Studies in health technology and informatics
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Stud Health Technol Inform · Jan 2002
Lateral spinal profile in school-screening referrals with and without late onset idiopathic scoliosis 10 degrees-20 degrees.
The aim of this report is a) to study the lateral spinal profile, (LSP), in school-screening referrals with and without late onset idiopathic scoliosis of small curves 10 degrees - 20 degrees Cobb angle and b) to validate LSP's aetiological importance in idiopathic scoliosis pathobiomechanics. ⋯ The observed differences of the LSP are mainly located at the lumbar spine, suggesting that factors acting on the lumbar spine in sagittal plane contribute to the development of AIS. The minor hypokyphosis of the thoracic spine and its minimal differences observed in the studied small curves with nonscoliotics in this report add to the view that the reduced kyphosis, by facilitating axial rotation, could be viewed as being permissive, rather than as aetiological, in the pathogenesis of idiopathic scoliosis.
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Future progress in healthcare and medicine depends on today's investment in research, development, and education. We cannot leave such urgent issues to determine themselves, but rather must actively collaborate to ensure a stable healthcare system. This chapter describes efforts made by leading experts in industry, government, and academia to better ascertain future healthcare management. ⋯ Deliberating and reviewing plans before taking action will accelerate progress as it will (1) save costs, (2) encourage compliance, (3) improve clinical outcomes, and (4) ensure greater patient satisfaction. What we must resolve is: How can we invest a couple billion dollars to save hundreds of billions and, most importantly, increase human health in the future. A new branch of science, Biomechatronics, with millions of Intelligent Caring Creatures- is the answer.
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Stud Health Technol Inform · Jan 2002
Spine deformity correlates better than trunk deformity with idiopathic scoliosis patients' quality of life questionnaire responses.
To determine whether either spine or trunk deformity measurements correlate with patients quality of life questionnaire responses. ⋯ Spine deformity correlates well with quality of life questionnaire responses whereas trunk deformity magnitude does not. This is somewhat surprising as it is the trunk deformity that the patient can they themselves see. These findings illustrate the pitfalls of assuming what is important to the patient based on clinical measurements.
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Stud Health Technol Inform · Jan 2002
The significance of correlation of radiographic variables and MOS short-form health survey for clinical decision in symptomatic low back pain patients.
To assess any correlation between SF-36 scores and several lateral roentgenographic variables of the lumbar spine, both in low back pain patients and asymptomatic volunteers. The clinical relevance of the method proposed in this study to make a surgical strategy on the basis of distinct lateral roentgenographic parameters and conversely was assessed by independent radiologists and physicians. ⋯ SF-36 scores were correlated with distinct lateral roentgenographic variables of the lowermost lumbar spine (L4-S1) in low back patients, and of the whole lumbar spine in asymptomatic individuals. Clinical decision should not be taken on the basis of radiological evidence of pathology because clinical decision seems to be more accurate when is taken on the basis of combined SF-36 and roentgenographic data. However, clinical examination is mandatory to SF-36 questionnaire and radiographic analysis.
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Stud Health Technol Inform · Jan 2002
Trust me, I'm a patient! The effect of an EHR on my consultation.
A general assumption has been made within the health care community that the introduction of an Electronic Health Record (EHR) is beneficial and improves clinical care. However, it is my contention as both a Health Informatician, and more importantly a patient, that this assumption is not supported by evidence, either scientific or anecdotal. However, to my mind of more importance than this is the complete lack of understanding about how using an EHR effects my consultation. This paper discusses this issue and identifies four lessons to be learned by the EHR community.