bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lower Extremity Dysmetria, Scoliosis, Low Back Pain and Spondylolysis
Authors: Manganiello A.
Published: February 2025

Diagnostic imaging shows that lower extremity dysmetria can cause scoliosis, low back pain and spondylolysis. Curves which are initially of mild-degree, non-structural and mobile, may subsequently, according to the load distribution, diminish, remain stationary or progress and become structural. The scoliosis is the fixing of a scoliotic attitude. Furthermore, in dysmetric adults the asymmetric overload at the lumbosacral level causes premature degenerative disease of the disc-somatic and the interapophyseal joints of the penultimate and/or ultimate vertebral tripod, as well as of the sacroiliac joints, which is capable of producing low back pain. Finally, in dysmetric subjects a correlation between asymmetric overload at the lumbosacral level and spondylolysis of L4 and L5 was observed.
Torsion in Lower Limb Bones of Patients with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Authors: Moulton A.  , Burwell R.G.  , Cole A.A.  , Kirby A.S.  , Pratt R.K.  , Szypryt E.P.
Published: February 2025

This paper reports the application of real-time ultrasound methods to measure femoral anteversion (FAV) and tibial torsion (TT) in 72 young subjects with the patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS, 41 bilateral, 12 right, 19 left). In the affected limbs compared with control limbs there is an excess of FAVs and/or TTs of × 4.5. In the unaffected limbs the excess is × 4.3 and the torsional pattern of the affected/unaffected limbs is not statistically different. In the tibiae there is asymmetry due to larger right tibial torsion and the right tibial torsion is significantly greater than that of controls. In the femora there is no detectable asymmetry of FAVs and the FAVs in right and left legs are not significantly different from controls. In basic terms, the tibial torsion abnormality (mainly adolescent girls), may be a subclinical expression of neuromuscular imbalance fundamental to the pathogenesis of PFPS with subsequent changes in immature tibiae and structures of the knee causing pain.
Assessment of Geometric Torsion on 3D Mathematical Curve Identifying a Scoliotic Spine Shape: A Reliable Mathematical Modeling and Filtering
Authors: D'Amico M.  , Roncoletta P.
Published: February 2025

Some authors underlined in literature the description of idiopathic scoliosis as “a generalised torsion phenomenon”. From a mathematical point of view geometric torsion of a curve in the space is defined as the parameter describing the rate of divergence of the curve from being planar. The spine of a “normal” subject should lie on his sagittal plane, implying a zero torsion value at each point. Conversely a scoliotic spine can present torsion values different from zero and peaks at the inflection points. Various studies have shown that the assessment of the geometric torsion in real cases is an “ill posed and ill-conditioned” mathematical problem, due to measurement errors. The aim of this paper is to present a reliable mathematical modelling and filtering procedure in order to determine the geometric torsion of a 3D curve. Results of both synthetic and real world data are presented to show the technique peculiarity.
Sitting Posture vs. Standing Posture: A Biomechanical Comparison
Authors: D'Amico M.
Published: February 2025

The chronic degenerative disorders of the rachis represent a growing topic in medical and social fields. In fact the problem of back-pain involves an ever increasing percentage of population, and various epidemiological studies show how spread is the phenomenon in the industrial countries. In this context a main role is played by the sitting posture. In fact it is well known that, in industrialised countries, people spend during their life course the majority of their time in everyday activity by being seated either at school or at work or at home etc.. It is evident how important is to define and to study the characteristics of the “correct sitting posture”. The aim of this study is to perform a statistical biomechanical analysis on a sample population of both the standing and the sitting posture (with standard and special chair: the VARIABLE balans®model designed by STOKKE) by using the AUSCAN System and a new statistical approach.
Videoscreening of the Spine: An Easy to Use, Computer Aided Method for Posture Control and Spine Analysis
Authors: Holzer P.  , Fleiß O.  , Fleiß H.  , Ritter G.
Published: February 2025

Videoscreening of the Spine is a 2-dimensional method to analyze various posture problems - not only in static but also in dynamic. This method is intended to be easy to use, not expensive, and therefore suitable especially for screening in schools but as well for screening of patients with back problems. The spine is marked with reflectiv markers above the spinal processes, then the movement of the spine is filmed at various positions and movements. By means of videodigitizing selected frames are transfered to the computer. Along with each frame, a context table shows associated postureparameters for the selected position. These parameters are then rated by the therapist. An automatic search for the markers, a measure ruler and additional tools help to display and qualify the posture parameters. More than a third of over 4000 children examinated with this method show posture problems.
The Treatment of Idiopathic Scoliosis by Colorado Technique
Authors: Parisini P.  , Greggi T.  , Casadei R.  , Martini A.  , Kon E.  , Perozzi M.
Published: February 2025

We are reporting on the results obtained in the treatment of idiopahic scoliosis using the Colorado instrumentation. The Authors have reviewed both clinical and radiographic evidence of 66 cases, affected by spine deformities and operated on from 1994 to 1995 using the Colorado implant. Deformities have been divided into two groups, scoliosis and kyphosis: in this study we are concentrating only on 33 patients (32 females and 1 male - 27 teenagers and 6 adults) affected with idiopathic scoliosis. The Colorado device has proved to be easy to apply and to give satisfactory results in the treatment of highly demanding deformities, such as adult scoliosis.
Torsion in Lower Limb Bones of Children Screened for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS)
Authors: Burwell R.G.  , Kirby A.S.  , Cole A.A.  , Webb J.K.  , Moulton A.  , Cavdar S.
Published: February 2025

This paper reports a real-time ultrasound study of femoral anteversion (FAV) and tibial torsion (TT) in 78 subjects referred to hospital after school screening for scoliosis. Comparison with a control population of children matched for age and sex the shows no FAV asymmetry, but the left FAV of boys is significantly less than the left FAV of girls. In boys and girls combined, FAV asymmetry is weakly associated with Cobb angle (but not AVR) in each of thoracic curves (not sidewise) and thoracolumbar curves (sidewise). In girls alone, FAV asymmetry is associated with Cobb angle of thoracolumbar and lumbar curves combined (p=0.013, sidewise). In contrast, TT asymmetry is found in both boys and girls but is not significantly different from controls. The findings are discussed in relation to the neural control of proximal and distal limb musculature and spinal musculature in health and in AIS subjects.
A Volumetric Approach to Virtual Simulation of Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Wiet Gregory J.  , Yagel Roni  , Stredney Don  , Schmalbrock Petra  , Sessanna Dennis J.  , Kurzion Yair  , Rosenberg Louis  , Levin Michael  , Martin Kenneth
Published: February 2025

Advanced display technologies have made the virtual exploration of relatively complex models feasible in many applications. Unfortunately, only a few human interfaces allow natural interaction with the environment. Moreover, in surgical applications, such realistic interaction requires real-time rendering of volumetric data - placing an overwhelming performance burden on the system. We report on a collaboration of an interdisciplinary group developing a virtual reality system that provides intuitive interaction with volume data by employing real-time volume rendering and force feedback (haptic) sensations. We describe our rendering methods and the haptic devices and explain its utility of this system in the real-world application of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (ESS) simulation.
Deformable Models and the Analysis of Medical Images
Authors: Terzopoulos Demetri  , McInerney Tim
Published: February 2025

Deformable models are a popular and vigorously researched model-based approach to computerassisted medical image analysis. The widely recognized efficacy of deformable models stem from their ability to segment, match and track imagesof anatomic structures by exploiting (bottom-up) constraints derived from the image data together with (top-down) a priori knowledge about the location, size and shape of structures of interest. Deformable models are capable of accomodating the often significant variability of biological structures over time and across different individuals. Furthermore, they support highly intuitive interaction mechanisms that allow medical scientists and practitioners to bring their expertise to bear on the model-based image interpretation task as necessary. In this paper we will review deformable models and present some recent developments in the methodology, including topologically adaptable deformable models, an approach that permits segmentation and reconstruction of topologically complex anatomical structures.
The Use of a Robotic Device for Gait Training and Rehabilitation
Authors: Siddiqi Najam  , Gazzani Fabio  , Des Jardins John  , Chao E.Y.S.
Published: February 2025

This study was aimed at investigating normal subjects walking with support using a robotic device (REHABOT®®can be considered as a gait training device for patients with weight-bearing difficulties. This apparatus may also be used as an exercise machine for certain patients who cannot walk un-assisted.
Scanning Acoustic Microscopy of Human and Canine Cortical Bone Microstructure at High Frequencies
Authors: Katz J. Lawrence  , Meunier Alain
Published: February 2025

An Olympus UH3 Scanning Acoustic Microscope (Tokyo, Japan) has been used in the burst mode at 400 and 600 MHz to study the elastic properties of osteons and osteonic lamellae in both canine and human compact cortical bone. The nominal resolution at each frequency is within the width of an individual lamella. Three important new observations have been made regarding the acoustic properties of individual lamellae. Firstly, the acoustic impedance, as measured by shade of gray levels, of the outer most lamellae of adjacent osteons interdigitate (blend) although the structures, as determined by backscatter scanning electron microscopy, are seen to be quite separate. Secondly, in almost every osteon observed in this study, the shade of gray level for individual lamellae appear to alternate-dark, light etc. - translating to alternating compliant, stiff lamellar units respectively. Thirdly, the outermost lamella of each osteon appears to be the most compliant (darkest gray level). A preliminary SAM study of sheep femoral trabecular bone has shown the some alternation of lamellar gray levels as observed in osteonic lamellae.
Teaching Informatics to Nurses: Report on an Interactive Course Combining Formal Lectures and Hands-on Practice
Authors: Assimacopoulos André
Published: February 2025

A basic training in informatics for nurses has been organized to prepare nurses as active partners in designing and planning computer application in various sectors of the hospital. It is proposed to focus teaching on basic concepts serving as building blocs of modern informatics: operator and operands, object oriented thinking and programming, distinction between data and information, etc. Some basic skills such as windows and mouse usage, file manipulation, text processing and graphic editors needed also to be taught. Practical application of these ideas has been used in a teaching for nurses that eventually resulted in the design and implementation of a prototype computer based nursing record.
Cognitive Styles as an Issue in Designing Multimedia Courseware (with Special Reference to Nursing Informatics)
Authors: Jacobs Gabriel
Published: February 2025

Which parts of a given curriculum are best suited to which type of computer-assisted learning? Some of the issues related to this apparently elementary but in reality very complicated question – indeed, one to which no researcher has yet been able to give a definitive answer – are explored in this paper in relation to individual cognitive styles (learning preferences). The advantages and disadvantages of discovery-based as against guided-tutorial courseware are analysed both in general terms and with respect to nursing education in particular.
Developing Curricula in Nursing Informatics
Authors: Hovenga Evelyn J.S.
Published: February 2025

This paper provides a topic analysis, describes the characteristics of a curriculum, target groups, competencies, modes of delivery, use of educational technology and steps for curriculum development.
Experiences in Implementing Nursing Informatics Curricula in Educational Institutions and in Clinical Practice
Authors: Saba Virginia K.
Published: February 2025

An overview of Nursing Informatics curricula in educational institutions and clinical nursing practice facilities is presented. The educational strategies vary depending on the educational method used to teach Nursing Informatics. With the emerging technologies namely the information superhighway, Internet, the educational strategies are changing. The new technologies offer new methods of teaching Nursing Informatics not only in educational institutions, but also from the educational institutions via telecommunication networks to distant multiple clinical practice settings.
Issues of Transition - Traditional to Web-based
Authors: Roberts Jean
Published: February 2025

This paper discusses the key factors which must be addressed when considering a decision to disseminate training materials to a wider audience than first planned. There are many dimensions which may need considering in such a development :
Methods of Introducing Nursing Informatics to Nursing Students
Authors: Kolbaek Raymond
Published: February 2025

In the Article is argued for, that the teacher makes his/her mind clear on which definitions and values of Informatics and Nursing Informatics he/she is relying on, before he/she chooses methods of introducing Nursing Informatics to Nursing Students. It has great influence on which methods to choose, and which outcome to expect, whether the teacher consider Nursing Informatics is about data - information and knowledge or he/she consider Nursing Informatics is about data - information - knowledge and wisdom.
ITHACA - Telematics for Integrated Client Centred Care
Authors: Karounou Vasiliki  , Boydell Leslie
Published: February 2025

ITHACA is a project supported by the healthcare telematics programme of the European Commission’s Fourth Framework Programme. The user organisations involved in ITHACA shared a philosophy of community based care that focuses on the client and development of the multi-disciplinary care team, involving a range of professionals delivering care to clients in their own homes or community facilities. The focus of ITHACA system is to support client case management which includes client assessment, care planning, delivery and evaluation of care outcomes. System analysis and design process identified that practices and procedures in health and social care are very similar throughout the diverse sites represented in ITHACA and they are represented in a generic model that describes the great majority of local health and social care requirements. The ITHACA demonstrator will consist of a client/patient centred community care information system, which is distributed across a number of community care centres within a given region and covers the homes of selected clients.
Seamless Care in the Health Region of Crete: the Star$^{\openstar}$ Case Study
Authors: Blazadonakis Michalis  , Moustakis Vassilis S.  , Charissis Giorgos
Published: February 2025

Seamless collaboration and medical information exchange among health care experts is an open question on existing health care systems. The patient record is usually scattered all over the health care network making access to crucial medical information troublesome. The Star$^{\openstar}$ (Seamless Telematics Across Regions) project provides a set of solutions towards this direction which will soon be applied at Crete. Initially two health care structures will be involved in the process but later on and after tests have been completed successfully in real world applications, results will be defused over the whole health care region of Crete.
Security of the Electronic Health Record
Authors: Roger France Francis H.
Published: February 2025

The Electronic Health Record (EHR) raises new challenges for security. Only authorized persons having a “right to know” can have access to identifiable patient data. Differences between the paper record and the EHR are first described. Several solutions in order to assure confidentiality, integrity and accessibility to patient information are then proposed.
A formal, mathematics oriented method for identifying security risks in information systems
Authors: van Piggelen Henk U.
Published: February 2025

IT security presently lacks the benefits of physics where certain unifying grand principles can be applied. The aim of the method is to provide a technology independent method of identifying components of a system in general, and of information systems in particular. The need for the proposed method is derived from ad hoc character of theories used in the present formal security textbooks. None of these can give the user any guarantee of completeness. The new method is scientifically derived as a method, presented, explained and applied to several interesting topics in the field of health care information systems. Some simple mathematical formulae can be introduced.
A hypermedia radiological reporting system
Authors: De Simone Mariano  , Drudi Francesco M.  , Lalle Cecilia  , Poggi Raffaella
Published: February 2025

Report is the main phase of a diagnostic process by images. The product ofthe process is the diagnostic report. We are proposing an hypermediastructure of diagnostic report in radiology, in order to facilitateexchange between radiologist and clinician (specialist in internal medicine or surgeon) on a clinical case, without anymore charge on the side of the radiologist but with an ‘off-line’consultation. An hypermedia radiological report software will produce further advantages in many aspects: radiologistand clinician could access patient’s data directly from DB on patients;radiologist could check DB on exemplary cases real-time; clinician couldread preliminary and final reports available in network and make requests online. The proposed hyper-reportsystem is modular. Starting from the ‘report text’ writing, edited by theradiologist on the basis of most significative images, it is possible toinsert comments in text, drawing and ‘external’ images form.
Application of a Fuzzy Model of Making a Decision to Choose a Medicine in the Case of Symptoms Prevailing after the Treatment
Authors: Rakus-Andersson Elisabeth  , Gerstenkorn Tadeusz
Published: February 2025

Fuzzy set theory has introduced many auxiliary methods into medical problems.One of the attemps was the fixing of the optimal level of the drug action in the case when clinical symptoms retreat completely after the treatment [1,5]. In many morbid processes, however, there occurs problem of symptoms prevailing to some extent after the course of the medication process improving too high or too low indices of the measurable symptom. Different medicines applied have many a time an effect on the same symptoms and it is sometimes difficult to choose uniquely that theraputic remedy which brings the best results in the treatment of all the symptoms typical of the given diagnosis. A fuzzy model of decision making is to make it easier to choose a drug which acts optimally in the case of symptoms not retreating to the full after the treatment.
An Ontology-based Framework for Guideline-driven Medical Practice
Authors: Quaglini S.  , Dazzi L.  , Saracco R.  , Stefanelli M.  , Locatelli F.
Published: February 2025

This paper describes a general framework for clinical practice guidelines development, dissemination and use. We propose an ontological description of the medical knowledge and of the organizational context, in order to produce clinical guidelines which, on one hand, can be widely shared between different institutions and, on the other, can be efficiently tailored to consider the peculiarities of each clinical context.
Integration of a Knowledge-based System and a Clinical Documentation System via a Data Dictionary
Authors: Eich H.-P.  , Ohmann C.  , Keim E.  , Lang K.
Published: February 2025

This paper describes the design and realisation of a knowledgebased system and a clinical documentation system linked via a data dictionary. The software was developed as a shell with object oriented methods and C++ for IBM-compatible PC's and WINDOWS 3.1 / 95. The data dictionary covers terminology and document objects with relations to external classifications. It controls the terminology in the documentation program with form-based entry of clinical documents and in the knowledgebased system with scores and rules. The software was applied to the clinical field of acute abdominal pain by implementing a data dictionary with 580 terminology objects, 501 document objects, and 2136 links; a documentation module with 8 clinical documents and a knowledge based system with 10 scores and 7 sets of rules.
Diagnostic Systems for Assessing Alveolar Bone Loss
Authors: Ivanuša Teodora  , Babiċ Ankicka  , Petelin Milan
Published: February 2025

Radiological diagnostics serves as a basic monitoring technique for alveroal bone loss which is a severe consequence of periodontal disease. To evaluate efficacy of Conventional Visual Radiography (CVR), and to assess a complete clinical status, we had used two more diagnostic systems. These are Digital Subtraction Radiography (DSR) and Probing Pocket Depth (PPD).
3D Computer-Aided Reconstruction of the Morphology of Teeth with Malformations
Authors: Kleoniki Lyroudia  , Georgios Mikrogeorgis  , Nikos Nikopoulos  , Ioannis Pitas  , Georgios Samakovitis  , Maria Karanika
Published: February 2025

Malformations of the teeth is a restraining reason for endodontic therapies because of the difficulties they appear during such procedures. These difficulties refer to the knowledge of their internal morphology. The purpose of this study was the 3D reconstruction of two types of malformations of the teeth named “double” teeth and “odontomas”. Two “double” teeth and two “odontomas” were studied. All the teeth structures were embedded in polyester resin and from each specimen serial cross sections were taken by using a special microtome. The serial cross sections were photographed under a stereoscopic microscope and digitized. The contours of the external and internal surface of the sections were taken and semiautomatic alignment was achieved. 3D surface representation was used in this project to reconstruct the inner and outer surface of the structures. The results showed in detail the internal structure of the teeth under investigation. The fact that we are able to view and study these teeth from different view points is one of the main advantages of the established method as one could have an idea of the internal structure of these teeth in the space, which is very useful for a clinician. In conclusion, the 3D reconstructing method is a useful tool for the external and internal study of the structure of the teeth with dental anomalies.
A New Automated Method for Three-Dimensional Registration of MR Images of the Head
Authors: Kotsas P  , Strintzis M  , Piraino David W.
Published: February 2025

A new technique for three-dimensional image registration was developed and tested using T1 and T2 weighted Magnetic Resonance image studies of the head. The method uses the fuzzy c-means classification algorithm for outlining the surface contours and then minimizes iteratively the mean squared value of the voxel per voxel weighted ratio of the two trilinearly interpolated cubic voxel volumes. A total of 200 two-dimensional and 240 three-dimensional registration experiments were performed and showed that the method is signal intensity independent, it has registration accuracy better than 1 degree for rotations and 1 voxel for translations and it is not affected by the deterioration in the imaging resolution for voxel sizes up to 1.8 mms.
Coronary Artery Skeleton Detection Based on Topographic Features
Authors: Haris K.  , Efstratiadis S.N.  , Maglaveras N.  , Gourassas J.  , Pappas C.  , Louridas G.
Published: February 2025

A new approach to the problem of detecting the skeletons of coronary arteries in coronary angiograms is proposed. The digitized grayscale coronary angiograms are regarded as noisy sampling of the underlying continuous surface. After the application of Gaussian filtering to reduce noise, the topographic features of the smoothed image are detected based on first and second order image derivatives. Then, the candidate arteries skeleton points are detected based on the observation that arteries are smooth elongated objects having approximately a Gaussian smoothed semi-elliptical profile. Experimental results on real digitized coronary angiograms are presented.
ECG Recognition by Boolean Decision Rules
Authors: Valev Ventzeslav  , Radeva Petia
Published: February 2025

The classical pattern recognition problem is considered. A model of construction of Boolean decision rules is implemented. Computational procedures for construction of non-reducible descriptors is briefly discussed. Applications of Boolean decision rules to ECG analysis and ECG recognition are suggested
Decision support and data analysis tools for risk assessment in primary preventive study of atherosclerosis
Authors: Zvárová Jana  , Tomečková Marie  , Štefek Martin  , Boudík František  , Zvára Karel
Published: February 2025

In the paper we show results of two programs applied for data analysis and decision support in primary preventive study of atherosclerosis. First program E.T. (Epidemiology Tools) can be used for analysis of data from retrospective (case-control) studies, prospective (cohort) studies and for standardization. Second program called CORE (COnstitution and REduction) supports the process of selection of features that are relevant for given decision making task. Program CORE is using information theory approach. Both these programs were applied to analysis of data about 1417 middle age men collected in the longitudinal study on atherosclerosis in urban population. Apart from these two new programs we have analyzed data also by the STATISTICA software.
Prognostic factors: Classification approaches in patients with lung cancer
Authors: Stanisavljević D.  , Jovanović D.  , Marinković J.  , Milosavljević M.
Published: February 2025

With the proliferation of potential prognostic factors for lung cancer, it is becoming increasingly more difficult to integrate the information provided by these factors into a single accurate prediction of clinical outcome. Here we reviewed five classification methods for their capabilities in classification of 200 patients with lung cancer into distinct prognostic groups using survival outcome as a criteria. The source of patient data for this study is a Lung Tumour Registry from Institute for Lung Diseases, University Clinical Hospital, Belgrade. Almost all developed classification algorithms determined prognostic groups according to biochemical tumour markers LDH and alkaline phosphatase, producing most significant split, instead of commonly used staging variables. The choice of which approach to use for a given classification problem depends not only on statistical properties of method, but also on medical considerations, such as whether more differential findings are given greater weight and the applicability of a classification rule.
Assessment of IT-Based Solutions in Healthcare: Trends in Today's Practice and Justification of Tomorrow's Approach
Authors: Brender Jytte
Published: February 2025

State-of-the-Art with respect to assessment of IT-based solutions in Healthcare is discussed with a user-oriented perspective on system development and assessment. Based on this and other basic conditions reported in the literature, requirements for a methodology for user-driven, formative assessment during the entire life-cycle of the IT-based system are synthesised.
User Evaluation of a Graphical User Interface for Biomedical Literature Search
Authors: Wiesman F.
Published: February 2025

This paper gives a short overview of the Archimedes Network System, an information retrieval system that allows the user to browse, in a visual way, through domain knowledge about the topics discussed in the documents. The system was evaluated by medical students who used the system to find documents in Medline. The results were comparable with the results of WinSpirs, a Boolean retrieval system.
A New Approach for Assessment of IT Programs in Health Care
Authors: Farcaş Dan D.  , Cristea Cecilia  , Ripanu Aneta  , Oprişan Mircea
Published: February 2025

The efficiency of health care programs, on the level of a community, results not only from reducing hospitalization or drugs costs but also from the number of days of health and life gained. This gain can be estimated in monetary terms if we accept that, at least partially, the Gross Domestic Product results from the human activity, In the Center for Health Information and Statistics, Ministry of Health Bucharest, Romania, a methodology based on these premises was developed and non-officially used in assessment of several health programs. In this paper, the core of this methodology, as well as some applications arc shown.
Evaluation of Quality Control Methods for Medical Documentation
Authors: Stausberg Jürgen
Published: February 2025

A retrospective study about the impact of different quality control methods for medical documentation was performed at the Surgical Center II in Essen. The standardized medical documentation was legislative obliged since the first of 1996 and includes diagnoses and surgical procedures. The patient data were taken from the computer-based patient record of the Surgical Center II which is in routine use since 1989. Quality improvement was aimed at with lectures, training, a quality circle, and systematic approaches like feedback and reminder between 1995 and 1996. The results demonstrate that information and training of physicians is significantly less important for the quality of documentation than a departmental and central control. It is advisable to take this results into account introducing new documentation entities and procedures and to provide functionalities for a periodical control soon.
Visual Health Information Profile (VHIP): A Quantitive Approach for Analysing the Health Status of a Population
Authors: Beyrer K.  , Brauer G.W.  , Fliedner T.M.  , Greiner C.  , Reischl U.
Published: February 2025

A new approach for illustrating and analysing the health status of a given population is presented. The concept takes the multi-dimensional nature of health into account. It is based on a clearly out-lined indicator hierarchy, a decile reference system and a computerised information system. The instrument displays the health status of a population and allows comparisons to be made of various health aspects for a given population at different times and allows comparisons to be made of different populations during given time periods. It is possible to represent quantitative and qualitative aspects of health, to monitor the impact of interventions, and to assess the extent to which objectives in the health field have been achieved. Therefore, it can serve as an instrument for communication between policy makers and scientists to manage and to co-ordinate programs that aim at an improvement of the health status and to assist in the priority setting process.
Virtual Reality for the Palliative Care of Cancer
Authors: Oyama Hiroshi
Published: February 2025

We have been developing a VR system to provide patients with emotional support and to encourage them to assume an active life against cancer, since patients with an active lifestyle survive longer than those with a passive lifestyle. A possible explanation for this latter fact is that psychological stimulation may also activate the endocrine system and the immune system. Both systems may be able to rapidly repair tissue damaged by cancer and change the characteristics of the cancer itself. Although microelectrical analysis and molecular and genetic analyses are rapidly solving the riddles of the relationship between the brain and thought, we think that our VR research for palliative medicine may also play an important role in this area with regard to the development of new tools for treatment and support.
Healthcare Information Systems Architecture
Authors: Ferrara Fabrizio Massimo
Published: February 2025

The integration and evolution of existing systems represents one of the most urgent priorities of healthcare information systems in order to allow the whole organisation to meet the increasing clinical organisational and managerial needs. This paper discusses how an open architecture, based on the introduction of a middleware of common healthcare-specific services not only reduces the effort necessary for allowing existing systems to interwork, but also automatically establishes a functional and information basis common to the whole organisation, on top of which also new applications can be rapidly developed, natively integrated with the rest of the system.
Evolution of the Intranet in the University Hospital of Gent
Authors: Fiers Tom  , De Moor Georges  , Daneels Frans
Published: February 2025

The explosive development of the Internet in recent years has lead to the production of massive collections of web-based tools and development know-how. Implementing an Intranet solution within a health care environment offers tremendous advantages for internal information management, distribution and collaborative computing. Easy adaptability, scalability and the low development cost allow easy integration into existing health care structures. A key aspect of the UZ Gent Intranet is its transparent interaction with the currently implemented HIS thus providing an open gateway to the future.
From WING to MMSA: Experiences with the Implementation of a Distributed HIS
Authors: Michel A.  , Marquardt K.  , Dudeck J.
Published: February 2025

The following paper analyses the transition from a host centered to a client-server based Hospital Information System (HIS) which takes place at the University Hospital of Gießen, Germany, since 1995. It focuses on the overall concept and practical realisation of the cornerstone within this transition, the Macintosh Mosaic Software Architecture (MMSA) which delivers now more than 90% of the clinical data which is entered on the wards and within the operating rooms. Besides the technical problems of the project, the paper also describes some aspects of the organisational challenges which took place within a typical German University Hospital during the last 4 Years and which mainly affect the daily management of a large HIS.
Organizational Diagnosis of Computer and Information Learning Needs: The Process and Product
Authors: Nelson R.  , Anton B.
Published: February 2025

Organizational diagnosis views the organization as a single entity with problems and challenges that are unique to the organization as a whole. This paper describes the process of establishing organizational diagnoses related to computer and information learning needs within a clinical or academic health care institution. The assessment of a college within a state-owned university in the U.S.A. is used to demonstrate the process of organizational diagnosis. The diagnoses identified include the need to improve information seeking skills and the information presentation skills of faculty.
Computerized Education in a Multi Hospital University Medical Center
Authors: Price M.R.  , Wieczorek R.R.
Published: February 2025

The advantages of using authoring, instructional, and informational computer applications in a university-based multi-hospital medical teaching center are vast. Software applications are used by the staff development educators at The Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University Medical Center (CPMC) for test construction and administration, information processing, instruction, assessment, and evaluation. The media formats include Windows and DOS based CAI programs, CD ROM, IVD, INTERNET sites, and other on-line resources. This presentation will focus on how nurse educators use the various types of software applications available on the CPMC network and in the multimedia center, and on the benefits experienced by learners, educators, and nursing management and administration.
Understanding Surgery: Multimedia Comes to Theatre
Authors: Dakin S.  , Garner M.  , Plura M.
Published: February 2025

Educational technology is well established within Schools of Nursing, however there are few computer based learning packages within the clinical environment. It was felt within the Operating Services Directorate, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, that the development of a multimedia package would enhance and complement existing teaching methods. This paper describes the theory behind the choice of a multimedia presentation and its development within the operating theatres. The package, concentrating on general surgery, has been developed by two experienced theatre nurses and a graphic designer. This has resulted in a structured but flexible, fun package which is relevant to all learners within the operating theatre environment and allied healthcare fields. The feedback obtained from users within the clinical area has reinforced the project team's original feeling that multimedia is a highly appropriate resource for clinical education.
An Evaluation of the Utility of the Home Health Care Classification for Categorizing Patient Problems and Nursing Interventions from the Hospital Setting
Authors: Holzemer W.L.  , Henry S.B.  , Dawson C.  , Sousa K.  , Bain C.  , Hsieh S.F.
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the utility of the Home Health Care Classification for categorizing patient problems and nursing interventions from the hospital setting. The data set comprised 5,844 problem terms and 20,055 interventions terms. All terms could be categorized using the Nursing Components and Major Categories for Nursing Diagnoses and Interventions. A total of 1,767 (30.2%) patient problem terms could be placed into Major Nursing Diagnosis categories, but not subcategories even though there were subcategories related to the major category. All intervention terms whether they were classified at the Intervention Category or Subcategory could be coded according to Type of Nursing Action. These findings demonstrate that the Home Health Care Classification, at the level of Nursing Components and Major Categories, was domain complete for the data set. The fact that not all terms could be classified according to the existing subcategories suggests some areas for future development, but is also a reflection of the level of detail expressed in the data set itself The results suggest that the Home Care Classification will be adequate and appropriate for categorizing problems and interventions across settings for the next phases of the research project.
Exploring Nursing Knowledge by Using Digital Photography
Authors: McGuiness B.  , Axford R.
Published: February 2025

Clinical decision making is in part, an interpretation of visual cues manifested by the patient. The colour of a patient's skin, his or her degree of mobility, or the posture adopted by the patient are examples. Clinicians compare presenting cues with previous representations of those cues to determine significant change. Literature suggests that the sources of data for this comparison are; the long term memory of the clinician, verbal interaction with colleagues and patient, and professional documentation. This paper describes findings of a study based on the assertion that contemporary documentation systems fail to provide sufficient information for nurses to make accurate comparisons between currently presenting visual cues and cues from the past. It is argued that interpretation of visual cues is primarily a visual /spatial activity (Gardiner, 1983) and, as current documentation systems rely on language they cater for linguistic rather than the visual/spatial activities. For example, subtle shades of red exhibited by the skin surrounding a surgical wound are reduced to the word “inflamed”. Digital photography was explored as a documentation format that addressed this deficit. Forty nine nurse clinicians were asked to assess and plan management for one of four external sternotomy wound. Subjects were given access to a range of documentation formats including sequential daily wound photographs. Findings demonstrated that nurse clinicians are willing to use digital photographs and there is beginning evidence that photographic documentation may decrease the differences between novice and expert when comparing visual cues.
Expanding Nursing Informatics Knowledge through Curriculum Development: a Collaborative Faculty Practice Model
Authors: Carter B.E.  , McGuiness B.
Published: February 2025

In 1992 an informatics faculty practice model was implemented between a major teaching hospital and a Melbourne university. This arrangement was characterised by the provision of a mutually beneficial exchange of experiences and information between the participant clinician and academic. By using such a conjoint faculty practice model it has been found that many informatics problems can be addressed. Over the past three years the model has been evaluated through a longitudinal study. Investigations have included monitoring curriculum change, program evaluation and evaluation of participant professional outcomes. Survey results are presented and the specific elements that have made this model successful are described.
An Information Processing System for Scheduling of Nurse Assignments by Head Nurses
Authors: Kim I.S.  , Hong S.W.
Published: February 2025

Implementation of the nurse scheduling task is a difficult problem for head nurses because it is a multi-period, multi-criteria decision-making problem with the condition that it meet the requirements of the patients, the hospital administration, and the staff nurses.
Gerontechnology in Higher Engineering Education
Authors: Rietsema Jan
Published: February 2025

This paper is based on experiences with designing an educational programme on gerontechnology at Eindhoven University of Technology (TUE) and designing and developing various international gerontechnology courses.
Safety and Indoor Mobility in the Elderly
Authors: Virokannas Hannu  , Pirinen Markku  , Kirvesoja Heli  , Väyrynen Seppo  , Kemppainen Marja-Liisa  , Koski Keijo
Published: February 2025

The aim of this study was to find the basis for developing and adapting the environment to support the easy and safe moving of the elderly. In the field study, the daily activities and previous falls were inquired, the performance of the elderly was examined and the safety of the residential environment was surveyed among 70-80 years old subjects (N15). The second part was performed in the laboratory. 70-80 years old subjects (N55) walked on the test track. The risk level of most houses studied was moderate. In the residential surveying, all subjects had problems to stretch to high levels and most had problems to stretch to low levels. In the laboratory, errors happened often during line walking and zigzag walking in the stick track. Unsteadiness in gait was caused by extra pieces on the track and box carrying in one third of the subjects. The old subjects estimated that stairs somewhat lower than normally recommended were easier to climb. The results indicated, that new criteria and regulations are needed for the residential environment for the elderly and that it is possible to improve the safety of indoor mobility among the elderly in many ways.
Card Assisted Home Care
Authors: Frost J.
Published: February 2025

Home nursing is currently in a state of upheaval. Staff are having to cope with new types of work, unfamiliar accounting methods and modern data processing systems. Electronic data processing (EDP) is moving into all kinds and sizes of companies. The flood of information engulfing their staff is already overwhelming and is likely to increase. It seems to be very useful to incorporate the benefits of smartcards into this field. ORGA Kartensysteme GmbH shows on an existing system how this can be performed.
Comprehensive Patient-Held Medical Records: update on the Scottish Optical HealthCard Project
Authors: Beattie J.A.G.  , Petrie J.C.P  , Hyslop A.
Published: February 2025

The Scottish Optical HealthCard Project was originally planned as a threeyear project to design, build, implement, and evaluate the benefits of patients carrying a comprehensive set of their medical records in the form of computer readable optical cards.
Information systems in healthcare Situation in France
Authors: Sauret J.
Published: February 2025

On April '96, the French Government took a few special law-decrees (called “Ordonnances”) that deeply reformed the French Social Security. Concerning healthcare, the Ordonnance of April 24th, is aimed at the creation of a real nation-wide information system. According to the Ordonnance, healthcare professionals and health insurance Funds shall use teletransmission for reimbursement forms before the end of 1998, and everyone will receive a smart card before the end of the century.
German Patient Cards - From administrative to medical data - Harmonization and Standards
Authors: Sembritzki J.
Published: February 2025

During and after the introduction of a Health Insurance Card in the years 1993/1994 very animated discussions on the sense and the use of Smart Cards with medical data came up in Germany. As a result, a lot of different field trials with Patient Cards have been started. In the meantime, some of them disappeared and others have been started. The following survey describes the current situation in Germany.
Health Care IC Cards and the Internet: a World Wide Survey
Authors: Takahashi T.  , Alkhateeb A.  , Mandil S.  , Sekita Y.
Published: February 2025

Health card systems world-wide face many problems such as a lack of standardization, poor acceptance by the medical community, inadequate software, insufficient on-card storage capacity, high implementation cost, and social and legal issues related to the privacy and security of patient information.
A useful ASSESSMENT for decision makers
Authors: Fortin J.P.  , Joubert P.  , Morisset J.  , Kirouac S.  , Lavoie G.  , Bérubé J.
Published: February 2025

The assessment of the Québec smart card pilot project was part and parcel of the decision-making process which led to the Québec Government's announcement regarding the diffusion of a health smart card, which will be made available for the entire province's population starting in early 1998 and will include administrative and clinical functions. This paper describes the choices made in order to obtain a useful assessment in the context of a pilot project, with respect to its nature, its particular implementation phases, and the stakeholders' expectations. In addition, this paper deals with benefits (usefulness and user acceptance), cost issues and includes a discussion on the factors that have influenced decision makers.