Consensus on Quality Indicators for Pediatric Oncology Nursing Care in Mainland China: A Delphi Method and Analytic Hierarchy Process

Background: Because routine nursing quality indicators are not suitable to evaluate pediatric oncology nursing care, this study aimed to identify a set of quality indicators for pediatric oncology nursing care in mainland China. Method: This prospective investigation utilized a modified Delphi technique and an analytic hierarchy process. A survey questionnaire was developed using a literature review and semi-structured interviews. Fifteen invited experts evaluated the importance of potential indicators through three rounds of Delphi survey by email in 2018. The importance weight of each indicator was identified through analytic hierarchy process. Results: In the Delphi survey, the average authoritative coefficient was 0.93–0.96 for each round of the inquiry. After three rounds of survey, 29 quality indicators were identified as important nursing outcomes for assessing the quality of pediatric oncology nursing care in mainland China. The importance rating mean score of indicators ranged between 4.67–5.00 on a 5-point scale, and the variation coefficient ranged between 0–0.19. Expert-assigned indicator importance weight varied between 0.0040–0.0870. Conclusion: This study identified an indicator system with 29 nursing-sensitive quality indicators that may represent potential indicator candidates for quality assessment of pediatric oncology nursing practice in mainland China.

Using of soil quality indicators to assess their production and ecological functions

The project dealt with an evaluation of the soil quality in the Central Bohemian Region in the Czech Republic. The relevant attributes and characteristics were found regarding the soils in this selected area. Based on the data from soil probes, climate characteristics, soil production function and data on the land use, the characteristics, known as soil quality indicators, were selected. Then the soils were sorted into groups which indicated their suitability for the best land use and planning. The characteristics of the soils that contributed the most to the ecosystem services provided by this part of the environment were chosen as the soil quality indicators. In order to find out how the soils are able to provide ecosystem services, two types of approaches were used – the average score and the total amount of points gained. Maps indicating the soil quality were created using the ArcGIS program. At the same time, research on the differences in the quality in two different layers of the soil was carried out. In most cases, there was a decrease in the soil quality with an increasing depth. The results of this project can be used as a basis for a new soil valuation in the Czech Republic.

EXPANDING THE RANGE OF FOOD PRODUCTS FOR SPECIAL PURPOSE AND FUNCTIONALITY

The efficiency of using natural triterpenoids, a complex of organic acids, introduced plants, microgreens, coniferous chlorophyll-carotene paste containing the necessary physiologically functional ingredients that increase the activity of the vital processes of the human body, has been substantiated. Technological modes of production have been optimized, rational dosages and combinations of components have been determined when creating recipe compositions of food products with specified nutritional and functional properties; revealed their positive impact on quality indicators, safety and shelf life of finished products.

Development and Operationalization of a Data Framework to Assess Quality of Integrated Diabetes Care in the Fragmented Data Landscape of Belgium

Background. To assess the quality of integrated diabetes care, we should be able to follow the patient throughout the care path, monitor his/her care process and link them to his/her health outcomes, while simultaneously link this information to the primary care system and its performance on the structure and organization related quality indicators. However the development process of such a data framework is challenging, even in period of increasing and improving health data storage and management. This study aims to develop an integrated multi-level data framework for quality of diabetes care and to operationalize this framework in the fragmented Belgium health care and data landscape.Methods. Based on document reviews and iterative expert consultations, theoretical approaches and quality indicators were identified and assessed. After mapping and assessing the validity of existing health information systems and available data sources through expert consultations, the theoretical framework was translated in a data framework with measurable quality indicators. The construction of the data base included sampling procedures, data-collection, and several technical and privacy-related aspects of linking and accessing Belgian datasets.Results. To address three dimensions of quality of care, we integrated the chronic care model and cascade of care approach, addressing respectively the structure related quality indicators and the process and outcome related indicators. The corresponding data framework is based on self-collected data at the primary care practice level (using the Assessment of quality of integrated care tool), and linked health insurance data with lab data at the patient level. Conclusion. In this study, we have described the transition of a theoretical quality of care framework to a unique multilevel database, which allows assessing the quality of diabetes care, by considering the complete care continuum (process and outcomes) as well as organizational characteristics of primary care practices.

Music and Musical Heritage as Factors for Rural Development

This chapter reflects on the understanding and measurement of development and rural development and on how music can influence it. Now more than ever, sustainability must direct development, and life quality indicators must be taken into consideration rather than income, growth, etc. From fieldwork, deep knowledge of different European contexts and a thorough state-of-the-art research, the chapter analyses cases and projects that have had relevant impact in their territories or may be considered for different reasons good practice cases. The aim of the chapter is to analyze those factors that may be considered to evaluate the quality and impact of a case. Researching, safeguarding, and recreating musical heritage produce impacts that go far beyond the economic aspects. Some of these aspects will be highlighted in this chapter. Results and conclusions will serve therefor to advance in research lines related to music tourism, musical heritage, and rural development, but will also be useful for managers, rural agents, local governments.

The Implementation of Clinical Laboratory Quality Indicators in the Era of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The use of quality indicators (QIs) and risk assessment are valuable tools for maintaining the quality of laboratory tests. Both are requirements of ISO 15189: 2012 and are usually based on standard statistical and empirical data. In this chapter, the authors focus on evaluating clinical laboratory quality indicators in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal is to pose and discuss, based on the authors' experience, the quality evaluation and risk assessment through the collection, study, and analysis of quality indicators covering the pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of the laboratory testing process. QIs were evaluated using the Six Sigma method. Moreover, FMEA risk analysis was performed, and the degree of risk priority was assessed using the Pareto method. The results show that in the analytical phase, the laboratory's performance is satisfactory, while the pre-and post-analytical phases need further preventive/corrective actions.