Building back smarter—part three: placing modular facilities in a resource-limited healthcare system

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (12) ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Isobel Clough
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare System ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Public Institution ◽  
Healthcare Staff ◽  
Current State ◽  
Resource Limited ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Physical Spaces

Land should be one of the greatest assets of the UK healthcare system, as a result of its large estates portfolio. Howere, the current state of many of the NHS's buildings means that physical spaces are often more of a burden, with maintenance backlogs costing billions. However, as a resource-limited public institution, it is crucial that all investments into NHS infrastructure are as effective and future-proof as possible. The previous two articles in this series have focused on the potential benefits of modular facilities to healthcare staff, services and patients, drawing on case studies of NHS trusts that have implemented modular facilities on their sites. This article, the third and final instalment of this series, discusses the health economic impact of current NHS infrastructure, and explores the ways in which modular facilities could provide a flexible and cost-effective means of expanding capacity and improving services in a resource-limited environment.

Exploring the Benefits of Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) and the Mechanism for Automated 5D BIM Quantification Process in Offsite Modular Construction

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tochukwu Moses ◽  
David Heesom ◽  
David Oloke ◽  
Martin Crouch
Keyword(s):  
Effective Means ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Modular Construction ◽  
Automated Quantification ◽  
Building Information ◽  
Project Risks ◽  
Value Add ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Level 2

The UK Construction Industry through its Government Construction Strategy has recently been mandated to implement Level 2 Building Information Modelling (BIM) on public sector projects. This move, along with other initiatives is key to driving a requirement for 25% cost reduction (establishing the most cost-effective means) on. Other key deliverables within the strategy include reduction in overall project time, early contractor involvement, improved sustainability and enhanced product quality. Collaboration and integrated project delivery is central to the level 2 implementation strategy yet the key protocols or standards relative to cost within BIM processes is not well defined. As offsite construction becomes more prolific within the UK construction sector, this construction approach coupled with BIM, particularly 5D automated quantification process, and early contractor involvement provides significant opportunities for the sector to meet government targets. Early contractor involvement is supported by both the industry and the successive Governments as a credible means to avoid and manage project risks, encourage innovation and value add, making cost and project time predictable, and improving outcomes. The contractor is seen as an expert in construction and could be counter intuitive to exclude such valuable expertise from the pre-construction phase especially with the BIM intent of äóÖbuild it twiceäó», once virtually and once physically. In particular when offsite construction is used, the contractoräó»s construction expertise should be leveraged for the virtual build in BIM-designed projects to ensure a fully streamlined process. Building in a layer of automated costing through 5D BIM will bring about a more robust method of quantification and can help to deliver the 25% reduction in overall cost of a project. Using a literature review and a case study, this paper will look into the benefits of Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) and the impact of 5D BIM on the offsite construction process.

scholarly journals Global & Community Health: Acute ischemic stroke in Toronto and Manila

Neurology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 95 (13) ◽  
pp. 604-606
Author(s):  
Sanskriti Sasikumar ◽  
Jose Danilo Bengzon Diestro
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Collaborative Learning ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Evidence Based Medicine ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Resource Limited Settings ◽  
Resource Limited ◽  
Based Medicine

The educational experience of a neurology trainee can have profound regional variations. We recount the management of a stroke code in Toronto, Canada, and Manila, Philippines, as a means to highlight the need for collaborative learning, both in terms of practicing evidence-based medicine and managing neurologic conditions in resource-limited settings. Concerted peer-led initiatives such as videoconference rounds are an easy and cost-effective means of unifying this experience.

Integrated care models: an exciting time to work in healthcare?

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-2
Author(s):  
Jeanette Hucey
Keyword(s):  
Integrated Care ◽  
Healthcare System ◽  
Integrated System ◽  
The Future ◽  
Care Models ◽  
Care Systems ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Exciting Time ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Integrated Care Models

The potential benefits of developing a more integrated system of healthcare are numerous, but this transformation is not without challenges. Jeanette Hucey explains why, despite these obstacles, the prospect of integrated care systems and partnerships is a reason to be excited about the future of the UK healthcare system.

The Prospects for Vietnamese Academic Library Consortia: Results of a Survey

Libri ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thuc Thi Hoang ◽  
Paul Genoni
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Current State ◽  
Library Consortia ◽  
Administrative Framework ◽  
Survey Results

AbstractConsortia are widely used by academic libraries worldwide to support the most cost-effective means of acquiring digital content and services. Some developing countries, however, have been slow to benefit from consortia due to a range of obstacles and challenges faced by their academic libraries and higher education sectors more broadly. This paper investigates the current state, and future prospects, for consortia in one developing country, Vietnam. A questionnaire survey was distributed to all academic libraries in Vietnam. Valid surveys were received from 99 respondents (34.37 % response rate). The survey results address a number of issues, including current levels of engagement in consortia; identification of drivers for, and obstacles to, the use of consortia; the support required by libraries for future participation; and the need for a supportive legal and administrative framework. The paper concludes that there is a willingness by Vietnamese academic librarians to engage with consortia, but there are also considerable obstacles to be overcome to make this possible. The conclusions are presented as a series of 11 recommendations aimed at improving the operating conditions for consortia in Vietnam.

scholarly journals Strategies for antiviral stockpiling for future influenza pandemics: a global epidemic-economic perspective

2011 ◽  
Vol 8 (62) ◽  
pp. 1307-1313 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis R. Carrasco ◽  
Vernon J. Lee ◽  
Mark I. Chen ◽  
David B. Matchar ◽  
James P. Thompson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Total Mortality ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Optimal Size ◽  
Global Epidemic ◽  
Influenza Pandemics ◽  
Resource Limited ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Global Threat ◽  
The Uk

Influenza pandemics present a global threat owing to their potential mortality and substantial economic impacts. Stockpiling antiviral drugs to manage a pandemic is an effective strategy to offset their negative impacts; however, little is known about the long-term optimal size of the stockpile under uncertainty and the characteristics of different countries. Using an epidemic–economic model we studied the effect on total mortality and costs of antiviral stockpile sizes for Brazil, China, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, New Zealand, Singapore, the UK, the USA and Zimbabwe. In the model, antivirals stockpiling considerably reduced mortality. There was greater potential avoidance of expected costs in the higher resourced countries (e.g. from $55 billion to $27 billion over a 30 year time horizon for the USA) and large avoidance of fatalities in those less resourced (e.g. from 11.4 to 2.3 million in Indonesia). Under perfect allocation, higher resourced countries should aim to store antiviral stockpiles able to cover at least 15 per cent of their population, rising to 25 per cent with 30 per cent misallocation, to minimize fatalities and economic costs. Stockpiling is estimated not to be cost-effective for two-thirds of the world's population under current antivirals pricing. Lower prices and international cooperation are necessary to make the life-saving potential of antivirals cost-effective in resource-limited countries.

scholarly journals Remote Access Therapy for Veterans With Psychological Problems: Current State of the Art

2020 ◽  
Vol 185 (7-8) ◽  
pp. e1046-e1050 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristina Fleuty ◽  
Michael K Almond
Keyword(s):  
Therapeutic Process ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Remote Access ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Current State ◽  
The Us ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Psychological Difficulties ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Remote Therapy

Abstract Introduction The past decade has seen both an increase in use and research into ways in which psychological therapy might be delivered remotely. Remote access therapy uses technology to deliver talking therapies. It is important to understand how remote technologies are being used as part of the therapeutic process and consider what effect this has on the success of therapeutic interventions. This review discusses what is currently known about the use of remote access therapy with a veteran population. Moreover, the review summarizes potential benefits and barriers to conducting therapy remotely. Materials and Methods This review was conducted to explore the use of remote access therapies with veterans. All available literature identified for this review focused on veteran cohorts from the US and UK. To meet search criteria, studies had to include veteran participants engaging with any form of talking therapy delivered remotely. A total of 15 studies met the inclusion criteria: two from the UK and 13 from the US. Searches were carried out during June and July 2019. Results A number of potential benefits to remote therapy delivery were observed in the research reviewed, including improved accessibility to therapy for people living in remote locations (providing infrastructure existed to facilitate the remote access technologies), increased flexibility of timing, and being able to undergo therapy alongside other life commitments. The studies also suggested that those involved in remote therapy found the technology accessible and easy to operate. Digital technologies could generally be relied upon and although there were some technical difficulties reported that these were generally not seen as a barrier to the use of remote technologies as a whole. Some limitations to using remote therapies were observed, such as the acceptability of remote therapy, particularly in the UK, and the willingness of practitioners to engage with digital technologies to facilitate remote therapy. There was also caution raised that the apparent cost effectiveness of delivering therapy remotely needs to be further investigated, particularly in relation to costs involved in enabling remote access technologies in locations where poor infrastructure exists. Conclusions Overall, studies reported largely positive outcomes for veterans undergoing remote access therapy and in general participants did not find the therapeutic process compromised by remote delivery. Studies showed that remote access therapy is being conducted successfully in both the US and UK. There is, however, a need for more research into the use of remote access therapies to treat a wider range of psychological difficulties in veterans.

Resource sharing in the UK public library system: an update

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 169-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Froud
Keyword(s):  
Public Service ◽  
Resource Sharing ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Resource Discovery ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to review the position of UnityUK and FABLibraries (Find a Book in Libraries) some five years after a review by the same author (with Elisabeth Robinson) was published in 2011. Design/methodology/approach The UnityUK service and its co-service FABLibraries is placed in the current service and political context: changing politics and reductions in public service. The conclusions of a survey conducted by the University of Sheffield are noted as current technical developments. Findings Subscriptions to UnityUK remain stable despite an overall decline in interlending. The FABLibraries service is well positioned to play a key role in the creation of a single digital presence for public libraries in England and in the UK. Practical implications The outcome of major recent political change in respect of public service is not yet known, but there is reason to be confident about the role of the two services in supporting resource discovery and supply. Social implications The FABLibraries service is well positioned to be the major building block in a national e-public library platform. This would provide a cost-effective means of making national resources accessible to everyone who can get online. Originality/value The author provides an up-to-date perspective of the impact of change, recent government reports and public sector austerity on interlending and the position of key resource discovery tools in that environment.

Sustainable Development: A Below-Knee Prostheses Liner for Resource Limited Environments

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kazuhiko Sasaki ◽  
Gary Guerra ◽  
Jutima Rattanakoch ◽  
Yusuke Miyata ◽  
Sharmila Suntharalingam
Keyword(s):  
Vinyl Acetate ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Thermoplastic Elastomer ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Knee Prostheses ◽  
Ethyl Vinyl ◽  
Step Counts ◽  
Resource Limited

Abstract This research sought to develop a fabricable prosthetic liner that could be fabricable, intuitive, and a cost-effective means of providing advanced prosthetics in developing settings. An affordable ethyl-vinyl-acetate roll-on (AERO) liner for permitting a total surface bearing suction socket design was created and provided to a single participant for in vivo outcome measurements. The liner was fabricated from locally produced low-density ethyl-vinyl-acetate (EVA) foam. A liner fabrication process was developed and described, and one participant was provided 3 mm and 6 mm AERO liner variants for outcome evaluations. Six-minute walk test, residual limb temperature, and socket comfort score (SCS) while in AERO liner were collected. Thirty-day step counts of AERO liner with prosthesis and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) liner with prosthesis were collected. The results of in vivo evaluations indicate increased speed, slightly higher residuum temperature, and increased comfort of the 6 mm AERO liner. Pedometer tallied step counts for the AERO liner and TPE liner prostheses were similar. The 6 mm AERO liner provided the best comfort and function of the two thicknesses in liners, and step count data indicated that the volume of patient activity was similar to when wearing the TPE liner prosthesis. Roll-on fabricable low-cost liners offer an affordable means of providing total surface bearing suction prostheses for resource limited environments (RLE). A prosthetist or technician can use the existing skills and lab to create liners.

Reactive Transport Modelling of the Interaction of Fission Product Ground Contamination With Alkaline and Cementitious Leachates

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Kwong ◽  
J. Small
Keyword(s):  
Reactive Transport ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Fission Products ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Geochemical Processes ◽  
Transport Modelling ◽  
Solute Transport Modeling ◽  
Chemical Conditions ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Ground Contamination

The fission products Cs-137 and Sr-90 are amongst the most common radionuclides occurring in ground contamination at the UK civil nuclear sites. Such contamination is often associated with alkaline liquids and the mobility of these fission products may be affected by these chemical conditions. Similar geochemical effects may also result from cementitious leachate associated with building foundations and the use of grouts to remediate ground contamination. The behaviour of fission products in these scenarios is a complex interaction of hydrogeological and geochemical processes. A suite of modelling tools have been developed to investigate the behaviour of a radioactive plume containing Cs and Sr. Firstly the effects of sorption due to cementitious groundwater is modelled using PHREEQC. This chemical model is then incorporated into PHAST for the 3-D reactive solute transport modeling. Results are presented for a generic scenario including features and processes that are likely to be relevant to a number of civil UK nuclear sites. Initial results show that modelling can be a very cost-effective means to study the complex hydrogeological and geochemical processes involved. Modelling can help predict the mobility of contaminants in a range of site end point scenarios, and in assessing the consequences of decommissioning activities.

A dedicated place for volume fraud within the current UK economic crime agenda?

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 902-915 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julian King ◽  
Alan Doig
Keyword(s):  
Single Case ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Criminal Activity ◽  
Specific Area ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Economic Crime ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cost Effective Approach ◽  
Decision Making Processes ◽  
The Uk

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore how a large UK police force – Greater Manchester Police (GMP) – sought during a period of continuing budget reductions to take a cost-effective approach to certain types of fraud through the establishment of a central Volume Fraud Team (VFT), which in turn would also have wider operational resource benefits across the force. It then explores the decision to merge that team with its existing serious and complex fraud team. Design/methodology/approach The research was undertaken over a period of two years by interview and desk review to explain the internal processes which underpinned the approach and the initial outcomes. It discusses why the approach was short lived as a consequence of other factors. Findings The paper sets out briefly the context of changes to the policing of fraud since 1979 and describes the GMP decision-making processes that established a centralised response to volume fraud and major (serious and complex) fraud. The paper assesses the available data on the approach and whether the changes facilitated a more effective means of addressing fraud and other internal policing priorities. It then discusses the decision in 2014 to merge the staff resources for volume and major frauds in response to identified policy trends in fraud investigations and changes in fraud reporting. Research limitations/implications The single case study is limited in terms of focus and in applicability to the wider law enforcement response to fraud. Practical implications The research discusses practitioner issues arising from the complexities of balancing resources and priorities against changing trends and patterns of criminal activity in a specific area of policing. Originality/value The research is an original study into the internal and external change agendas, and there are, therefore, wider lessons for the policing of fraud in the UK.

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