bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Memory Impairment in Schizophrenia: Perspectives from Psychopathology and Pharmacotherapy
Authors: Stip Emmanuel 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To describe the concept of memory impairment in schizophrenia and the clinical implications of this concept in terms of patient assessment and neuroleptic drug use. Method: Narrative literature review. Results: Individuals suffering from schizophrenia normally exhibit some degree of memory impairment. Recent work in psychopathology indicates that the impairment is comprehensive, involving the sensory, short-term, and long-term memory stores. Memory impairment appears to be a primary symptom of the disease, and its underlying causes are likely organic. A number of medications, however (for example, traditional neuroleptics and drugs that have pronounced anticholinergic activity), may cause or exacerbate impairment. In particular, anticholinergic agents used to treat extrapyramidal symptoms, a common complication of neuroleptic drugs, appear to have a deleterious effect on memory. Conclusions: Memory impairment is an important consideration in the clinical assessment and management of patients with schizophrenia. The use of atypical antipsychotics like risperidone appears to have no impact on memory function; because risperidone is associated with a low incidence of extrapyramidal side effects, it can obviate the need for anticholinergic medications—thus offering greater hope of nondebilitative intervention. The advent of medications that are safer (on cognition) could also lead to generally better outcomes by facilitating compliance with drug regimens and rehabilitation programs.
Patients versus Rehabilitation Practitioners: A Comparison of Assessments of Needs for Care
Authors: Comtois Ginette , Morin Christiane , Lesage Alain , Lalonde Pierre , Likavc̆anova Elena , L‘Écuyer Geneviève 
Published: January 2017

Objective: A group of 47 young adults suffering from schizophrenia was interviewed to garner their views on their needs for care. Method: Three members of a specialized multidisciplinary rehabilitation team, who had been caring for these patients, on average, for the past 4 years, completed a questionnaire to assess the needs for care of these individuals. Patient and staff assessments were then compared. Results: Patients and staff do not share similar views on the presence of clinical and social problems. Further analyses of the perceived importance of living-skills deficits, the perceived difficulties in dealing with these, and the recent developments in rehabilitation practices challenge whether patient-staff consensus is indeed essential for rehabilitation. Conclusion: We propose that staff should listen to patients' points of view more carefully, especially in the areas of work, studies, and independent living.
Treatment Outcome of Personality Disorders
Authors: Sanislow Charles A , McGlashan Thomas H 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To review the treatment outcome of personality disorders. Method: A literature search of studies pertaining to personality disorder and outcome was conducted, and studies that focused primarily on Axis II were retained. Of these, naturalistic outcome studies were distinguished from those that addressed treatment outcome specifically. The treatment outcome studies were examined in terms of type of treatment intervention, dependent variables, and outcome. Results: Contrary to contemporary assumptions about Axis II, a substantial number of treatment outcome studies were identified. Trends in the assumptions underlying psychosocial and pharmacologic approaches were identified on the basis of dependent variables. Conclusion: There is evidence that effective treatments exist to alleviate symptoms and reduce symptomatic behaviours that accompany personality disorders. What these results hold for the idea of remission from personality disorder is considered.
Policies and Practices Related to Information System Adoption in Hospitals Owned by Ministries of Health in the Arab Gulf
Authors: Nabali Haifa M. 
Published: January 2017

This is a discussion paper based on the findings from a study of the factors affecting the adoption of computer-based hospital information systems (CBHIS) in the Arabian Gulf. The study involved on-site visits to hospitals in Bahrain, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates as well as visits to ministries of health in these countries. The focus of this paper is on the adoption of CBHIS by ministry of health (MOH) hospitals, in specific, because of the main role that ministries of health play as providers of health care in the Region. Prior to describing CBHIS adoption practices, an overview of the Region in terms of its economic development and its health care delivery systems is presented. Next, the research setting along with the major findings are briefly described followed by a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of centralized CBHIS adoptions. Finally, management guidelines related to the adoption of CBHIS by multi-hospital institutions are proposed.
Employees' Views of Their Work Experience in Private Hospitals
Authors: Sieveking Nicholas , Bellet William , Marston Ronald C. 
Published: January 2017

Employees in 10 private for-profit hospitals responded to questionnaires regarding their work experiences, hospital facilities, and employer. Replicated results identified themes of employee opinions, including: Supervision, The Employer, Role Significance, Hospital Image, Competitiveness, Benefits, Cohesiveness, and Work Load. Only scores on the Role Significance scale differed between clinical and non-clinical respondents, with the former scoring higher. Survey methodology can be used to define an organization's culture from the employee's viewpoint. Their perception of this culture helps determine their behavior at work and their conveying the image of their facility in the community. The recent emphasis on quality improvement and ‘bottom-up’ management presents a particularly well-suited opportunity for the effective use of surveys. Quality improvement efforts involve employee groups which empower workers as active diagnosticians, internal consultants, and decision makers. Survey defined ‘action levers’ portray avenues along which such constructive efforts might be directed. Also, surveys identify themes through which management can evaluate organizational performance overall and department by department, building in means by which those responsible for units of the hospital can be accountable for achieving measurable results.
Taylorism in a Post-Modern Age?
Authors: Freemantle Nick 
Published: January 2017

F. W. Taylor made an early and important contribution to the organisation of work in an industrial society. His ideas, or versions of his ideas, are once again receiving attention. Some commentators even describe a new or neo Taylorism (Pollitt, 1990). This paper argues that the only theoretical justification for the re-introduction of Taylorist strategies in the workplace is found in the notion of the post-modern world; where rationality is replaced by a ritual of signs and work becomes part of that ritual; where form replaces rationale, and strategies for work are governed by processes of survival in the remnants of modernity. ‘… I use … the words bringing the science and the workman together. It is unfortunate, however, that the word bringing has a rather disagreeable sound, a rather forceful sound; and in a way, when it is first heard it puts one out of touch with what we have come to look at as the modern tendency …’ F. W. Taylor (Pugh, 1990, p 206).
Development of a Psychometrically Valid Training Needs Analysis Instrument for Use with Primary Health Care Teams
Authors: Hicks C. , Hennessy D. , Barwell F. 
Published: January 2017

The growing demand for professional updating and training within the health service has created a proliferation of post-registration courses, many of which fail to reach the appropriate personnel or the real training objectives of the participants and their managers. One reason behind this problem relates to the fact that many such courses are constructed and delivered in a haphazard way, without systematic reference to the direct and indirect consumers of the educational programmes. A more rational approach to post-experience provision of this sort might involve the methodical collection of information regarding the training needs of target health professional populations. Such a data base would afford a global overview of competencies and deficiencies, both within and between individuals. From this the content, level and focus of training could be customized to meet the reported needs, thereby streamlining the commissioning process to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Previous attempts to rationalize provision through the prior use of training needs analysis instruments have been compromised by the shortcomings of the analysis tool. This study, then, was an attempt to redress this problem, using a training needs analysis instrument developed along traditional psychometric principles. The tool was intended to be used with primary health care teams because of the increasing role this sector of the health service will play in the future delivery of care, although this would not preclude its use with other health care professionals (following appropriate modification), since the principles behind its construction and format are transferable. The instrument has demonstrable construct, content and face validity and significant reliability. Moreover, preliminary investigations suggest that it also has criterion validity in the areas tested. These findings suggest that the instrument is unique of its kind. Early use of the tool has demonstrated its value in a variety of ways, such as in team building exercises and skill mix reviews as well as in precise and effective commissioning of training and education in a range of areas.
What is the Role of Scrotal Ultrasound Scans in Genitourinary Medicine?
Authors: Banerjee I , Scott G R 
Published: January 2017

The objective of the study was to review the indications for scrotal ultrasound scans and to assess the impact on patient management. We therefore performed a retrospective analysis. Case notes of all males referred for a scrotal ultrasound between April 1998 and March 2001 were studied. Data were extracted for the following: age, presenting complaints, physical findings on examination, results of a full sexual screen, treatment, ultrasound result and the designation of the person requesting the scan. All data were tabulated and summated using ‘Windows Excel’ software. One hundred and fifteen men were referred for an ultrasound in this period of time. None had an ultrasound more than once. Of these, 25 subjects could not be included as they either failed to attend for their scan ( n = 8) or their notes could not be traced ( n = 17). Twelve subjects were excluded as they did not fit the selection criteria ( n = 12). Median age was 30 years (Range 19–61 years). The commonest reason for referral was testicular pain ( n = 43) followed by testicular lump ( n = 19). The commonest abnormality on examination was an inflamed epididymis ( n = 18). Forty-two of the ultrasound scans were normal. A testicular mass was detected in only five of the 78 patients (6.4%), of which one was a malignancy (1.2%). A direct referral to a urologist for further management was made in only nine patients. Scrotal ultrasound for pain has limited impact on patient management apart from reassuring a worried patient. However, it remains an important investigation in the management of a suspected testicular lump.
Sentinel Testing for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Antibody at the Murray Street Clinic, Perth, Western Australia
Authors: Kelly H , Sesnan K 
Published: January 2017

Sentinel testing for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection aims to monitor the HIV epidemic by testing subgroups of the population, and such testing has been carried out at the Murray Street Clinic in Perth, Western Australia since August 1989. This clinic is part of the State Health Department and is dedicated to the diagnosis, management and control of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in Western Australia. Sentinel testing at this clinic is both voluntary and confidential. In the first 6 months of testing at the clinic, 2351 new patients were seen and 3000 HIV antibody tests were performed. The refusal rate for participation was 8%. No patient tested as a sentinel test or because of multiple heterosexual partners was HIV antibody positive. The first 6 months of sentinel testing at the Murray Street Clinic does not indicate a silent HIV infection in the self-selected sexually active group of people using the facilities of the clinic.
The Impact of Lubricants on Latex Condoms during Vaginal Intercourse
Authors: Steiner M , Piedrahita C , Glover L , Joanis C , Spruyt A , Foldesy R 
Published: January 2017

The objective was to evaluate the impact of additional lubricant on condom breakage and slippage. Two hundred and sixty-eight couples used 6 new and 6 aged condoms during vaginal intercourse and were instructed to use 2 of each type with either water-based lubricant, oil-based lubricant or no additional lubricant. The use of either oil-based or water-based lubricant increased slippage rates of new and aged condoms, although only one pairwise comparison (oil-based lubricant vs. no additional lubricant) was statistically significant (8.5% vs. 3.8%, P=0.004). The use of oil-based lubricant increased breakage, although not statistically significantly, in both new and aged condoms. Water-based lubricant did not impact the breakage rate of the new condoms and decreased the breakage rate of the aged condoms (no additional lubricant 4.5% vs. water-based lubricant 2.1%, P=0.029). From a functional perspective, this study suggests that condom users should be told not to use oil-based lubricants. The negative impact of water-based lubricant on slippage may be outweighed by the protective influence on breakage, especially for aged condoms. Over three-quarters of the couples (76%) had at least some incorrect knowledge, according to current condom instructions, of the type of lubricant that should be used with condoms.
Screening for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: The Effects of Age and Social Deprivation on Screening Uptake, Prevalence and Attendance at Follow-Up in the MASS Trial
Authors: Kim L G , Thompson S G , Marteau T M , Scott RAP 
Published: January 2017

Objectives/setting: The effectiveness of screening programmes may be improved by knowledge of factors affecting screening uptake, disease prevalence and attendance for follow-up. Data from the Multicentre Aneurysm Screening Study (MASS) are used to examine the influences of age and social deprivation in the context of screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Methods: In the MASS trial, a population-based sample of 34,000 men aged 65 to 74 received an invitation to screening. The associations of attendance at screening with age, social deprivation and season of the year when invited to attend were investigated using logistic regression analysis. Similar analyses were performed for AAA prevalence and attendance at recall scans. Results: Compared with men aged 65–69, those aged 70–74 were less likely to attend screening (79% vs 81 %), had increased prevalence of AAA (6% vs 4%) and were less likely to attend for followup (79% vs 84%). Compared with those in the least deprived quartile, those in the most deprived quartile also were less likely to attend (75% vs 85%), had increased prevalence (6% vs 4%) and were less likely to attend for follow-up (80% vs 83%). Season showed no significant association with attendance at initial screening. Conclusions: Higher age and social deprivation are associated with both poorer attendance at screening and follow-up, and having an AAA. This highlights the importance of promoting screening programmes, particularly to the more deprived populations.
Reliability of the Barlow and Ortolani Tests for Neonatal Hip Instability
Authors: El-Shazly M , Trainor B , Kernohan W G , Turner I , Haugh P E , Johnston A F , Mollan R A B 
Published: January 2017

To investigate if those responsible for screening for neonatal hip instability are using acceptable manual hip stress tests as described by Ortolani and Barlow. A video camera was used to record the technique of 35 personnel who were responsible for screening. They examined both a baby and a simulator. The study comprised five groups, classified by experience and practice: senior orthopaedic surgeons, senior paediatric staff, junior paediatric staff, nurses, community staff. The seven authors together with six independent expert observers viewed the video and marked the performance with the aid of a specially designed proforma. Although there was some variation between these expert observers, the results showed differences in the scores obtained by the different groups of examiners over all aspects of the test procedure. Video recording for criticalanalysis and feedback is a useful technique in this situation. Overall, the results suggest that testing for neonatal hip instability was inadequate. A variety of hip stress manoeuvres were being performed. The ability of each subject to perform satisfactory tests seemed to depend on their experience and education. More “hands on” training and experience of testing might provide the necessary competency for screening.
Feasibility Study of a Randomised Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening among the General Population
Authors: Parkes C A , Smith D , Wald N J , Bourne T H 
Published: January 2017

To determine the feasibility of a randomised trial of ovarian cancer screening among women attending a breast cancer screening centre. Randomised controlled trial of ovarian cancer screening using transvaginal ultrasonography as a primary screening test and colour Doppler imaging as a secondary screening test in the screened group and no intervention in the control group. Reading breast cancer screening centre (United Kingdom). 8678 women, without a bilateral oophorectomy or hysterectomy, aged between SO and 64 attending for NHS breast cancer screening between September 1989 and February 1993. Uptake of ovarian cancer screening among eligible women and the screening false positive rate (considered as the referral rate to a gynaecologist for surgical intervention). −82% (7124/8678) of eligible women agreed to join the trial and were randomly allocated in equal numbers to each arm of the trial. 3280 women had an initial scan. The false positive rate after ultrasonography alone was 2·9% (86/2952), but this dropped to 0·5% after colour Doppler as a secondary screening test. One stage I primary ovarian cancer was detected at screening in a 58 year old women. A randomised trial of ovarian cancer screening using ultrasonography and colour Doppler imaging is feasible and acceptable among women attending a breast cancer screening centre. The results indicate that the expected odds of being affected given a positive result in the general population would be about 1:12. A full randomised trial of ovarian cancer screening with mortality as the end point is needed to assess whether screening reduces mortality from this disease. A multicentre European trial is currently in progress.
Prevalence of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Associated with Hypertension in an Urban Population
Authors: Grimshaw G M , Thompson J M , Hamer J D 
Published: January 2017

Since 1989 13 000 invitations to screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm have been offered to men aged 60 to 7 5 living within the Birmingham conurbation. The overall attendance was 76·1% (52–99%). The prevalence of aneurysms greater than 29 mm in the whole male population aged 60 to 75 was 7·2%. For those aged 60 to 64 the prevalence was 3·8%. For those aged between 60 and 64 with hypertension, however, the prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysm was 7·7%. The relative risk of hypertension associated with aneurysm disease is 2·7. This paper suggests that all men over 65 should be screened for aortic aneurysm, but that those men over 60 with hypertension should be added to the screened cohort.
Neonatal Screening for Sickle Cell Disease in a Metropolitan University Hospital: Efficacy and Problems
Authors: Ballas Samir K , Park Deborah , Wapner Ronald J 
Published: January 2017

To determine the effectiveness of a screening programme to identify infants with sickle cell anaemia. A metropolitan university hospital. 4845 (73·3%) newborn cord blood samples from 6271 infants born in the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital over a two year period were tested for the presence of haemoglobinopathies. The patient group comprised approximately 44% white Americans and 51% African Americans. Diagnoses of haemoglobinopathies were established by cellulose acetate (pH 8·6) and citrate agar (pH 6·2) electrophoresis, and thin layer isoelectric focusing. 17 African American infants were suspected of having sickle cell anaemia and their families were notified and called for retesting to confirm the diagnosis. Fourteen of these families responded; retesting confirmed the diagnosis of sickle cell anaemia in 12 (86%), and the remaining two (14%) had sickle cell trait The other three families never responded and all efforts to reach them were unsuccessful so the diagnosis could not be confirmed. The infants for whom the diagnosis of sickle cell anaemia was confirmed were treated prophylactically with penicillin and enrolled in sickle cell programmes. Of 398 infants with an abnormal haemoglobin (Hb), 170 (3·5% of all infants tested) showed sickle trait, 63 (1·3%) showed Hb C trait, and 165 samples (3·4%) showed Hb Bart's. Letters of notification were sent to those families whose infants had sickle trait or Hb C trait. Thirty three (16%) families responded and asked for additional information, counselling, or testing of other family members. Three of these families (about 0–1% of all white subjects tested) were white subjects of Italian, English, and Polish ancestry, and all of their infants had sickle trait. Additional testing on other family members showed that one black parent had Hb SC disease that had not previously been diagnosed as the subject was asymptomatic. A screening programme for newborns in a metropolitan hospital ( a) was effective in identifying and treating infants with sickle cell anaemia with prophylactic penicillin, ( b) was associated with difficulties in tracking infants and their families in about 30% of suspected cases of sickle cell disease, ( c) found that sickle trait is not uncommon in white subjects, and ( d) found that “silent” sickle cell disorders do occur among American black subjects.