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Clinical evaluation of automated processing of electrocardiograms by the Veterans Administration program (AVA 3.4).

Automated processing of electrocardiograms by the Veterans Administration program was evaluated for both agreement with physician interpretation and interpretative accuracy as assessed with nonelectrocardiographic criteria. One thousand unselected electrocardiograms were analyzed by two reviewer groups, one familiar and the other unfamiliar with the computer program. A significant number of measurement errors involving repolarization changes and left axis deviation occurred; however, interpretative disagreements related to statistical decision were largely language-related. Use of a printout with a more traditional format resulted in agreement with physician interpretation by both reviewer groups in more than 80 percent of cases. Overall sensitivity based on agreement with nonelectrocardiographic criteria was significantly greater with use of the computer program than with use of the conventional criteria utilized by the reviewers. This difference was particularly evident in the subgroup analysis of myocardial infarction and left ventricular hypertrophy. The degree of overdiagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy and posteroinferior infarction was initially unacceptable, but this difficulty was corrected by adjustment of probabilities. Clinical acceptability of the Veterans Administration program appears to require greater physician education than that needed for other computer programs of electrocardiographic analysis; the flexibility of interpretation by statistical decision offers the potential for better diagnostic accuracy.

Cardiomegaly↗

A method for predicting a student's risk for academic probation in a professional program in allied health.

Identification of students at risk for academic difficulty in a physical therapy program would provide opportunities to implement preemptive measures designed to enhance successful academic performance. The purpose of this study was to determine if a method advocated for use in evidence-based practice could be adapted for use in predicting probationary status for students in a program in allied health, specifically physical therapy. Preadmission combined math and science grade point average; cumulative grade point average (TGPA); verbal Graduate Record Examination score (VGRE), quantitative Graduate Record Examination score (QGRE), and analytic Graduate Record Examination score; and probation status were obtained for 305 students (mean age, 25.5 years; SD, 4.14) accepted into one physical therapy program from 1995 to 2000. Predictors of probation were identified using stepwise logistic regression. Likelihood ratios were calculated for three score intervals derived from receiver operating characteristic analysis. TGPA, VGRE, and QGRE were significant predictors in the regression model (p < 0.05). VGRE was the only variable that consistently showed predictive capability (likelihood ratio, 2.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-6.9). Quantitative preadmission data can be used in combination to improve the predictive power of estimates of probation risk. We contend that the analytic methods illustrated in this report could be used in academic programs to assist faculty with management of students who are at risk for academic difficulties.

Adult↗

Outpatient exercise training in children with cystic fibrosis: physiological effects, perceived competence, and acceptability.

Exercise training is currently advocated as part of the treatment of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). However, data are few that document physiologic benefits or changes in patients' perceptions of long-term training programs in children with CF. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects and acceptability of a home cycling program in children with CF. Fourteen patients (9 boys, 5 girls) with CF, mean (SD) age 14.1 (2.0) years, with mild to moderate impairment of lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 s, mean (SD) 58.3 (16.3)% of predicted) were studied for 1 year. The first half of the study year was used to obtain baseline values at 0 and 6 months. During the second half of the year, a cycle program was carried out 5 times a week, for 20 min each day at a level of work that resulted in a heart rate of 140-160 beats/min. Once a week the cycle program was supervised by a physiotherapist. Measurements were repeated at 12 months. Effects of the exercise program were measured in terms of lung function, nutritional status, growth, muscle strength, exercise performance, perceived competence, and attitude towards the training program. Differences between the changes during the 6-month training period as compared to the 6-month control period were analyzed by multivariate statistics and nonparametric tests. Statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) between the two periods were found with respect to muscle strength of knee extensors and ankle dorsiflexors, and with respect to maximal oxygen consumption per kg body weight as well as per kg fat free mass. All changes were positive. No adverse effects were found. Perceived competence showed significant positive changes in feelings about physical appearance, general self-worth, and Total Perceived Competence Score. Scores concerning perceived acceptability of the program were significantly lower at the end of the training period; however, patients reported that they did want to continue with other sorts of training. We conclude that an exercise training program in the home can produce beneficial effects on oxygen consumption, muscle force, and perceived competence in children with CF. However, acceptability of the program was low, suggesting that long-term adherence would be poor, and hence, other sorts of training need to be identified.

Adolescent↗

Developing a directly administered antiretroviral therapy intervention for HIV-infected drug users: implications for program replication.

Directly administered antiretroviral therapy (DAART) is one approach to improving adherence to among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected drug users. We evaluated the essential features of a community-based DAART intervention in a randomized, controlled trial of DAART versus self-administered therapy. Of the initial 72 subjects, 78% were racial minorities, and 32% were women. Social and medical comorbidities among subjects included homelessness (35% of subjects), lack of interpersonal support (86%), major depression (57%), and alcoholism (36%). At baseline, the median CD4+ cell count was 403 cells/mL and the median HIV-1 RNA load was 146,333 copies/mL (log10 5.31 copies/mL). During the prior 6 months, 33% of subjects had missed a medical appointment, and 47% had visited an emergency department. Although most subjects (67%) preferred to take their own medications, 76% would accept DAART if it were made compulsory. A methadone clinic was the DAART venue acceptable to the fewest subjects (36%), and a mobile syringe-exchange program was acceptable to the most subjects (83%). Adherence was higher for supervised than for unsupervised medication administration (P<.0001), a finding that supports use of daily supervision of once-daily regimens. Moreover, DAART should incorporate enhanced elements such as convenience, flexibility, confidentiality, cues and reminders, responsive pharmacy and medical services, and specialized training for staff.

Adult↗

Perinatal nutrition and hormone-dependent programming of food intake.

It is increasingly accepted that alterations of the intrauterine and early postnatal nutritional, metabolic and hormonal environment may predispose individuals to development of diseases in later life. Results from studies of the offspring of diabetic mothers strongly support this hypothesis. It has also been suggested that being light at birth leads to an increased risk of the metabolic syndrome (Syndrome X) in later life (the Barker hypothesis). The pathophysiological mechanisms that underlie this programming are unclear. However, hormones are important environment-dependent organizers of the developing neuroendocrine-immune network, which regulates all the fundamental processes of life. Hormones can act as 'endogenous functional teratogens' when present in non-physiological concentrations, induced by alterations in the intrauterine or neonatal environment during critical periods of perinatal life. Perinatal hyperinsulinism is pathognomic in offspring of diabetic mothers. Early hyperinsulinism also occurs as a result of early postnatal overfeeding. In rats, endogenous hyperinsulinism, as well as peripheral or intrahypothalamic insulin treatment during perinatal development, may lead to 'malprogramming' of the neuroendocrine systems regulating body weight, food intake and metabolism. This results in an increased disposition to become obese and to develop diabetes throughout life. Similar malprogramming may occur due to perinatal hypercortisolism and hyperleptinism. With regard to 'small baby syndrome' and the thrifty phenotype hypothesis, we propose that early postnatal overfeeding of underweight newborns may substantially contribute to their long-term risk of obesity and diabetes. In summary, a complex malprogramming of the central regulation of body weight and metabolism may provide a general aetiopathogenetic concept, explaining perinatally acquired disposition to later disease and, thereby, opening a wide field for primary prevention.

Animals↗

Acceptability of methadyl acetate (LAAM) as compared with methadone in a treatment program for heroin addicts.

Heroin addicts who had been maintained for at least three months on LAAM (levo-alpha-acetylmethadol, methadyl acetate) and at least three months on methadone were asked to compare the two drugs on a number of criteria. The responses were highly selective, indicating that a desire to please the investigators was not an important factor. Overwhelmingly, the majority of patients reported that LAAM provided better heroin "blockade", that it was more effective in reducing craving, and that actual use of heroin was less on LAAM than on methadone. In other respects, such as sexual performance, sleep, and appetite, most patients perceived no difference between the drugs. In no respect was methadone preferred by a majority, although methadone was viewed more favorably on some criteria by some patients. These findings indicate that for most heroin addicts LAAM will be an acceptable maintenance drug.

Heroin Dependence↗

Should physician training centers offer formal psychiatric assistance to house officers? A report on the major findings of a prototype program.

The literature suggests that the emotional needs of interns, residents, and fellows have received inadequate attention. Comprehensive psychiatric services are provided by a model program at UCLA. During the 1981-1983 academic years, 89 house officers were seen. Between 16% and 19% of certain groups sought help each year; depression was the most frequent diagnosis (63%, N = 56), followed by anxiety disorders (24%, N = 21). Over two-thirds of the evaluated residents entered free or low-fee treatment, and these therapies were generally considered quite beneficial. This report reemphasizes the desirability of providing carefully structured, confidential psychiatric assistance to house staff and documents medical trainees' acceptance and use of such programs.

Adult↗

Arthritis education: opportunities and state of the art.

Health education research in arthritis and musculoskeletal disease experienced extraordinary growth in the 1980s. In this article we discuss opportunities for health education in arthritis and musculoskeletal disease, and the effectiveness of evaluated programs to influence knowledge, behavior, and health status of persons with arthritis. Additionally, we review developments in theory and trends in research that we expect to be influential in the next decade. Educational opportunities for primary prevention of arthritis are limited. However, a large variety of organized programs, planned according to commonly accepted principles of education, psychology, and psychotherapy, and applied consistently by personnel with some kind of training, have been able to produce desirable changes in knowledge, behavior, and health outcome in arthritis patients, over and above the medical treatment and incidental education to which they have already been exposed. As a result, national dissemination of programs and standards for arthritis patient education is in progress. In the next decade, researchers will increasingly turn to new populations and methods of delivery, investigation of conditions less well studied, such as osteoporosis, education of patients in generic communication and coping skills, and development of arthritis-specific applications of theory, especially in areas such as social support, control and helplessness, cognitive processing, and pain management.

Adult↗

Reducing the unmet needs of patients with colorectal cancer: a feasibility study of The Pathfinder Volunteer Program.

GOALS OF THE WORK: Many cancer patients experience unmet needs and elevated levels of anxiety and depression. This paper describes a volunteer-delivered intervention to reduce the psychosocial needs of cancer patients and presents findings from a feasibility study of this intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The telephone-based intervention, called the Pathfinder Program, involves the assignment of volunteers to patients to assist them in addressing their needs as identified in questionnaires. Fifty-two patients with colorectal cancer were involved in the feasibility study, with 18 in the intervention. Sixty-two percent of the sample was male and the mean age was 64 years. Patients' needs were assessed using The Supportive Care Needs Survey, a colorectal cancer symptom checklist, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. All patients completed baseline questionnaires (Time 1) and 47 completed Time 2 questionnaires 3 months later. MAIN RESULTS: The most common needs were fear of the cancer spreading and returning, concerns about the worries of others, gas or wind, changes in weight, and bowel problems such as diarrhea, constipation, and pain. A statistically significant Time 1 to Time 2 decrease in supportive care needs and depression was found for the intervention group. CONCLUSIONS: The Pathfinder Program has been found to be feasible, acceptable for patients, and has the potential to reduce needs and depression. A larger, randomized controlled trial is needed to determine the impact of this program on colorectal symptoms and anxiety.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

[Vaccination in adults].

While immunization programs for children are well accepted in Switzerland, vaccinations of adults are still a problem. This paper deals with indications for vaccinations in adults. While the whole adults population should be immunized (boostered) against diphtheria, poliomyelitis and tetanus, other vaccinations (CEE, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, rabies, varicella) should be administered according to risks at the workplace. Guidelines for vaccination programs in occupational medicine are presented and discussed.

Adult↗

Serial CEA and CA 15-3 measurements during follow-up of breast cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: CEA and CA 15-3 are adequate parameters for the early diagnosis of metastases in breast cancer patients. During the last years serial marker measurements have been discussed controversely and moreover accused of frightening breast cancer patients in the sense of a tumor marker terror. Therefore we evaluated the acceptance and practicability of an intense follow-up program including monthly measurements of CEA and CA 15-3. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1985 and 1995. 547 breast cancer patients were asked to give blood samples every four weeks for CEA and CA 15-3 measurements. In a field research study using a half-standardized interview by telephone we evaluated the acceptance of serial marker measurements in defined aspects: personal acceptance, blood sampling intervals, form of information, role of the home practitioner, motivation. RESULTS: 280 patients could be analyzed for the acceptance of this follow-up program. 52% of this patient group accepted serial tumor marker measurements, while 48% did not. 99% of the participating patients agreed to monthly blood sampling intervals compared to only 41% of the non-participating patients. 64% of the analyzed patients would have preferred both written and personal information about the role of CEA and CA 15-3 and this kind of follow-up program. Only in 6% of the participating patients the home practitioner had a negative attitude towards monthly tumor marker measurements compared to 36% in non-participating patients. Moreover serial marker measurements led to a feeling of security and reassurance in 85% of the patients. CONCLUSION: CEA and CA 15-3 measurements are adequate and accepted instruments for the follow-up and early diagnosis of metastases in breast cancer patients. If patients got detailed information and support from their home practitioner, serial CEA and CA 15-3 measurements could lead to a feeling of security in most of the patients.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗

Benefits and barriers associated with participation in food programs in three low-income Ontario communities.

Our objective was to identify the benefits and barriers associated with participation in food programs. We did a content analysis of focus groups with parents (n=21), teachers (n=10), project staff (n=21), and children (n=17) in three low-income Ontario communities. The key benefits identified by the three adult groups were hunger alleviation and social contact opportunities for both parents and children. Parents also benefited from volunteering with and/or participating in food programs because neighbourhood support networks developed. Teachers reported that children who attended breakfast programs became more attentive in school. The food programs also provided an opportunity for nutrition education. Offering food as part of all community programs (not just those designed to increase food availability) encouraged participation and increased attendance. Children thought that attending food programs kept them healthy, and helped them work harder in school. Parents' pride was the main barrier to participation in programs; however, parents who were actively involved in program delivery did not feel stigmatized accepting food. To encourage participation, nutrition professionals should collaborate with local residents to develop and implement community-based food programs.

Adolescent↗

Evaluation of a clinical medical librarianship program at a university Health Sciences Library.

An evaluation of the clinical medical librarianship program at the University of Washington Health Sciences Library was undertaken to determine the benefits of the program to patient care and to the education of the recipients of the service. Results of a questionnaire reflected overwhelming acceptance of the clinical medical librarianship program. Guidelines for the establishment of a limited clinical medical librarianship program are described. A statistical cost analysis of the program is included.

Evaluation Studies as Topic↗

Recovery of the neonate after open heart surgery: strategies for preparing the NICU.

Certain congenital heart defects require surgical intervention if the neonate is to survive. In some cases, the correction involves open heart surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass. A Level III NICU implemented a program to prepare itself to accept neonates directly from the OR for recovery. The benefits of caring for these infants in the NICU include staff's expert knowledge of neonatal anatomy and physiology, experience in supporting the family, and an awareness of the developmental needs of the neonate. A needs assessment of the NICU identified areas to address in preparation for this initiative. An extensive program was implemented to strengthen staff knowledge of pathophysiology, enhance technical skills, and purchase necessary equipment. This investment has resulted in close to 100 infants successfully recovered in the NICU. With meticulous planning, the NICU can be the unit of choice for providing excellent care to these critically ill neonates and their families.

Heart Defects, Congenital↗

The financial impact on community mental health centers of capitated contracts with Medicaid: the Utah Prepaid Mental Health Plan.

Under the Utah Prepaid Mental Health Plan, three of the eleven Community Mental Health Centers in Utah signed capitation contracts with the state Medicaid program. The capitated Centers initially accepted the risk for inpatient care, with the risk later being extended to also include outpatient services. This study contrasts the financial experiences of the capitated Centers and five noncontracting Centers. While various patterns of financial management are evident in the data, it appears that the decision to contract had, at worst, a neutral effect on overall financial performance. Managed care programs with different designs may have different results.

Capitation Fee↗

Acceptability, feasibility and affordability of infant feeding options for HIV-infected women: a qualitative study in south-west Nigeria.

The objective of this study was to explore the acceptability, feasibility, affordability, safety and sustainability of replacement feeding options for HIV-infected mothers in Ile-Ife, in south-west Nigeria. Six focus group discussions were conducted with a purposive sample of mothers, fathers and grandmothers. The HIV status of all participants was unknown to investigators. All text data were analysed using the Text-based Beta Software program. With regard to the acceptability of replacement feeds, respondents perceived the stigma associated with not breastfeeding to be an important consideration. In this community, breastfeeding is the norm--even though it is not necessarily exclusive. For infected mothers who choose to breastfeed exclusively and then to wean their infants before 6 months of age, respondents did not anticipate early cessation of breastfeeding to be problematic. Respondents noted that acceptable replacement foods included infant formula, soy milk and cow's milk. Barriers to replacement feeding that were mentioned included: the high costs of replacement foods and fuel for cooking; an unreliable supply of electrical power; poor access to safe water; and poor access to storage facilities. The research confirms the difficulty of replacement feeding for HIV-infected mothers in sub-Saharan Africa. The results also provide the basis for new issues and hypothesis for future research in other communities with similar socio-cultural and economic characteristics.

Adult↗

Implementing therapeutic interchange of intravenous famotidine for cimetidine and ranitidine.

The steps taken to implement a therapeutic interchange program for i.v. histamine H2-receptor antagonists and to determine the potential cost savings are described. A literature review conducted by pharmacists at a 273-bed nonteaching community hospital showed that i.v. famotidine was as safe and effective as i.v. cimetidine or ranitidine and that it was feasible to add famotidine to total parenteral nutrition (TPN) solutions. Because of famotidine's cost advantage, it was proposed that i.v. famotidine be used in place of specific dosage regimens of i.v. ranitidine or cimetidine and in TPN solutions ordered for patients receiving concurrent H2-antagonist therapy. The approval of the hospital attorney and hospital gastroenterologists was secured, and a formal proposal was submitted. The pharmacy department distributed a memorandum describing the advantages of famotidine, conducted inservice education sessions, and sought the compliance of physicians by placing reminders on order forms and patient charts and by contacting physicians directly. The program was implemented in May 1989. During the first three months, only one physician insisted that patients receive i.v. ranitidine rather than famotidine. It was projected that the interchange of i.v. famotidine for cimetidine or ranitidine would result in a total savings of $37,565 during the first year due to reductions in the cost of drugs, supplies, and nursing labor. The acceptance of a therapeutic interchange program for H2 antagonists was excellent, and the projected savings are substantial.

Cimetidine↗

Feasibility of management of high-grade cervical lesions in a single visit: a randomized controlled trial.

CONTEXT: The incidence of cervical cancer is higher among low-income and minority women who have never undergone a conventional Papanicolaou test or who do not follow up after testing. Screening has been shown to reduce cervical cancer incidence rates. OBJECTIVES: To determine the feasibility and acceptability of immediately treating women with severely abnormal Papanicolaou test results by using a single-visit cervical cancer screening and treatment program and to compare treatment rates and 12-month follow-up rates with those of women who received usual care. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Randomized controlled trial conducted among 3521 women aged 18 years or older recruited between January 1999 and April 2002 at US community health centers located in predominantly Latino underserved areas. INTERVENTIONS: Women randomized to usual care (n = 1805) were discharged immediately after examination. Women randomized to the single-visit group (n = 1716) remained at the clinic until the results of their conventional Papanicolaou test were available. Large loop electrosurgical excision procedure was performed in single-visit patients with either a diagnosis of a high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HGSIL)/atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance (AGUS) or suspicion of carcinoma. All other patients with abnormal Papanicolaou test results were referred to abnormal cytology clinics or elected to receive follow-up care outside the study's medical system. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Treatment rates for HGSIL/AGUS at 6 months, follow-up rates at 6 months for lower-grade lesions, and 1-year follow-up rates for all patients. RESULTS: The rate of abnormal Papanicolaou test results was 4.1%. One percent of results showed high-grade lesions. In the single-visit group, the mean visit time was 2.8 hours and the mean time for delivery and processing of the Papanicolaou tests was 66 minutes. Six months after randomization, 14 (88%) of 16 single-visit and 10 (53%) of 19 usual care patients with HGSIL/AGUS had completed treatment. Fifty percent in the single-visit program and 53% of usual care with less abnormal Papanicolaou tests completed treatment within 6 months. Overall, 36% in each group presented for a follow-up Papanicolaou test 1 year later. Women in the single-visit group with high-grade lesions (10/16; 63%) were significantly more likely to attend follow-up for Papanicolaou tests 12 months later than women with similar lesions in the usual care group (4/19; 21%). CONCLUSIONS: For cervical cancer screening, the single-visit program was feasible and the degree of acceptability was high in this underserved population. Single visit programs provide an opportunity to increase the rate of immediate treatment and follow-up of women with severely abnormal Papanicolaou test results. This strategy did not improve follow-up rates for women with less-abnormal results. Trial Registration http://ClinicalTrials.govIdentifier: NCT00237562.

Adult↗