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Biomedical subjects

C A Romano

Publications and source records attributed to C A Romano.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Evaluation of clinician response to wireless technology.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety, use and response of clinical staff to wireless technology. A convenience sample of clinical staff was surveyed using a variety of assessment tools. The environmental assessment determined there was no interference between the wireless devices and the biomedical equipment on the patient care units. Survey results indicated a high level of acceptance for the wireless technology related to perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, impact, adoption, advantage and future need. Results indicated a strong, significant relationship between adoption and perceived usefulness (r(s)=.71 p<.01; r(2)(s)=.50).

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed2000

Corn fiber oil lowers plasma cholesterol levels and increases cholesterol excretion greater than corn oil and similar to diets containing soy sterols and soy stanols in hamsters.

The aims of this study were to compare the cholesterol-lowering properties of corn fiber oil (CFO) to corn oil (CO), whether the addition of soy stanols or soy sterols to CO at similar levels in CFO would increase CO's cholesterol-lowering properties, and the mechanism(s) of action of these dietary ingredients. Fifty male Golden Syrian hamsters were divided into 5 groups of 10 hamsters each, based on similar plasma total cholesterol (TC) levels. The first group of hamsters was fed a chow-based hypercholesterolemic diet containing either 5% coconut oil + 0.24% cholesterol (coconut oil), 5% CO, 5% CFO, 5% CO + 0.6% soy sterols (sterol), or 5% CO + 0.6% soy stanols (stanol) in place of the coconut oil for 4 weeks. The stanol diet significantly inhibited the elevation of plasma TC compared to all other dietary treatments. Also, the CFO and sterol diets significantly inhibited the elevation of plasma TC compared to the CO and coconut oil diets. The CFO, sterol, and stanol diets significantly inhibited the elevation of plasma non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol compared to the CO and coconut oil diets. The stanol diet significantly inhibited the elevation of plasma high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) compared to all other dietary treatments. The sterol diet significantly inhibited the elevation of plasma HDL-C compared to the CO and coconut oil diets, whereas the CFO diet significantly inhibited the elevation of plasma HDL-C compared to the coconut oil diet only. No differences were observed between the CFO and CO for plasma HDL-C. There were no differences observed between groups for plasma triglycerides. The CO and CFO diets had significantly less hepatic TC compared to the coconut oil, sterol, and stanol diets. The CO and CFO diets had significantly less hepatic free cholesterol compared to the sterol and stanol diets but not compared to the coconut oil diet; whereas the coconut oil and sterol diets had significantly less hepatic free cholesterol compared to the stanol diet. The CFO, sterol, and stanol diets excreted significantly more fecal cholesterol compared to the coconut oil and CO diets. In summary, CFO reduces plasma and hepatic cholesterol concentrations and increases fecal cholesterol excretion greater than CO through some other mechanism(s) in addition to increase dietary sterols and stanols-possibly oryzanols.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1995

Predictors of nurse adoption of a computerized information system as an innovation.

This descriptive study focused on factors that influence the diffusion and adoption of an innovation after it is first introduced to members of a social system. A dearth of knowledge exists in this area regarding nurses as adopters and information technology as the innovation. The purpose of the study was to explore a set of individual, technological, and organizational characteristics as predictors of hospital nurse adoption of a computerized information system (CIS) as an innovation. A computerized system for staffing, scheduling and productivity management was selected as the innovation. The sample included 193 staff nurses and 34 nurse managers in one large teaching research hospital. A self-report written survey method was used to test a set of 12 independent variables in relation to innovation adoption. Using multiple regression analysis, 50% of the variance in adoption was explained by all 12 predictors (p < .001). The results suggest that focus on the perceived advantages of an innovation, the perceived need, values held by peers regarding the innovation and use of communication mechanisms facilitate nurse adoption of a computerized information system as an innovation.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Predictors of nurse adoption of a computerized information system as an innovation.

This descriptive study focused on factors that influence the diffusion and adoption of an innovation after it is first introduced to members of a social system. The purposes of the study were 1) to explore a set of individual, technological, and organizational characteristics as predictors of hospital nurse adoption of a computerized information system (CIS) as an innovation, and 2) to investigate the effect of organizational position on innovation adoption. A computerized nursing information system for staffing, scheduling and productivity management was selected as the innovation.

Attitude to Computers↗
PubMed1990

Diffusion of technology innovation.

Within the context of nursing informatics as a field that addresses the use of information technology by nurses as they care for patients, carry out administrative tasks in health facilities, and educate others in the discipline, this article presents the theoretic perspectives of the adoption and implementation of such technologies. Research in the area of diffusion of innovations is reviewed from the perspective of classical diffusion theory and organizational theory. The state of the art and methodological issues of research in this area are addressed. Areas for future study are proposed.

Communication↗
PubMed1987

Computers and nursing diagnoses. Issues in implementation.

In summary, the issue of using computerized systems for nursing diagnosis is really a question of when and how, not if, because we look to technology to simplify our information processing requirements. In a society that is moving quickly to increase applications of computers, there are still many technical as well as professional issues that need to be addressed. How we define computerized information systems can define how we practice. It is critical then to recognize nursing's responsibility to use technology to emphasize a commitment to care that is both individualized and humanistic. As we look to technology to simplify our information processing requirements, the process of developing computer applications for nursing holds great promise.

Humans↗
PubMed1984

Neomycin and plasma lipoproteins in type II hyperlipoproteinemia.

Neomycin, a nonabsorbable aminoglycoside antibiotic, has been shown to exert a hypocholesterolemic effect in man. In a 9-mo, double-blind, randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled clinical trial, the effect of neomycin, 2 gm/day, on plasma lipoproteins, as well as its safety, was described in 20 subjects with type II hyperlipoproteinemia. A 15% (50 mg%) decline in plasma cholesterol concentration was observed with neomycin. Most of this effect resulted from a 41 mg% (16%) decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration. No significant or consistent effect on the concentration of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was observed. Monthly audiologic and renal evaluation disclosed no oto- or nephrotoxicity. Neomycin treatment in patients with type II hyperlipoproteinemia is an inexpensive and effective means of lowering the concentration of low-density lipoproteins and is free of significant side effects over a 3-mo period.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Nursing informatics: a model curriculum for an emerging role.

The authors delineate the emerging role of the nurse as Information Systems Specialist and describe a prototype educational program in Nursing Informatics which is designed to prepare nurses for this role. Major duties, knowledge required, and resulting interactions related to the role are discussed in relation to the curriculum design and course content. The projected impact of this model program is also addressed.

Curriculum↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Radon: implications for the health professional.

Radon is a colorless, odorless gas formed by radioactive decay of radium and uranium, which are naturally present in the earth's crust. When concentrated indoors, this invisible gas becomes a potential health hazard. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that up to 20,000 lung cancer deaths annually can be attributed to prolonged radon exposure. Radon is an important health issue that should be understood by all health care professionals. This paper discusses some of the important issues regarding radon, such as the incidences of lung cancer believed to be attributable to radon, the high-risk areas in the United States, federal safety guidelines, and public apathy. These issues and their impact on the health care required by professionals, especially nurse practitioners, are discussed.

Environmental Exposure↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Innovation. The promise and the perils for nursing and information technology.

The concept of innovation refers to the process of bringing new ideas into use. It has been studied from the perspective of classical, organizational, and political theory; yet many aspects of the process remain unknown. Addressed here is the management of innovations, whether social, organizational, or technical in nature. The use of power, participation management, and the construction of change are offered as skills useful in the managing process. Opportunities or sources for creating innovation are reviewed, as are the principles that guide the innovation process.

Communication↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Graduate specialization in nursing informatics.

This article describes the need and rationale for developing nursing informatics as a new area of graduate level specialization. Included are the results of a comprehensive needs assessment study that was conducted to determine the employment opportunities for graduates of such a program of study as well as the potential student applicant pool. The findings clearly indicate the immediate and future demand for master's prepared nurses in this field and the importance of a timely academic response.

Adult↗