SQIS: A Framework for the Development and Implementation of an Industry-Wide Ship Quality Information System

1999 ◽  
Vol 36 (02) ◽  
pp. 92-101
Author(s):  
Henry P. Reeve ◽  
Robert G. Bea

The Ship Structural Integrity Information System Phase III (SSIIS III) Project presents the framework for the development of an Industry-Wide Ship Quality Information System (SQIS) for use in the United States oil tanker trade. This full-scope, life-cycle, industry-wide information system provides the basis for the development of risk based inspection, maintenance, and repair (IMR) activity management tools, intended to supplement those in development by industry members. The SQIS combines information concerning structures, machinery, and operations, and provides analysis of the links between all facets of vessel management. The cooperation of all sectors of the marine community is paramount to the successful implementation of a Industry-Wide SQIS. The recommendations and requirements of interested parties have been incorporated into the development of the SQIS framework. The organizational requirements for the development and implementation of the full scale Industry-Wide SQIS have been identified.

1970 ◽  
Vol 09 (02) ◽  
pp. 75-80
Author(s):  
B. G. Lamson ◽  
W. S. Russell ◽  
J. Fullmore ◽  
W. E. Nix

Total information and communication systems within hospitals have been designed, but successful complete implementation, to date, has not been achieved. Limited applications with both patient medical data, notably in the clinical laboratories, and in the hospital accounting offices have been numerous. Although total programs are not yet a reality, it is apparent that the computer will serve ultimately many communication requirements, both medical and financial, within the hospital.Sound hospital management requires that costs of all component operations be known in order that value judgments concerning worth and efficiency may be made. Accrual accounting systems which match revenue and expense over the same time period are a prerequisite. Cash and modified cash hospital accounting cannot provide current reliable data for sound decision making.Costs of hospital operations cannot be evaluated unless related to the characteristics of the patient service load. Average per diem costs mean little except when large similar populations of patients are being compared. A modern hospital accrual accounting system should be able to provide information concerning the costs of caring for specific diseases in patients with known age and sex and disease severity characteristics. Without information of this type, it will not be possible to objectively evaluate alternative systems of financing and organizing patient care.Medical record management offers the promise of prospective use of patient disease information in the planning and scheduling of facilities. The prose content of medical record summaries, such as diagnostic statements in tissue pathology, radiology, and admission and discharge diagnoses, may be susceptible to non-coded, full prose input into computer controlled diagnostic files. Thesauri in the several medical specialties will be necessary for this achievement.There is little immediate prospect for complete hospital communication systems that can be made available as a package to any hospital without substantial local alteration. Pilot projects in teaching centers should be viewed for the time being as opportunities to define objectives, evaluate feasibility, and determine degree of risk and expense.A brief survey of applications in the United States which have been successfully implemented or which appear suitable for successful implementation is recorded.Eleven general principles which have been associated with successful implementation of computer applications within the UCLA Hospital are enumerated.


Author(s):  
Patricia J. Zettler ◽  
Erika Lietzan

This chapter assesses the regulation of medical devices in the United States. The goal of the US regulatory framework governing medical devices is the same as the goal of the framework governing medicines. US law aims to ensure that medical devices are safe and effective for their intended uses; that they become available for patients promptly; and that manufacturers provide truthful, non-misleading, and complete information about the products. US medical device law is different from US medicines law in many ways, however, perhaps most notably because most marketed devices do not require pre-market approval. The chapter explores how the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seeks to accomplish its mission with respect to medical devicecough its implementation of its medical device authorities. It starts by explaining what constitutes a medical device and how the FDA classifies medical devices by risk level. The chapter then discusses how medical devices reach the market, the FDA's risk management tools, and the rules and incentives for innovation and competition. It concludes by exploring case studies of innovative medical technologies that challenge the traditional US regulatory scheme to consider the future of medical device regulation.


Author(s):  
Glenn Vorhes ◽  
Ernest Perry ◽  
Soyoung Ahn

Truck parking is a crucial element of the United States’ transportation system as it provides truckers with safe places to rest and stage for deliveries. Demand for truck parking spaces exceeds supply and shortages are especially common in and around urban areas. Freight operations are negatively affected as truck drivers are unable to park in logistically ideal locations. Drivers may resort to unsafe practices such as parking on ramps or in abandoned lots. This report seeks to examine the potential parking availability of vacant urban parcels by establishing a methodology to identify parcels and examining whether the identified parcels are suitable for truck parking. Previous research has demonstrated that affordable, accessible parcels are available to accommodate truck parking. When used in conjunction with other policies, adaptation of urban sites could help reduce the severity of truck parking shortages. Geographic information system parcel and roadway data were obtained for one urban area in each of the 10 Mid America Association of Transportation Officials region states. Area and proximity filters were applied followed by spectral analysis of satellite imagery to identify candidate parcels for truck parking facilities within urban areas. The automated processes created a ranked short list of potential parcels from which those best suited for truck parking could be efficiently identified for inspection by satellite imagery. This process resulted in a manageable number of parcels to be evaluated further by local knowledge metrics such as availability and cost, existing infrastructure and municipal connections, and safety.


Author(s):  
Hubrecht Ribbens

Road casualties are discussed from a worldwide perspective. More than 80% of annual traffic casualties occur in developing and emerging countries in Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East. Vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and bicyclists are a major road safety problem in these countries. In Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Middle East, more than 40% of annual road fatalities involve pedestrians compared with less than 20% in Europe and the United States. The focus of this study is South Africa’s strategy to promote the safety of vulnerable road users. The extent of casualties among vulnerable road users and contributing factors are highlighted. Over the last decade, pedestrian fatalities have gradually and steadily declined in South Africa. This study describes the various policies, strategies, and action plans developed and implemented by different government levels in South Africa to promote road traffic safety, particularly the safety of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and bicyclists. Barriers to successful implementation are also pointed out. Apart from applying a holistic approach by involving all relevant disciplines, a coordinated and sustained effort of all government levels was encouraged. Joint-venture funding projects among different government levels was emphasized to improve hazardous pedestrian locations. The role of the private sector in South Africa to promote pedestrian safety is also discussed. Practical guidelines are presented for developing and emerging countries to promote the safety of vulnerable road users.


Author(s):  
James St. Louis ◽  
Arinze Nkemdirim Okere

Abstract Disclaimer In an effort to expedite the publication of articles related to the COVID-19 pandemic, AJHP is posting these manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time. Purpose To provide an overview of the impact of pharmacist interventions on antibiotic prescribing and the resultant clinical outcomes in an outpatient antibiotic stewardship program (ASP) in the United States. Methods Reports on studies of pharmacist-led ASP interventions implemented in US outpatient settings published from January 2000 to November 2020 and indexed in PubMed or Google Scholar were included. Additionally, studies documented at the ClinicalTrials.gov website were evaluated. Study selection was based on predetermined inclusion criteria; only randomized controlled trials, observational studies, nonrandomized controlled trials, and case-control studies conducted in outpatient settings in the United States were included. The primary outcome was the observed differences in antibiotic prescribing or clinical benefits between pharmacist-led ASP interventions and usual care. Results Of the 196 studies retrieved for full-text review, a cumulative total of 15 studies were included for final evaluation. Upon analysis, we observed that there was no consistent methodology in the implementation of ASPs and, in most cases, the outcome of interest varied. Nonetheless, there was a trend toward improvement in antibiotic prescribing with pharmacist interventions in ASPs compared with that under usual care (P < 0.05). However, the results of these studies are not easily generalizable. Conclusion Our findings suggest a need for a consistent approach for the practical application of outpatient pharmacist-led ASPs. Managed care organizations could play a significant role in ensuring the successful implementation of pharmacist-led ASPs in outpatient settings.


2010 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-60
Author(s):  
Edward Chu ◽  
David Cunningham ◽  
David Watkins

Author(s):  
GERARDO E BOZOVICH ◽  
FRANCISCO KLEIN

Introduction: Medical errors are a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitals worldwide. Poor teamwork and communication skills rather than lack of technical knowledge have been identified as a common factor in numerous studies. Objective: To promote a safer medical practice through the adoption of Crew Resource Management (CRM) procedures directly adapted from the aviation industry for the first time in Argentina. Methods: Starting in 2009 we organized a hybrid team of two physicians/amateur aviators and two expert airline pilots with a significant background on safety analysis and CRM training . The setting for the initial experience was a teaching hospital with high volume cardiovascular and organ transplantation departments. CRM training has been offered at least once a year in a non compulsory manner to the entire spectrum of healthcare personnel, including medical and nursing students. Courses are structured in two day sessions divided in several chapters and workshops: Introduction, statistics, leadership, communication skills, and avoidance of risky behaviors. Slides, full text articles and reports are available for permanent consultation by personnel along with discussion forums at the Moodle based site of the program. Results: Satisfaction levels among attendees has consistently averaged 92%. Following training, briefings and debriefings have been implemented as standard procedures along with checklists both at Intensive Care, Operating Rooms and General Ward. No wrong side or wrong patient interventions have been reported over 3 years, while in 1/9500 surgical procedures a misidentification of a patient occurred with successful detection at the second crossed check on admission to the OR. Overdosing was reported in 1 every 4960 admissions, none fatal or disabling. Conclusions: Choosing a hybrid team of physicians and airline pilots rather than physicians or nurses alone as facilitators was a key factor to spark interest in teamwork factors and to avoid fear of punishment following reports. Despite cultural differences, CRM can be as feasible and successful in a Latin American hospital environment as previously shown in several centers in the United States.


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