The application of technology acceptance and diffusion of innovation models in healthcare informatics

There have been many attempts to apply previously developed models of technology acceptance and the diffusion of innovations; however the models have weaknesses in predicting the behaviour of individuals and organisations, particularly within the complex health domain. The insights recent work on these models offer is relevant to health informatics development and innovation and need to be considered in the development of organisational strategies. This paper analyses the merits of several relevant models and explores their potential significance for the success or otherwise of health related Information Technology projects, highlighting their weaknesses in relation to the lack of differentiation between technological and human factors which limit their applicability in practice.     

Food Addiction: An Evolving Nonlinear Science

The purpose of this review is to familiarize readers with the role that addiction plays in the formation and treatment of obesity, type 2 diabetes and disorders of eating. We will outline several useful models that integrate metabolism, addiction, and human relationship adaptations to eating. A special effort will be made to demonstrate how the use of simple and straightforward nonlinear models can and are being used to improve our knowledge and treatment of patients suffering from nutritional pathology. Moving forward, the reader should be able to incorporate some of the findings in this review into their own practice, research, teaching efforts or other interests in the fields of nutrition, diabetes, and/or bariatric (weight) management.     

层级管理模式在医院信息技术人员管理中的应用

以解放军第187中心医院信息科网络信息中心的技术人员为研究对象,实施层级管理模式,从人员层级设置、分工模式、分层培训、评价指标等方面具体介绍层级化管理模式的实施方法。结果表明实施层级管理后,服务满意率及考试优秀率均明显高于层级管理前。     

二维码技术在我院PIVAS管理信息系统中的应用

目的:提高我院静脉药物配置中心(PIVAS)信息管理水平,并为PIVAS中的条形码设计与发展提供参考。方法:在我院原有的医院资源管理平台上,以二维码技术代替原来的一维码用于PIVAS的信息管理系统,并介绍其功能作用及应用效果。结果与结论:二维码技术可用于PIVAS信息管理系统中的输液标签生成、输液记费、输液出仓核对、输液数量统计等功能中,不但信息存储量大,而且运行稳定、操作简易,在提高PIVAS工作效率、减少人为因素导致的差错的同时,也为PIVAS今后的电子信息扩充提供了有力保障,值得推广。     

Exploring knowledge of pre-eclampsia and views on a potential screening test in women with type 1 diabetes

Objectiveto explore knowledge of pre-eclampsia and opinions on potential screening tests for pre-eclampsia in women with type 1 diabetes.Designa qualitative study using semi-structured interviews of women planning a pregnancy, currently pregnant or post-partum with experience of pre-eclampsia.Setting, Participants and Methodseleven women with type 1 diabetes were recruited from a pre-pregnancy planning clinic or antenatal clinic. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the women, asking a series of open-ended questions about their current knowledge of pre-eclampsia and their views on screening for pre-eclampsia. Data analysis was conducted using inductive thematic analysis.Findingsfour main themes were identified: Information, sources of stress, awareness and acceptability of screening. Generally, women's knowledge of pre-eclampsia was limited. Most did not appear to be aware of their increased risk of developing the disease. Similarly, the majority of women were unaware as to why their blood pressure and urine were checked regularly. The introduction of a screening test for pre-eclampsia was favoured, with only a small number of women raising concerns related to the screening tests.Conclusionshealth care professionals need to raise awareness of pre-eclampsia in this high risk group. The introduction of a screening test for pre-eclampsia appears to be acceptable in this population, however, further research is required to validate these findings and also to explore the views of women in other high risk groups.     

预约诊疗服务技术及实现方法综述

本文对目前医院开展的现场预约挂号、远程预约挂号具体的实现方式和采取的技术方法进行研究，分析阐述各种方式的优缺点、技术特点和实际开展应用的情况。     

Evaluating the Health Information Technology Regional Extension Center in South Carolina

ObjectiveTo determine the impact of the South Carolina Regional Extension Center, Center for Information Technology Implementation Assistance (CITIA-SC), on physician practices engaged in the process of electronic medical record (EMR) adoption.Data sourcesData from a cross-sectional survey distributed in March 2011 to 1310 primary care practice groups throughout South Carolina was used to determine the degree of EMR adoption throughout the state (n=452 respondents; 34.5% response rate). Participation in CITIA-SC was determined by obtaining a list of practices from CITIA-SC.Study designA posttest-only design with nonequivalent groups was used to estimate the degree of EMR implementation, plans for and perceived barriers to implementation based on CITIA-SC participation.ResultsCITIA-SC practice sites faced similar barriers to EMR implementation as non-CITIA-SC participants, including initial or recurring cost of an EMR, low staff expertise with EMRs or computers, and productivity disruption. Additionally, CITIA-SC practice sites had fewer IT personnel on staff (p=0.0358) and were considering EMR implementation without a plan (p=0.0125). Despite these barriers, more practices participating in the CITIA-SC program were preparing to invest in an EMR system within one year when compared to nonparticipants (75.9% versus 28.3%, p<0.0001).ConclusionOur results indicated that the practice sites that participate in the REC had fewer IT resources and more perceived barriers to implementation. These results suggest that REC participant practice sites intend to implement an EMR, but recognize the need for technical assistance in the preparation and implementation of an EMR system.     

The experience and understanding of pain management in recently discharged adult trauma patients: A qualitative study

IntroductionPain following injury is often intense, prolonged and debilitating. If poorly managed, this acute pain has the potential to delay rehabilitation and lead to chronic pain. Recent quantitative Australian research recommends implementing further information and interventions to improve trauma patient outcomes, however, to ensure effectiveness, exploration of the patient perspective is imperative to ensure the success of future pain management strategies. This study aimed to gain understanding about the experience of pain management using prescribed analgesic regimens of recently discharged adult trauma patients.MethodSemi-structured interviews were used to explore the experiences and understandings of trauma patients in managing pain using prescribed analgesic regimens during the initial post-hospital discharge period. Twelve participants were purposively selected over a 6-month period at a level one trauma outpatient clinic based on questionnaire responses indicating pain related concerns. Qualitative data were thematically analysed.ResultsThe overarching finding was that injuries and inadequate pain management incapacitate the patient at home. Four main themes were developed: injury pain is unique and debilitating; patients are uninformed at hospital discharge; patients have low confidence with pain management at home; and patients make independent decisions about pain management. Patients felt they were not given adequate information at hospital discharge to support them to make effective decisions about their pain management practices at home.ConclusionThere is a need for more inclusive and improved hospital discharge processes that includes patient and family education around pain management following injury. To achieve this, clinician education, support and training is essential.