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Biomedical subjects

T A Conine

Publications and source records attributed to T A Conine.

47 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

The user--friendliness of protective support surfaces in prevention of pressure sores.

Special mattress overlays and seat cushions for the prevention of pressure sores constitute a large portion of the rehabilitation products market. Consumers frequently face economic concerns in choosing among these products. This article summarizes the favorable and unfavorable features of major support surface types: foam, air-filled, flotation, and alternating air. A careful consideration of characteristics, such as fire safety, patient comfort, and ease of transfer and handling, may facilitate selection and result in more satisfied users and caregivers.

Beds↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Costs and acceptability of two special overlays for the prevention of pressure sores.

In a randomized clinical trial, 187 adult patients with chronic neurologic conditions who were at a high risk of developing pressure sores were assigned for 3 months to either an alternating air (AA) mattress overlay or a silicore (S) mattress overlay. Costs associated with each overlay were calculated and compared by adding depreciation and yearly expenses related to maintenance, operation, and repair for 148 patients who completed the trial. Acceptability was measured by questionnaires and interviews involving 45 of the patients' primary nurses and a sample of 40 patients (20 from each overlay group). The annual cost of the AA overlay was 54% more than that of the S overlay. Although most nurses (more than 74%) believed that both overlays helped prevent pressure sores and deter their progression, many (more than 56%) would not recommend either type to other facilities or to patients at home due to specific negative features. Implications for manufacturers, investigators, clinicians, and administrators are identified.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Comprehensive health promotion for the pregnant woman who is disabled. The role of the midwife.

Increasing numbers of women with physical or sensory disabilities are choosing to bear children. Research and experience seem to indicate serious shortcomings in assisting disabled primiparas toward confident, healthy, and safe childbearing and childcaring. Guidelines are suggested for appropriate referral or direct provision of education and counselling services for such clients during prepregnancy, pregnancy, labor and delivery, and the postpartum period. Useful resources are identified to assist the nurse-midwife in her role.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Assessment of an infra-red non-contact sensor for routine skin temperature monitoring: a preliminary study.

The accuracy and reproducibility of a new non-contact sensor for monitoring skin temperature was examined. Thirty measurements taken by the device were compared with those taken by a commonly used thermocouple contact sensor. The result was a very high correlation coefficient (r = 0.9999). This accuracy was achieved with the probe held at an angle of 90 degrees 1 cm from the skin. Changes in angle and distance were found to contribute to measurement error. Little difference was found between 39 pairs of measurements taken of the left and right sides of subjects. However, intra-subject variability was noted with respect to the dermotomal segmental fields. Inter-tester reliability analysis resulted in a correlation of r = 0.937 involving two independent testers and 26 pairs of measurements. These preliminary data will be used for power calculations to study further the device which we found to be simple to operate, portable, and practical for routine clinical use. This sensor may have applications in the diagnosis of nerve and vascular disorders and in prospective monitoring of skin conditions such as bony areas at risk of pressure ulcers.

Body Temperature↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Methods of selection of hospital equipment.

With increasingly specialized and sophisticated equipment on the market, our procedures for evaluating possible alternative products must become more scientific and reliable than simply performing cost comparisons and depending on good faith.

British Columbia↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Bacterial contamination potential of sterile, prefilled humidifiers and nebulizer reservoirs.

Contaminated respiratory therapy equipment may be responsible for the spread of pathogens to hospital patients. This study focused on the potential for contamination of prefilled, sterile, disposable water and saline systems for humidification and nebulization. Gas and liquid samples from 48 prepacked oxygen humidifier/cannula and 26 prepacked nebulization setups were taken at the initial application of devices and at 8, 24, 48, and 72 hour intervals, totaling 386 cultures. All samples from the humidifier units were found to be pathogen-free for up to 3 days. A total of six or 3.84% of the nebulizer samples showed contamination with Enterobacter cloacae after 8 to 24 hours of operation. It was concluded that the potential for contamination of the humidifiers is low for up to 72 hours, but the nebulizer units should be changed after 24 hours even though their contamination rate is markedly lower than that of conventional nondisposable units.

Antisepsis↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Work sampling: a tool in management.

"Work sampling" was used to determine the productivity of the employees of a small occupational therapy department and the nature and extent of the activities in which they were involved. Twelve general categories of activities were identified--peak loads occurred on Wednesday each week between 9:10 to 11:30 a.m., and daily between 1:40 to 3:20 p.m. It was found that the therapists spent more of their working hours productively compared to an aide's productive time. "Work sampling" is a convenient and inexpensive technique that may be used by small or large departments to justify staff size, hours of work, and assignments on the basis of activities and productivity.

Allied Health Personnel↗