Surgical information systems. The technology-enhanced surgery department

Renowned Texas cancer center uses perioperative software to boost its billing and revenue collection, and to make real-time patient information an enterprise capability.     

Computer-aided video exposure monitoring

A computer-aided video exposure monitoring system was used to record exposure information. The system comprised a handheld camcorder, portable video cassette recorder, radio-telemetry transmitter/receiver, and handheld or notebook computers for remote data logging, photoionization gas/vapor detectors (PIDs), and a personal aerosol monitor. The following workplaces were surveyed using the system: dry cleaning establishments--monitoring tetrachoroethylene in the air and in breath; printing works--monitoring white spirit type solvent; tire manufacturing factory--monitoring rubber fume; and a slate quarry--monitoring respirable dust and quartz. The system based on the handheld computer, in particular, simplified the data acquisition process compared with earlier systems in use by our laboratory. The equipment is more compact and easier to operate, and allows more accurate calibration of the instrument reading on the video image. Although a variety of data display formats are possible, the best format for videos intended for educational and training purposes was the review-preview chart superimposed on the video image of the work process. Recommendations for reducing exposure by engineering or by modifying work practice were possible through use of the video exposure system in the dry cleaning and tire manufacturing applications. The slate quarry work illustrated how the technique can be used to test ventilation configurations quickly to see their effect on the worker's personal exposure.     

Telemedicine. Straight to video

Videoconference sessions involving patient, GP and hospital consultant have speeded up assessment and reduced the need for referrals. The health centre claims there is potential for a 75 per cent cut in outpatient clinic appointments. The system currently covers cardiology and peripheral vascular disease in one GP practice but research is planned on extending it across the primary care trust.     

Laser video disk archival storage

The history and technological development of laser video and digital disks for archival storage of photographs, video frames, text, and drawings are discussed in detail, and a comparison made between these technologies. These media have a very high information density and provide fast random access. Also, they have great potential for interactive computerized archival storage and retrieval. To illustrate the application to storage of visual information, an interactive archive and retrieval system based on laser video disks has been developed for the 80,000 baseline negatives of Hartlepool Power Station.     

An introduction to video production

High quality video recording and editing equipment is much more affordable now than in the past. This is tempting medical illustration units to move into offering video production as part of their services. This article provides practical guidance by outlining some of the basic technical information which new users of video equipment need to understand. It also argues that the technical aspects of video form only part of the set of issues for consideration and that video producers also need to think carefully about the way they plan their projects and the way they work with their clients.     

Gambling with video lottery terminals

Semistructured interviews were conducted with 7 persons who had significant involvements with video lottery terminal (VLT) gambling, and themes associated with different phases of the gambling experience were identified. The preinvolvement phase was characterized by lack of meaningful relationships, problematic relationships, and feelings of loss. Early involvement reflected attempts to "fill the void" and the casual innocence of initial VLT playing. The deepening involvement phase indicated themes of the language of relationship, for example, focused engagement, emotional highs and lows, and the escape and competition offered by gambling. Ending involvement themes included the emotional difficulty of quitting and strategies used to break the habit. Implications of these results for models of addiction and for the treatment of gambling problems are explored.     

手术服及铺单与手术部位感染

手术服作为个人防护用品的一部分,既可以保护医务人员,使其避免暴露于患者的血液及体液,同时又可以保护患者使其避免受到医务人员携带病原体的污染.铺单主要用于保持器械、物体表面无菌,保持手术的无菌环境.本综述主要介绍手术服及铺单的类型,对一次性及重复使用手术服及铺单在减低手术部位感染、减少医务人员暴露等方面进行行比较,并介绍手术服及铺单选择的原则及方法,为医疗机构选择手术服及铺单提供参考.