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Trends in computer hardware and software.

Previously identified and current trends in the development of computer systems and in the use of computers for health care applications are reviewed. Trends identified in a 1982 article were increasing miniaturization and archival ability, increasing software costs, increasing software independence, user empowerment through new software technologies, shorter computer-system life cycles, and more rapid development and support of pharmaceutical services. Most of these trends continue today. Current trends in hardware and software include the increasing use of reduced instruction-set computing, migration to the UNIX operating system, the development of large software libraries, microprocessor-based smart terminals that allow remote validation of data, speech synthesis and recognition, application generators, fourth-generation languages, computer-aided software engineering, object-oriented technologies, and artificial intelligence. Current trends specific to pharmacy and hospitals are the withdrawal of vendors of hospital information systems from the pharmacy market, improved linkage of information systems within hospitals, and increased regulation by government. The computer industry and its products continue to undergo dynamic change. Software development continues to lag behind hardware, and its high cost is offsetting the savings provided by hardware.

Clinical Pharmacy Information Systems↗

Preserving confidentiality when sharing medical database with the Cellsecu system.

We propose a computer system called Cellsecu that maintains the anonymity and the confidentiality of each cell containing sensitive information in medical database. Cellsecu attains this by automatically removing, generalizing, and expanding information. It is designed to enhance data privacy protection so a data warehouse can automatically handle queries. In most cases, health organizations collect medical data with explicit identifiers, such as name, address and phone number. Simply removing all explicit identifiers prior to release of the data is not enough to preserve the data confidentiality. Remaining data can be used to re-identify individuals by linking or matching the data to other database, or by looking at unique characteristics found in the database. A formal model based on Modal logic is the theoretical foundation of Cellsecu. As well, a new confidentiality criteria called "non-uniqueness" is defined and implemented. We believe modeling this problem formally can clarify the issue as well as clearly identify the boundary of current technology. Base on our preliminary performance evaluation, the confidentiality check module and the confidentiality enhancing module only slightly degrade system performance.

Computer Security↗

[Precision of computer-assisted systems in profile reconstructive interventions on the face].

In this investigation we compared the precision of different computer-aided systems for positioning osteotomized segments to reconstruct craniofacial asymmetries. The accuracy of a mechanical navigation system, a laser-guided navigation system and the precision of templates moulded on stereolithographic models are compared, using measurements on geometrical objects, anatomical specimens and clinical application. The precision of a mechanical navigation system is 0.5 mm, and a laser-guided system 0.3 mm. The accuracy of a computer and template guided application is 1 mm.

Data Collection↗

Accuracy of serum gentamicin concentration predictions generated by a personal-computer software system.

Predictions of serum gentamicin concentration and half-life, using a personal-computer software system (SIMKIN [simulated kinetics]), were compared for accuracy as increasing amounts of patient-specific data were supplied to the computer. Data for a two-year period were collected for patients of a hospital's pharmacokinetic consultation service; the study group included adults who had at least one serum concentration for which time of last gentamicin dose was recorded. Input variables were age, weight, height, sex, serum creatinine concentration, concomitant drugs and diseases, gentamicin dosage, time of infusion, dosing interval, number of doses on each regimen, and time and reported value of all serum gentamicin concentrations. Individualized dosing regimens were calculated on the basis of literature estimates, and half-life and serum concentrations were then estimated for these regimens and compared with actual values. One or two measured serum concentrations were then added to the input data. The computer-estimated half-lives (obtained from single-point or two-point analysis in different dosage intervals) were compared with the half-lives determined from actual serum concentration data. Gentamicin serum concentrations were similarly compared. The computer's ability to predict subsequent serum concentrations improved in sequence for literature-averaged prediction and single-point and multipoint analysis. Accuracy of predicting whether peak concentrations were therapeutic or subtherapeutic and whether trough concentrations were toxic also improved as more patient-specific data were input. SIMKIN appropriately evaluated demographic and laboratory data and adequately predicted gentamicin half-lives and serum concentrations.

Adolescent↗

Constancy, uniformity and symmetry of living systems: the computational functions of morphological invariance.

Living systems, whether organs or entire organisms, display various forms of morphological invariance. Why? These phenomena are studied here from the Proto-Cognitive perspective, according to which evolution proceeds by processing information about the environment. The evolution of constancy, uniformity and symmetry is studied in detail. The study later focuses on the invariances of the plant's leaves and it is proposed that these invariances play a crucial role in the plant's development of individual form. Experiments are proposed to test these hypotheses. Morphological invariance is further examined in the light of thermodynamics and information theory. New thermodynamic restrictions are imposed on the processes of measurement and information recording. Uniformity and symmetry are shown to meet these restrictions.

Animals↗

Multi personal computer storage system: solution of sea capacity PACS storage.

OBJECTIVE: According to the characteristics of digital medicine and the demands of digitalized management in hospitals, we established a storage system that is affordable, highly expandable, and reliable. METHODS: The multi personal computer storage system (MPCSS) was constructed using hardware and software. The image data were archived from major servers to storage personal computers (PCs) by using Neusoft-picture archiving and communication system (PACS) and backed up on storage PCs. We simulated data loss on storage PCs and then restored the data. We also expanded the storage system to enlarge its capacity. RESULTS: The average transfer rate from MPCSS was 27.7 MB/s, and the average cost for this system was yen 74/GB. In the testing stage, only 6 of 187 instances of data retrieval (from 100 patients) failed. CONCLUSION: The MPCSS is much less expensive than other high capacity systems or devices. It is feasible and suitable for digital image storage.

Computer Storage Devices↗

Automatic EEG interpretation: a new computer-assisted system for the automatic integrative interpretation of awake background EEG.

A new computer-assisted system for automatic interpretation of the awake electroencephalogram (EEG) was developed. First, all the items necessary for EEG interpretation were determined in accordance with the procedure that a qualified electroencephalographer (EEGer) goes through for the visual inspection of the background EEG activity, and then each item was defined quantitatively. For the automatic interpretation, specific EEG parameters were determined for each item so that they could fit the graded judgement of the item by the qualified EEGer as closely as possible. These specific EEG parameters were actually calculated from periodograms obtained from the time series of EEG records of 14 patients with various neurological diseases. The automatic EEG interpretation system thus established was applied to the EEG data of these 14 subjects and to 3 additional EEGs, and the results were compared with those obtained through the visual interpretation by the EEGer. This automatic EEG interpretation was found to be in good agreement with the visual interpretation by the EEGer in most EEG records. In contrast with the previous automatic analyses of EEG which were focussed on certain aspects of EEG such as the dominant rhythm, the present system is unique in its capability of providing an integrative interpretation of the spontaneous awake EEG by taking into account all its features except for paroxysmal abnormalities.

Adult↗

A comprehensive radiotherapy planning system implemented in Fortran on a small interactive computer.

A suite of Fortran programs for carrying out the various dose computational aspects of radiotherapy has been developed on an enhanced RAD8 computing system. The hardward configuration of the computer is described and the main features of the programs in the suite are discussed. The include: (a) beam data input systems for use with linear accelerators and cobalt units; (b) static and rotational teletherapy planning, with computer optimization in the static planning; (c) irregular field calculations with isodose visualization; (d) interstitial calculations including routines which will reconstruct a radium needle implant in three dimensions in addition to presenting the isodose distribution in any desired plane. The problems of implementing the programs on another computer system are discussed.

Computers↗

An interactive computer-animated system (SpiroGame) facilitates spirometry in preschool children.

Although airway disease in preschool children is common, standard spirometry is limited by the level of cooperation. We evaluated a computer-animated system (SpiroGame) aimed at improving children's performance in spirometry. SpiroGame includes a commercial pneumotachograph (ZAN100; ZAN Messgeraete GmbH, Oberthulba, Germany) and games teaching tidal breathing and all steps of an FVC maneuver. SpiroGame was compared with commercial flow-targeted candle-blowing software (MasterLab, Jaeger, Germany), and with extrapolated predicted values. Of 112 children aged 3 to 6 yr, 10 refused spirometry and 102 proceeded to FVC games and were randomized to initially perform either SpiroGame or candle-blowing. Training lasted 5 to 10 min for SpiroGame and 3 to 7 min for candle-blowing. Acceptable spirometry was performed by 69 of 102 children with SpiroGame and 48 of 102 with candle-blowing (p = 0.005). Order did not affect success. Acceptable FEV(1) maneuvers were achieved by 55 children with SpiroGame and two children with candle-blowing. The intrasubject coefficient of variation was 4.0% for FVC and 3.3% for FEV(1) with SpiroGame. A premature expiratory break occurred in 41 subjects with candle-blowing and in six with SpiroGame. FEV(0.5) could be measured with both systems. FVC and maximal midexpiratory flow at 50% of FVC (MMEF(50)) values were similar, whereas peak expiratory flow was higher with candle-blowing. In 39 healthy children, most parameters with SpiroGame were similar to extrapolated normal values. We conclude that an interactive computer-animated system facilitates successful spirometry in preschool children.

Child↗

A comparison of two computer access systems for functional text entry.

OBJECTIVE: Functional written communication, an important goal in the rehabilitation of persons with tetraplegia, frequently is met through the use of personal computers and alternative computer access systems. To make informed decisions about alternative access systems, the therapist needs information on the efficacy of the available choices. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of two commercially available systems for text entry, the traditional mouthstick and the Prentke Romich HeadMaster. METHOD: Participants were a 25-year-old man and 76-year-old woman who both functioned at a C5 neurological level. Neither participant had previous experience with either system for text entry. A single-subject research design was used whereby Participant 1 experienced six phases of treatment (i.e., CBCBCB, where C = mouthstick and B = HeadMaster), and Participant 2 experienced four phases of treatment (i.e., BCBC). RESULTS: Participant 1 achieved a maximum rate of text entry of 5.85 wpm with both the HeadMaster and the mouthstick, whereas Participant 2 achieved a maximum rate of 7.15 wpm with the mouthstick and 4.85 wpm with the HeadMaster. Results from this study were similar to the results from previous comparison studies of persons with severe disabilities who had no experience with alternative computer access systems. CONCLUSION: Both participants were able to use both systems successfully; however, their respective rates of text entry were too slow to be functional in most employment situations.

Adult↗

Evaluating medical information systems: ethnomethodological and interactionist approaches.

This paper examines how qualitative research can contribute to the evaluation of medical information systems. Most qualitative studies of the use of medical computer systems adopt either an interactionist or, less commonly, an ethnomethodological perspective. The paper compares and contrasts the two approaches through the detailed discussion of two case studies, one rooted in each tradition. It identifies the implications of using these different analytical approaches and assesses their strengths and weaknessess. The paper argues that the preference for interactionism has led qualitative researchers to overlook important aspects of the social processess which surround the use of computer systems and that, consequently, a shift in emphasis towards ethnomethodological research is necessary. Nonetheless, it concludes by asserting that both strands of qualitative research can illuminate the organizational impact of medical computer systems.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

Film density calibration for computed radiography systems: is the standard three-point procedure accurate?

With computed radiography (CR) systems, laser printer-film processor combinations are normally checked daily by using test film three-point density measurements. In this study, the authors show that the recommended three-point quality assurance procedure can show satisfactory results even though the CR film output behaves in an anomalous manner. This problem can be corrected by using a 16-point calibration procedure. Regular 16-point calibrations should be performed to ensure satisfactory CR system performance.

Calibration↗

A computer information system in a suicide prevention centre.

The process of planning and implementing a computer information system in a suicide attempt counselling service is described. The discussion highlights the importance of: involving line workers at all stages, clearly defining the uses the data will be put to, and establishing a forum for periodic reviews of the system. The hardware and software options we elected to choose are also described.

British Columbia↗

Meta-analysis of the effect of the use of computer-based systems on the metabolic control of patients with diabetes mellitus.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate, through a meta-analysis study, whether the use of computer-based systems reported in the literature improves the metabolic control of diabetic patients. On the retrieved papers, a set of meta-analysis studies were performed: first the difference of HbA1c between cases and controls at follow-up was evaluated (sign test); then the difference between cases and controls in the total variation of HbA1c from the beginning to the end of the trial was considered (method of effect sizes). The latter methodology was reapplied also on three more homogeneous article subgroups. The sign test was performed on 16 papers: in two of them, the HbA1c level was higher in the intervention group than in the control group at follow-up: it is unlikely that this is a random occurrence (p < 0.01). The method of effect sizes was first applied to 13 papers, as in the others some needed data were missing: the results obtained showed a statistically significant amelioration of metabolic control in the intervention group in comparison to the control group (p < 0.01). A progressive reinforcement of this outcome was obtained on the trial subgroups. Our study supports the hypothesis that the use of computer-based systems can be an effective means of improving metabolic control. The differential benefit obtained in the amelioration of HbA1c does not justify, by itself, the applicability of such systems into clinical practice; additional investigations should be carried out to evaluate the enhancement of other clinical and organizational indicators.

Algorithms↗

Decision support systems. Using computers to help manage.

Nurse executives often are encouraged to work smarter, not harder. Decision support systems offer methods for refining the decision-making process. The authors review the types of decisions that managers make and the ways that decision support systems can help nurse executives work smarter.

Computer Systems↗

Development of dento-maxillofacial cone beam X-ray computed tomography system.

We have developed a cone beam X-ray computed tomography (CT) system to make more accurate three-dimensional (3-D) images for diagnosis of dento-maxillofacial region. The developed system has sufficient spatial resolution, resolution of 3-D images and image distortion for diagnosis of dentomaxillofacial region.

Humans↗