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At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

PubMed1998

Voice recognition software for clinical use.

The current generation voice recognition products truly offer the promise of voice recognition systems, that are financially and operationally acceptable for use in a health care facility. Although the initial capital outlay for the purchase of such equipment may be substantial, the long-term benefit is felt to outweigh the expense. The ability to utilize computer equipment for educational purposes and information management alone helps to rationalize the cost. In addition, it is important to remember that the Internet has become a substantial source of information which provides another functional use for this equipment. Although one can readily see the implication for such a program in clinical practice, other uses for the program should not be overlooked. Uses far beyond the writing of clinic notes and correspondence can be easily envisioned. Utilization of voice recognition software offers clinical practices the ability to produce quality printed records in a timely and cost-effective manner. After learning procedures for the selected product and appropriately formatting word processing software and printers, printed progress notes should be able to be produced in less time than traditional dictation and transcription methods. Although certain procedures and practices may need to be altered, or may preclude optimal utilization of this type of system, many advantages are apparent. It is recommended that facilities consider utilization of Voice Recognition products such as Dragon Systems Naturally Speaking Software, or at least consider a trial of this method with one of the limited-feature products, if current dictation practices are unsatisfactory or excessively costly. Free downloadable trial software or single user software can provide a reduced-cost method for trial evaluation of such products if a major commitment is not felt to be desired. A list of voice recognition software manufacturer web sites may be accessed through the following: http://www.dragonsys.com/ http://www.software.ibm/com/is/voicetype/ http://www.lhs.com/

Faculty, Nursing↗

PubMed2004

Software and the future of programming languages.

Although software is the key enabler of the global information infrastructure, the amount and extent of software in use in the world today are not widely understood, nor are the programming languages and paradigms that have been used to create the software. The vast size of the embedded base of existing software and the increasing costs of software maintenance, poor security, and limited functionality are posing significant challenges for the software R&D community.

Forecasting↗

PubMed2005

Identification of novel prognostic markers in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia using LDMAS (LOH Data Management and Analysis Software).

BACKGROUND: Detection of Loss of Heterozygosity (LOH) is one of the most common molecular applications in the study of human diseases, in particular cancer. The technique is commonly used to examine whether a known tumour suppressor gene is inactivated or to map unknown tumour suppressor gene(s). However, with the increasing number of samples analysed using different software, no tool is currently available to integrate and facilitate the extensive and efficient data retrieval and analyses, such as correlation of LOH data with various clinical data sets. RESULTS: An algorithm to identify prognostic disease markers is devised and implemented as novel software called LDMAS. LDMAS is a software suite designed for data retrieval, management and integrated analysis of the clinico-pathological data and molecular results from independent databases. LDMAS is used in stratification of disease stages according to clinical stage or histological features and correlation of various clinico-pathological features with molecular findings to obtain relevant prognostic markers such as those used in predicting the outcome of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). This approach lead to the identification of novel prognostic cervical cancer markers and extraction of useful clinical information such as correlation of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) status with CIN lesions. CONCLUSIONS: A novel software called LDMAS is implemented and used to extract and identify prognostic disease markers. The software is used to successfully identify 4 novel prognostic markers that can be used to predict the outcome of CIN. LDMAS provides an essential platform for the extraction of useful information from large amount of data generated by LOH studies. LDMAS provides three unique and novel features for LOH analysis: (1) automatic extraction of relevant data from patient records and reports (2) correlation of LOH data with clinico-pathological data and (3) storage of complex data in flexible format. The first feature automates the creation of database of clinically relevant information from huge amount of data, the second feature extracts useful biomedical information such as prognostic markers in CIN and the third feature simplifies the statistical analyses of the data and allows non-statisticians to carry out the analysis. Additionally, LDMAS can be used to extract clinically useful markers from other diseases and interface to high throughput genotyping analysis software such as GDAS used to generate LOH data from Affymetrix GeneChip Mapping arrays.

Algorithms↗

PubMed2003

The feasibility of using pattern recognition software to measure the influence of computer use on the consultation.

BACKGROUND: A key feature of a good general practice consultation is that it is patient-centred. A number of verbal and non-verbal behaviours have been identified as important to establish a good relationship with the patient. However, the use of the computer detracts the doctor's attention away from the patient, compromising these essential elements of the consultation. Current methods to assess the consultation and the influence of the computer on them are time consuming and subjective. If it were possible to measure these quantitatively, it could provide the basis for the first truly objective way of studying the influence of the computer on the consultation. The aim was to assess whether pattern recognition software could be used to measure the influence and pattern of computer use in the consultation. If this proved possible it would provide, for the first time, an objective quantitative measure of computer use and a measure of the attention and responsiveness of the general practitioner towards the patient. METHODS: A feasibility study using pattern recognition software to analyse a consultation was conducted. A web camera, linked to a data-gathering node was used to film a simulated consultation in a standard office. Members of the research team enacted the role of the doctor and the patient, using pattern recognition software to try and capture patient-centred, non-verbal behaviour. As this was a feasibility study detailed results of the analysis are not presented. RESULTS: It was revealed that pattern recognition software could be used to analyse certain aspects of a simulated consultation. For example, trigger lines enabled the number of times the clinician's hand covered the keyboard to be counted and wrapping recorded the number of times the clinician nodded his head. It was also possible to measure time sequences and whether the movement was brief or lingering. CONCLUSION: Pattern recognition software enables movements associated with patient-centredness to be recorded. Pattern recognition software has the potential to provide an objective, quantitative measure of the influence of the computer on the consultation.

Computers↗

PubMed2003

Multimedia software to help caregivers cope.

OBJECTIVE: This report describes the design and evaluation of a software application to help carers cope when faced with caring problems and emergencies. DESIGN: The design process involved users at each stage to ensure the content of the software application was appropriate, and the research team carefully considered the requirements of disabled and elderly users. MEASUREMENTS: Focus group discussions and individual interviews were conducted in five European countries to ascertain the needs of caregivers in this area. The findings were used to design a three-part multimedia software application to help family caregivers prepare to cope with sudden, unexpected, and difficult situations that may arise during their time as a caregiver. This prototype then was evaluated via user trials and usability questionnaires to consider the usability and acceptance of the application and any changes that may be required. RESULTS: User acceptance of the software application was high, and the key features of usability such as content, appearance, and navigation were highly rated. In general, comments were positive and enthusiastic regarding the content of the software application and relevance to the caring situation. CONCLUSION: The software application has the potential to offer information and support to those who are caring for the elderly and disabled at home and to help them prepare for a crisis.

Aged↗

PubMed1998

Evaluation of low density spine software for the assessment of bone mineral density in children.

Pediatric dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry spine scans often cannot be analyzed with standard software due to a failure to identify the bone edges of low density vertebrae. Low density spine (LDS) software improves bone detection compared with standard software. The objective of this study was to compare bone mineral density (BMD) measurements obtained with the standard and LDS software in 27 healthy nonobese, 32 obese, and 41 chronically ill children, ages 2-18 years. Lumbar spine (L1-L4) BMD, measured by standard analysis, ranged from 0.531-1.244 gm/cm2. Reanalysis with the LDS software resulted in a systematic increase (mean +/- SD) in estimated bone area of 17.0+/-5.0%, an increase in bone mineral content of 6.1+/-6.3%, and a mean decrease in BMD of 8.7+/-1.7% (all p < 0.001). This resulted in a mean decrease in BMD Z score of 0.7+/-0.2. Linear regression models, predicting standard BMD from LDS BMD, were fit for the three subject groups (R2 = 0.993-0.995). Small differences in slopes were detected across groups (p = 0.07); LDS BMD predicted higher standard BMD in obese subjects. In conclusion, LDS analysis resulted in a clinically significant decrease in measured BMD. The association between analysis methods was exceptionally high (R2 > 0.99), indicating that LDS BMD accurately predicts standard BMD. Although LDS BMD in obese subjects predicts higher standard BMD results than in nonobese subjects, the small difference is of questionable clinical significance. LDS software is a useful tool for the assessment of BMD in children.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

PubMed2003

Using interactive software to teach image-based clinical laboratory tests in developing countries: a pilot trial in Nepal.

This study explores the feasibility of using computer tutorials to train laboratory personnel in Nepal. Training incorporated three software programs that teach microscope-based laboratory tests (peripheral blood smears, urinalysis, Gram stains). Forty-seven participants attended training sessions and completed a questionnaire. The participants' overall perception was: 1) the software was superior to formal lectures for learning image-based laboratory tests (43 participants, 92%); 2) the software would enhance job performance (43 participants, 92%); 3) more subjects should be taught using software (40 participants, 85%); and 4) the software helped participants learn new materials (38 participants, 81%). Considering that 79% of the participants were novice computer users, it is noteworthy that 38 (81%) participants thought the method of instruction was easy to understand. Factors contributing to learning included: 1) the resemblance of the computer images to actual microscope images derived from patient samples (37 participants, 68%); 2) the use of multiple examples of cells and other microscopic structures (28 participants, 60%); 3) the ability to interact with images and animations (23 participants, 49%); 4) the step-by-step explanation of laboratory techniques (21 participants, 45%); and 5) the self-pacing of the tutorial (12 participants, 26%). Overall, the pilot study suggests that educational software could help train clinical laboratory personnel in developing countries.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Laser in situ keratomileusis results of DOS and windows software versions for the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser using the same nomogram.

PURPOSE: To compare the results of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) correction for myopia and myopic astigmatism between the previous DOS software version and the Windows software version for the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser, using the same nomogram. METHODS: This retrospective review included 2021 eyes (980 patients) after LASIK using the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser. Of these, 1,632 eyes were corrected with the DOS software version and the other 389 eyes were corrected with the Windows software version of the laser. Both groups were treated with the same surgical nomogram. Minimum follow-up time was 6 months. Patients were classified into range of myopia: low, moderate, and high. RESULTS: Postoperative uncorrected visual acuity was not statistically significantly different between the two groups in any range of refractive error. There was no loss of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity for any patient. Uncorrected visual acuity equal to or better than 20/40 was achieved in 96.3% of eyes in the Windows version group and 94.9% in the DOS version. CONCLUSION: Results for the correction of myopia or myopic astigmatism were similar using the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser with either the DOS software version or Windows software version, with the same surgical nomogram.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Software for real-time control of a tidal liquid ventilator.

The purpose of this project was to develop and test computer software and control algorithms designed to operate a tidal liquid ventilator. The tests were executed on a 90-MHz Pentium PC with 16 MB RAM and a prototype liquid ventilator. The software was designed using Microsoft Visual C++ (Ver. 5.0) and the Microsoft Foundation Classes. It uses a graphic user interface, is multithreaded, runs in real time, and has a built-in simulator that facilitates user education in liquid-ventilation principles. The operator can use the software to specify ventilation parameters such as the frequency of ventilation, the tidal volume, and the inspiratory-expiratory time ratio. Commands are implemented via control of the pump speed and by setting the position of two two-way solenoid-controlled valves. Data for use in monitoring and control are gathered by analog-to-digital conversion. Control strategies are implemented to maintain lung volumes and airway pressures within desired ranges, according to limits set by the operator. Also, the software allows the operator to define the shape of the flow pulse during inspiration and expiration, and to optimize perfluorochemical liquid transfer while minimizing airway pressures and maintaining the desired tidal volume. The operator can stop flow during inspiration and expiration to measure alveolar pressures. At the end of expiration, the software stores all user commands and 30 ventilation parameters into an Excel spreadsheet for later review and analysis. Use of these software and control algorithms affords user-friendly operation of a tidal liquid ventilator while providing precise control of ventilation parameters.

Algorithms↗

PubMed1999

The survey of healthcare software in Yugoslavia.

The aim of this study is to identify vendors of software packages applicable to health care system as well as to evaluate software packages offered to the health sector by a variety of sources, namely state owned software development companies, privately operated software development companies as well as sole traders. The approach undertaken was to preselect the potential suppliers via an initial targeted interview. Subsequently a questionnaire, consisting of 23 questions, was addressed to the selected vendors and suppliers. The response rate to the questionnaire was 58%. Investigation of 113 has revealed the non government software suppliers clearly lead in copyright ownership, IBM compatible personal computers were the platform of choice whereas majority of code was written utilising languages capable of supporting relational data base queries. The final outcome of the above study is a database of software packages and applications available to the health sector offering the health professionals and institutions guide lines and support in developing information systems, relevant subsystems and modules.

Cross-Sectional Studies↗

PubMed1992

[The general practitioner and clinical records: a survey of the knowledge of users of a software package].

The FATMA project--subproject 6, Line of Research 2--aims at implementing a new computerized information network for general practitioners using the same kind of software and homogeneously located throughout Italy. Thus, patients' case form data can be collected for public health purposes. After a study of literature in order to check whether other countries had implemented similar projects and what they consisted of, a survey based on a computerized questionnaire was carried out on a group of g.p.s. who had already received a software for the management of their clinical and professional activities from Janssen Informedica. This survey aimed at judging some aspects of users in order to select potential monitors of the information network who would test a new software. The analysis regards both g.p.s' social and professional data and the use of a computer package with reference to the quality and quantity of the clinical data they input. 2,010 questionnaires were filled in all their parts and mailed back to Informedica. It came out that g.p.s. believe more and more they can improve the organization and management of their work by using a software equipped with routines and easy access procedures so that clinical data, diagnostic reports and treatment can be collected, placed on files and updated. Thus, a new software should be developed. While meeting g.p.s' needs, it must overcome the limits of packages now available concerning the possibility of carrying out epidemiological studies. The software can become a tool to collect clinical data of patients, diseases and diagnostic procedures through standard protocols directly from g.p.s records.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Extended cooperation in clinical studies through exchange of CDISC metadata between different study software solutions.

OBJECTIVES: Our objectives were to analyze the possibility of an exchange of an entire clinical study between two different and independent study software solutions. The question addressed was whether a software-independent transfer of study metadata can be performed without programming efforts and with software routinely used for clinical research. METHODS: Study metadata was transferred with ODM standard (CDISC). Study software systems employed were MACRO (InferMed) and XTrial (XClinical). For the Proof of Concept, a test study was created with MACRO and exported as ODM. For modification and validation of the ODM export file XML-Spy (Altova) and ODM-Checker (XML4Pharma) were used. RESULTS: Through exchange of a complete clinical study between two different study software solutions, a Proof of Concept of the technical feasibility of a system-independent metadata exchange was conducted successfully. The interchange of study metadata between two different systems at different centers was performed with minimal expenditure. A small number of mistakes had to be corrected in order to generate a syntactically correct ODM file and a "vendor extension" had to be inserted. After these modifications, XTrial exhibited the study, including all data fields, correctly. However, the optical appearance of both CRFs (case report forms) was different. CONCLUSIONS: ODM can be used as an exchange format for clinical studies between different study software. Thus, new forms of cooperation through exchange of metadata seem possible, for example the joint creation of electronic study protocols or CRFs at different research centers. Although the ODM standard represents a clinical study completely, it contains no information about the representation of data fields in CRFs.

Algorithms↗

PubMed1991

Effect of computer software on time required to prepare parenteral nutrient solutions.

Pharmacist and technician times required for the preparation of parenteral nutrient (PN) solutions were studied before and after the introduction of a software package that is used with an automated compounder. At a 580-bed teaching hospital, work sampling was used to collect data on how time was spent by personnel in the i.v. admixture pharmacy during six-week periods before and after the introduction of software that calculates the quantities of PN solution ingredients on a computer-generated work sheet and prints labels. The second data-collection period began when the software had been in use for four months. In the second study period, there was a significant decrease (28%) in total pharmacist time spent per PN solution; the mean +/- S.D. pharmacist times per PN solution per day for the two study periods were 14.03 +/- 3.24 minutes and 10.12 +/- 1.61 minutes, respectively. There were also significant decreases in pharmacist time spent performing calculations, checking calculations, and typing labels. After introduction of the software, technicians spent significantly less time typing labels and pumping base solutions. Overall, technicians spent significantly less time per PN solution in the second study period (20.15 +/- 3.50 versus 17.82 +/- 1.94 minutes). Use of the software allowed pharmacist staffing in the i.v. admixture pharmacy to be reduced, and the pharmacy resources were reallocated toward the provision of clinical services. The generation of PN labels and calculation worksheets by computer software reduced pharmacist and technician time requirements for PN solution preparation.

Data Collection↗

PubMed1996

The correlation between the new RigiScan plus software and the final diagnosis in the evaluation of erectile dysfunction.

PURPOSE: The computer generated recordings for 2 nights in 40 patients studied with the RigiScan device were reevaluated using the new RigiScan Plus software to test its value in improving the discrimination between psychogenic and organic erectile dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Each man was evaluated for erectile dysfunction with a detailed medical and sexual history, physical examination, biothesiometry, plethysmography, 2 nights of ambulatory RigiScan monitoring and a psychological evaluation that usually included a private interview with the sexual partner. At the conclusion of evaluation each patient was broadly classified as having organic or psychogenic erectile dysfunction. The RigiScan reports were initially independently analyzed without the investigator's knowledge of the final diagnosis by determining the single best erectile event, with a minimal cutoff value of 60% erection for 5 minutes as necessary to be considered normal and the sum of measurements from the 2 nights. The original reading and final diagnosis were correlated. At this point the data were processed with the new RigiScan Plus software using 2 new measurements: 1) rigidity activity units and 2) tumescence activity units at the base and tip of the penis, and the results were correlated with the final diagnosis. RESULTS: Evaluation of the single best event again showed that tip rigidity was the best single predictor if the diagnostic criteria were modified to 70% tip rigidity for 5 minutes with an estimate of correct classification of 92.5%. Nearly the same accuracy was obtained by base single event rigidity, tip rigidity and base tumescence activity units (each 90%). The summary analysis of all erectile events during the 2 nights of evaluation that had a low correlation with the final diagnosis using the original software showed that the best overall predictor of final diagnosis was tip tumescence activity units (92.5%), followed by base rigidity and tumescence activity units (each 90%). CONCLUSIONS: The RigiScan Plus software introduced 4 new parameters that facilitate interpretation of the RigiScan data. The new software did not improve the correlation with the final diagnosis compared to the subjective single best event analysis but added new objective parameters, measured and displayed by the software, that facilitate use of the data by the physician.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

PubMed1997

Family physicians' preferences for computerized decision-support hardware and software.

BACKGROUND: While computers are now widely used by family physicians for billing and patient registration purposes, their use as decision-support tools is still quite limited. The purpose of this study was to determine the current use of computer hardware and software by family physicians, and the characteristics these physicians desire in computerized decision-support hardware and software. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of a random sample of 250 Michigan family physicians was undertaken in mid-1995. These physicians were asked about their current use of a variety of computer hardware and software. They were also asked to rate the value of different kinds of decision-support information potentially available by computer. The survey instrument also gathered the family physicians' preferences for design factors (both hardware and software), such as the size of a computer, the time needed to access information, and the frequency of updates. RESULTS: Word processing on desktop computers and hospital information systems are the most widely used computer applications by family physicians. Physicians are most interested in computer-based information on drugs, storage and generation of patient education materials, and accessing treatment recommendations. Most feel that semiannual or annual updates of information are adequate, and would like a uniform interface. A high percentage of physicians (84.5% of all physicians and 94.1% of younger physicians) stated that they would consider carrying a handheld computer. CONCLUSIONS: There is significant interest in several types of clinical decision-support software. Based on the results of this study, such software should have following characteristics: (1) be available for handheld as well as networked and desktop computers, (2) include drug information (particularly warnings, interactions, and side effects), (3) include overviews of treatment recommendations, (4) include patient education materials, and (5) have a uniform user interface and be updated at least annually.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Software control procedures for treatment planning systems.

In radiotherapy treatment planning systems, the software programs as well as the beam data have to be updated frequently, when new software versions are released or as beam data change. This update procedure has to be carried out carefully, to ensure the integrity of the system software and data. Moreover, the version of software used for a particular patient treatment plan is important, not only as a record to be retrieved when necessary, but also when there are multiple terminals connected to the same computer. This process of version control is not always carried out in a systematic and standardized fashion. Most clinics often have their own systems to implement this procedure, but while some systems are comprehensive, others may not necessarily incorporate enough safeguards for errors. In addition, treatment planning system manufacturers often do not offer well-designed and fail-safe facilities for this important issue. This report describes the software update control procedures we have implemented on our treatment planning system as well as suggests some general principles that could be applied to other planning systems.

Computer Systems↗

PubMed2006

New software for computer-assisted dental-data matching in Disaster Victim Identification and long-term missing persons investigations: "DAVID Web".

In 1997 an internally supported but unfunded pilot project at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM) Australia led to the development of a computer system which closely mimicked Interpol paperwork for the storage, later retrieval and tentative matching of the many AM and PM dental records that are often needed for rapid Disaster Victim Identification. The program was called "DAVID" (Disaster And Victim IDentification). It combined the skills of the VIFM Information Technology systems manager (VW), an experienced odontologist (JGC) and an expert database designer (JC); all current authors on this paper. Students did much of the writing of software to prescription from Monash University. The student group involved won an Australian Information Industry Award in recognition of the contribution the new software could have made to the DVI process. Unfortunately, the potential of the software was never realized because paradoxically the federal nature of Australia frequently thwarts uniformity of systems across the entire country. As a consequence, the final development of DAVID never took place. Given the recent problems encountered post-tsunami by the odontologists who were obliged to use the Plass Data system (Plass Data Software, Holbaek, Denmark) and with the impending risks imposed upon Victoria by the decision to host the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne during March 2006, funding was sought and obtained from the state government to update counter disaster preparedness at the VIFM. Some of these funds have been made available to upgrade and complete the DAVID project. In the wake of discussions between leading expert odontologists from around the world held in Geneva during July 2003 at the invitation of the International Committee of the Red Cross significant alterations to the initial design parameters of DAVID were proposed. This was part of broader discussions directed towards developing instruments which could be used by the ICRC's "The Missing" project that seeks to identify the victims of civil unrest and other atrocities. The most significant of these recommendations was that the next version of DAVID should be web-based allowing it to be used anywhere in the world and on any computer platform. The original intention that the software should be made available as freeware was strongly reiterated and endorsed. During 2005 these recommendations have been realized. This paper will describe the design parameters of the new software "DAVID web" and compare its features and performance with alternative packages.

Database Management Systems↗

PubMed2001

Twelve tips on choosing web teaching software.

Experimentation with the new technology of web-based teaching has meant that many medical schools are using more than one software system for delivery. In the medical faculty at the University of New South Wales at the end of 1999, three different software packages (WebTeach, Top Class and Learning Space) were used for mediating teaching and learning on the web. The type of applications for which web-based teaching is used also varied widely. They ranged from a distance-education coursework masters programme delivered via the web, to the provision of additional resource materials and case discussions to supplement undergraduate classes on campus. Once web-based teaching moves out of the experimental phase and into the mainstream there is usually pressure to standardize on one software system. This has the advantage of limiting costs for training and support but it may require some compromise on functionality. Faced with the need to limit the number of software packages in use at UNSW the published comparisons of web software (Landon, 2001; University of California at Berkeley; 2001; Marshall University, 2001; Murdoch University, 2001) were first investigated. These show in broad terms what each package will do but often lack sufficient detail to determine whether the package will meet specific requirements. To get a better idea of how different software packages operate under the pressure of day-to-day teaching, 15 academic course coordinators, instructional designers and educational developers from six Australian universities who are involved in designing and delivering web courses were interviewed. The authors also joined online user groups and asked questions of international users. The aim was to find out what strengths and weaknesses they had found in the packages they used and whether they would make the same choice again. The authors were particularly interested to find out what questions they would ask when considering a new package. The twelve tips that follow summarize their advice to those considering the choice of a web teaching package.

Journal Article↗