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Biomedical subjects

R W Gerlach

Publications and source records attributed to R W Gerlach.

30 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

Accommodating modern cancer treatment procedures in an outpatient facility.

The aging of the American population, the recent increasing prevalence of smoking in females, and the decline in heart disease mortality are setting the stage for cancer to be the most common cause of death in the United States by the year 2000. The technology exists today to increase survival rates from 50% to 75%, but this continuing care will increase cancer-related expenditures to 20% of the nation's total health care expenditures. Many advances in cancer diagnosis and treatment offer promise for less invasive procedures, and some new interventions focus on prevention or early detection of limited disease in ambulatory patients. The likelihood and the length of hospital admissions are declining, and the proportion of care delivered in an inpatient setting is expected to represent less than 10% of total cancer patient care. While the delivery of care shifts to the outpatient setting, the need for a continuum of care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and access to regional centers for technology and research is likely to encourage the formation of systems that combine a tertiary care hub and a network of community-based ambulatory centers.

Ambulatory Care Facilities↗
PubMed1993

An evaluation of five commercial immunoassay data analysis software systems.

An evaluation of five commercial software systems used for immunoassay data analysis revealed numerous deficiencies. Often, the utility of statistical output was compromised by poor documentation. Several data sets were run through each system using a four-parameter calibration function, and the results were compared to those from an independent method. Comparable results between systems were obtained, but often several attempts at analysis were necessary. The evaluation process revealed that it is difficult to monitor the numerous options available on these types of programs, and that incorrect results could easily be obtained if comparison analyses were not used. Recommendations for improved software functionality and for using the four-parameter calibration model are presented.

Data Interpretation, Statistical↗
PubMed1990

Cancer survivors' needs reported by survivors and their families.

The Cleveland Clinic Foundation (CCF), Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center, Oncology Nursing Task Force, and the Cuyahoga County Unit of the American Cancer Society cosponsored "EXPO '88: Recovering from Cancer" on the first National Cancer Survivors' Day. The day featured educational workshops, a fashion show, and a celebration of cancer survivorship. The needs of cancer survivors were evaluated by means of a self-administered survey of cancer survivors attending the EXPO. The cross-section of survivors represented by 71 respondents expressed interest in prevention/detection programs, psychosocial issues such as family and physician communications, economic issues, and peer support groups. A majority of our respondents (51%) had been diagnosed less than three years earlier as having cancer, but 73% had completed active treatment. Prevention/Detection was the number one interest topic reported by respondents. They were almost universally supportive (97%) of peer group sessions to address survivor issues. The formation of the Northeast Ohio Cancer Survivors' Group, which meets monthly, is a direct result of the positive response to the survey by cancer survivors. This report suggests for cancer educators the interest of cancer survivors in a peer support group and the information and counseling needs that could be addressed in this setting.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1989

Smoking history and attitudes of nurses at a large tertiary care facility.

A study of the smoking behavior of nurses working at a large tertiary care facility with a major cancer program was conducted to address the issue of smoking in the health care professional. The study focused on the attitudes of nurses regarding cigarette smoking, their personal smoking behavior, their perception of the role of health care providers as behavioral models for patients, and their perception of the impact of a patient or professional smoking in a health care setting. Over 500 surveys were distributed to nurses at the facility and the response was analyzed by the demographic characteristics of the nurses and the areas of the facility in which they worked. Results of the study address several considerations. The prevalence of smoking among nurses and the association with specific demographic characteristics are compared to women in the general population. The nurse's perception of the profession's role as behavioral model for the patient is measured and analyzed for impact on personal smoking behavior. Future smoking cessation programs can be designed for nurses based on these findings. Specific target populations can be identified for special assistance in antismoking efforts.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Cancer prevention: what the physician can do.

Our ability to improve the control of cancer today depends more on effective screening and prevention efforts by primary care physicians than on curative interventions at secondary and tertiary levels.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Managing sealant utilization among insured populations: report from Vermont's "Tooth Fairy" program.

The potential for overutilization of dental sealants is cited as one rationale for limitations in third-party coverage for such care. To evaluate the validity of these concerns, provider behavior was reviewed, using twelve months of claims data from one insured population with pre-existing coverage for dental sealants. A total of 13,512 procedures from Vermont's "Tooth Fairy" program for low-income children were reviewed for several variables; these related to provider, patient, procedure type, and tooth number. Although sealants were the third most frequently rendered service, only 10.5 percent of patients received sealants. Treatment was largely consistent with professional guidelines for targeting care according to patient age. The absence of excessive or unnecessary utilization, combined with evidence of caries development in older children, suggests that insurers should review the appropriateness of protocols for sealant coverage.

Adolescent↗