Data Entry Screens Research Articles

Access to quality-assured artemisinin-based combination therapy and associated factors among clients of selected private drug outlets in Uganda

BackgroundMalaria treatment in sub-Saharan Africa is faced with challenges including unreliable supply of efficacious agents, substandard medicines coupled with high price of artemisinin-based combinations. This affects access to effective treatment increasing risk of malaria parasite resistance development and adverse drug events. This study investigated access to quality-assured artemisinin-based combination therapy (QAACT) medicines among clients of selected private drug-outlets in Uganda.MethodsThis was a cross sectional study where exit interviews were conducted among clients of private drug outlets in low and high malaria transmission settings in Uganda. This study adapted the World Health Organization/Health Action International (WHO/HAI) standardized criteria. Data was collected using a validated questionnaire. Data entry screen with checks was created in Epi-data ver 4.2 software and data entered in duplicate. Data was transferred to STATA ver 14.0 and cleaned prior to analysis. The analysis was done at 95% level of significance.ResultsA total of 1114 exit interviews were conducted among systematically sampled drug outlet clients. Over half, 54.9% (611/1114) of the participants were males. Majority, 97.2% (1083/1114) purchased an artemisinin-based combination anti-malarial. Most, 55.5% (618/1114) of the participants had a laboratory diagnosis of malaria. Majority, 77.9% (868/1114) of the participants obtained anti-malarial agents without a prescription. Less than a third, 27.7% (309/1114) of the participants obtained a QAACT. Of the participants who obtained QAACT, more than half 56.9% (173/309) reported finding the medicine expensive. The predictors of accessing a QAACT anti-malarial among drug outlet clients include type of drug outlet visited (aPR = 0.74; 95%CI 0.6, 0.91), not obtaining full dose (3-day treatment) of ACT (aPR = 0.49; 95%CI 0.33, 0.73), not finding the ACT expensive (aPR = 1.24; 95%CI 1.03, 1.49), post-primary education (aPR = 1.29; 95%CI 1.07,1.56), business occupation (aPR = 1.24; 95%CI 1.02,1.50) and not having a prescription (aPR = 0.76; 95%CI 0.63, 0.92).ConclusionLess than a third of the private drug outlet clients obtained a QAACT for management of malaria symptoms. Individuals who did not find artemisinin-based combinations to be expensive were more likely to obtain a QAACT anti-malarial. The Ministry of Health needs to conduct regular surveillance to monitor accessibility of QAACT anti-malarial agents under the current private sector copayment mechanism.

A-361 Implementation of a Fit-for-purpose Point of Care Quality Assurance Program

Abstract Background All individuals should have equitable access to accurate and timely testing for infectious diseases. Point of care testing (PoCT) has been developed to support populations having limited access to laboratory-based testing. Unlike laboratory-based testing, PoCT is often performed by non-laboratory staff and outside the jurisdiction of regulatory frameworks. Under these conditions, quality assurance (QA) of PoCT is often lacking; inaccurate testing can go undetected, leading to poor patient outcomes. A fit-for-purpose QA program was developed to monitor the quality of PoCT for infectious disease testing, particularly in low-middle income countries and in testing outside the laboratory regulatory environment. Methods In collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), the National Serology Reference Laboratory (NRL) reviewed the barriers to participation in QA programs experienced by PoCT sites. Using this information, NRL developed a QA model specifically designed for PoCT for infectious disease. In collaboration with Foundation for Innovative and New Diagnostics (FIND, Geneva, Switzerland), Kirby Institute (Sydney, Australia) and Flinders University (Adelaide, Australia), NRL implemented the PoCT QA model across Africa, Asia, and remote regional Australia. The model consists of competency panels (CP - one positive and one negative sample) and external quality assessment (EQA) panels. The EQA panels contain five samples. Whereas the test site knows the reactivity of the CP samples, the EQA samples are tested blinded. Both panels use inactivated samples that are stable at ambient temperature. The model uses streamlined logistics channels, with data collection and analysis using smartphone technology and QR codes. NRL designed a method for randomizing the identity of EQA sample vials so test sites can test QA panels ad hoc, and not be limited to specific test event dates. A range of support material such as pictorial instructions for use, virtual training events and on-line videos were produced to support test sites. Results More than 100 test sites from 14 countries have participated in the NRL PoCT QA programs. The model is designed so data is collected by test sites scanning QR codes and entering results directly into a data entry screen. The NRL PoCT QA program removed barriers to participation by offering sample types that are inactivated and stable at ambient temperature for extended periods of time, removing the need for dry ice shipping. The program is cost effective making it accessible to low- and middle-income countries. Data is collected using novel smartphone technology, facilitating results to be entered into a central database for immediate analysis. Testing of the QA samples can be done at any time, avoiding set test events. Conclusion Implementation of a fit-for-purpose PoCT QA for infectious disease testing removes the barriers to participation and facilitates the monitoring of testing over time. Any deficiencies in testing can be detected and addressed rapidly, ensuring that accurate test results are reported, and the population protected.

Effective Leadership Enhancing Financial Sustainability and Good Governance in Public Sector South Sudan, Juba: Case Study of Juba County

The study examines the relationship between effective leadership, financial sustainability and good governance at all levels in private, public and civil organizations, it is impossible to achieve and to sustain effective good governance; without an effective leadership we may not ensure good governance in its totality, the current situation shows by the results discuss below. the research design used across sectional designed with the study populations of 368,501 beneficiaries from Juba County and sampling size were 350 beneficiaries, however Sampling Technique were purposive and simple random sampling and Measurement of Variables was 5-point Likert Scale, the study used closed end structure questionnaires after data collection the questionnaires were coding, entry and processing. Data entry screens were design using EPIDATA Program. This was one of the data entry programs. After entry, data was exported to SPSS for data management and processing used into analysis. Regressions, coefficients, factor analysis, ANOVA and Spearman correlations were used to find the degree of associate relationship of three variables. Which created a positive relationship between effective leadership and good governance (r= 0.538, p- value < 0.01) the result showed that there is significant positive relationship between financial sustainability and good governance. (r= 0.651 p-value <0.01) Therefore the more you developed effective leadership the more financial sustainability and good governance (R=0.538, 0.651, 0.752, p-value <0.01) The factor analysis result of effective leadership variable, five factor were extracted component one explain 39.75% the second shows 39.11%, third presented 43.04%, fourth presented 42.74%, and the fifth presented the 57.24% of the variance and the result of financial sustainability variables, four factor were extracted attribute one explain 54.8% , the second with 47.6%,while third with 41.2% and fourth with 54.4% of the variance therefor the factor analysis result of good governance variable, four factor were extracted component one explain 53.2%, the second component explain 43.2%, while third explain 48.4% and fourth one given the 59.5% of the variance of the good governance. The regression shows the relationship between effective leadership, financial sustainability and good governance (F= 229.896, sig=0.000) effective leadership and financial sustainability extremely explain good governance. Change in financial sustainability will increase the good governance by ( ) change in financial sustainability will increase level of good governance by ( and change in effective leadership will increase good governance by ( ).

825. An Academic-Information Technology Partnership to Create an Infectious Diseases Translational Science Database

BackgroundTranslational science is the process of turning observations in the laboratory, clinic, and community into interventions that improve human health. The coordinated effort to maintain integrated, validated laboratory and clinical data is often a rate-limiting step for research laboratories, especially for multi-site studies. Previous research shows a rate of error between 2.3 and 5.2% for basic data collection in clinical databases, up to 26.9% for more complex data points. The purpose of this project was to create a translational science database prototype that would be responsive to the unmet needs of the translational research community.MethodsTranslational scientists, IT experts, and lab technicians mapped the workflow of a high-throughput research laboratory including clinical and laboratory data. Database goals were to develop processes that would minimize data entry time, avoid redundancies, and validate data in a secure environment (HIPAA-compliant). Unique to this platform was the ability to map creation of new samples (for example, PCR products) from parent samples (biologic samples). The platform was developed in an iterative process utilizing interviews, workflow study, analysis of supporting artifacts, and mock-ups.ResultsThe current prototype allows for electronic upload or manual data entry of clinical data. In a small controlled study we found the rate of error for basic data entry to be below 1% within it. Pre-populated data entry screens map laboratory work-flow with custom data entry fields produced based on laboratory results earlier in the work flow. Work-flow mapping includes microbiology, phenotypic descriptions (MIC), molecular biology (PCR), and customized experiments. Sequence data, housed separately, has data linkers stored in the database. The launch screen and data entry forms are populated based on specific criteria entered for each user.ConclusionThe Translational Science Database allows for efficient capture of high-quality data with baseline validation enabling seamless linking of translational data for single or multi-site laboratories. Future development work will expand the number of experiments and also incorporate stored biobank information into the database.DisclosuresJeffrey Beairsto, BSc Eng (ME), Populus (Employee, Shareholder) Randal Neptune, BSc., MSc., Populus Global Solutions (Employee) Beth Webster, BSc, MBA, Populus Global Solutions Inc (Employee, Shareholder) John N. Rutter, BscEng, Populus Global Solutions (Board Member, Employee, Shareholder) Tristan Rutter, BA, Populus (Employee) Kevin W. Garey, PharMD, MS, FASHP, Merck & Co. (Grant/Research Support, Scientific Research Study Investigator)

Software aiding in selection of promising germplasm for oil palm improvement trials

Oil palm germplasm of exotic sources collected from different parts of country is conserved in gene bank ofICAR-Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research (ICAR-IIOPR). Data recorded on morphological and yield parametersover a period of time needs to be evaluated to identify promising ones with required characteristics. Software was developed providing data entry screens for recorded observations, data analysis and generating reports which help in selection of germplasm with required traits.

Implementing monitoring triggers and matching of triggered and control sites in the TEMPER study: a description and evaluation of a triggered monitoring management system

BackgroundTriggered monitoring in clinical trials is a risk-based monitoring approach where triggers (centrally monitored, predefined key risk and performance indicators) drive the extent, timing, and frequency of monitoring visits. The TEMPER study used a prospective, matched-pair design to evaluate the use of a triggered monitoring strategy, comparing findings from triggered monitoring visits with those from matched control sites. To facilitate this study, we developed a bespoke risk-based monitoring system: the TEMPER Management System.MethodsThe TEMPER Management System comprises a web application (the front end), an SQL server database (the back end) to store the data generated for TEMPER, and a reporting function to aid users in study processes such as the selection of triggered sites. Triggers based on current practice were specified for three clinical trials and were implemented in the system. Trigger data were generated in the system using data extracted from the trial databases to inform the selection of triggered sites to visit. Matching of the chosen triggered sites with untriggered control sites was also performed in the system, while data entry screens facilitated the collection and management of the data from findings gathered at monitoring visits.ResultsThere were 38 triggers specified for the participating trials. Using these, 42 triggered sites were chosen and matched with control sites. Monitoring visits were carried out to all sites, and visit findings were entered into the TEMPER Management System. Finally, data extracted from the system were used for analysis.ConclusionsThe TEMPER Management System made possible the completion of the TEMPER study. It implemented an approach of standardising the automation of current-practice triggers, and the generation of trigger data to inform the selection of triggered sites to visit. It also implemented a matching algorithm informing the selection of matched control sites. We hope that by publishing this paper it encourages other trialists to share their approaches to, and experiences of, triggered monitoring and other risk-based monitoring systems.

Impact of Home Care Admission Nurses' Goals on Electronic Health Record Documentation Strategies at the Point of Care.

Home care nurses have multiple goals at the patient admission visit. Electronic health records support some of these goals, including high-quality documentation, but nurses may not complete the electronic documentation at the point of care. To characterize admission nurses' practices at the point of care and lay the foundation for design recommendations, this study investigates admission nurses' documentation strategies with respect to entering electronic data and how nursing goals affect them. We conducted 10 observations of home care agency admissions with five admission nurses in rural Pennsylvania. We collected screenshots and recorded the admission process. We asked the nurses questions outside the point of care. We coded the nurses' strategies at the data-entry screen level. Using thematic analysis, we investigated the influence of nursing goals on documentation strategies. Subject matter experts reviewed our findings. Several goals affect nurses' documentation strategies: ensure data accuracy, reduce time in the patient's home, and prevent infection. Home care admission nurses distribute the electronic documentation temporally due to their goals. Nurses developed memory aids to support completion of the documentation after leaving the patients' homes. Design and training should support the distributed manner in which home care nurses document patient encounters.

Effect of the Tool to Reduce Inappropriate Medications on Medication Communication and Deprescribing.

To examine the effect of the Tool to Reduce Inappropriate Medications (TRIM), a web tool linking an electronic health record (EHR) to a clinical decision support system, on medication communication and prescribing. Randomized clinical trial. Primary care clinics at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Veterans aged 65 and older prescribed seven or more medications randomized to receipt of TRIM or usual care (N = 128). TRIM extracts information on medications and chronic conditions from the EHR and contains data entry screens for information obtained from brief chart review and telephonic patient assessment. These data serve as input for automated algorithms identifying medication reconciliation discrepancies, potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs), and potentially inappropriate regimens. Clinician feedback reports summarize discrepancies and provide recommendations for deprescribing. Patient feedback reports summarize discrepancies and self-reported medication problems. Primary: subscales of the Patient Assessment of Care for Chronic Conditions (PACIC) related to shared decision-making; clinician and patient communication. Secondary: changes in medications. 29.7% of TRIM participants and 15.6% of control participants provided the highest PACIC ratings; this difference was not significant. Adjusting for covariates and clustering of patients within clinicians, TRIM was associated with significantly more-active patient communication and facilitative clinician communication and with more medication-related communication among patients and clinicians. TRIM was significantly associated with correction of medication discrepancies but had no effect on number of medications or reduction in PIMs. TRIM improved communication about medications and accuracy of documentation. Although there was no association with prescribing, the small sample size provided limited power to examine medication-related outcomes.

Development and Verification of a Mobile Shelter Assessment System "Rapid Assessment System of Evacuation Center Condition Featuring Gonryo and Miyagi (RASECC-GM)" for Major Disasters.

Introduction There were 5,385 deceased and 710 missing in the Ishinomaki medical zone following the Great East Japan Earthquake that occurred in Japan on March 11, 2011. The Ishinomaki Zone Joint Relief Team (IZJRT) was formed to unify the relief teams of all organizations joining in support of the Ishinomaki area. The IZJRT expanded relief activity as they continued to manually collect and analyze assessments of essential information for maintaining health in all 328 shelters using a paper-type survey. However, the IZJRT spent an enormous amount of time and effort entering and analyzing these data because the work was vastly complex. Therefore, an assessment system must be developed that can tabulate shelter assessment data correctly and efficiently. The objective of this report was to describe the development and verification of a system to rapidly assess evacuation centers in preparation for the next major disaster. Report Based on experiences with the complex work during the disaster, software called the "Rapid Assessment System of Evacuation Center Condition featuring Gonryo and Miyagi" (RASECC-GM) was developed to enter, tabulate, and manage the shelter assessment data. Further, a verification test was conducted during a large-scale Self-Defense Force (SDF) training exercise to confirm its feasibility, usability, and accuracy. The RASECC-GM comprises three screens: (1) the "Data Entry screen," allowing for quick entry on tablet devices of 19 assessment items, including shelter administrator, living and sanitary conditions, and a tally of the injured and sick; (2) the "Relief Team/Shelter Management screen," for registering information on relief teams and shelters; and (3) the "Data Tabulation screen," which allows tabulation of the data entered for each shelter, as well as viewing and sorting from a disaster headquarters' computer. During the verification test, data of mock shelters entered online were tabulated quickly and accurately on a mock disaster headquarters' computer. Likewise, data entered offline also were tabulated quickly on the mock disaster headquarters' computer when the tablet device was moved into an online environment. The RASECC-GM, a system for rapidly assessing the condition of evacuation centers, was developed. Tests verify that users of the system would be able to easily, quickly, and accurately assess vast quantities of data from multiple shelters in a major disaster and immediately manage the inputted data at the disaster headquarters. Ishii T , Nakayama M , Abe M , Takayama S , Kamei T , Abe Y , Yamadera J , Amito K , Morino K . Development and verification of a mobile shelter assessment system "Rapid Assessment System of Evacuation Center Condition featuring Gonryo and Miyagi (RASECC-GM)" for major disasters. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2016;31(5):539-546.

Desenvolvimento de um aplicativo android para a análise do circuito de Chua-Matsumoto

Um aplicativo Android para a análise do circuito de Chua-Matsumoto foi desenvolvido. Este aplicativo fornece a trajetória de solução para o sistema dinâmico do circuito com condição inicial (x0,y0,z0). O sistema de equações diferenciais não-lineares é resolvido pelo método de Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg. O aplicativo possui três telas de entrada de dados: uma para as condições iniciais (x0,y0,z0), uma para os parâmetros do sistema (α, β,a,b), e uma para os parâmetros do método (tmax,hmax,hmin,tol). Há uma tela utilizada para traçar as curvas das coordenadasx,y e z como funções do tempo. Também, há uma tela utilizada para traçar as projeções da trajetória nos planosxy, xz e yz e para exportar todos os dados para um arquivo txt. Além disso, há uma tela utilizada para exibir os expoentes de Lyapunov calculados pelo aplicativo.

Effectiveness of Using Mobile Phone Image Capture for Collecting Secondary Data: A Case Study on Immunization History Data Among Children in Remote Areas of Thailand.

BackgroundEntering data onto paper-based forms, then digitizing them, is a traditional data-management method that might result in poor data quality, especially when the secondary data are incomplete, illegible, or missing. Transcription errors from source documents to case report forms (CRFs) are common, and subsequently the errors pass from the CRFs to the electronic database.ObjectiveThis study aimed to demonstrate the usefulness and to evaluate the effectiveness of mobile phone camera applications in capturing health-related data, aiming for data quality and completeness as compared to current routine practices exercised by government officials.MethodsIn this study, the concept of “data entry via phone image capture” (DEPIC) was introduced and developed to capture data directly from source documents. This case study was based on immunization history data recorded in a mother and child health (MCH) logbook. The MCH logbooks (kept by parents) were updated whenever parents brought their children to health care facilities for immunization. Traditionally, health providers are supposed to key in duplicate information of the immunization history of each child; both on the MCH logbook, which is returned to the parents, and on the individual immunization history card, which is kept at the health care unit to be subsequently entered into the electronic health care information system (HCIS). In this study, DEPIC utilized the photographic functionality of mobile phones to capture images of all immunization-history records on logbook pages and to transcribe these records directly into the database using a data-entry screen corresponding to logbook data records. DEPIC data were then compared with HCIS data-points for quality, completeness, and consistency.ResultsAs a proof-of-concept, DEPIC captured immunization history records of 363 ethnic children living in remote areas from their MCH logbooks. Comparison of the 2 databases, DEPIC versus HCIS, revealed differences in the percentage of completeness and consistency of immunization history records. Comparing the records of each logbook in the DEPIC and HCIS databases, 17.3% (63/363) of children had complete immunization history records in the DEPIC database, but no complete records were reported in the HCIS database. Regarding the individual’s actual vaccination dates, comparison of records taken from MCH logbook and those in the HCIS found that 24.2% (88/363) of the children’s records were absolutely inconsistent. In addition, statistics derived from the DEPIC records showed a higher immunization coverage and much more compliance to immunization schedule by age group when compared to records derived from the HCIS database.ConclusionsDEPIC, or the concept of collecting data via image capture directly from their primary sources, has proven to be a useful data collection method in terms of completeness and consistency. In this study, DEPIC was implemented in data collection of a single survey. The DEPIC concept, however, can be easily applied in other types of survey research, for example, collecting data on changes or trends based on image evidence over time. With its image evidence and audit trail features, DEPIC has the potential for being used even in clinical studies since it could generate improved data integrity and more reliable statistics for use in both health care and research settings.

A Platform to Build Mobile Health Apps: The Personal Health Intervention Toolkit (PHIT).

Personal Health Intervention Toolkit (PHIT) is an advanced cross-platform software framework targeted at personal self-help research on mobile devices. Following the subjective and objective measurement, assessment, and plan methodology for health assessment and intervention recommendations, the PHIT platform lets researchers quickly build mobile health research Android and iOS apps. They can (1) create complex data-collection instruments using a simple extensible markup language (XML) schema; (2) use Bluetooth wireless sensors; (3) create targeted self-help interventions based on collected data via XML-coded logic; (4) facilitate cross-study reuse from the library of existing instruments and interventions such as stress, anxiety, sleep quality, and substance abuse; and (5) monitor longitudinal intervention studies via daily upload to a Web-based dashboard portal. For physiological data, Bluetooth sensors collect real-time data with on-device processing. For example, using the BinarHeartSensor, the PHIT platform processes the heart rate data into heart rate variability measures, and plots these data as time-series waveforms. Subjective data instruments are user data-entry screens, comprising a series of forms with validation and processing logic. The PHIT instrument library consists of over 70 reusable instruments for various domains including cognitive, environmental, psychiatric, psychosocial, and substance abuse. Many are standardized instruments, such as the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test, Patient Health Questionnaire-8, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist. Autonomous instruments such as battery and global positioning system location support continuous background data collection. All data are acquired using a schedule appropriate to the app’s deployment. The PHIT intelligent virtual advisor (iVA) is an expert system logic layer, which analyzes the data in real time on the device. This data analysis results in a tailored app of interventions and other data-collection instruments. For example, if a user anxiety score exceeds a threshold, the iVA might add a meditation intervention to the task list in order to teach the user how to relax, and schedule a reassessment using the anxiety instrument 2 weeks later to re-evaluate. If the anxiety score exceeds a higher threshold, then an advisory to seek professional help would be displayed. Using the easy-to-use PHIT scripting language, the researcher can program new instruments, the iVA, and interventions to their domain-specific needs. The iVA, instruments, and interventions are defined via XML files, which facilities rapid app development and deployment. The PHIT Web-based dashboard portal provides the researcher access to all the uploaded data. After a secure login, the data can be filtered by criteria such as study, protocol, domain, and user. Data can also be exported into a comma-delimited file for further processing. The PHIT framework has proven to be an extensible, reconfigurable technology that facilitates mobile data collection and health intervention research. Additional plans include instrument development in other domains, additional health sensors, and a text messaging notification system.

DisChart: a new application for building and drawing discrimination diagrams using digitize method

DisChart was developed to draw discrimination diagrams (e.g., tectonic discrimination diagrams, rock classification diagrams or phase diagrams) that are used in many disciplines, especially in the geosciences and environmental sciences. Unlike other software programs that include drawing discrimination diagrams, with DisChart, it is not necessary to know the exact coordinate values of discrimination lines. By the help of this program, the sketch graphic file is digitized and all data is stored in a binary file. After digitizing, the x and y values of the points added to the program via the data-entry screen are plotted on the digitized diagram. The program has its own data-entry screen and is also compatible with MS Excel files. DisChart is free and was developed using Microsoft Visual Basic .NET programming language. Although DisChart is designed for geoscientists, it can also be used in environmental sciences, chemistry, physics, mathematics, geography, engineering, economics, etc.

An Immunization Information System to Meet Evolving Needs During the 2009-2010 Influenza A (H1N1) Vaccination Campaign

In 2009, a monovalent H1N1 influenza (H1N1) vaccine was manufactured in response to the pandemic of 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus infection that emerged earlier in the year. The overall allocation of the H1N1 vaccine to the states was the purview of the federal government; thereafter, the states were accountable for distributing and reporting the number of doses of H1N1 vaccine administered weekly. This report describes how the Wisconsin Immunization Registry (WIR) was updated and used during the H1N1 immunization campaign and its role in meeting the federal H1N1 immunization reporting requirements. Activities to enhance the registry's functionality included the creation of a rapid data entry screen for providers to facilitate the entry of data into the WIR, and enhancing the reporting capabilities of the WIR to generate H1N1-related reports at the local level. Results of these activities included an increase in the number of WIR users, higher reported numbers of seasonal influenza doses administered, and the establishment of data streams from new users. Data completeness, the ability to accurately forecast doses needed, and validating administered doses were challenges in the changing environment.

Brief Intervention for Perpetration of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)

To compare two brief randomized computer-based interventions about perpetration of intimate partner violence (IPV). The study was a prospective cross-sectional cohort study of patients during randomized 4-hour shifts in an urban hospital-based emergency department setting with an emergency medicine residency. The site is a level 1 trauma center emergency department with an annual census of 60,000 adults. A touch-screen computer program was developed in Visual Basic 2005 Studio with consecutive data entry screens. A series of questions to evaluative IPV knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) was given before and after the brief intervention. The subjects were randomized to one of two intervention groups. Both groups were shown a set of PowerPoint slides addressing IPV prevention, which was followed by either a control group with nothing further (control) or a five-minute simulation video depicting IPV perpetration in adults (SIM). The main outcome was the net improvement in KAP scores defined as number who improved minus number who did worse. Perpetrators and victims were assessed separately. Demographics were also obtained. For demographics, descriptive statistics and percentages were used. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used for pre-post test paired data. A total of 239 patients, presenting during 52 randomized four-hour shifts, completed the study; 118 were in the control group, 121 in SIM; 115 (48%) were male and 124 (51 %) female (9 unknown). Most participants were from 21 to 30 years old (38%); 77 (32%) were Hispanic and 100 (42%) were white. There was an overall improvement in responses to KAP questions with correct answers to all questions in 46% before vs 59% after the computer intervention (Diff 13% 95% confidence interval [CI] 4-22). The net improvement in KAP score in the control group was 8% and in the SIM group it was 22% (Diff = 15%, 95% CI = 6-24). Forty subjects (17%, 95% CI = 12-21) were perpetrators and 52 subjects (22%, 95% CI = 17-27) were victims. KAP scores were not significantly improved in the SIM group over the control for either perpetrators or victims. An IPV simulation video resulted in a greater percent of subjects showing improvement in knowledge, attitudes, and practices about IPV perpetration. A brief IPV simulation video intervention can be performed in a busy emergency department setting.

Visual Education Tools to Illustrate Coordinated System Operation

The configuration of a single controller in a coordinated arterial signal system requires the programming of approximately 250 parameters ranging from minimum green times to complex hardware-specific settings that determine how unused green time is allocated to competing phases. When this parameter count is extrapolated to a 10-intersection arterial (2,500 parameters), one or more data entry errors are likely to occur and must be identified and corrected. Ensuring that the resulting coordinated signal system operates as designed requires an exceptionally high level of expertise to confirm by visual field observations and a perhaps unattainable level of expertise in verification by inspection of data entry screens in an office. There is a clear need for visualization tools to provide educational insight into how coordinated signal systems should be expected to operate under different parameter settings and to document coordinated system behavior. In this paper a series of graphics was developed to visualize coordinated system operation characteristics such as time-of-day schedule change time, observed cycle length, green time and split time, coordinated phase actuation, early return to green, arrivals over advance detection relative to green indication, progression quality characteristics related to offset, adjacent signal synchronization, coordinated phase operation in rest, plan time changes, preemption, impact of queuing, and longitudinal analysis of splits. These graphics can be used as a new learning tool, as well as a visual feedback tool to confirm that a coordinated system is operating as expected.

Biodosimetry Medical Recording—Use of the Biodosimetry Assessment Tool

Effective and dynamic recording of radiation exposure and medical diagnostic information for individuals suspected or known to have been exposed to ionizing radiation contributes to appropriate formulation of medical treatment strategies and radiation protection management. The objectives of this article are to report the database entry templates or screens, provide general use guidelines, and discuss the application to selected radiation exposure scenarios for the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute's software application, Biodosimetry Assessment Tool (BAT). BAT data entry screens were developed based on consensus generic guidance and organized into discrete categories (i.e., physical dosimetry, contamination, prodromal symptoms, hematology, lymphocyte cytogenetics, erythema/wound, and infection) to facilitate its practical use during the early-phase response for radiological incidents. The summary report provides a concise output of information on radiation exposure, radionuclide contamination, dose assessment based on biological indicators (i.e., cytogenetic chromosome aberration bioassays, time to onset of vomiting, lymphocyte cell counts or depletion kinetics), and relevant clinical signs and symptoms. The BAT report template is compliant with NATO and international guidance for recording ionizing radiation exposures for medical purposes.

PROTOCOL: Dropout Prevention and Intervention Programs: Effects on School Completion and Dropout Among School‐aged Children and Youth

PROTOCOL: Dropout Prevention and Intervention Programs: Effects on School Completion and Dropout Among School‐aged Children and Youth

The Irrigation Calculator - a decision support tool for dairy farmers

The Irrigation Calculator is a computer decision support tool that assists dairy farmers to decide when to irrigate, how much water to apply, and the consequences of wrong irrigation timings or amounts. The user interface has two data entry screens, one to enter background soils information, the other main screen for entering irrigator application times and amounts, grazings and run times. Keywords: model, pasture growth, soil moisture, evapotranspiration

Innovative approaches to application of information technology in disease surveillance and prevention in Western Kenya

We describe an electronic injury surveillance system that provides data for improving patient care and monitoring injury incidence and distribution patterns. Patients with injuries visiting a rural Kenyan primary care center were enrolled consecutively over 14 months. Injury information was added onto an existing medical record database that captures data for each patient visit. A new injury data encounter form and entry screen were created that included geographical coordinates of the injury site. These coordinates were obtained using a handheld global positioning system (GPS) device, and data were downloaded to the database and linked to each patient. We created digital maps of injury spatial distribution using geography information systems (GIS) software and correlated injury type and location with patients’ clinical data. A computerized medical record system, complemented by GIS technology and an injury-specific component, presents a valuable tool for injury surveillance, epidemiology, prevention and control for communities served by a specific health facility.