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Jan 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-5526.jmid-24-4893
J. Johnson RalphCorresponding author
This evidence-based brief commentary discusses the potential of EPIC ® medicalrecords software to help or hinder in advancing High Reliability in healthcare—namely, the intent to attain repeatable, increasingly high levels of quality and safety over time. Four of EPIC’s key aspects relevant to High Reliability are examined: Standardized (High Quality) Information / Data Collection, Technological Somnambulism, Enhanced Patient Safety, and Reminders / “Hardstops.” A conclusion is drawn that EPIC, if used correctly, has vast potential to advance High Reliability high-quality and safety, specifically in medical treatment and regarding healthcare organization practice in general. However, it has hidden costs that are more than money; if unfettered, those costs can hinder its usefulness and even render it counterproductive. EPIC only works well in terms of Maximum High Reliability in healthcare as long as users and leaders remain mindful, prudent, and balanced in its use.
Dec 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2381-862X.jwrh-25-5447
J. Factoriza OliviaCorresponding author
Objective This study aimed to explore the respondents’ reproductive health profiles, examining the physiological and psychosocial perimenopausal symptoms affecting productivity, and identifying occupational needs. It also determined the relationship between menopausal symptoms and the productivity and occupational needs of peri-menopausal women. Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional design was used, surveying 50 women over 40 years old with a validated four-point Likert scale instrument. The instrument undergone content validation, reliability test, and ethical approval. Survey was administered personally and online using purposive sampling. Statistical treatments included weighted mean, F-test, T-test, Pearson r correlation, and ranking. Key results The majority of participants had their first menstruation between 11 to 15 years old and experienced regular menstrual cycles. Most had one child, with an equal number of cesarean and normal deliveries, and reported no pregnancy complications. The study found that participants seldom experienced physiological and psychosocial menopausal symptoms. They agreed on the occupational needs during the perimenopausal period. It was found that physiological symptoms were influenced by factors such as early menarche, cesarean delivery, and pregnancy complications. Additionally, psychosocial symptoms varied based on menstrual status, the number of children, and pregnancy complications, with those experiencing earlier menstruation or complications reporting more intense symptoms. The study revealed a significant relationship between both physiological and psychosocial perimenopausal symptoms, which negatively impacted productivity and increased occupational needs. Women with higher menopausal symptoms expressed a greater need for workplace policies that support perimenopausal women, highlighting the need for tailored workplace interventions for this demographic. Future Direction The study recommends including pap smears and mammograms in annual exams for peri-menopausal women, offering awareness seminars on managing perimenopausal symptoms to reduce workplace disruptions, and suggests future research exploring additional variables affecting perimenopausal women’s health and productivity
Oct 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-22-4313
Niyonkuru MathieuCorresponding author
Public Health Department, Mount Kenya University Rwanda
Data quality is defined as a measure of data status that fulfills the following elements: accuracy, completeness, consistency, reliability, and if the data is current. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that only 40% of all countries have an adequate system to collect information on birth and deaths. Even though the system is there, vital registration systems are inaccurate and incomplete in developing countries. In Rwanda, maternal health related data was over-reported more than other indicators. These are the main reasons for conducting the study to investigate the data quality of four maternal and newborn health indicators reported by Rwandan Western Province health centers. This concurrent-mixed method study included 61 data managers and 12 key informants. Routine data quality assessment tool and structured interview guide were used to collect data. Descriptive statistics were used to get proportion of respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics. The analysis was done for assessing median of data quality index. The results show that 55.7% of data managers were male while 58.3% of responsible of maternity were female. Majority (58.9%) of participants was in age’s category from 33-42, 61.6% have A1 education level and 53.4% have experience less than five years. Data quality index of one out of four (25%) MNH indicators was found below 95% accepted by WHO. The main reasons for insufiscient quality of data are lack of data validation meetings (57.5%) and incompleteness of reporting tools (36.4%). Monthly data validation meetings chaired by HC leaders are important to contribute to high-quality data in healthcare settings. Supportive supervisions done in data quality and management have to be organized in a supportive, and educative way.
Aug 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2644-1101.jhp-20-3655
Kayani SumairaCorresponding author
Ph.D. Zhejiang University China
The present study examined the effects emotional intelligence on self-Efficacy of tertiary education students. Two scales Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Scale 44 and Schwarzer & Jerusalem Self Efficacy Scale 47 were used. The pilot study was conducted to assess the reliability of the instrument and main study was conducted to assess the results on sample of the study. A sample of 50 students (25 males, 25 females) were taken from universities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Both questionnaire were administered to the sample. The psychometric properties of pilot study were found satisfactory. In second phase main study was conducted which considered of sample of 200 university students (100 males and 100 females). The psychometric properties of main study were also satisfactory. Scores were analysed using SPSS software. Results of demographic variables such as age, birth order, mother education, father education and number of siblings are positively correlated with both scales and sub scales. The results were significant at (p<0.05) of mean differences with gender, education and family system. This survey consists of three hypotheses, which were accepted.
Dec 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-20-3613
Lawson HenryCorresponding author
Empathy has been described as a multi-dimensional construct with cognitive and emotional components, both of which are concerned about responsivity to others. It has been touted as a skill essential for medical practice and thus useful to all healthcare professionals. It has been assessed in several countries and among several healthcare cadres however, there is a yawning gap in Ghana about its level in medical students. This study utilised a cross-sectional design to assess empathy using the Multi-Dimensional Emotional Empathy Scale in medical students of the University in Ghana. The scale has an alpha reliability of 0.88. One hundred and eleven students, aged 24 years ±1.5 years completed the study. Overall, there were more males than females. The mean empathy score for the cohort was 101SD 13 and this was adjudged to be low. There was no statistical difference between age, gender and clinical year and empathy in this cohort. The authors recommend that empathy, especially its cognitive aspects, should be taught in medical school curriculum of the University of Ghana Medical School, Accra.
Dec 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-19-3094
Zaichick VladimirCorresponding author
Radionuclide Diagnostics Department, Medical Radiological Research Centre, Obninsk, 249036, Russia.
Prostate specific antigen (PSA) does not provide the high reliability and precision that is required for an accurate screening for prostate cancer (PCa). The aim of our study was to search for a simple, rapid, direct, preferably non-invasive, and highly accurate biomarker and procedure for the screening for PCa. For this purpose the levels of bromine (Br) and zinc (Zn) were prospectively evaluated in expressed prostatic fluid (EPF). Also Zn/Br concentration ratio was calculated for EPF samples, obtained from 38 apparently healthy males and from 33, 51, and 24 patients with chronic prostatitis (CP), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and PCa, respectively. Measurements were performed using an application of energy dispersive X-ray fluorescent (EDXRF) microanalysis developed by us. It was found that in the EPF of cancerous prostates the levels of Zn and Zn/Br were significantly lower in comparison with those in the EPF of normal, inflamed, and hyperplastic prostates. It was shown that “Sensitivity”, “Specificity” and “Accuracy” of PCa identification using the Zn and Zn/Br levels in the EPF samples were all significantly higher than those resulting from of PSA tests in blood serum. It was concluded that the Zn and Zn/Br levels in EPF, obtained by EDXRF, is a fast, reliable, and non-invasive diagnostic tool that can be successfully used by local, non-urologist physicians at the point-of-care to provide a highly effective PCa screening and as an additional confirmatory test before a prostate gland biopsy.
Apr 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-19-2732
Haroun Mohamed Adam AbubakerCorresponding author
Department of Crop Science, College of Agriculture, University of Bahri.
The objectives of this study were to assess the Quality of Agricultural Graduates, employers’ perceptions of the employability and skills. A descriptive, analytical statistics, multistage random sampling method was adopted. Where two types of questionnaires were distributed to the Graduates and institutions associated with Sustainable agriculture (SA). The collected data was analyzed by Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results revealed some respondents began higher education in Arabic (66.7%), while others in English (33.3%). The respondents faced with difficulties in understanding the courses due to teaching methods (36.7%), language (33.3%), and curriculum (30%). The result indicated some respondents (56.7%) do not have back ground about (SA). The respondents in the Ministries of Agriculture assessed the Graduates in regard to agricultural skills, and confidence to perform duties as fair (10%), and good (23.3%), but, for reliability, managerial skills, tactic and ability to participate in forums as fair (6.7%). Good (27.7%), fair (3.3%), and good (30%) respectively. Assessment of the Graduates at Research Centers, were assessed in relation to Research methodology, statistical analysis, and writing scientific papers as good (40 %,).While for Software skills as excellent (100%), and for Agricultural Technology Transfer as very good (80%). While; the respondents from Faculties of Agriculture, assessed the Graduated for practical skills, teaching ability, skills of writing scientific papers, participation in workshops and seminars as good (93.3%), very good (6.7%), fair (6.7) and very good (33.3%), respectively. The Graduates’ quality is below the expectations. Based on the above findings, the study recommends the review of the whole educational system, Faculties of Agriculture to include the concepts of sustainable agriculture in their curriculum and give high consideration to practical part. In the same context, further study is recommended including the whole Country.
Mar 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-6694.jbbs-19-2625
T Tan SweeCorresponding author
Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand
Chalkley counting has been regarded as a relatively reliable method of quantifying tumor angiogenesis. In this study we investigated the reliability of Chalkley counting in quantifying tumor angiogenesis in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) using CD34; and tumor vasculogenesis using angiotensin converting enzyme, angiotensin II receptor 1 and angiotensin II receptor 2, in 32 OTSCC samples. Chalkley counting was performed by two independent observers. The averages of three ‘hot spot’ counts were compared with known prognostic factors. All four markers showed no correlation with any of the prognostic factors. When comparing the results from the two independent observers, the only marker shown to have a significant moderate correlation was CD34. The other three markers showed no significant correlation. The lack of statistical significance between the independent observers, and known prognostic factors with the four markers used, shows that Chalkley counting is not a reliable prognostic tool in OTSCC.
Nov 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-3585.jpmc-18-2345
Habibeh AhmadipourCorresponding author
Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
Background: lifestyle modification is known as the cornerstone for prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. To promote individual’s lifestyle, the first step is to measure their lifestyle by a valid and reliable tool. The aim of present study was to evaluate psychometric properties of the Persian version of Healthy Lifestyle and Personal Control Questionnaire (HLPCQ). Method: A crosssectional study carried out on 300 medical students in Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Data collected using a questionnaire contained demographic data and Persian version of HLPCQ. The reliability of the questionnaire determined using Cronbach’s alpha and intra class correlation coefficient (ICC). The construct validity of the questionnaire evaluated by exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 19 and Lisrel 8.8. Results: Internal consistency of HLPCQ was 0.78 using Cronbach’s alpha and 0.80 by ICC. In confirmatory factor analysis, the scale had acceptable goodness of fit indices. Conclusions: The Persian version of HLPCQ had excellent psychometric properties and can be used in in primary health care settings.
Oct 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2766-6204.jmpt-18-2332
shahmohammadi NayerehCorresponding author
Academic staff of organization for educational research and planning.
Introduction: In an educational organization, because of its important function in human resources development and training in the community, respecting the values, spirituality, leadership, and management strengthening, based on spirituality and good citizenship behavior and commitment have greater importance. Aim: This study examined the relation between spiritual intelligence with organizational citizenship behavior and organizational commitment of secondary school teachers. Methods: The research method was correlational and its population included all teachers in education districts 2 and 5 in 2015 from which 358 teachers were selected by using Cochran formula and simple random sampling method as a sample. To collect data, three questionnaire: the King Spiritual Intelligence questionnaire (2007) and Padasakof et al. citizenship behavior questionnaire (2000) and organizational commitment questionnaire of Meyer (2001)were used .The reliability of the tools obtained by Cronbakh Formula 0/85,0/84, 0/7 respectively. For statistical analysis, the descriptive statistics (average, percentage, Standard deviation) and inferential statistical tests (Kolmogorov - Smirnov test, Pearson correlation coefficient test and stepwise regression analysis) were used. Conclusion: The results showed that none of the components of citizenship behavior has a significant relation with a critical thought component of spiritual intelligence. Regarding the personal meaning making component of spiritual intelligence, only the components of sportsmanship and social customs have a significant relation, and other components have no significant association. All components of citizenship behavior are significantly associated with a transcendental consciousness component of spiritual intelligence and have no significant relation with self-awareness extends component. None of the organizational commitment components have a significant relation to the critical thinking component and high awareness of spiritual intelligence and only the emotional commitment of the organizational commitment component have a significant relation with the personal meaning making of spiritual intelligence, as well as with the expansion of consciousness component.
Jul 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2831-8846.j3dpa-18-2207
Dehghanghadikolaei AmirCorresponding author
Oregon State University, USA
Additive manufacturing (AM) is reshaping fabrication in engineering and clinical settings. This editorial highlights metal AM routes—SLS, SLM, DMLS, and EBM—and their application to patient-specific NiTi implants, where biocompatibility and shape-memory behavior are compelling. We note the current gaps that matter in practice: process parameter tuning, post-processing (heat treatment, coating, machining/finishing), and their effects on mechanical performance and corrosion. We invite contributions that quantify these trade-offs and expand AM beyond metals into polymers and ceramics, with clear comparisons across processes and materials. Our goal is to surface actionable findings that improve part quality, reliability, and clinical/industrial readiness.
Jan 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-5020.jnrt-16-1415
W. Schrock JonCorresponding author
Associate Professor, Emergency Medicine Case Western Reserve University
Objectives: Computed tomography angiography (CTA) provides early assessment of cerebral vasculature in ED patients presenting with Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS). Prior studies using 4 row detector CT scanners have suggested that results may be used to determine who receives thrombolytics (tPA). We sought to evaluate the rate of normal CTA and the use of tPA in AIS patients with and without blockages using modern CT technology. Patients and Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all code stroke patients presenting to our ED over a 3 year period. Inclusion criteria included an ED and neurology diagnosis of AIS with a CTA performed at presentation. All patients had a NIHSS score recorded at presentation and underwent imaging using a 64 row detector scanner with 50cc of non-ionic contrast. Demographic, imaging, and clinical data were collected. Modified Rankin Scores (mRS) were assigned at hospital discharge. Good clinical outcome was defined as a mRS of 0-2. Data are reported as frequencies and medians with interquartile ranges (IQR) as appropriate. Rates of tPA use were evaluated using χ2 testing. Rates of good outcomes were evaluated using odds ratios. Results: A total of 205 subjects met inclusion for analysis of which 103 (50%) were male and 109 (54%) had no blockage on CTA. The median NIHSS score and mortality rates were 14 (IQR 8-19), 14 (14%) with CTA blockage, and 4 (IQR 2-7), 2 (2%) for those without. Of those AIS with a blockage on CTA 46 (48%) were treated with tPA including 29 who were treated with intra-arterial therapy as well while only 13 (13%) of patients without a blockage were treated with tPA. Post tPA bleeding occurred in 12 (13%) patients with blockage on CTA and in 0 patients without blockage. Use of tPA was significantly more frequent in patients with a blockage on CTA, P <0.001. Conclusion: More than half of our AIS patients presenting through our ED have no blockage on CTA. Inter-rater reliability among neuroradiologists evaluating for large vessel occlusion appears to be very good. Patients with AIS and no blockage on CTA have less severe strokes and are less likely to receive tPA. Given the new guidelines recommending endovascular treatment for AIS we expect more emergency departments to begin performing CTA.
Sep 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2473-1005.jdoi-16-1196
Singh Nayyar AbhishekCorresponding author
Reader, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Saraswati-Dhanwantari Dental College and Hospital and Post-Graduate Research Institute, Parbhani, Maharashtra, India
Background and Context: Autologous bone grafts require a second surgical exposure to harvest the graft with a significant risk of post-operative complications and donor site morbidity. Employment of allografts potentially eliminates donor site morbidity but carries the potential of causing foreign body immune reactions with a high rate of rejection and failures. Hence, Alloplasts have emerged as novel materials to overcome the drawbacks of autogenous and allogenous bone grafts. Today’s advanced dentistry is enterprising a putty form of calcium phosphosilicate (CPS) into several aspects of reconstructive domain of dentistry including the sinus augmentation procedures, osseous regeneration of periodontal bone defects, cystic cavity defects and alveolar socket preservation. This eccentric multifaceted study was planned as an honest effort on the path of proving the efficiency of CPS as an alloplastic bioactive graft material and aimed at quantitative evaluation of regenerated bone radiographically using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scans following sinus augmentation procedures. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 sinus augmentations were carried-out in 17 patients satisfying the criteria (inclusion and exclusion) requiring placement of implants in atrophic maxilla and in other situations of anatomic constraints. The graft material used was calcium phosphosilicate (CPS) putty (Nova bone dental putty, Novabone products, Alachua, Fla). The residual bone height was recorded using CBCT scans and a computer based software where the measurements were made from the crest of the ridge till the sinus floor lining. The patients were assessed clinically at immediate post-operative, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months follow-up recalls post-operatively. Radiographic assessment for bone height was done pre-operatively and at 6 months follow-up recall post-operatively using Cone Beam Computer Tomography scans. Results: The post-treatment bone height (11.76+0.97mm) was found to be significantly higher than the pre-treatment bone height (6.8 +0.70mm) in indirect sinus augmentation procedures (t=14.4, p<0.005). In case of direct sinus augmentation group also, the post-treatment bone height (11.27 +0.71mm) came-out to be significantly higher than the pre-treatment bone height (2.44 +0.81mm) (t=32.17, p<0.005). The post-treatment bone grafted sinus floor measurements (1107.6 + 155.6mm) were also found to be significantly higher than the original sinus floor measurements of bone density (Grayscale values) (412+ 65.5mm) (t=16.6, p<0.001) in case of indirect sinus augmentation procedures. Similarly, the post-treatment bone grafted sinus floor measurements (1169.6+136.7mm) were found to be significantly higher than the original sinus floor measurements of bone density (Grayscale values) (416.4+ 0.70mm) (t=17.9, p<0.001) in case of direct sinus augmentation group. Conclusion: Calcium Phosphosilicate (CPS) was accepted well at the recipient sites without any complications demonstrating its efficiency and reliability in sinus augmentation procedures.
Jul 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-3585.jpmc-16-1112
V. Seeman MaryCorresponding author
Professor Emerita, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 260 Heath St. W., Suite 605, Toronto, Ontario, M5P 3L6, Canada.
Background: Mental health promotion depends to a large extent on the gathering of accurate baseline opinion data from a targeted population. Aim: The aim of this paper is to explore the potential applications of a new method of measuring true attitudes toward mental illness, and of monitoring and evaluating subsequent public health interventions. Method: This paper reviews the strengths and limitations of a novel survey method, RIWI, its early findings, and its potential applications in the field of mental health promotion. Comparisons are made to other commonly used survey methods through entering pertinent search terms into the Google Scholar™ database. Findings: The RIWI online survey method has several advantages over earlier survey methods: it is random, quick, anonymous, and reaches very large samples. Questionnaires are easily translatable and can be repeated, with excellent test-retest reliability. Anonymity reduces social desirability bias. The limitations are: a) variable completion rate, which carries the upside of allowing regional comparisons, and b) the reality that the respondent pool reflects regional Internet usage, often biased toward young literate males. Conclusions: A survey method that is able to quickly and repeatedly sample large numbers of random individuals is an important advance for health promotion in that interventions can be timely and their efficacy can be rapidly evaluated.
Feb 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-15-896
Zaichick VladimirCorresponding author
Radionuclide Diagnostics Department, Medical Radiological Research Centre, Obninsk 249036, Russia.
Objectives: Adenocarcinoma of prostate is an internationally important health problem of the man, particularly in developed countries. The aim of this exploratory study was to evaluate whether significantchanges in the prostatic tissue levels of calcium (Ca), potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg) as an androgen dependent chemical element, and bromine (Br), manganese (Mn), and sodium (Na), as androgen independent elements, exist in the malignantly transformed prostate. Methodology: Prostatic tissue levels of Br, Ca, K, Mg, Mn, and Na contents were prospectively evaluated in 10 patients with adenocarcinoma and 37 healthy male inhabitants. Measurements were performed using non-destructive instrumental neutron activation analysis with high resolution spectrometry of short-lived radionuclides. Tissue samples were divided into two portions. One was used for morphological study while the other was intended for chemical element analysis. The reliability of difference in the results between normal and cancerous prostate tissues was evaluated by Student’s t-test. Key Results: Mean values ± standard error of means (M±SΕΜ) for mass fraction (mg/kg on dry mass basis) of chemical element in the normal tissue were:Br32.9±3.6, Ca 2280±178, K 11211±414, Mg 1118±76, Mn 1.24±0.07, and Na 11100±408, respectively. The contents of Br and Mn were significantly higher (approximately 4 and 6 times, respectively) while those of Ca and Mg (nearly 3 times) and K and Na (20% and 30%, respectively) were significantly lower in cancerous tissues than in normal tissues. Major Conclusions: In adenocarcinoma transformed prostate tissue the chemical element metabolism is significantly disturbed.
Aug 2015 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-15-666
Zaichick VladimirCorresponding author
Radionuclide Diagnostics Department, Medical Radiological Research Centre, Obninsk 249036, Russia
Objectives: To clarify the role of trace elements in the etiology and the pathogenesis of the chondrosarcoma, a non-destructive neutron activation analysis with high resolution spectrometry of long-lived radionuclides were performed. Methodology: The silver (Ag), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), mercury (Hg), rubidium (Rb), antimony (Sb), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn)mass fractions and Co/Zn, Cr/Zn, Fe/Zn, Hg/Zn, Sb/Zn, Co/Rb, Cr/Rb, Fe/Rb, Hg/Rb, Sb/Rb, and Se/Rb mass fraction ratios were estimated in normal bone samples from 27 patients with intact bone (12 females and 15 males, aged from 16 to 49 years), who had died from various non bone related causes, mainly unexpected from trauma, and in tumor samples, obtained from open biopsies or after operation of 16 patients with chondrosarcoma ((3 females and 13 males, 8 to 65 years old). The reliability of difference in the results between intact bone and chondrosarcoma tissues was evaluated by Student’s t-test. Key Results: In the chondrosarcoma tissue the mass fractions of Co, Fe, and Se are significantly higher while the mass fraction of Rb is lower than in normal bone tissues. Moreover, significantly higher Co/Zn, Fe/Zn, Co/Rb, Cr/Rb, Fe/Rb, Sb/Rb, and Se/Rb mass fraction ratios are typical of the chondrosarcoma tissue compared to intact bone. In the chondrosarcoma tissue many correlations between trace elements found in the control group was no longer evident. Major Conclusions: In chondrosarcoma transformed bone tissues the trace element homeostasis is significantly disturbed.