scholarly journals Qualitative and Quantitative Workplace Analysis of Staff Requirement in an Academic Radiology Department

Author(s):  
Ulrike Streit ◽  
Johannes Uhlig ◽  
Joachim Lotz ◽  
Babak Panahi ◽  
Ali Seif Amir Hosseini

Purpose The role of today’s hospital-based radiologists goes far beyond interpretation-related tasks. This observational study defines these types of activities and quantifies the type of value-adding interactions radiologists experience on a daily basis with referring departments and other health personnel. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the quality and quantity of these value-adding non-image interpretation tasks in the daily routine of hospital-based residents and attending radiologists. Methods A prospective, observational study was performed in the radiology department of a German university hospital. Two experienced radiologists performed a 30-day observation of the entire medical staff. The observers followed the subject radiologists throughout the workday, recording activities using a time and motion methodology. An evaluation matrix was developed to characterize and quantify image interpretation tasks (IITs), non-image interpretation tasks (NITs), and contingency allowance (CA) for residents and attending radiologists. Here, the example of the MRI unit is used. Results Four main categories of responsibilities for NITs were identified including teaching and education, clinical decision support, management and organization, and patient care. The quantitative analysis for residents showed: IITs 15 h/d (53 %), NITs 9.8 h/d (34 %), CA 2.2 h/d (13 %). For attendings the analysis revealed: IITs 6.7 h/d (40 %), NITs 7.8 h/d (47 %), and CA 1.7 h/d (13 %). This resulted in staff requirements of 2 attendings and 3.4 residents for the MRI unit. On average, 6 TSEs/h occurred in the case of residents and 13 TSEs/h in the case of attendings. Conclusion NITs consumed a significant portion of a radiologist’s workday. Therefore, the number of examinations performed is not a reliable surrogate for the daily workload of hospital-based radiologists especially in cross-sectional imaging units. Though time-consuming, these non-interpretive tasks are greatly contributing to the fact that modern radiology is assuming a central position in patient management, fulfilling a critical role that surpasses image interpretation-related tasks to include a more integrative and consultative role. These findings will help to further define the changing role of radiologists with respect to other physicians, non-medical personnel, hospital administrators, as well as policy makers. Key points:  Citation Format

Author(s):  
Subrata Kumar Das ◽  
Saptadipa Das

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> The skin of the scalp has several unique features that aid in its critical role of protecting the head. These unique features of the scalp make it susceptible to superficial mycotic conditions, parasitic infestation and inflammatory conditions. These disease processes of the scalp can have significant overlap in clinical symptomatology. The aim was to observe the clinical profile of scalp dermatosis and hair disorder at a tertiary care hospital.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> This was a cross sectional observational study which was carried over a period of 1 year 5 months from August 2019 to November 2020. A total of 76 patients were included in the study, who visited dermatology OPD of SMIMS, Sikkim.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> This study included 76 patients of clinically and histopathologically diagnosed cases of scalp dermatosis and hair disorder, 47 males and 29 females. A total of 18 different dermatoses were observed in this study. The most common disorder was seborrheic dermatitis, which accounted for 18.4 %, followed by androgenetic alopecia in 17% and alopecia areata in 15% cases in the present study.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> The article provides an overview of the most common scalp disorders, which we have observed in our study.</p>


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 155-164
Author(s):  
Dipendra Karki ◽  
Sushmita Upreti ◽  
Udbodh Bhandari ◽  
Sharad Rajbhandari ◽  
Niranjan Devkota ◽  
...  

Small business enterprises are widely recognized as a driving force of economic growth and development in any nation. Empirical evidence has shown that they contribute to job creation, help to alleviate poverty, and increase a nation’s level of productivity. In the exponential increase of small businesses, the role of the financial sector is crucial. This paper aims to identify the role of formal financial support in small business employment generation in Bouddhanath, Kathmandu. The study adopted a descriptive research design. Purposive sampling was used to select 285 business owners. A structured questionnaire was designed to collect their responses. Primary and secondary data was employed to analyze user status. Data analysis was performed with the help of descriptive analysis and a financial support index. The results showed that financial support plays a critical role in the enhancement of the small business sector, allowing businesses to create employment opportunities which further helps to maintain the Nepalese economy. The major challenges to the growth of small businesses in Nepal lie in securing initial funding and overreliance on credit. In addition, the ability to afford quality staff has an equally strong effect on the success of small businesses. Business growth clearly depends on the role of the formal financial sector to achieve the desired outcomes.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 1799
Author(s):  
Momammed Mustafizur Rahman ◽  
Shabnam Imam ◽  
Sayedatun Nessa ◽  
A. K. M. Maruf Raza ◽  
Farida Arjuman ◽  
...  

Background: This cross- sectional observational study was carried out with an aim to look for microsatellite instability (MSI) status in colorectal carcinoma and their association with different histomorphological patterns and biological behavior of colorectal carcinoma.Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was done in the Department of Pathology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh during September 2014 to October 2015. A total of 39 surgically resected sample of colorectal carcinoma were included. Consent from each patient was taken. The samples were histopathologically evaluated according to the standard protocol. The statistical analyses were done using Statistical packages for social sciences (SPSS 15) for Windows.Results: A total of 39 cases of colorectal carcinoma were included in this study. Majority of the patients (55.5%) was in 6th decade in MSI and 29.1% were MSI absent group. The mean age was found 47.67±10.97 years in present group and 47.84±14.26 years in absent group. The difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). TNM stage with MSI was observed. The mean CEA level was 100.74±103.66 and 60.43±91.72. The mean Hb was 9.72±1.99 % and 9.92±2.17, the range was 7.2-12.2 and 4.6-13.4 among the groups. The mean difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Ulcerated was 3 (33.3%) and 19 (64.5%). Stage 3 tumor was 4 (44.4%) and 16 (51.6%). Grade 2 tumor was 5 (55.6%) and 17 (58.0%).Conclusions: For the first time in Bangladesh, this study was undertaken to evaluate the microsatellite instability (MSI) status in colorectal cancer tissue and their association with different histomorphological patterns of colorectal carcinoma.   


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 1051-1075
Author(s):  
Frank Einhorn ◽  
Jack Meredith ◽  
Carl Marnewick

PurposeLiterature indicates that the business case for projects is difficult to use and suggests that there are organizational factors that can facilitate effective use of the business case. This paper aims to identify such facilitators, measure their presence and importance, and relate them to the actual practice of business case processes.Design/methodology/approachA cross sectional quantitative method was used, with data on facilitators and business case process usage gathered through an online questionnaire.FindingsThe findings for the 43 organizational facilitators are that each one is considered more important than its presence in the respondents' organizations. High correlations emerge between the presence of the facilitators and the use of business case processes, indicating the pivotal role of the facilitators.Research limitations/implicationsThe research was conducted for business IT projects implemented by organizations based in South Africa. It furthers our understanding of project business cases and suggests additional research avenues in this area.Practical implicationsThe findings indicate that organizations could improve key facilitators at an affordable cost. Such improvement would enable more effective use of the business case throughout the project's lifetime – from initial concept until planned benefits have been substantially realized. Better use of the business case would also support governance and increase the success rate of business IT projects.Originality/valueOrganizational facilitators of business case processes are identified and categorized for the first time, leading to measurements of their perceived importance and presence in organizations. Hence, the relationship between these facilitators and actual business case usage is determined, suggesting areas of optimum impact.


2011 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 364-373 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nayereh Baghcheghi ◽  
Hamid Reza Koohestani

The present study was carried out to explore Iranian nurses’ use of placebos in clinical practice and their knowledge and attitude towards its use. A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted using self-report questionnaires. All nurses working in a university hospital in Arak (n = 342) were invited to participate in the study. Among 295 respondents, 221 (75%) reported that they had used at least one placebo within the past year and 179 (81%) told patients they were receiving actual medication. The most common reason and symptom for placebo use were after unjustified demand for medication and pain, respectively. Only 60 (20.33%) of the nurses believed that placebos should never be used. Results showed that most nurses in our study had used placebos and probably will continue to use them. Placebo use is viewed as ethically permissible among nurses. Some patients benefit from the placebos, but their use raises ethical questions. The role of placebo treatment, its mechanisms, and its ethics issues should be taught to nurses.


2021 ◽  
Vol 37 (03) ◽  
pp. 287-296
Author(s):  
Yasir Hayat Mughal

The purpose of the study is to investigate the role of stress upon academic performance of students. Stress is faced by each individual in academic, professional as well as daily routine life. The current study has identified different sources of stress which might be controlled to enhance academic performance of students. For this purpose cross-sectional design survey approach was conducted from two different universities from the different faculties. The development of scientific knowledge in current study is based on the positivism philosophy. The non probability convenience sampling technique was used. Population of the study was students from public and private universities. 210 students have participated in the study. Cronbach alpha, correlation and regression were used for analysis of data. SPSS 25 was used. Findings of study revealed that scale adopted from past studies was found reliable and there is significant positive relationship between factors of stress and academic performance of students. It was also found that academic factors were most dominant factors which played significant role in affecting students’ performance. This study is original contribution and has extended the body of knowledge of stress and student academic performance.


Author(s):  
Rawa Saad ◽  
Fawaz Baddour ◽  
Hala Saeed

Aims: The aims of this study were to identify the diagnostic efficacy of dedicated epilepsy protocol in detecting possible structural abnormalities that underlie seizure disorders, and compare the diagnostic yields of MRI and electroencephalogram individually and in combination. Study Design: This was a cross-sectional analytic study. Place and Duration of Study: Medical Imaging and Diagnostic Radiology Department at Tishreen University Hospital, Lattakia, Syria; between July 2019 and July 2020. Methodology: Our study included 100 cases (58 females, 41 males, age range 13-77 years) who presented with seizure over 18 months. Patients underwent complete neurological examination, EEG, and MRI with a standard and dedicated epilepsy protocol. Results: We found epileptogenic lesions in MRI in 55.5%. MRI detected epileptogenic lesions in 74.5% patients who had focal onset seizures. Mesial temporal lobe sclerosis was the most common epileptogenic lesion (45.5%). The diagnostic efficacy of MRI had increased with dedicated epilepsy protocol compared to standard protocol. Abnormal MRI and EEG were compatible in 21%. Conclusion: Dedicated epilepsy protocol increased the diagnostic efficacy of brain MRI in detecting a structural epileptogenic lesion, with 100% of mesial temporal sclerosis, the most common lesion in our study, was detected only in dedicated epilepsy protocol and missed in standard protocol.


2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (7) ◽  
pp. 470-485
Author(s):  
Erik Elgaard Sørensen ◽  
Kathrine Hoffmann Kusk ◽  
Asa Muntlin Athlin ◽  
Kirsten Lode ◽  
Tone Rustøen ◽  
...  

Background Little is known about PhD-prepared nurses employed at Nordic university hospitals, how they are organised, what their practices look like or what career pathway they have chosen. Aims The purpose was to investigate and compare the prevalence of PhD-prepared nurses employed at university hospitals in the Nordic countries, to investigate what functions they fulfil and what research activities they undertake and to document how they describe their ideal work life. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study. An electronic questionnaire was sent to 245 PhD-prepared nurses working at a university hospital in one of six Nordic countries and 166 responses were achieved (response rate 67%). Descriptive analyses were performed using SPSS Statistics. Results The study found notable differences among PhD-prepared nurses employed at university hospitals with respect to work function; organisational structure; satisfaction about time split between research and practice; and the mean scores of time spend on research, clinical practice and teaching, supervision and administration. Conclusions In order to succeed with capacity building among the nursing workforce, collaboration and networking with other researchers and close contact to clinical practice is important. The role of the hospital-based, PhD-prepared nurse needs to be better described and defined to ensure that evidence-based care is provided.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document