Development of the Methodology for the Choice of Polygraphy Equipment for Printing on Cloth

The article provides a comparative analysis of the main types of printing on cloth. On the basis of analysis was revealed the meaning of the main stages for each type of printing and was systematized the used printing equipment. There are the main technical characteristics proposed for the selection of printing equipment. The technological and economic criteria for the choice of equipment for printing on cloth are examined in detail. There was carried out identification of the main criteria for the selection of equipment for printing on cloth by an expert assessment of technological and economic criteria with the assistance of operational printing centers’ staff of Ukraine and Kazakhstan. There was developed a computer decision support system “the choice of equipment for printing on cloth” with local data synchronization using the Microsoft Sync Framework.

Reducing overutilisation of serum vitamin D testing at a tertiary care centre

IntroductionTesting of 25-hydroxy (25-OH) vitamin D serum levels has increased drastically in recent years and much of it is considered inappropriate based on current guidelines.MethodsIn consultation with our physician groups (experts and frequent orderers), we modified existing guidelines and implemented a rational policy for 25-OH vitamin D testing and 1,25 dihydroxy (1,25 di-OH) vitamin D testing at a tertiary care centre. A computer decision support tool requiring selection of one of five acceptable testing indications was created for each test as part of a computerised physician order entry system.ResultsAs a result of our intervention, we observed a 27% decrease in the average monthly test volume for 25-OH vitamin D from 504±62 (mean±SD) tests per month to 370±33 (p<0.001). 1,25 di-OH vitamin D testing decreased 58% from 71±18 to 30±10 (p<0.001). The departments ordering the tests were similar during the preintervention and postintervention periods, and further audits, patient chart reviews and individualised physician feedback were required to ensure appropriate ordering of 1,25 di-OH vitamin D. The most common ordering reasons selected were malabsorption/dietary concerns (46%) for 25-OH vitamin D and renal failure (42%) for 1,25 di-OH vitamin D.ConclusionsLimitations of our computer decision support tool include a dependence on an honour system in selecting the testing indication and an inability to limit ordering frequency. Periodic monitoring of test volumes will be required to ensure adherence to guidelines. Despite these limitations, we have improved appropriate utilisation of these tests and reduced costs by approximately $C60 375 per year.