Biomedical subjects

M R Jarrard

Publications and source records attributed to M R Jarrard.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2000

Prioritizing back injury risk in hospital employees: application and comparison of different injury rates.

To identify high risk areas for back injury in a large teaching hospital, we calculated standard injury rates and newly developed composite statistics for nursing and non-nursing work groups. Data were extracted from the hospital's workers' compensation database. The hospital-wide total injury rate was 4.6 reports per 100 full-time equivalents (FTE); Compensation Case Rate, 1.4 cases per 100 FTE; Compensation Severity Rate, 76 days lost per 100 FTE; and the Cost Rate, $3742 per 100 FTE. The Total Injury Reports Rate for nursing varied from 14.2 per 100 FTE for Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Nursing to 3.8 per 100 FTE for Pediatric Nursing. Non-nursing areas also demonstrated increased rates for back injury. Individual statistical rates ranked areas differently in risk, whereas composite statistical measures consistently ranked ICU Nursing, Buildings and Grounds, and Orthopedics/Neurological Nursing as the top three. Patient handling was the precipitating event in the majority of nursing back injuries, indicating the need for ergonomic intervention. The use of combined statistical measures provided a more integrative measure for describing and following back injury risk over time.

Absenteeism↗

PubMed1997

Methods of prioritizing and measuring occupational health risks utilizing hospital back injury data. Development of composite comparative statistics.

The employee health service of a Boston hospital wanted a method to prioritize the risk of occupational injury or illness among its employees as the first step in developing a comprehensive ergonomics program. Data from the safety office and workers' compensation third-party administrator (TPA) was combined with hospital payroll data to create rates that compared all work areas based on the common denominator of 100 full-time equivalents (FTE). Rates for four different aspects of injury experience were calculated: incidence of total reported injuries, incidence of serious injuries, level of severity of injuries, and cost. The use of these simple rates alone was inadequate to accurately prioritize risk. Because most work areas ranked differently from one rate scale to the next, it was unclear which, if any, single rate most accurately defined risk. Composite statistics that combined all of the rates were needed. The Composite Risk Indicator (CRI), the Average Relative Risk (ARR), and the Justified Average Relative Risk (JARR) were developed and examined for their utility. The JARR emerged as the best choice in this setting because it captured all available information about injury or illness experience and provided a meaningful single indicator of risk that could be followed over time.

Back Injuries↗

PubMed1989

Furosemide overdose and maximal allowable weight standards.

Adherence to the Maximal Allowable Weight (MAW) standards established by regulation can be difficult for many active duty personnel. We have discovered some members of this group utilizing the potentially dangerous rapid weight loss methods that are commonly seen in patients with bulimia and anorexia nervosa. Two cases of furosemide (Lasix) overdose in active duty members are presented in an effort to enlighten military clinicians concerning this hazardous practice in our patient population. Furosemide overdose related to a scheduled or mandatory weight measurement has not been previously reported.

Adult↗