.

Animals↗

Enabling students with multiple disabilities to request and choose among environmental stimuli through microswitch and computer technology.

This study assessed the possibility of enabling two students with multiple disabilities to request and choose among environmental stimuli through microswitch and computer technology. Each student was provided with two basic microswitches the activation of which made a computer system present a sample of a preferred or non-preferred stimulus. The student could select or reject such a stimulus by vocal utterances discriminated by the computer system as 'yes' or 'no'. If the student selected the stimulus, the computer system presented it for a preset time. If the student rejected the stimulus, the computer system waited for the next input of one of the basic microswitches. Data showed that both students learned to activate the basic microswitches consistently, selected the preferred stimuli about 90% of the times, and largely rejected the non-preferred stimuli. The students also showed some preferences between the two basic microswitches/responses. The performance was maintained at the post-intervention checks carried out 3 and 6 weeks after the end of the intervention. Implications of the findings are discussed technically, practically, and in terms of quality of life.

Adolescent↗

Implementation of clinical guidelines via a computer charting system: effect on the care of febrile children less than three years of age.

OBJECTIVE: The authors have shown that clinical guidelines embedded in an electronic medical record improved the quality, while lowering the cost, of care for health care workers who incurred occupational exposures to body fluid. They seek to determine whether this system has similar effects on the emergency department care of young children with febrile illness. DESIGN: Off-on-off, interrupted time series with intent-to-treat analysis. SETTING: University hospital emergency department. SUBJECTS: 830 febrile children less than 3 years of age and the physicians who treated them. INTERVENTIONS: Implementation of an electronic medical record that provides real-time advice regarding the content of the history and physical examination and recommendations regarding laboratory testing, treatment, diagnosis, and disposition. MEASUREMENTS: Documentation of essential items in the medical record and after-care instructions; compliance with guidelines regarding testing, treatment, and diagnosis; charges. RESULTS: The computer was used in 64 percent of eligible cases. Mean percentage documentation of 21 essential history and physical examination items increased from 80 percent during the baseline period to 92 percent in the intervention phase (13 percent increase; 95 percent CI, 10-15 percent). Mean percentage documentation of ten items in the after-care instructions increased from 48 percent at baseline to 81 percent during the intervention phase (33 percent increase; 95 percent confidence interval, 28-38 percent). All documentation decreased to baseline when the computer system was removed. There were no demonstrable improvements in appropriateness of care, nor was there evidence that appropriateness worsened. Mean charges were not changed by the intervention. CONCLUSION: The intervention markedly improved documentation, had little effect on the appropriateness of the process of care, and had no effect on charges. Results for the febrile child module differ from those for the module for occupational blood and body fluid exposure (a more focused and straightforward medical condition), underscoring the need for implementation methods to be tailored to specific clinical complaints.

Child, Preschool↗

Telemedicine applications in primary care: a geriatric patient pilot project.

OBJECTIVE: To determine patient satisfaction with telemedicine technology. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In this pilot study, 20 generally healthy elderly residents (mean age, 77.3 years) of a Florida retirement community consulted weekly by "Electronic House Call" with a primary care physician to record their vital signs and discuss their condition. At the end of the 8-week study period, they were asked to complete a survey indicating their satisfaction with the telemedicine experience. RESULTS: Eighteen of the 20 participants completed the survey. Eleven respondents (61%) reported they were comfortable using the computer system without assistance. Most (13/18; 72%) believed the computer system correctly recorded vital signs. Almost all (17/18; 94%) reported the computer system did not have a negative impact on their relationship with their primary health care provider, and 11 (61%) thought that the system had a positive effect. CONCLUSIONS: The participants in this small pilot study were pleased with the experience they had with telemedicine. Large-scale studies are needed to determine the widespread utility of telemedicine technology.

Aged↗