SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Pilot Projects”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

PubMed2006

Preventing diarrhoea with household ceramic water filters: assessment of a pilot project in Bolivia.

In an attempt to prevent diarrhoea in a rural community in central Bolivia, an international non-governmental organization implemented a pilot project to improve drinking water quality using gravity-fed, household-based, ceramic water filters. We assessed the performance of the filters by conducting a five-month randomized controlled trial among all 60 households in the pilot community. Water filters eliminated thermotolerant (faecal) coliforms from almost all intervention households and significantly reduced turbidity, thereby improving water aesthetics. Most importantly, the filters were associated with a 45.3% reduction in prevalence of diarrhoea among the study population (p = 0.02). After adjustment for household clustering and repeated episodes in individuals and controlling for age and baseline diarrhoea, prevalence of diarrhoea among the intervention group was 51% lower than controls, though the protective effect was only borderline significant (OR 0.49, 95% CI: 0.24, 1.01; p = 0.05). A follow-up survey conducted approximately 9 months after deployment of the filters found 67% being used regularly, 13% being used intermittently, and 21% not in use. Water samples from all regularly used filters were free of thermotolerant coliforms.

Bolivia↗

PubMed2006

Chiropractic services in the Canadian Armed Forces: a pilot project.

This article reports on satisfaction associated with the introduction of chiropractic services within a military hospital, through a Canadian Armed Forces Pilot Project. We distributed a 27-item survey that inquired about demographic information and satisfaction with chiropractic services to 102 military personnel presenting for on-site chiropractic services at the Archie McCallum Hospital in Halifax, Nova Scotia. We provided a second 3-item survey, designed to explore referral patterns and satisfaction with chiropractic services, to all referring military physicians. A multivariable linear regression model was constructed to explore which factors were associated with patients' satisfaction with chiropractic services. The response rate to the patient and physician satisfaction surveys was 67.6% (69 of 102) and 83.3% (10 of 12), respectively. Chronic low back pain accounted for most presentations to the hospital chiropractic clinic. The majority of military personnel (94.2%) and referring physicians (80.0%) expressed satisfaction with chiropractic services. Our adjusted analysis found that older age (beta = -0.37; 95% confidence interval = -0.73 to -0.02) and a presenting complaint of knee pain (beta = -15.56; 95% confidence interval = -29.61 to -1.51) was associated with decreased satisfaction with chiropractic care. Although our finding of high satisfaction with chiropractic services is encouraging, formal studies on functional outcomes and cost effectiveness of chiropractic care are required to better inform the role of chiropractic services in the Canadian Armed Forces.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

[Evaluation of the pilot project for the gradual area-wide outpatient medical care of patients with diabetes mellitus in Southern Wuerttemberg].

The aim of the diabetes pilot project of the AOK Baden-Wuerttemberg and the KV Southern Wuerttemberg was to prevent diabetes-related complications or to delay their progress by attaining predefined, short-term therapy goals (e.g., stabilization of HbA1c and blood pressure levels). Besides the observation of the short-term therapy aims, the scientific monitoring also included the development of the healthcare structure and the changes of the healthcare processes. Measured against the HbA1c value of the 13.902 patients suffering from type-2 diabetes included in the first 6 months of the year 2000, an improvement of the outcome quality (HbA1c < or = 7.5%) could be observed with an increased goal attaihment degree of 66.6% (IV/2002) compared to the initial value of 60.3% (p < 0.001). The predefined blood pressure levels (< or = 140/90 mmHg) were achieved by 55.8% of the patients at the beginning and by 64.6% at the end of the evaluation period (p < 0.001). In terms of healthcare processes, an intensification of the medicinal therapy is remarkable.

Ambulatory Care↗

PubMed2006

Environmental management for the control of Triatoma dimidiata (Latreille, 1811), (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) in Costa Rica: a pilot project.

An ecological control method, using environmental management operations, based on biological and behavioral characteristics of Triatoma dimidiata (Latreille, 1811), was implemented as a pilot project in an area of Costa Rica where the bug is prevalent. The sample was represented by 20 houses with peridomestic colonies (two also had indoor infestation), divided in two equivalent groups of 10 each. In one group we intervened the houses, i.e. all objects or materials that were serving as artificial ecotopes for the bugs were removed, and the second group was used as control houses. After a year of periodic follow up, it became evident that in those houses with a modified environment the number of insects had decreased notoriously even after the first visits and this was more evident after a period of 12.5 to 13.5 months in which no insects were detected in eight of the houses. It also became clear that in this group of houses, recolonization by wild bugs from the surrounding areas, became more difficult, probably due to the absence of protection from bug predators. In the control houses, with the exception of three in which the inhabitants decided to intervene on their own, and another house with a peculiar situation, the insect populations remained the same or even showed a tendency to increase, as confirmed at the end of the experiment. We believe that the method is feasible, low costing and non contaminating. It could be used successfully in other places where T. dimidiata is common and also in countries where other species colonize peridomestic areas of homes. Environmental management of this kind should seek the participation of the members of the communities, in order to make it a more permanent control measure.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Magnet hospital research pilot project conducted in hospitals in Western Australia.

The factors causing nurses to leave nursing are well known and published. The main aim of the research pilot project was to explore and describe the reasons that attract nurses to a specific hospital and that motive them to remain working at that hospital. Data were collected through surveys of different categories of nurses working in selected 'Magnet Hospitals' in Perth (Western Australia). Biographical data were analysed through quantitative methods and content analysis was employed to analyze qualitative data. Motivational findings indicate specific organizational factors (such as staff development programs) and significant personal circumstances.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

[Interprofessional communication and cooperation training in ward rounds for medical and nursing students: a pilot project].

This study reports on a pilot study of the effect of an inter-professional course for medical and nursing students in how to collaborate in the conduct of a ward round. A mixed group of 13 medical and 12 nursing students attended a one-day course. They worked together in small groups training in communication and collaborative skills using a framework for ward rounds in a simulated clinical ward environment. The course was evaluated on standard evaluation forms and through focus group interviews. The programme was highly rated by both of the groups and considered most relevant, well situated and efficient. Next term the training course will be extended to include twice as many students.

Cooperative Behavior↗

PubMed1965

A PILOT PROJECT IN TRAINING FOR MENTAL HEALTH LIBRARIANSHIP.

In an effort to recruit and train competent personnel for its medical library, Central Louisiana State Hospital undertook a pilot project in preprofessional training in mental health librarianship. Students received an introduction to the library as it operates in the hospital setting through a survey of the mental health sciences and the needs for library resources and services with special emphasis upon the librarian as a member of the hospital team.

Education↗

PubMed1992

Development of the Virginia Congenital Anomalies Reporting and Education System (VaCARES): two pilot projects.

In 1986 legislation established the Virginia Congenital Anomalies Reporting and Education System (VaCARES). The system has three goals: to collect data that can be used to evaluate possible causes of congenital anomalies, to improve diagnosis and treatment, and to let parents and physicians know what resources are available to aid children born with anomalies. All children (from birth to age 2) with congenital anomalies admitted to Virginia hospitals after January 1, 1987, are being reported to VaCARES; VaCARES then contacts their families and physicians. Before the system was implemented statewide, its procedures were thoroughly tested through two pilot projects in selected hospitals. During the pilots, it was concluded that birth certificates alone are inadequate for case ascertainment. According to hospital reports, the incidence of all congenital anomalies during Pilot II was 562 out of 10,034 births (5.6%); birth certificates showed an incidence of only 83 out of 10,034 births (0.8%). During Pilot I, 3,466 (73.8%) of the diagnoses reported were perinatal conditions; the list of reportable conditions was accordingly altered, reducing perinatal conditions reported in Pilot II to 5 diagnoses (0.4%). It was estimated that there will be about 5000 to 7000 reports submitted to VaCARES each year. It was also shown that parents should be sent general rather than specific information about their child's birth defect and that quality control and close contact with reporting hospitals are essential to maintain the integrity of the registry data.

Congenital Abnormalities↗

PubMed1995

Is a community-based mastoid microsuction service feasible: the audit of a pilot project.

Patients who have had a mastoidectomy form a considerable long-term follow-up commitment to their local ENT Department. A community-based mastoid aural toilet pilot project run by a GP is described using an operating microscope and suction apparatus in his surgery. To obtain the necessary information about community treatment, an audit was performed of all mastoidectomy patients from a large general practice in Portsmouth: 57 mastoidectomy patients were reviewed. During the project it was possible to transfer to the community microsuction project the long-term care of most of their mastoidectomy patients who were attending the hospital ENT outpatient clinic.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

[Tunsia: a pilot project on the conversion of tobacco farm production to more diversified agricultural crops].

The objective of the project which is presented in this article was to reconvert tobacco farms into agricultural endeavours which produce crops which are non-harmful to health, simultaneously allowing for agricultural development within a forestry ecosystem. The team, therefore, proposed an experimental pilot project to replace tobacco farms with other crops, namely fodder, tree and market crops. Fodder crops allow farms to reduce the burden put on the natural resources by the various types of farming present in the area. Furthermore, this policy contributes to the increase in revenue from those farms benefiting from the project and established a community structure for managing the project, which could become an Agricultural Development Cooperative at the close of the project.

Agriculture↗

PubMed1996

A Canadian experiment with breast cancer information exchange pilot projects.

Responding to concerns articulated by Canadian women living with breast cancer and their families, the federal government has provided $2.7 million over five years to establish five regional information exchange pilot projects. Women experience considerable variation in access to information reflecting different resources, communication links and health care delivery systems in each province or territory. The five information projects are taking different approaches to enhance coordination of existing resources and involve women living with breast cancer to improve access to credible, timely, breast cancer information.

Breast Neoplasms↗

PubMed1999

Will the GP commissioner role make a difference? Exploratory findings from a pilot project offering complementary therapy to people with musculo-skeletal problems.

The paper focuses on the interprofessional relationships which developed between general practitioners (GPs) and complementary practitioners (CPs) during a pilot project where GPs referred to acupuncturists, osteopaths and chiropractors. It is based on interviews with GPs and CPs, that took place at the beginning and end of an evaluative study on patients referred with musculoskelal conditions. Referrals to hospital orthopaedic outpatients departments and pain clinics were also examined. The most common relationship that developed was where the GP delegated responsibility for treatment to the CP. One CP and GP developed a more interactive relationship which included a shared diagnostic role. The NHS reforms offer opportunities for different types of working relationships to develop between health professionals. They also offer opportunities for professionals who have not traditionally worked in the NHS to do so. The findings discussed here are exploratory. Further research to identify the types of relationships developing between CPs and GPs and to establish whether the type of relationship has an impact on secondary referrals and treatment outcomes is recommended.

Complementary Therapies↗

PubMed2006

Nurse-led telephone consultation and outpatient local anaesthetic abortion: a pilot project.

OBJECTIVES: The study objectives were to improve access to earlier and safer abortion and to offer women a wider choice of method of termination of pregnancy (TOP). METHODS: The study comprised two pilot projects conducted in a teaching hospital to assess the feasibility of (1) a telephone booking clinic and (2) a local anaesthetic outpatient surgical termination of pregnancy (LA-STOP) service. The main outcome measures were the uptake of services by referrers and patients, staff acceptability and cost. RESULTS: Demand from referrers for the telephone booking clinic was greater than could be accommodated by the service. Telephone consultation was popular with patients as it was carried out at their convenience in their homes, and with staff as it reduced clinic assessment time. Some staff members felt that consulting over the telephone affected their assessment of the patient's emotional status. Outpatient LA-STOP seemed well accepted by both staff and patients as it offered patients a convenient and safe method of early abortion. A preliminary costing indicated a net saving plus increased service capacity. CONCLUSIONS: The pilots suggest that the introduction of a telephone booking clinic and LA-STOP service into existing hospital services is feasible and cost effective. Further research is required to evaluate the potential for reducing waiting times and the gestations at which terminations are carried out.

Abortion, Induced↗

PubMed2000

A pilot project to determine the demand for and utility of an out-of-hours psychiatric service run by on-call psychiatric nurses in an A&E department.

This paper presents the results of a 12-week pilot project that studied the demand for and utility of an out-of-hours on-call psychiatric service delivered by two experienced psychiatric nurses in an A&E department. It also considers some of the implications for a possible permanent, substantive service. An initiative to reduce the on-call hours worked by junior medical staff harked back to literature which has long suggested that health professionals, other than medical staff, can competently perform risk assessments and determine the immediate needs of patients who self-harm. The project's aims were to determine: (i) whether an on-call psychiatric nurse could satisfactorily reduce the pressures on on-call junior doctors; and (ii) the absolute demand for and nature of requested out-of-hours psychiatric assistance. Summarized details of referred patients include data on time and duration of contact, reasons for referral, outcome and other professionals involved. Of the 88 patients referred during the pilot period, 33 (37.5% of the total) were admitted to psychiatric wards and four to medical wards. Although a range of professionals was needed during the 12-week period, the nurses dealt with 42 (47.7%) of the referrals without any other professional involvement.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

Alcohol withdrawal at home. Pilot project for frail elderly people.

The need for safe, accessible, client-centred, alcohol withdrawal services for seniors was recognized by health service workers in Victoria. A partnership of health and support service organizations developed and implemented a pilot project for treating alcohol withdrawal in the home. The project provided service that integrated well with a substance-abuse treatment program for seniors.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Comparative gas chromatographic studies of heroin samples. Results of a pilot project in West Germany in 1982].

From 1.4. -30.10.1982 all heroin samples weighing more than 5 g seized in the States of Baden-Württemberg, Hesse and by the Bundeskriminalamt were analyzed by capillary gas chromatography during a pilot project. For comparison of samples ratios of concentrations of heroin (including its decomposition products 0(6)-acetylmorphine and morphine) and its natural by-products of synthesis acetylcodeine, papaverine, and narcotine (noscapine) were determined. The application of these parameters and further qualitative and quantitative criteria for heroin comparison for investigative and legal purposes are discussed.

Chromatography↗

PubMed1995

Pilot Project for Financial Decentralization in Senanga, Zambia.

Decentralization of finances and responsibilities has been one of the most interesting developments in the health systems in developing countries during the last decades. In 1992, Senanga District (Zambia) was involved in a Pilot Project for Financial Decentralization. In order to evaluate the experiences of the health staff, focus group discussions were organized. Although several constraints were faced during the implementation of the project, decentralization was regarded as a valuable and workable concept. Continuation was advocated by all health workers.

Accounting↗

PubMed1987

Predictors of cardiovascular events and mortality in the Systolic Hypertension in the Elderly Program pilot project.

Do the established cardiovascular risk factors for younger persons remain important predictors of cardiovascular disease events and mortality in those who are older? The authors examined this question in the Systolic Hypertension in the Elderly Program pilot project which prospectively followed 551 men and women 60 years of age and older with pretreatment systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 160 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure less than 90 mmHg who were enrolled between May 1981 and July 1982. Mean age was 72 years, 37% were men, 82% were white, and 24% had attended college. The vital status of all 551 participants was known at the end of follow-up, an average of 34 months after entry; there were 39 deaths from all causes, 66 first cardiovascular events, 18 strokes, and 20 episodes of myocardial infarction/sudden death. Univariate Cox proportional hazard analysis revealed that age was a predictor (p less than 0.05) of all-cause mortality, first cardiovascular event, and stroke. Less than college education was a predictor of all-cause mortality and first cardiovascular event, smoking was a predictor of first cardiovascular event and myocardial infarction/sudden death, cholesterol was a predictor of first cardiovascular event, and lower body mass index was a predictor of increased all-cause mortality. After adjustment for covariables, age, lower education, lower body mass index, and baseline electrocardiographic abnormalities were significant predictors of all-cause mortality, and age, lower education, history of cardiovascular event, and smoking remained significant predictors of first cardiovascular event. Sex was not a risk factor, and the ability to examine hypertension as a risk factor was impaired by the fact that the entire cohort had systolic hypertension at baseline, and most were treated. These findings, combined with prior evidence, suggest that smoking, low education level, and perhaps serum cholesterol are risk factors for cardiovascular disease in the elderly. Although the excess risk conveyed by these factors is large, its reversibility needs to be demonstrated by intervention studies.

Age Factors↗