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Descriptive Data (descriptive + data)
Selected AbstractsEffects of Family Structure on Children's Use of Ambulatory Visits and Prescription MedicationsHEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH, Issue 5 2006Alex Y. Chen Objective. To examine the effects of family structure, including number of parents, number of other children, and number and type of other adults, on office visits, emergency room visits, and use of prescription medications by children. Data Source. The Household Component of the 1996,2001 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). Study Design. The study consisted of a nationally representative sample of children 0,17 years of age living in single-mother or two-parent families. We used negative binomial regression to model office visits and emergency room visits and logistic regression to model the likelihood of prescription medication use. Our analyses adjusted for demographic and socioeconomic characteristics as well as measures of children's health and parental education and child-rearing experience. Data Collection/Extraction Method. We combined 1996,2001 MEPS Full Year Consolidated Files and Medical Conditions Files. Principal Findings. Descriptive data showed that children in single-mother families had fewer office visits than children in two-parent families; however, the effect of number of parents in the family on children's office visits or use of prescription medications was completely explained by other explanatory variables. By contrast, children living in families with many other children had fewer total and physician office visits and a lower likelihood of using a prescription medication than children living in families with no other children even after adjusting for other explanatory variables. Children who lived with other adults in addition to their parents also had fewer office visits and a lower likelihood of using a prescription medication than children who lived only with their parents. Conclusions. Children living in families with many other children or with other adults use less ambulatory care and prescription medications than their peers. Additional research is needed to determine whether these differences in utilization affect children's health. [source] Implementation of Standardized Nomenclature in the Electronic Medical RecordINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NURSING TERMINOLOGIES AND CLASSIFICATION, Issue 4 2009Joan Klehr RNC MPH PURPOSE., To describe a customized electronic medical record documentation system which provides an electronic health record, Epic, which was implemented in December 2006 using standardized taxonomies for nursing documentation. DATA SOURCES., Descriptive data is provided regarding the development, implementation, and evaluation processes for the electronic medical record system. Nurses used standardized nursing nomenclature including NANDA-I diagnoses, Nursing Interventions Classification, and Nursing Outcomes Classification in a measurable and user-friendly format using the care plan activity. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS., Key factors in the success of the project included close collaboration among staff nurses and information technology staff, ongoing support and encouragement from the vice president/chief nursing officer, the ready availability of expert resources, and nursing ownership of the project. Use of this evidence-based documentation enhanced institutional leadership in clinical documentation. [source] Community pharmacy services to drug misusers in the south west of England: results of the 2003,2004 postal surveyINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE, Issue 4 2006Rachel M Britton research pharmacist Objectives To quantify current levels of methadone dispensing and supervised consumption for the treatment of drug misuse in community pharmacies in the south west of England. To compare 2003,2004 data to estimates made in 1995. Setting All community pharmacies in the strategic health authority areas of Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire; Dorset and Somerset; and South West Peninsula (n = 903). Method A self-completion postal questionnaire was addressed to the ,pharmacist in charge', with up to three reminders. Descriptive data were collected on demography and drug misuse services provided by the pharmacist. Key findings An overall response rate of 78.3% (707/903) was achieved. Of all respondents, 69.2% (n = 489) dispensed methadone for the treatment of drug misuse, and 70.1% of these pharmacies (n = 343) reported providing a supervised methadone consumption service. The total number of clients receiving methadone through pharmacies in the south west was 3427, with a mean number of 7.0 clients per pharmacy; 49.5% of all clients receiving methadone had their daily doses supervised by the pharmacist. The majority of prescriptions issued for methadone (72.9%, n = 2503) were from general practice. Conclusions The majority of pharmacies (69.2%) in south west England dispense methadone and other drugs to drug misusers with just under half of the clients (49.5%) receiving their methadone by supervised consumption. [source] Understanding Predictors of Low Physical Activity in Adults with Intellectual DisabilitiesJOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES, Issue 3 2009Janet Finlayson Background, Lack of regular physical activity is globally one of the most significant risks to health. The main aims of this study were to describe the types and levels of regular physical activity undertaken by adults with intellectual disabilities, and to investigate the factors predicting low activity. Materials and Methods, Interviews were conducted with a community-based sample of adults with intellectual disabilities (n = 433) at two time points. Data hypothesized to be predictive of low levels of activity were collected at time 1. Descriptive data were collected on the frequency and intensity, and actual level of participation in activities at time 2. Results, Only 150 (34.6%) adults with intellectual disabilities undertook any regular activity of at least moderate intensity. This was of shorter duration, compared with the general population. Older age, having immobility, epilepsy, no daytime opportunities, living in congregate care and faecal incontinence were independently predictive of low levels of activity. Conclusions, These results are a step towards informing the development of interventions to promote the health of adults with intellectual disabilities through increased physical activity. [source] Profile of the Australian dietetic workforce: 1991,2005NUTRITION & DIETETICS, Issue 3 2006Leanne BROWN Abstract Objective:, The present study aims to review current available data that describe the dietetics workforce in Australia. Design:, A literature search was conducted using CIHNAL and hand searches. Following this, a review of the current available dietetics workforce data was conducted. Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) membership data were analysed. Subjects and setting:, Sources of workforce data included: the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data, DAA membership database, state health department and national workforce reports, reports by allied health organisations and independent research. Main outcome measures:, Descriptive data profiling the Australian dietetic workforce and employment trends. Statistical analysis:, A descriptive analysis of DAA membership data was undertaken. The DAA membership data were mapped by postcode with the Australian Standard Geographical Classification for remoteness. Counts and proportions were used to summarise and compare available data. Results:, There has been a growth and diversity of the dietetics profession in Australia in recent years, despite a lower proportion of qualified dietitians working as dietitians. The dietetic workforce is relatively young, predominantly female and unevenly distributed across the country. The available data are complex and difficult to interpret. Conclusions:, The present review of currently available dietetic workforce data provides a profile of the dietetics profession in Australia. Further workforce data are required in order to adequately describe the dietetics workforce in Australia and to determine future needs for the profession. National monitoring and systematic workforce data collection are urgently required. [source] The International Quotidian Dialysis Registry: Annual Report 2007HEMODIALYSIS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 3 2007Gihad E. NESRALLAH Abstract In view of the need to study both intermediate and definitive outcomes associated with daily and extended-hours hemodialysis (HD), our group has undertaken the design and implementation of an international registry to collect data describing the treatments and outcomes of patients treated with these regimens. The International Quotidian Dialysis Registry began recruiting patients in June 2004. There are currently 229 patients enrolled in the registry, up from 199 last year. The projected growth is 2000 patients by 2008. This paper constitutes the third annual report of progress of patient and center recruitment, and includes descriptive data drawn from the 3 primary patient groups currently tracked by the registry: home nocturnal, home short-daily, and in-center short-daily HD. As the cohort grows, patients will be compared with control subjects drawn from their respective national registries, and comparative analyses will follow. [source] The International Quotidian Hemodialysis Registry: Rationale and methodsHEMODIALYSIS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 4 2004Gihad E Nesrallah Abstract The HEMO study has provided evidence that a higher dialysis dose per session does not improve survival in conventional three times a week hemodialysis (HD). Attention has therefore shifted to HD schedules that vary in frequency and/or duration of dialysis. Although observational data favoring the use of frequent dialysis are steadily accumulating, compelling evidence supporting its superiority is still lacking. Several advances have recently been made with a view to put this form of therapy on much more solid footing. Upcoming research initiatives including clinical trials of frequent HD and the quotidian HD registry will provide a wealth of analytic and descriptive data that will help define the role for frequent HD regimens as a therapy for end-stage renal disease. [source] An exploratory study of nurses suffering from severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NURSING PRACTICE, Issue 4 2005Esther Mok RN PhD In 2003, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) came to be recognized as a newly emergent form of disease that is highly contagious. The aim of this study was to describe the perceptions of nurses with SARS in Hong Kong, as the perceptions of nurses who have suffered from SARS have not been studied. Ten nurses who had suffered from SARS were interviewed, either face-to-face or by telephone, about their subjective experiences. These interviews provided in-depth, descriptive data, which were analysed using content analysis. Nine broad categories were identified: uncertainty, information control, feelings of anger and guilt, lack of preparation and fear of death, feelings of isolation and loneliness, physical effects, support, change of perspective of life, and change of perspective of nursing. Although the dreaded disease affected the nurses tremendously, both physically and psychologically, it has also had its positive side. As a result of experiencing the illness, the participants came to treasure relationships, health and everyday life more. In caring for patients, they came to see the world more from the perspective of the patients. They found that they need to take the time to reassure patients and families and to seriously listen to all of their concerns. [source] Preference Mapping of Domestic/Imported Jasmine Rice for U.S.-Asian ConsumersJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 6 2002S. Suwansri ABSTRACT: Three domestic and 12 imported commercial Jasmine rice varieties were evaluated by a trained sensory panel and by 105 Asian families who live in the State of Arkansas. Results showed that consumers preferred imported over domestic products. According to consumers, the sensory characteristics most important to the acceptance of cooked Jasmine rice were, in order of decreasing importance, color, favor, aroma, stickiness, and hardness. Using descriptive data, we evaluated predictive models of Jasmine rice's overall acceptance. These models allowed us to identify important sensory characteristics that encouraged Asian consumers to accept Jasmine rice. Such characteristics included flavor (that is, aroma, aromatics, feeling factors, and aftertaste), texture, and visual attributes. Data collected here could be useful to the U.S. rice industry in developing an understanding of the drivers of Jasmine rice acceptance. [source] Gender and parents' reactions to children's emotion during the preschool yearsNEW DIRECTIONS FOR CHILD & ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT, Issue 128 2010Amy Kennedy Root In this chapter, the authors examine the differences between mothers and fathers in the socialization of specific emotions in preschool-aged boys and girls. They argue that mothers and fathers play both distinct and complementary roles in the development of children's emotional competence; these roles are influenced both by parents' own gender, as well as the child's gender and the type of emotion being socialized. Through analyses of descriptive data, it appears that mothers and fathers respond to their children's emotions differently. The authors provide a discussion of the potential underlying reasons and potential implications for distinct emotion socialization by mothers and fathers. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Use of Commercial Sex Workers Among Hispanic Migrants In North Carolina: Implications for the Spread of HIVPERSPECTIVES ON SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH, Issue 4 2004Emilio A. Parrado CONTEXT: Rates of HIV and AIDS have risen among U.S. Hispanics and in migrant-sending regions of Mexico and Central America, pointing to a link between migration and HIV. However, little is known about male migrants' sexual risk behaviors, such as the use of commercial sex workers. METHODS: The prevalence and frequency of commercial sex worker use was examined among 442 randomly selected Hispanic migrants in Durham, North Carolina. Logistic and Poisson regression techniques were used to model predictors of commercial sex worker use, and descriptive data on condom use with commercial sex workers were examined. RESULTS: Twenty-eight percent of respondents reported using the services of a commercial sex worker during the previous year; rates reached 46% among single men and 40% among married men living apart from their wives. Men with spouses in Durham were less likely than other men to use commercial sex workers (odds ratio, 0.1). Among men who used commercial sex workers, the frequency of visits declined with greater education (incidence rate ratio, 0.9) and increased with hourly wage (1.1). Frequency and use declined with years of residence, although the results were of borderline significance. Reported rates of condom use with commercial sex workers were high, but were likely to fall if familiarity with a commercial sex worker increased. CONCLUSIONS: Commercial sex workers represent an important potential source of HIV infection. Educational and behavioral interventions that take into account social context and target the most vulnerable migrants are needed to help migrants and their partners avoid HIV infection. [source] Patterns in nursing home medication errors: disproportionality analysis as a novel method to identify quality improvement opportunitiesPHARMACOEPIDEMIOLOGY AND DRUG SAFETY, Issue 10 2010Richard A. Hansen Abstract Purpose To explore the use of disproportionality analysis of medication error data as a novel method to identify relationships that might not be obvious through traditional analyses. This approach can supplement descriptive data and target quality improvement efforts. Methods Data came from the Medication Error Quality Initiative (MEQI) individual event reporting system. Participants were North Carolina nursing homes who submitted incident reports to the Web-based MEQI data repository during the 2006 and 2007 reporting years. Data from 206 nursing homes were summarized descriptively and then disproportionality analysis was applied. Associations between medication type and possible causes at the state level were explored. A single nursing home was selected to illustrate how the method might inform quality improvement at the facility level. Disproportionality analysis of drug errors in this home was compared with benchmarking. Results Statewide, 59 drug-cause pairs met the disproportionality signal and 11 occurred in 10 or more reports. Among these, warfarin was co-reported with communication errors; esomeprazole, risperidone, and nitrofurantoin were disproportionately associated with transcription error; and oxycodone and morphine were disproportionately reported with name confusion. Facility-level analyses illustrate how descriptive frequencies and disproportionality analysis are complementary, but also identify different safety targets. Conclusions Exploratory analysis tools can help identify medication error types that occur at disproportionate rates. Candidate associations might be used to target patient safety work, although further evaluation is needed to determine the value of this information. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Dimensions of quality of life and psychosocial variables most salient to colorectal cancer patientsPSYCHO-ONCOLOGY, Issue 1 2006Jeff Dunn Abstract Colorectal cancer is one of the most common invasive cancers, and is responsible for considerable physical and psychosocial morbidity. Understanding the quality of life experienced by colorectal cancer patients is essential for evaluating the full impact of the disease on individuals, their families and their communities. Patient perspective is essential in establishing a proper understanding of the quality of life of colorectal cancer patients. Despite this, few studies have employed a qualitative methodology to explore quality of life issues for colorectal cancer patients. A review of the literature identified only seven qualitative studies pertaining to quality of life issues for colorectal cancer patients, a surprising finding given the prevalence of this cancer. Accordingly, this study sought to build on the findings of previous qualitative research by providing descriptive data on the quality of life and psychosocial variables most salient to colorectal cancer patients. Six core themes emerged from interview and focus group data: Satisfaction with diagnosis and treatment; support (including information provision); quality of life; benefits of diagnosis; making sense of the cancer experience; and coping strategies. The information derived from this study will help inform the development of supportive care services to address the needs of the increasing number of people diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Step-by-step: A model for practice-based learningTHE JOURNAL OF CONTINUING EDUCATION IN THE HEALTH PROFESSIONS, Issue 4 2007FRCPC, Gabrielle M. Kane MB Abstract Introduction: Innovative technology has led to high-precision radiation therapy that has dramatically altered the practice of radiation oncology. This qualitative study explored the implementation of this innovation into practice from the perspective of the practitioners in a large academic radiation medicine program and aimed to improve understanding of and facilitate the educational process of this change. Methods: Multiprofession staff participated in a series of seven focus groups and nine in-depth interviews, and the descriptive data from the transcripts were analyzed using grounded theory methodology. Results: Practitioners believed that there had been a major effect on many aspects of their practice. The team structure supported the adoption of change. The technology changed the way the practices worked. Learning new skills increased workload and stress but led to a new conception of the discipline and the generation of new practice-based knowledge. When the concepts were examined longitudinally, a four-step process of learning was identified. In step 1, there was anxiety as staff acquired the skills to use the technology. Step 2 involved learning to interpret new findings and images, experiencing uncertainty until new perspectives developed. Step 3 involved questioning assumptions and critical reflection, which resulted in new understanding. The final step 4 identified a process of constructing new knowledge through research, development, and dialogue within the profession. Discussion: These findings expand our understanding of how practice-based learning occurs in the context of change and can guide learning activities appropriate to each stage. [source] A Profile of the Non-Executive Directors of Australia's Largest CompaniesAUSTRALIAN ACCOUNTING REVIEW, Issue 1 2009Dr Corinne Cortese This paper presents a profile of the non-executive directors of Australia's largest public companies. Using descriptive data, it assesses the extent to which these companies adhere to the requirements set down in the Australian Stock Exchange's ,Principles of Good Corporate Governance'. In particular, board structure and composition is evaluated, and levels of remuneration and independence among non-executive directors are assessed. The paper concludes with a discussion of perceived versus actual independence of non-executive directors and the benefits of having non-executive directors present on company boards. [source] Mortality variation across Australia: descriptive data for States and Territories, and statistical divisionsAUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, Issue 3 2000David Wilkinson ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To describe variation in all cause and selected cause,specific mortality rates across Australia. METHODS: Mortality and population data for 1997 were obtained from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. All cause and selected cause,specific mortality rates were calculated and directly standardised to the 1997 Australian population in 5,year age groups. Selected major causes of death included cancer, coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, diabetes, accidents and suicide. Rates are reported by statistical division, and State and Territory. RESULTS: All cause age,standardised mortality was 6.98 per 1000 in 1997 and this varied 2,fold from a low in the statistical division of Pilbara, Western Australia (5.78, 95% confidence interval 5.06,6.56), to a high in Northern Territory,excluding Darwin (11.30, 10.67,11.98). Similar mortality variation (all p<0.0001) exists for cancer (1.01,2.23 per 1000) and coronary artery disease (0.99,2.23 per 1000), the two biggest killers. Larger variation (all p<0.0001) exists for cerebrovascular disease (0.7,11.8 per 10,000), diabetes (0.7,6.9 per 10,000), accidents (1.7,7.2 per 10,000) and suicide (0.6,3.8 per 10,000). Less marked variation was observed when analysed by State and Territory, but Northern Territory consistently has the highest age,standardised mortality rates. CONCLUSIONS: Analysed by statistical division, substantial mortality gradients exist across Australia, suggesting an inequitable distribution of the determinants of health. Further research is required to better understand this heterogeneity. [source] Happy and healthy only if occupied?AUSTRALIAN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY JOURNAL, Issue 1 2010Perceptions of health sciences students on occupation in later life Background/aim:,In this study, we bring attention to the university education of health science students with respect to occupation in later life. Our goal was to provide descriptive data from narratives of a group of undergraduate students and initiate discussion about the place of occupation in the context of ageing to answer the following questions: (i) How young people perceive successful ageing in relation to occupation? and (ii) can spirituality-related activities be considered occupations in later life? Methods:,Based on a thematic selection, the quality of photographs and reflective narratives, 60 Photovoice assignments created by health sciences students were analysed using content analysis. Results:,The findings of this study indicate that students seem to neglect the benefits of ,being' through spiritual engagement, and instead emphasise the importance of ,doing', and perpetuate pervasive successful ageing discourses in Western societies. Conclusions:,Occupational therapists have potential to take an active role in undergraduate health science education and to inform the development of holistic models that would include spirituality as an avenue to live late life to its fullest potential. Photovoice emerged as a powerful teaching method to increase awareness, empathy and compassion of young adults towards ageing. [source] Benefits and challenges of supervising occupational therapy fieldwork students: Supervisors' perspectivesAUSTRALIAN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY JOURNAL, Issue 2007Yvonne Thomas Background/aim:,Increased enrolments in occupational therapy education programs, together with changes in the employment patterns of practising occupational therapists, have resulted in a crisis in fieldwork education in Australia. This study aimed to investigate fieldwork supervisors' perspectives regarding the benefits and challenges of providing fieldwork placements, explore the potential link between providing student placements and later workforce recruitment, and document currently employed models of fieldwork supervision. Methods:,Participants included past, present and potential future fieldwork supervisors, sourced from fieldwork coordinators' databases at The University of Queensland and James Cook University. Using an online, purpose-designed questionnaire, descriptive data (frequencies and percentages) were gathered from forced-choice questions. For open-ended questions, content analysis was conducted to identify categories and themes. Results:,One hundred and thirty-two surveys were completed. Benefits of fieldwork placements related to opportunities for later recruitment of fieldwork students, students conducting projects and developing resources, a sense of contributing to the occupational therapy profession, and the development of employee skills. Challenges related to staffing issues, lack of physical resources and prohibitive workload pressures. Multiple models of supervision were employed in supervisors' workplaces, and almost all participants responsible for workplace employment had employed fieldwork students they had previously supervised. Conclusions:The results demonstrate a strong link between supervision and later recruitment of fieldwork students, suggesting that supervision of students is of considerable advantage to the host organisations in the recruitment of appropriately prepared employees. The study also demonstrates additional benefits to be promoted to supervisors and organisations to encourage and support fieldwork placements. [source] In situ hypothermic liver preservation during radical liver resection with major vascular reconstructionBRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY (NOW INCLUDES EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY), Issue 12 2009D. DuBay Background: The in situ hypothermic liver preservation technique may allow a more aggressive approach to tumours of the caval confluence and/or all three hepatic veins, which would otherwise be deemed irresectable. Methods: All descriptive data regarding patient demographics, operative characteristics, perioperative complications and outcomes of nine patients in whom this technique was used were collected prospectively. Results: Seven patients underwent liver trisegmentectomy and two had primary retrohepatic venal caval resection. Total hepatic vascular occlusion with in situ hypothermic liver preservation was used for venous reconstruction in all patients. The vena cava was reconstructed with prosthetic graft in seven patients. All main hepatic veins were reconstructed in the seven liver resections. In situ hypothermic liver preservation was well tolerated as evidenced by preserved hepatic synthetic function early after operation. One patient died 66 days after surgery. There were two recurrences after a median follow-up of 14 (range 2,33) months; local recurrence was identified in one patient after 4 months and distant metastasis in another after 8 months. Conclusion: The in situ hypothermic liver preservation technique appears to be a useful adjunct to radical hepatobiliary tumour excision procedures that require total hepatic vascular exclusion and major vascular reconstruction. Copyright © 2009 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Short-term outcome after active perinatal management at 23,25 weeks of gestation.ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 7 2004A study from two Swedish tertiary care centres. Aims: To provide descriptive data on women who delivered at 23,25 wk of gestation, and to relate foetal and neonatal outcomes to maternal factors, obstetric management and the principal reasons for preterm birth. Methods: Medical records of all women who had delivered in two tertiary care centres in 1992,1998 were reviewed. At the two centres, policies of active perinatal and neonatal management were universally applied. Logistic regression models were used to identify prenatal factors associated with survival. Results: Of 197 women who delivered at 23,25 wk, 65% had experienced a previous miscarriage, 15% a previous stillbirth and 12% a neonatal death. The current pregnancy was the result of artificial reproduction in 13% of the women. In 71%, the pregnancy was complicated either by preeclampsia, chorioamnionitis, placental abruption or premature rupture of membranes. Antenatal steroids were given in 63%. Delivery was by caesarean section in 47%. The reasons for preterm birth were idiopathic preterm labour in 36%, premature rupture of membranes in 41% and physician-indicated deliveries in 23% of the mothers. Demographic details, use of antenatal steroids, caesarean section delivery and birthweight differed between mothers depending on the reason for preterm delivery. Of 224 infants, 5% were stillbirths and 63% survived to discharge. On multivariate logistic regression analysis comprising prenatally known variables, reasons for preterm birth were not associated with survival. Advanced gestational duration (OR: 2.43 per wk; 95% CI: 1.59,3.74), administration of any antenatal steroids (OR: 2.21; 95% CI: 1.14,4.28) and intrauterine referral from a peripheral hospital (OR: 2.93; 95% CI: 1.5,5.73) were associated with survival. Conclusions: Women who deliver at 23,25 wk comprise a risk group characterized by a high risk of reproductive failure and pregnancy complications. Survival rates were similar regardless of the reason for preterm birth. Policies of active perinatal management virtually eliminated intrapartum stillbirths. [source] | |||||||||||||