Pain treatment centers have evolved at a rapid rate, but they differ in their complexity and services provided. Patients, as well as primary care physicians, have difficulty in identifying the appropriate center for a specific problem. Guidelines for pain centers have recently been proposed by the International Association for the Study of Pain, along with an attempt at their accreditation. Outcome studies from pain centers have proliferated, with a wide range of treatment programs being reported. Comprehensive multidisciplinary pain centers using the rehabilitation medicine approach are effective in decreasing disability and increasing the productivity of patients with chronic, disabling pain. (+info)
The emotional impact of medical error involvement on physicians: a call for leadership and organisational accountability.
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The role of case containment centers in the eradication of dracunculiasis in Togo and Ghana.
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As part of the global effort to eradicate dracunculiasis (Guinea worm disease), several endemic countries established case containment centers to provide treatment and support to patients with emerging Guinea worms to keep them from contaminating water sources. To assess the functioning, effectiveness, and public perception of this intervention, we visited eight centers and conducted surveys in 32 villages in Togo and Ghana. In the areas served by these centers, incidence dropped by 71% in Togo and 42% in Ghana from 2003 to 2004. Among persons with emerging worms, admission to the centers was associated with younger age (P value = 0.04) after controlling for occupation and gender. Overall, the centers functioned well and were regarded favorably: 99% of the 152 center-attendees expressed satisfaction with their stay. Strategically-located case containment centers in conjunction with other interventions appear to play an important role in the final effort to eradicate dracunculiasis. (+info)
Staffing and structure of infection prevention and control programs.
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Teaching workflow analysis and lean thinking via simulation: a formative evaluation.
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This article presents the rationale for the design and development of a video simulation used to teach lean thinking and workflow analysis to health services and health information management students enrolled in a course on the management of health information. The discussion includes a description of the design process, a brief history of the use of simulation in healthcare, and an explanation of how video simulation can be used to generate experiential learning environments. Based on the results of a survey given to 75 students as part of a formative evaluation, the video simulation was judged effective because it allowed students to visualize a real-world process (concrete experience), contemplate the scenes depicted in the video along with the concepts presented in class in a risk-free environment (reflection), develop hypotheses about why problems occurred in the workflow process (abstract conceptualization), and develop solutions to redesign a selected process (active experimentation). (+info)
Long-stay in short-stay inpatient facilities: risk factors and barriers to discharge.
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