Equipment and Supplies Commons^™

Evaluation Of Individual And Combined Markers Of Urine Dipstick Parameters And Total Lymphocyte Count As A Substitute For Cd4 Count In Low-Resource Communities In Ghana, Enoch Odame Anto, Christian Obirikorang, Emmanuel Acheampong, Bright Amankwaa, Bright Oppong Afranie, Sampson Donkor, Isaac Hope, Juliana Jommo, Esther Osaah

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

We evaluated the individual and combined levels of urine dipstick and total lymphocyte count (TLC) as surrogate markers for CD4 count in a low-resource community in Ghana. This cross-sectional study recruited 200 HIV-infected patients from the Saint Francis Xavier Hospital, Assin Fosu, Ghana. Complete blood count, CD4 count, and urine dipstick analysis were measured for participants. The threshold values were determined as/

Device Therapies Among Patients Receiving Primary Prevention Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators In The Cardiovascular Research Network, Robert T. Greenlee, Alan S. Go, Pamela N. Peterson, Andrea E. Cassidy-Bushrow, Charles Gaber, Romel Garcia-Montilla, Alan H. Kadish

Office of the President Publications and Research

BACKGROUND: Primary prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) reduce mortality in selected patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction by delivering therapies (antitachycardia pacing or shocks) to terminate potentially lethal arrhythmias; inappropriate therapies also occur. We assessed device therapies among adults receiving primary prevention ICDs in 7 healthcare systems.

METHODS AND RESULTS: We linked medical record data, adjudicated device therapies, and the National Cardiovascular Data Registry ICD Registry. Survival analysis evaluated therapy probability and predictors after ICD implant from 2006 to 2009, with attention to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Coverage With Evidence Development subgroups: left ventricular ejection fraction, 31% to 35%; …

Assessment Of Falls On A Medical-Telemetry Unit, Andie Reed

Master's Projects and Capstones

The purpose of this quality improvement project aimed at reducing falls on a medical-telemetry unit in a large metropolitan Magnet hospital. It was important for the MSN/CNL students to focus on falls because it is not just a concern for this institution, it is a national dilemma that needs to be addressed. Due to the complexities and intricate details of the IRB process, the MSN/CNL students were unable to collect data or further advance their project into the microsystem. Instead, information was attained from the University of San Francisco database to allow the MSN/CNL students to continue with the steps …

The Development Of A Wayfinding Smart Phone Application As A Large Healthcare Facility Investment Opportunity, Jessie Fortson Marshall

Doctoral Projects

Health care is a continually growing field. New hospitals are constantly being built, while older facilities are experiencing renovation and expansion. With this growth comes a set of difficulties for patients as they try to navigate through large, multi-building facilities. Most large facilities have multiple parking garages, numerous buildings, and medical towers with an unending number of floors. Patients are forced to rely on directional signage to find their destination that is often insufficient. Attempting to navigate through large facilities is often overwhelming for visitors leading to frustration and stress.

New technology has allowed a convenient solution to this problem …

Effects Of Revision Surgery On Grade Of Adverse Local Tissue Reaction Following Recall Of A Modular Hip Implant, Joseph F. Davies, Danielle M. Greer, Susan Truchan

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Background: The Stryker Rejuvenate modular hip implant device allows for greater versatility in matching a patient’s anatomy than conventional implants. Device recalls and in vivo metal hypersensitivity after total hip arthroplasty (THA) are common. However, recall of the Rejuvenate implant represents one of the largest recall volumes to date, highlighting our uncertainty regarding causes of device metal fretting/corrosion and adverse local tissue reaction (ALTR). While devices with metal-on-metal bearings historically were culprits for release of metal debris, more recently developed modular-neck devices add opportunity for adjacent metal components to rub together. With the Rejuvenate device, corrosion or fretting likely occurs …

Asia: Is High-End Innovation In Medical Technology A Blessing Or A Curse?, Elisabeth Staudinger

Asian Management Insights

Is high-end innovation in medical technology a blessing or a curse?

A Preliminary Study Of A Spanish Graphic Novella Targeting Hearing Loss Prevention, Mark Guiberson, Emily Wakefield

Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders: Faculty Publications

Purpose: This preliminary study developed a digital graphic novella targeting hearing protection beliefs of Spanish-speaking agricultural workers. Researchers used pretest–posttest interview surveys to establish if the novella had an immediate influence on the participants’ beliefs about noise-induced hearing loss and usage of hearing protection devices.

Method: Researchers developed a digital graphic novella directed to increase knowledge about noise-induced hearing loss and increase the proper use of hearing protection devices. The novella was tailored to meet the specific linguistic and literacy needs of Spanish-speaking agricultural workers. Thirty-one Spanish-speaking farmworkers of Mexican nationality participated. This study included an interview survey with specific …

Higher Medication Administration Errors Associated With Automated Dispensing System Usage, Jillian Cramer

Grace Peterson Nursing Research Colloquium

According to a report by The Institute of Medicine, medical errors were associated with up to 98,000 deaths and more than 1 million injuries each year in the United States. These errors can result in poor outcomes, which increase harm or death. According to the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Reporting System, up to 15% of errors reported cite automated dispensing cabinets as the source of the drug involved in the error.Nearly 58% to 70% of hospitals nationwide use automated dispensing cabinets. Nurses play a critical role in promoting patient safety by surveilling and intercepting any possible errors that could occur during …

The Motor Cortical Representation Of A Muscle Is Not Homogeneous In Brain Connectivity, Jo Armour Smith, Alaa Albishi, Sarine Babikian, Skulpan Asavasopon, Beth E. Fisher, Jason Kutch

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Functional connectivity patterns of the motor cortical representational area of single muscles have not been extensively mapped in humans, particularly for the axial musculature. Functional connectivity may provide a neural substrate for adaptation of muscle activity in axial muscles that have both voluntary and postural functions. The purpose of this study was to combine brain stimulation and neuroimaging to both map the cortical representation of the external oblique (EO) in primary motor cortex (M1) and supplementary motor area (SMA), and to establish the resting-state functional connectivity associated with this representation. Motor evoked potentials were elicited from the EO muscle in …

Design, Validation, And Clinical Testing Of A Novel Fastening Device For A Scoliosis Brace, Cody Keith Bateman

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Each year, thirty thousand children in the US were put into a scoliosis brace. The primary function of scoliosis braces was to reduce and prevent progression of the spinal deformity as the patient grew by application of corrective forces to the spine. Straps, often made of Velcro, were attached to the back of the brace that applied forces to the spine when the straps were tightened. Braces were prescribed to be worn up to 23 hours a day. Studies have concluded that discomfort increased with increasing strap tension and pad pressure. They have also shown an increase in strap tension …

Needs Assessment Of Pediatric Radiological Equipment And Cross-Cultural Investigation Into Parental Empowerment In Pediatric Radiology Program Development In The Kingdom Of Bhutan, Danielle Canter

GW Research Days 2016 - 2020

Background:

Bhutan is a magnificent mountainous country hugged by India to the east and west and by China to the North and South. This peaceful nestled country faces challenges in combating non-communicable diseases due to the lack of radiological equipment necessary for early diagnosis. Prior to implementation of these medical devices, it is imperative to investigate the cultural attitudes, beliefs, and infrastructure, to ensure successful integration. Bhutan is beginning to implement a pediatric radiology program for the nation with the assistance of ABAH Foundation and RAD-AID International, both of whom partnered with graduate students at George Washington University School of …

A Novel Hybrid Imaging System To Aid In Surgical Decision Making, Lawrence Yip, Madeleine Van De Kleut, Ivan Kosik, Astrid Chamson-Reig, Jeffrey Jl Carson

Western Research Forum

Background:

Breast cancer accounts for 25% of all cancer cases among women. In breast-conserving surgery, a common treatment, the tumour is excised with a healthy tissue margin. However, detection of the margin can be difficult. Current techniques to guide excision are often insufficient, and re-excision can occur up to 25% of the time.

Methods:

Photoacoustic imaging is a hybrid imaging modality that combines the advantages of optical imaging and ultrasound while using safe non-ionizing light. This project involves the development of a novel imaging system with a new scanner design to overcome common limitations and provide images to aid in …

Validity And Reliability Of The Balance Tracking System™ During Static Stance, Cody L. Grotewold

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Introduction: The Balance Tracking System™ (BTrackS™) is a balance board designed to quickly analyze postural control through center of pressure (COP) analysis.

Purpose: Examine concurrent validity and test-retest reliability of the BTrackS™ during static stance.

Methods: A convenience sample of 51 healthy collegiate students between 18 - 25 years old (21.8 ± 3.1 years) completed four, 20 second (s) trials of feet together static stance during both eyes open and closed trials. Data was simultaneously collected on the BTrackS™ and a laboratory force plate to establish concurrent validity. A second testing session was administered 48 - 72 …

Comparison Of Inappropriate Shocks And Other Health Outcomes Between Single- And Dual-Chamber Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators For Primary Prevention Of Sudden Cardiac Death: Results From The Cardiovascular Research Network Longitudinal Study Of Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators, Pamela N. Peterson, Robert T. Greenlee, Alan S. Go, David J. Magid, Andrea Cassidy-Bushrow, Romel Garcia-Montilla, Alan H. Kadish

Office of the President Publications and Research

Background In US clinical practice, many patients who undergo placement of an implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death receive dual‐chamber devices. The superiority of dual‐chamber over single‐chamber devices in reducing the risk of inappropriate ICD shocks in clinical practice has not been established. The objective of this study was to compare risk of adverse outcomes, including inappropriate shocks, between single‐ and dual‐chamber ICDs for primary prevention.

Methods and Results We identified patients receiving a single‐ or dual‐chamber ICD for primary prevention who did not have an indication for pacing from 15 hospitals within 7 integrated health …

Pediatric Emergency Medicine Point-Of-Care Ultrasound: Summary Of The Evidence., Jennifer R Marin, Alyssa M. Abo, Alexander C Arroyo, Stephanie J Doniger, Jason W Fischer, Rachel Rempell, +21 Additional Authors

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

The utility of point-of-care ultrasound is well supported by the medical literature. Consequently, pediatric emergency medicine providers have embraced this technology in everyday practice. Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics published a policy statement endorsing the use of point-of-care ultrasound by pediatric emergency medicine providers. To date, there is no standard guideline for the practice of point-of-care ultrasound for this specialty. This document serves as an initial step in the detailed "how to" and description of individual point-of-care ultrasound examinations. Pediatric emergency medicine providers should refer to this paper as reference for published research, objectives for learners, and standardized reporting …

Letter To The Editor Regarding “Clinical Effectiveness And Safety Of Powered Exoskeleton-Assisted Walking In Patients With Spinal Cord Injury: Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis”, Marcel P. Dijkers, Katherine G. Akers, Sujay S. Galen, Diane E. Patzer, Phuong T. Vu

Library Scholarly Publications

No abstract provided.

Changing Diagnostic Methods And Increased Detection Of Verotoxigenic Escherichia Coli, Ireland, Thomas Rice, Noreen Quinn, Roy D. Sleator, Brigid Lucey

Department of Biological Sciences Publications

The recent paradigm shift in infectious disease diagnosis from culture-based to molecular-based approaches is exemplified in the findings of a national study assessing the detection of verotoxigenic Escherichia coli infections in Ireland. The methodologic changes have been accompanied by a dramatic increase in detections of non-O157 verotoxigenic E. coli serotypes.

An Automated Syringe Pump System For Improving The Reproducibility Of Dynamic Hyperpolarized Mri Phantoms, Harlee G. Harrison

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

AN AUTOMATED SYRINGE PUMP SYSTEM FOR IMPROVING THE REPRODUCIBILITY OF DYNAMIC HYPERPOLARIZED MRI PHANTOMS

Harlee Grace Harrison, B.S.

Advisory Professor: James Bankson, Ph.D.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a powerful tool in the diagnosis of cancer due to its ability to provide good soft tissue contrast and image resolution without the use of ionizing radiation. The use of hyperpolarized pyruvate as a contrast agent for tumor metabolism during MR scans has the potential to provide information about tumor metabolism in vivo that is not available from traditional imaging measurements or any other method. Hyperpolarization is achieved through dynamic nuclear polarization. …

Reliability Of Clinical Evaluators Of Spasticity In Patients With Stroke, Tiffany Alvino, Shiney David, Chelsea Gendvil

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Spasticity is characterized by hyperexcitable stretch reflexes with amplitude increases in response to velocity dependent passive movement and resistance. Spasticity is the result of abnormal function of segmental and suprasegmental neuronal circuits. The objective of this study was to determine any positive correlation between three clinical evaluators of spasticity (i.e., the pendulum test, the patellar tendon tap test (PTT), and the Modified Ashworth scale) in their reliability to assess spasticity in people post-stroke. It was hypothesized that the use of force movement sensors along with surface electromyography increases the reliability of the standardized clinical tests. The results show that all …

"What's App?" Utilizing Evidence Based Medicine Apps In The Clinical Setting, Kathryn C. O'Donovan

BU Well

The medical community has utilized evidence-based medicine, or EBM, in practice for decades, and healthcare personnel are used to the idea of utilizing research and statistics to determine the treatment of patients. However, as technology advances, the use of electronics and EBM apps has increased in the clinical setting. While there are advantages to clinicians having resources at their fingertips as they talk with patients, there are also hurdles that could harm or offend patients. So as healthcare inevitably becomes more and more electronic, can providers strike the balance needed to effectively use EBM apps in practice to provide optimum …

An N Of One: My Review Of Management Of Type 1 Diabetes, Myself As Patient, Jarred Daugherty

BU Well

As technology has advanced, so has the management of diabetes. Insulin, the essential medication for type 1 diabetes, is marketed in an array of formulations and devices. Continuous glucose monitors (CGM) can be inserted to measure blood glucose every 5 minutes. The rise of social media has given diabetics online support groups, where they can share their story and learn from others overcoming similar challenges. So, how well do the current diabetes management strategies work? My name Is Jarred and I’m a type 1 diabetic. I have tried many of these products and this article is a review of my …

Improving Reliability Of Medical Device Tracking Using Unique Device Identification, John A. Bonfanti

Industrial Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

The term “disruptive innovation” has been the buzzword of industries looking to create technological advancements in their respective fields ever since the term was first coined in 1995. In order to invest in the future of the industry, companies are beginning to focus on new, innovative ideas that come into the market as a low-cost alternative to the sustaining innovations currently in place. Similar business-models can be seen in the healthcare industry, as physicians look to disruptive innovations to provide methods of diagnosis and treatment that are easier to perform and maintain. Companies, from medical device manufacturers to the hospitals …

Essays In Physicians Preference Items And Inventory Management Within The Healthcare Supply Chain, Mohammad A. Shbool

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This work is composed of a number of topics in the healthcare area, which are approached separately with appropriate methodologies. The two topics deal with physician preference items via two different approaches. The first one investigates stock keeping unit (SKU) proliferation in healthcare organizations due to physician preference items (PPI). It captures perspectives of physicians and supply chain professionals about this problem through two surveys. The second topic builds a decision-making framework for the PPI selection process that can be used by healthcare organizations to make more objective decisions. A Multi-criteria decision making technique is implemented to illustrate the framework.

The Value Of Contrast Echocardiography, Shannon C. Treiber, Bijoy K. Khandheria

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose

There is much evidence-based research proving the effectiveness of contrast echocardiography, but there are still questions and concerns about its specific uses. This study tested the effectiveness of contrast echocardiography in defining the left ventricular endocardial border.

Methods

From 30 patients, a total of 60 echocardiograms –– 30 with and 30 without use of contrast –– were retrospectively reviewed by four blinded cardiologists with advanced training in echocardiography. No single cardiologist reviewed contrast and noncontrast images of the same patient. Each set of 30 echocardiograms was then studied for wall-motion scoring. Visualization of left ventricular wall segments and a …

Force Plates: Measuring Human Force Production Using Plate Technology, Hannah Plasterer

The Kabod

Force plate technology is versatile and very useful in the field of biomechanics for measuring human force production. Force plates are used in a variety of settings including rehabilitation, sport performance, and prosthetic training. There are varying options as far as size and material, and these are evaluated based on the type of testing for which the plate will be used. This technology is relatively low-cost and thus provides an excellent tool for numerous settings.

A Single Center Observational Study On Emergency Department Clinician Non-Adherence To Clinical Practice Guidelines For Treatment Of Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections, Catherine Zatorski, Mark Zocchi, Sara Cosgrove, Cynthia Rand, Gillian Brooks, Larissa May

Emergency Medicine Faculty Publications

Background

The Emergency Department (ED) is a frequent site of antibiotic use; poor adherence with evidence-based guidelines and broad-spectrum antibiotic overuse is common. Our objective was to determine rates and predictors of inappropriate antimicrobial use in patients with uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTI) compared to the 2010 International Clinical Practice Guidelines (ICPG).

Methods

A single center, prospective, observational study of patients with uncomplicated UTI presenting to an urban ED between September 2012 and February 2014 that examined ED physician adherence to ICPG when treating uncomplicated UTIs. Clinician-directed antibiotic treatment was compared to the ICPG using a standardized case definition for …

The Respiratory Protection Effectiveness Clinical Trial (Respect): A Cluster-Randomized Comparison Of Respirator And Medical Mask Effectiveness Against Respiratory Infections In Healthcare Personnel., Lewis J. Radonovich, Mary T. Bessesen, Derek A.T. Cummings, Aaron Eagan, Charlotte A. Gaydos, Cynthia Gibert, Geoffrey J. Gorse, +8 Additional Authors

Medicine Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Although N95 filtering facepiece respirators and medical masks are commonly used for protection against respiratory infections in healthcare settings, more clinical evidence is needed to understand the optimal settings and exposure circumstances for healthcare personnel to use these devices. A lack of clinically germane research has led to equivocal, and occasionally conflicting, healthcare respiratory protection recommendations from public health organizations, professional societies, and experts.

METHODS: The Respiratory Protection Effectiveness Clinical Trial (ResPECT) is a prospective comparison of respiratory protective equipment to be conducted at multiple U.S. study sites. Healthcare personnel who work in outpatient settings will be cluster-randomized to …

An Empirical Investigation Of Privacy And Security Concerns On Doctors’ And Nurses’ Behavioral Intentions To Use Rfid In Hospitals, Thomas George Winston

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology is a useful technology that has myriad applications in technology, retail, manufacturing, and healthcare settings. Not dependent upon line-of-sight, RFID can scan devices in their proximity and report the information to connected (wired or other wireless) information systems. Once touted as the panacea for home healthcare, RFID devices can add benefit to patients in remote settings. RFID devices have been used to optimize systems in areas such as manufacturing and healthcare to expose inefficiencies in a system or process. Unlike manufacturing, however, RFID in healthcare settings presents security and privacy concerns to the people being …

The Influence Of Solid Microneedles On The Transdermal Delivery Of Selected Antiepileptic Drugs, Julia Nguyen, Kevin B. Ita, Matthew J. Morra, Inna E. Popova

Faculty Publications & Research of the TUC College of Pharmacy

The aim of this project was to examine the effect of microneedle rollers on the percutaneous penetration of tiagabine hydrochloride and carbamazepine across porcine skin in vitro. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis was carried out using an Agilent 1200 Series HPLC system coupled to an Agilent G1969A TOF-MS system. Transdermal flux values of the drugs were determined from the steady-state portion of the cumulative amount versus time curves. Following twelve hours of microneedle roller application, there was a 6.74-fold increase in the percutaneous penetration of tiagabine hydrochloride (86.42 ± 25.66 µg/cm²/h) compared to passive delivery (12.83 ± 6.30 µg/cm …

The Effects Of Training Programs Using Free Weights And Free Motion Machines On Strength In Untrained College-Age Females, Katherine Milton

Graduate Theses

No abstract provided.