Biomedical subjects

R Turpin

Publications and source records attributed to R Turpin.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2001

Comparison of field and laboratory methods for monitoring metallic mercury vapor in indoor air.

Real-time metallic mercury vapor levels of the indoor air were monitored at several mercury spill sites around the US in order to evaluate the effectiveness of site cleanup operations. Mercury readings taken in the field with a Jerome 431 Mercury Vapor Analyzer were compared with laboratory analysis using a modified National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 6009 method. Statistical evaluation showed that the data were highly comparable except at low concentrations, due to the large degree of uncertainty associated with measuring low levels of mercury with the Jerome analyzer. Regression analysis indicated that Jerome measurements of 10 microg/m(3) or greater are comparable for field analysis of mercury vapor in air.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗

PubMed1995

Prevalence and impact of wrist and shoulder pain in patients with spinal cord injury.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) patients experience varying degrees of wrist and shoulder pain. Previous studies indicated that 30 to 64 percent of SCI patients reported chronic shoulder pain. The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of chronic wrist and shoulder pain, to determine which activities caused or exacerbated the pain, and assess functional and emotional responses to chronic pain and identify ways in which the pain might be reduced. Eight hundred SCI patients were surveyed by questionnaire with 451 (66 percent) responding. In addition, 30 patients were available for clinical observation and evaluation. Data was evaluated using the Statistical Analysis System and the Cornell Personal Adjustment Scale. Results indicated that wrist and shoulder pain were more prevalent than previously indicated (72.7 percent of respondents reported some degree of chronic pain in one or both of these areas), wheelchair propulsion and transfers caused most pain and also increased the degree of pain. Patient's age, neurologic level and time since injury were not statistically significant in the study and emotional responses did not significantly vary between groups with and without pain. Further, it was noted that among the pain group, various routine therapies were not effective. We conclude that alternative methods for wheelchair propulsion and transfers, which lessen stress and cumulative trauma, need to be developed for SCI patients in order to diminish the incidence of chronic upper limb pain.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1993

Data-driven performance improvement in health care: the Joint Commission's Indicator Measurement System (IMSystem).

BACKGROUND: Since 1986, the Joint Commission has worked to create an evaluation system that would remain standards based but would accent an organization's performance as well as its capability to provide care. One component is the Indicator Measurement System (IMSystem), which involves continuous data collection and periodic feedback about specific performance measures, or indicators. An indicator is a quantitative measure of an aspect of patient care. It is not a direct measure of quality; rather it is a screen or flag which indicates areas for more detailed analysis. METHODOLOGY: Sets of indicators, each set related to specific important health care functions such as perioperative care, are established by expert task forces and are then subject to two phases of testing. Alpha testing addresses face validity and feasibility of data collection and may result in indicator revision. In the beta phase, a large group of organizations test the indicators for validity, reliability, and usefulness in improving performance. OPERATIONAL ISSUES: In 1994, the IMSystem will contain ten indicators and participation by hospitals will be voluntary. Once the value of these data in the accreditation process has been demonstrated--possibly as early as 1996--participation will become an integral component of accreditation. Hospitals will transmit indicator data to the Joint Commission but no patient or physician identifiers will leave the hospital. The system will provide organizations with information they can use to monitor and improve their performance, while helping meet external needs for performance measurement.

Data Collection↗

PubMed1993

Accounting practice diversity in the healthcare industry.

A recent study examining accounting practices currently being used to prepare annual hospital financial statements indicates relatively little diversity, regardless of organizational type or size. The study's findings should interest those concerned with healthcare accounting and financial reporting issues, especially healthcare administrators and members of standards setting boards who participate in accounting policy deliberations.

Accounting↗

PubMed1975