scholarly journals The Calcivis story - enamel caries activity assessment from technology to practice

BDJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 231 (12) ◽  
pp. 775-780
Author(s):  
Nigel B. Pitts ◽  
Chris Longbottom ◽  
Adam Christie ◽  
Bruce Vernon ◽  
Graham Bailey
Keyword(s):  
New Technology ◽  
Improve Patient Care ◽  
Activity Assessment ◽  
Team Working ◽  
Initial Stage ◽  
Potential Link ◽  
Caries Lesions ◽  
Improve Patient ◽  
Dental Professionals

AbstractThe Calcivis story is one of innovation and collaboration to deliver new technology capable of helping dentists improve patient care through solving an unmet clinical need in assessing the activity of caries lesions in enamel. Presently, there is no system routinely used in dental practice that can, in a single visit, determine whether a non-cavitated caries lesion is active or not. Calcivis has evolved since 2005, when a potential link between basic science in luminescence and differentiating initial-stage caries lesions that are actively demineralising and likely to progress, from other lesions which are inactive and currently do not need interventive care, was recognised. The 16-year journey has involved clinical academic dentists, scientists and entrepreneurs, general practitioners and their patients, together with serial investors and a core team working to patent, refine, assess and develop products to submit to regulatory approval and take to the international dental market. This journey has been made possible through effective long-term collaborations between disparate groups all sharing a common vision for the possibilities of harnessing new technology to help dental professionals provide better care for their patients.

scholarly journals A Benefit-Cost Analysis of Private and Semi-Private Hospital Rooms

2011 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony E. Boardman ◽  
Diane Forbes
Keyword(s):  
Cost Analysis ◽  
Patient Care ◽  
Private Hospital ◽  
Improve Patient Care ◽  
Social Benefit ◽  
Hospital Inpatient ◽  
Benefit Cost Analysis ◽  
Benefit Cost ◽  
Improve Patient

The design of new hospital inpatient rooms is moving towards private (single occupancy) rooms. These rooms are generally preferred by patients and they may improve patient care, but they are more expensive to build and to staff than semi-private rooms. The question of their societal worth is important because hospitals are expensive, long-term investments and, once built, are prohibitively expensive to change. This paper presents a benefit-cost analysis of private rooms versus semi-private rooms in a proposed new hospital. We estimate that the net social benefit of a bed in a private room is about $70,000 more than a bed in a semi-private room.

scholarly journals 1161 Streamlining the Patient Journey for Operative Management During COVID 19

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_6) ◽  
Author(s):  
H Skinner ◽  
P Williams ◽  
G Greenlees ◽  
C Ilyas ◽  
C Schofield ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Improve Patient Care ◽  
High Volume ◽  
Operative Management ◽  
Electronic Systems ◽  
Patient Journey ◽  
Acute Surgery ◽  
Robust Systems ◽  
Improve Patient ◽  
Emergency Operating

Abstract Aim Leeds, UK is a high-volume acute surgery unit. Emergency operating was drastically affected by the pandemic and time from admission to definitive procedure significantly increased. This intervention aimed to streamline the patient journey from acute admission to the operating theatre. Method An audit considering delays to transfer, theatre access and recovery discharge, along with the criteria used for ‘Hot’ theatre was undertaken. Data was collected prospectively between 02/06/2020-06/07/2020 via a standardised proforma. Preliminary results suggested a geographically remote ‘hot’ theatre was associated with multi-factorial delays so was relocated to more familiar surroundings. This was re-audited between 06/07/2020-06/08/2020 aiming to characterise factors contributing to delay. A dedicated in-hours acute theatres porter was introduced for a trial period. Data was collected retrospectively between 24/08/2020-14/09/2020 and prospectively between 14/09-05/10/2020 via hospital electronic systems. Results Initially the average time from patient transfer to leaving theatre recovery was 4h6m55s (N = 52). Relocating theatres reduced this to 2h48m04s (N = 74)- an average reduction of 1h18m51s. The greatest reduction was seen in anaesthetic time between 1h17m54s to 41m29s. The introduction of a dedicated porter reduced the average transfer time to theatre from 36 minutes (N = 53) to 21 minutes (N = 68) (p < 0.05). Conclusions Delay to theatre has a high cost financially and in its effect on patient outcomes. Delays are often multifactorial and robust systems are essential to minimise delays. Patients are best served by well-trained, dedicated ‘Acute’ team in familiar surroundings. Long-term implementation of dedicated portering service will save time, money and improve patient care.

Using skill mix in dentistry to innovatively deliver effective and efficient dental care

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 48-50
Author(s):  
Awais Ali
Keyword(s):  
Patient Care ◽  
Dental Care ◽  
Improve Patient Care ◽  
Multidisciplinary Teams ◽  
Skill Mix ◽  
Improve Patient ◽  
Dental Professionals

How to maximise the expertise of dental professionals and utilise multidisciplinary teams to improve patient care.

Lime kiln conversion from coke to natural gas operation – an option in direction of sustainable energy

2020 ◽  
pp. 431-434
Author(s):  
Oliver Arndt
Keyword(s):  
Natural Gas ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Exhaust Gas ◽  
Gas Temperature ◽  
Gaseous Fuels ◽  
Lime Kiln ◽  
Lime Kilns ◽  
Co2 Balance ◽  
Exhaust Gas Temperature

This paper deals with the conversion of coke fired lime kilns to gas and the conclusions drawn from the completed projects. The paper presents (1) the decision process associated with the adoption of the new technology, (2) the necessary steps of the conversion, (3) the experiences and issues which occurred during the first campaign, (4) the impacts on the beet sugar factory (i.e. on the CO2 balance and exhaust gas temperature), (5) the long term impressions and capabilities of several campaigns of operation, (6) the details of available technologies and (7) additional benefits that would justify a conversion from coke to natural gas operation on existing lime kilns. (8) Forecast view to develop systems usable for alternative gaseous fuels (e.g. biogas).

Analytical Methods for the Determination of Sartans in Pharmaceutical Formulations and Biological Fluids: A Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 208-222
Author(s):  
Miglena Smerikarova ◽  
Stanislav Bozhanov ◽  
Vania Maslarska
Keyword(s):  
Biological Fluids ◽  
Pharmaceutical Preparations ◽  
Improve Patient Care ◽  
Pharmaceutical Formulations ◽  
Treatment Of Hypertension ◽  
Therapeutic Doses ◽  
Reliable Methods ◽  
Improve Patient

Background: Sartans are mostly used as a part of combination with additional medicines in the therapy of essencial hypertension. Preferred combinations are ARB and thiazide diuretics (Hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) and Chlorthalidone (CHL)) or ARB and calcium antagonists. The number of sartans mostly prescribed by specialists is only seven - Candesartan (CDS), Eprosartan (EPS), Irbesartan (IBS), Losartan (LOS), Olmesartan (OMS), Telmisartan (TMS) and Valsartan (VLS). Methods: The widespread use of sartans in the treatment of hypertension requires reliable methods of analysis. Bulk drugs and pharmaceutical preparations should be analyzed to ensure the quality of the medicinal products reaching patients. On the other hand, the analysis of drugs in biological fluids aims to trace and improve patient care by adjusting the therapeutic doses of drugs. According to our knowledge, a review devoted to the analysis of sartans was published in 2014. Results: Spectral methods are widely used in the analysis of bulk drugs and pharmaceutical dosage forms due to their relatively simple procedures, low reagent and sample consumption, speed, precision and accuracy combined with accessibility and comparatively low cost of common apparatus. Many papers for determination of sartans in bulk drugs and pharmaceutical preparations based on liquid chromatographic techniques were published in the available literature. Among these methods, HPLC takes the leading place but UPLC and HPTLC are also present. Conclusion: The widespread use of sartans in the treatment of hypertension requires reliable methods of analysis. Bulk drugs and pharmaceutical preparations should be analyzed to ensure the quality of the medicinal products reaching patients. On the other hand, the analysis of drugs in biological fluids aims to trace and improve patient care by adjusting the therapeutic doses of drugs. Since 2014, many articles have been published on the sartans analysis and this provoked our interest to summarize the latest applications in the analysis of sartans in pharmaceutical formulations and biological media. Articles published from 2014 to 2018 are covered.

scholarly journals How will artificial intelligence and bioinformatics change our understanding of IgA in the next decade?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roman David Bülow ◽  
Daniel Dimitrov ◽  
Peter Boor ◽  
Julio Saez-Rodriguez
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Multidisciplinary Approach ◽  
Immunoglobulin A ◽  
Improve Patient Care ◽  
Integrated Analysis ◽  
Clinical Expertise ◽  
End Stage ◽  
The Complement System ◽  
Improve Patient ◽  
Generation Sequencing

AbstractIgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common glomerulonephritis. It is characterized by the deposition of immune complexes containing immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the kidney’s glomeruli, triggering an inflammatory process. In many patients, the disease has a progressive course, eventually leading to end-stage kidney disease. The current understanding of IgAN’s pathophysiology is incomplete, with the involvement of several potential players, including the mucosal immune system, the complement system, and the microbiome. Dissecting this complex pathophysiology requires an integrated analysis across molecular, cellular, and organ scales. Such data can be obtained by employing emerging technologies, including single-cell sequencing, next-generation sequencing, proteomics, and complex imaging approaches. These techniques generate complex “big data,” requiring advanced computational methods for their analyses and interpretation. Here, we introduce such methods, focusing on the broad areas of bioinformatics and artificial intelligence and discuss how they can advance our understanding of IgAN and ultimately improve patient care. The close integration of advanced experimental and computational technologies with medical and clinical expertise is essential to improve our understanding of human diseases. We argue that IgAN is a paradigmatic disease to demonstrate the value of such a multidisciplinary approach.

scholarly journals Bargain Hunting for Buffered Lidocaine: A Collaborative Discovery of Cost-saving Strategies That Can Improve Patient Care

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Curtis L Simmons ◽  
Laura K Harper ◽  
Kathryn J Holst ◽  
Nathan J Brinkman ◽  
Christine U Lee
Keyword(s):  
Sodium Bicarbonate ◽  
Hospital Pharmacy ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Improve Patient Care ◽  
Medical Waste ◽  
Radiology Department ◽  
Access Pricing ◽  
Bundled Payments ◽  
Improve Patient ◽  
Procedure Room

Abstract Buffered lidocaine is a local anesthetic option during percutaneous needle-directed procedures in the breast. At our institution, sodium bicarbonate (the buffer) is dispensed in volumes that frequently lead to medical waste and shortages. In this study, we describe how moving the buffering of lidocaine from the procedure room to our clinical hospital pharmacy results in a reduction in costs and improves satisfaction across the breast radiology department. While cost savings are difficult to tease out in practices that opt for bundled payments, we were able to access pricing and supply data and coordinate with our pharmacy to change our practice. Making these changes saves our practice $26 000 a year and allows us to continue to offer buffered lidocaine even during sodium bicarbonate shortages. This manuscript describes how these changes came about and their economic impact.

Sports Medicine and Artificial Intelligence: A Primer

2021 ◽  
pp. 036354652110086
Author(s):  
Prem N. Ramkumar ◽  
Bryan C. Luu ◽  
Heather S. Haeberle ◽  
Jaret M. Karnuta ◽  
Benedict U. Nwachukwu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Sports Medicine ◽  
Injury Risk ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Improve Patient Care ◽  
Great Promise ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Athlete Injury ◽  
Improve Patient ◽  
Applications Of Ai

Artificial intelligence (AI) represents the fourth industrial revolution and the next frontier in medicine poised to transform the field of orthopaedics and sports medicine, though widespread understanding of the fundamental principles and adoption of applications remain nascent. Recent research efforts into implementation of AI in the field of orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine have demonstrated great promise in predicting athlete injury risk, interpreting advanced imaging, evaluating patient-reported outcomes, reporting value-based metrics, and augmenting the patient experience. Not unlike the recent emphasis thrust upon physicians to understand the business of medicine, the future practice of sports medicine specialists will require a fundamental working knowledge of the strengths, limitations, and applications of AI-based tools. With appreciation, caution, and experience applying AI to sports medicine, the potential to automate tasks and improve data-driven insights may be realized to fundamentally improve patient care. In this Current Concepts review, we discuss the definitions, strengths, limitations, and applications of AI from the current literature as it relates to orthopaedic sports medicine.

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