scholarly journals Comparison of Emergency Response Abilities and Evacuation Performance Involving Vulnerable Occupants in Building Fire Situations

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Minji Choi ◽  
Seulbi Lee ◽  
Sungjoo Hwang ◽  
Moonseo Park ◽  
Hyun-Soo Lee

The mobility impaired, the deaf or hard of hearing, the blind or visually impaired, the cognitively impaired, and the elderly population are among several examples of groups categorized as particularly vulnerable to fire-related hazards. Given the severity of the threat that building fires pose for these vulnerable groups in terms of the different types of debilitation they experience, it is crucial to distinguish the respective attributes of each group and map out how such differences lead to differing performance levels during fire evacuations. To better gauge each group’s capacity to cope with building fires, this study collected survey data from social service providers and staff members who provide care for vulnerable healthcare facility residents. The questionnaires were designed to assess each group’s emergency response abilities and render them in quantifiable form in terms of perception, interpretation, decision-making, and mobility. The results of the survey serve as the input values for an evacuation simulation model which analyzes the evacuation performances (i.e., response and movement time) of vulnerable groups. The study concludes by proposing managerial strategies for the enhancement of fire safety in healthcare facilities on the basis of outcome analysis. Understanding the evacuation characteristics of disabled and vulnerable groups is expected to provide a foundation for the safety managers and staff members of relevant facilities to prepare for and deal with unexpected emergencies in an efficient and effective manner.

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  

Abstract Patient information material (PIM) is omnipresent in healthcare. It is used to convey information or to familiarize potential end-users to offers of support. PIM recaps or elaborates on relevant information and offers recommendation for action. However, the quality of available PIM varies. When the formal and content-related quality of PIM is suboptimal, it not only fails to be effective but can also lead to uncertainty, misunderstandings, resistance or ignorance (e.g. of a support offer). Highly complex information requires much attention on the quality of the PIM, especially with respect to end-users (e.g. vulnerable groups). Excellent communication through the use of PIM is thus essential within complex interventions. Checklists, such as 'Discern' or 'PEMAT', as well as criteria catalogues or evidence-based patient information standards, may assist in the development, quality assessment and optimization of PIM. The inclusion of the end-users is recommended but for various reasons does not often take place. The innovative “integrated, cross-sectional Psycho-Oncology” (isPO) programme, offers needs-driven, professional support to all adult, newly diagnosed cancer patients early in their sickness trajectory. IsPO was developed in 2018. It was implemented and a formative evaluated in 2019. When developing this programme, different PIM were created top-down by the programme designers. During implementation, it became evident that these PIM materials required further improvement. A testing and optimization process started using the participatory health research (PHR) approach and was completed in a five-month period. A PIM-optimisation team was founded, which included the project partners involved in the network support, self-help organisations and the external evaluation institute. A practical instrument (PIM-checklist) for optimising the isPO-PIM was designed, piloted and used for testing by end-users, isPO service providers, and experts. Based on the recommendations in the checklist, the material was revised accordingly. Additionally, the PIM was completed with the design of two new components. Four optimisation rounds were conducted. The optimized PIM was tested on its comprehensibility (for end-users) and its usability (for service providers). During the presentations, the audience is invited to comment on critical questions that may appear during optimization (e.g. timing). Afterwards, there will be a skill building part with a focus on collaborative learning (45 minutes). First, we will focus on the requirements for a practical instrument that is handy for end-users, service providers and experts (mind mapping exercise). Finally, participants will be able to explore the following topics “World Café” discussion: (1) how to plan, conduct and communicate the development of optimization of PIM in a CI program, (2) what needs to be considered for the optimization (e.g. team composition, resources), and (3) how to continuously achieve end-userś participation. Key messages Excellent PIM are essential for a complex interventiońs success in practice and must include information and foster actionability. the iterative PIM design processes benefits from high user participation.


BMC Neurology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Naureen Keric ◽  
Darius Kalasauskas ◽  
Sophia L. Kreth ◽  
Martin B. Glaser ◽  
Harald Krenzlin ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a severe pain condition and the most common facial neuralgia. While microvascular decompression (MVD) presents an excellent treatment in neurovascular compression cases, percutaneous thermocoagulation (PT) of the ganglion Gasseri is an alternative option. This study aimed to evaluate post-operative complication rate and outcome of both treatment strategies related to the patient’s age. Methods The medical records of all patients with the diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia undergoing an MVD or PT of the ganglion Gasseri (between January 2007 and September 2017) were reviewed to determine the efficacy and the complication rate of both methods in regard to the patient’s age. Results Seventy-nine patients underwent MVD surgery and 39 a PT. The mean age of patients in the MVD group was 61 years and 73 years in the PT group. There were 59 (50%) female patients. Nerve-vessel conflict could be identified in 78 (98.7%) MVD and 17 (43.6%) PT patients on preoperative MRI. Charlson comorbidity index was significantly higher in PT group (2.4 (1.8) versus 3.8 (1.8) p < 0.001). The Barrow pain score (BPS) at the last follow-up demonstrated higher scores after PT (p = 0.007). The complication rate was markedly higher in PT group, mostly due to the facial hypesthesia (84.6% versus 27.8%; p < 0.001). Mean symptom-free survival was significantly shorter in the PT group (9 vs. 26 months, p < 0.001). It remained statistically significant when stratified into age groups: (65 years and older: 9 vs. 18 months, p = 0.001). Duration of symptoms (OR 1.005, 95% CI 1.000–1.010), primary procedure (OR 6.198, 95% CI 2.650–14.496), patient age (OR 1.033, 95% CI 1.002–1.066), and postoperative complication rate (OR 2.777, 95% CI 1.309–5.890) were associated with treatment failure. Conclusion In this patient series, the MVD is confirmed to be an excellent treatment option independent of patient’s age. However, while PT is an effective procedure, time to pain recurrence is shorter, and the favorable outcome (BPS 1 and 2) rate is lower compared to MVD. Hence MVD should be the preferred treatment and PT should remain an alternative in very selected cases when latter is not possible but not in the elderly patient per se.


Designs ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christos Panagopoulos ◽  
Andreas Menychtas ◽  
Panayiotis Tsanakas ◽  
Ilias Maglogiannis

As the world’s population is ageing, the field dealing with technology adoption by seniors has made headway in the scientific community. Recent technological advances have enabled the development of intelligent homecare systems that support seniors’ independent living and allow monitoring of their health status. However, despite the amount of research to understand the requirements of systems designed for the elderly, there are still unresolved usability issues that often prevent seniors from enjoying the benefits that modern ICT technologies may offer. This work presents a usability assessment of “HeartAround”, an integrated homecare solution incorporating communication functionalities, as well as health monitoring and emergency response features. An assessment with the system usability scale (SUS) method, along with in-depth interviews and qualitative analysis, has provided valuable insights for designing homecare systems for seniors, and validated some effective practical guidelines.


Author(s):  
Gabriel Karubanga ◽  
Paul Kibwika ◽  
Florent Okry ◽  
Haroon Sseguya

Videos have the potential of enhancing learning among smallholder farmers. The study intended to establish whether timing and location of video shows influence learning among rice farmers in Kamwenge district, Uganda. A cross-sectional study was conducted by interviewing 48 focus group participants; 100 individual video participants and 16 key informants. Geographical Positioning System (GPS) mapping was used to establish the video catchment areas and distribution of video participants. Farmers approved the video for providing timely, useful and reliable information and bringing extension service providers closer to the farming communities. Majority (94%) of the farmers said that video provided useful information that fostered change in rice production practices and technologies. A one sample T-test indicated that the timing and location of video events are significant in influencing learning among farmers particularly by women, elderly and distant farmers. The implication is that locating video shows far away and running them late at night seriously compromised involvement by females, elderly and distant people. Thus, modalities suggested by farmers need to focus on adjusting the timing of video shows and ensuring rotational operational of videos in the respective villages or parishes purposely to reach out to the elderly, distant and women farmers.Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. & Tech. 6 (2): 77-81, December, 2016


2006 ◽  
Vol 135 (3) ◽  
pp. 455-457 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. O. EJIDOKUN ◽  
O. S. ARUNA ◽  
B. O'NEILL

Scabies outbreaks in England have been reported in hospitals, long-stay wards, acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) units and residential homes for the elderly. This paper describes the control of an outbreak in a further education college for persons with learning disabilities. In March 2004, four confirmed cases of scabies were reported among a subset of 108 students and 41 staff members. Staff had considerable physical contact with the students who were housed in five groups of homes, individual homes and support centres. Mass prophylaxis was offered to all staff and students, through 39 general practice surgeries. Challenges overcome were: ensuring complete case ascertainment, accessing of up-to-date information about students and staff, achieving a coordinated approach to treatment, securing informed consent and media management. No further outbreaks have been reported. The college has revised its information request form for new students.


Cloud Computing is a new way of delivering computing resources and services. It is a model for on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources like, networks, servers, storage, applications, and services that can be provided with minimal management effort or service provider interaction. The cloud model is composed of five essential characteristics, four service models, and four deployment models. Healthcare is faster growing way to adopt cloud computing. It is very important for every individual and essential for every country in the Globe. Electronic healthcare systems in the world are moving towards a more accessible, collaborative and more proactive way in reaching out to the public. The delivering of public health solutions can lead to increased efficiencies in health related data. Many nations across the globe have launched aggressive stimulus programs aimed at solving public healthcare problems in efficient way. This review article mainly focus on different ICT based infrastructure facilities available in various hospitals in India, abroad with cost effective manner using cloud computing technologies, services and this will be a best solutions for healthcare systems in rural areas. In this paper analyzed and presented about various cloud service providers, investment in healthcare, IT adoption in Indian Healthcare sector, Major benefits of Cloud-based Patient Management System [PMS], about SADA systems, Top ten cloud storage companies in healthcare and Pros and Cons of EHR systems, comparison of Indian healthcare systems with US system, and various Cloud Simulators.


2021 ◽  
Vol In Press (In Press) ◽  
Author(s):  
Najmeh Moradi ◽  
Seyyed Taghi Heydari ◽  
Leila Zarei ◽  
Jalal Arabloo ◽  
Aziz Rezapour ◽  
...  

Background: In the initial coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program, prioritizing vulnerable groups is inevitable due to limited supply. Currently, most of the allocation strategies are focused on individuals’ characteristics. Objectives: The present study aimed to assess the opinions of Iranian population in specifying high-priority individuals and groups for COVID-19 vaccination. Methods: An online survey was conducted using some popular social media in Iran. The data was collected from Iranian population (878 individuals) aged 18 years and older during the COVID-19 pandemic (2 - 20 May 2020) to investigate their opinions towards vaccine allocation strategies at the family and society levels. In vaccine prioritizing within family three option and in vaccine prioritizing within society, seven population groups were introduced by the respondents in a random order, respectively. To analyze the data, mean rank and univariate analysis was used. Results: Healthcare workers, high-risk patients, and the elderly were the first priority groups for a vaccination with a mean rank of 2.8, 2.8, and 3.8, respectively. The least priority group was policymakers and executive managers (mean rank = 5.75). At the family level, 64% of the respondents introduced one of the family members as the first priority for vaccination, followed by their children (29%) and themselves (7%). No significant relationship was observed between respondents’ characteristics and their prioritization in vaccine prioritizing within society. Conclusions: Although involving public preference in decision-making is a key factor for the success of policies, careful design and implementation of vaccination programs through considering risk-benefit assessment is strongly recommended.


Author(s):  
Muhammad Rafique Joyo ◽  
Nizam Ahmed ◽  
Ghazanfar Ali Shah ◽  
Aftab Alam Khanzada ◽  
Tanveer Afzal ◽  
...  

This study was designed to compare the osteosynthesis and hemiarthroplasty treatment among the elderly population and evaluate the postoperative functional performance of these two recommended treatments of a displaced femoral neck fracture. Methodology: This retrospective study was conducted in Bone Care trauma center Heerabad  Hospital Hyderabad Pakistan from March 2019 to March 2020. A total of 74 patients of age between  60 to 70 years were selected. All the selected patients were diagnosed with femoral neck fractures (Garden’s III and IV). Harris's hip score was used to evaluate the clinical status of patients with pain, whereas we used Palmer and Parker's mobility to access mobility. Implant breakage, screw cut, and nonunion were considered as parameters of osteosynthesis failure. At the same time, hemiarthroplasty failure was defined as two or more recurrent dislocation, aseptic loosening, periprosthetic fracture, and infection. Results:  In the first three postoperative months, the mean score of the hemiarthroplasty group was reported as 74.44±8.480, which was comparatively high than the osteosynthesis group (66.44±8.520). After six months, this score reached 80.12±7.005 in the hemiarthroplasty group and reached its maximum of 92.14±7.125. After the first three months, the increment ratio was relatively slow with six ratios, but in the last visit, we observed a sudden increase in score in both groups. Regarding Palmer and Parker's mobility score, the hemiarthroplasty group reflected better outcomes than the osteosynthesis group. Conclusion: Our study concluded that management of displaced femoral neck fracture with osteosynthesis revealed a high probability of nonunion, screw cutout complications and enhanced the risk of reoperation. Patients treated with osteosynthesis showed delay rehabilitation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (12) ◽  
pp. 855-867
Author(s):  
Elika Sifra Lidya ◽  
Mitro Subroto

LAPAS or Correctional Institution under the auspices of the Directorate General of Corrections is the final place of the criminal justice system process that fosters and integrates the social of convicts, so that when returning to society they are able to live a normal life. Elderly (according to Law No. 13 of 1998: Elderly) is a person whose age reaches the age of 60 years and above. In its efforts, Correctional Services interpret this understanding by regulating the rights of inmates contained in Law no. 12 of 1995 article 14 paragraph 1.The increasing age and declining body condition of the elderly inmates need special treatment both in health, treatment, and public services. Elderly inmates as much as possible are treated as people usually are, it's just that the place and application are different. This is for the implementation of part of Human Rights (HAM) as a national instrument. This special handling effort involves other stakeholders be it medical or health workers and the government to support the infrastructure needed. The elderly as one of the vulnerable groups become important objects in terms of how decent handlers are so that they feel cared for in their twilight years. Although until now still in the process and stages of refinement of special handling for them. The fact is still not optimal and this study illustrates how well the effort is.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anass Rahouti ◽  
Ruggiero Lovreglio ◽  
Phil Jackson ◽  
Sélim Datoussaïd

Assessing the fire safety of buildings is fundamental to reduce the impact of this threat on their occupants. Such an assessment can be done by combining existing models and existing knowledge on how occupants behave during fires. Although many studies have been carried out for several types of built environment, only few of those investigate healthcare facilities and hospitals. In this study, we present a new behavioural data-set for hospital evacuations. The data was collected from the North Shore Hospital in Auckland (NZ) during an unannounced drill carried out in May 2017. This drill was recorded using CCTV and those videos are analysed to generate new evacuation model inputs for hospital scenarios. We collected pre-movement times, exit choices and total evacuation times for each evacuee. Moreover, we estimated pre-movement time distributions for both staff members and patients. Finally, we qualitatively investigated the evacuee actions of patients and staff members to study their interaction during the drill. The results show that participants were often independent from staff actions with a majority able to make their own decision.


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