Studies in health technology and informatics
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Stud Health Technol Inform · Jan 2012
An aneurysm clipping training module for the neurosurgical training simulator NeuroSim.
Having introduced NeuroSim, the prototype of a neurosurgical training simulator at MMVR18, we present our first medical training module. NeuroSim is based on virtual reality and uses real-time algorithms for simulating tissue. ⋯ Having implemented some abstract tasks to train basic skills like hand-eye coordination or the handling of the microscope last year, we now present a medical module where an aneurysm has to be clipped. NeuroSim has been developed in cooperation with the neurosurgical clinic of the University of Heidelberg and VRmagic GmbH in Mannheim.
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Stud Health Technol Inform · Jan 2012
Envisioning electronic health record systems as change management: the experience of an English hospital joining the National Programme for Information Technology.
The historical National Programme for Information Technology (NPfIT) in England was the most expensive (~$20billion) and ambitious politically-driven IT-based transformations of public services ever undertaken. Nation-wide implementation of integrated electronic health record (EHR) systems in hospitals was at the heart of the NPfIT (~$10billion). We conducted the first longitudinal, prospective, and sociotechnical case study implementation and adoption of national EHRs implementations in 12 'early adopter' hospitals across England. ⋯ This led to greater local configuration and high sense of ownership among users, which transformed work practices towards overall better performance of the hospital. Contrary to painful and turbulent experiences of EHR implementation via NPfIT route in the English hospitals, this in-depth case study revealed the importance of vision (change management) and insightful leadership in 'working out' EHR. We advocate envisioning EHRs as change management endeavors to enhance their complex, multi-dimensional, and sociotechnical adoption in healthcare settings.
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Stud Health Technol Inform · Jan 2012
Use of a cardiac algorithm in a preoperative evaluation clinic - a pilot study.
The preoperative evaluation is vital in providing information to reduce the risks associated with the anesthesia and surgery and improve the quality of care. In the VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, we introduced a computer-based cardiac algorithm as part of the preoperative evaluation software. Following the pre-op examination and use of the algorithm, the provider completed a survey regarding their perceived usefulness of the algorithm software. The survey results showed that effective preoperative evaluation can be performed using a preoperative evaluation clinic, users are receptive to the computer-based format and, in most cases, prefer to have the algorithm software available for use in preoperative assessment.
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Stud Health Technol Inform · Jan 2012
Nasotracheal intubation in a difficult airway using the Storz C-MAC Videolaryngoscope, the Boedeker Bougie endotracheal introducer, and the Boedeker curved forceps.
Airway management has multiple indications for nasotracheal intubation. In this study, we focus on its indication in difficult airways. This work describes a modified procedure of nasotracheal intubation using the new Storz CMAC® Videolaryngoscope, the malleable Boedeker Bougie and the curved Boedeker Forceps in the intubation of a difficult airway manikin.
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Stud Health Technol Inform · Jan 2012
Use of a virtual integrated environment in prosthetic limb development and phantom limb pain.
Patients face two major difficulties following limb loss: phantom limb pain (PLP) in the residual limb and limited functionality in the prosthetic limb. Many studies have focused on decreasing PLP with mirror therapy, yet few have examined the same visual ameliorating effect with a virtual or prosthetic limb. ⋯ Preliminary results show an overall reduction in PLP and a trend toward improvement in signal-to-motion accuracy over time. These signals allowed MPL users to perform a wide range of hand motions.