Priority Rating Research Articles

Enhancing Decision Fusion for Wastewater Treatment System Selection Using Monte Carlo Simulation and Gray Analytic Hierarchy Process

This research presents an innovative data fusion model that utilizes Monte Carlo simulations (MC) and the Gray Analytic Hierarchy Process (G-AHP) to address the complexity and uncertainty in decision-making processes, particularly in selecting sustainable wastewater treatment systems. The study critiques and extends the Dempster–Shafer and Yager’s theories by incorporating a novel MC algorithm that mitigates the computational challenges of large numbers of experts and sensors. The model demonstrates superior performance in synthesizing diverse expert opinions and evidence, ensuring comprehensive and probabilistically informed decision-making under uncertainty. The results show that the combined MC algorithm produces satisfactory results, and thus, offers wide applicability in decision-making contexts. To determine its effectiveness, an extensive empirical study was conducted to identify an appropriate wastewater treatment system for the busy city of Tehran, incorporating the insights and perspectives of respected experts in the field. The selection was based on three technical, economic, and environmental–social criteria. Due to the large dimensions of each of the defined criteria, sub-criteria were also defined to achieve better results for each of the criteria. The in-depth analysis conducted revealed that enhanced aeration activated sludge (EAAS) emerged as the best choice for Tehran’s most urgent needs among various competitors, with a remarkable priority rating of 34.48%. Next, the Gray Analytic Hierarchy Process (G-AHP) was used to determine the most important sub-criterion, based on which resistance to hydraulic shock is most important in the enhanced aeration activated sludge system. Due to its versatility in different fields and industries, this method is a powerful tool for managers to optimize system efficiency and identify defects and risks and eventually to minimize costs.

Research on the assignment of elderly care service personnel with time window constraints

As the population continues to age, there is a growing need for elderly care services. In China, home care is widely embraced as a preferred method of caring for the elderly, and it has a promising commercial outlook. The strategic allocation of Elderly Care Service Personnel (ECSP) is a crucial component of the operational procedures for home care services. By strategically assigning elderly service personnel, it is possible to enhance the satisfaction and simultaneously minimize expenses. The issue of rationalizing the assignment of ECSP in the face of restricted resources is a genuine challenge that requires a solution, given the many types of elderly service demands and the skill requirements and time limits of certain projects. This study presents a strategy for assigning personnel on an hourly basis, taking into account time frame limits. This method involves several steps. Firstly, it involves assessing the specific service needs of the elderly, including the required door-to-door service time, service level, and gender preferences. Secondly, it calculates the service satisfaction and service operation cost of the Home Care Service Platform (HCSP) separately. Finally, it constructs a multi-objective elderly service personnel assignment method. This method aims to minimize the ECSP 's travel time and wasted time, maximize the satisfaction of the elderly by considering priority levels and ECSP scores, and minimize the operation cost of the HCSP. A model is developed to assign ECSP for elderly individuals, with the goal of minimizing travel time and wasted time, maximizing elderly satisfaction by considering priority and service personnel rating, and minimizing operating costs for the HCSP. Additionally, if there are unserved elderly individuals, an optimized path model is constructed using a cross-modified genetic algorithm to obtain the optimal matching result. Ultimately, an arithmetic example is employed to demonstrate the practicality and efficiency of the strategy put forth in this research. The findings demonstrate that the model presented in this research possesses distinct advantages in comparison to other conventional models.

Adapting the Client Priority Rating Scale to better fit the sexual health counselling setting: a quality improvement study.

When demand for counselling in community-based clinics exceeds capacity, waiting lists are typically formed. Determining allocation priority solely on wait time can overlook client risk factors that can elevate priority. We undertook to rigorously adapt the only existing validated counselling triage tool, to better fit the sexual health setting. Sexual health counsellors were surveyed about aspects of client presentations that flagged increased priority. The revised Client Priority Rating Scale (CPRS-R) was created through systematic analysis and decision making, informed by survey results and literature review. Four expert sexual health counsellors independently rated the priority of 14 hypothetical clinical vignettes using the CPRS and CPRS-R. Criterion (concurrent), content and face validity are evidenced in the revised scale. Average interrater agreement was higher on the CPRS-R (28%) than the CPRS (11%); however, this difference was marginal (P =0.06). According to Gwet's Agreement Coefficient (AC) and Krippendorff's Alpha, both the CPRS and the CPRS-R demonstrate comparable interrater reliability, substantial and moderate, respectively. Kendall's W indicates the CPRS yielded higher reliability. However, the difference is not substantial. The CPRS-R is a triage tool designed for the sexual health counselling setting. This tool has demonstrated criterion, content and face validity, as well as moderate to substantial inter-rater reliability. It can be used in sexual health settings to inform assessments about client priority, along with clinical judgement and peer consultation.

Viability of bridge inspectors determining defect ratings using photographic images

The visual inspection of bridges is a major undertaking for asset owners and operators. In the UK, visual inspections require inspectors to visit bridges on site and often at night and under unfavourable weather conditions. Therefore, it would be beneficial to move some of the visual inspection process off site. This paper studies whether the defect classification aspects of the inspection process could be conducted remotely using photographs. This study examines the defect ratings assigned by ten survey participants who were tasked with examining photographs from visual inspections of ten UK bridges. The survey results were compared with the results from the general inspections previously carried out for the bridges in question. From this data set, the differences in the ratings given and the extent to which defects are missed were examined. The results show that a higher number of defects were identified for a given bridge by the remote inspectors. Statistical analysis shows that aggregated defects rated by off-site inspectors tend to be more severe and of a higher priority rating compared with those from the on-site inspectors. The results also indicate that there is closer agreement between on-site and off-site inspectors for defects of a higher severity rating.

Analisis Situasi Masalah Kesehatan Di Kota Depok

Indonesia faces a double burden, and the significant increase number of non-communicable diseases also unresolved infectious diseases. Depok City is one of the cities directly adjacent to the capital city of Indonesia. With various health problems occurs, it is necessary to perform a situation analysis to determine the priority health problems in Depok City. This activity uses a descriptive observational design with qualitative and quantitative approaches. The study involves officials at the Depok City Health Office and the Head of the Puskesmas within a total of twenty-eight respondents. Scoring and ranking calculated using the PAHO-adapted Hanlon method with the Basic Priority Rating (BPR) formula. Based on the results of problem identification, ten health problems were obtained: Maternal Mortality Rate, Immunization, Tuberculosis (TBC), Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19), Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever, Upper Respiratory Tract Infection, Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus. and people with severe mental disorders. The results of the assessment of health problems placed Covid-19 (BPR: 58.44), followed by tuberculosis (BPR: 54.34) and Immunization (BPR: 53.66) as the three main priority health problems in Depok City.

Immune Supplements Under the Magnifying Glass: An Expert Panel Develops Priorities and Evidence-Based Recommendations for Future Research Regarding Dietary Supplements.

Immune Supplements Under the Magnifying Glass: An Expert Panel Develops Priorities and Evidence-Based Recommendations for Future Research Regarding Dietary Supplements.

Prioritization of erosion susceptible watersheds using morphometric analysis and PCA approach: A case study of lower Sutlej River basin of Indian Punjab

Morphometry helps in understanding the behaviour of drainage characteristics with respect to various hydrological processes including infiltration, runoff, erosion and sediment transport. Morphometric analysis of river basins is an essential technique to the study the response of drainage basin in response to topological characteristics. The river basins' morphometric analysis is an important technique to prioritize the watersheds for implementation of soil and water management strategies. In this study, the morphometric characteristics of the lower Sutlej River have been determined using the geo-spatial techniques. The river basin, having area of 8577 km2, was delineated into the fourteen sub-watersheds (WS-1 to WS-14) in the GIS environment. The ALOS PALSAR DEM and ArcGIS were utilized to evaluate the morphometric parameters of the delineated watersheds. The calculated morphometric parameters were used to rank the watersheds in terms of soil erosion potential. The priority ranks to the watersheds were assigned as per compound parameter, which was calculated by averaging the ranks designated to each morphometric parameter. Watersheds with the lowest compound parameter values were given the highest priority rating, and vice versa. Based on the results WS-7 was assigned the first rank whereas WS-13 was assigned the 13th rank. The principal component analysis was performed to determine the highly correlated morphometric parameters. Out of the 18 parameters, 13 were found be highly correlated. The compound parameter obtained based on these highly correlated parameters also prioritized WS-7 as the most vulnerable watershed. Therefore, WS-7 should be selected for the implementation of soil and water conservation strategies. It can be concluded that morphometric analysis along with PCA in combination with GIS can be helpful in prioritizing the watersheds in terms of soil erosion vulnerability and water management.

Recomendaciones en la intervención de pacientes con enfermedades reumatológicas por telemedicina en Colombia

IntroductionTelemedicine, defined as the provision of remote health services by health professionals using Information and Communication Technologies, has been adopted in healthcare in Colombia. ObjectiveTo establish recommendations for the implementation and management of telemedicine in clinical practice for rheumatological diseases in Colombia. Materials and methodsThe recommendations were made in 3 phases. Phase 1 was based on an extended review and a systematic review of the literature. Phase 2 consisted of the selection of attributes and components based on the extended review to delimit the framework of the recommendations using the Delphi method. In phase 3, a group of experts, based on the systematic review, the selected attributes and components, and individual experience made recommendations through a nominal group. ResultsThe framework of recommendations comprised 9 attributes and 26 components. A group of 7 rheumatologists in 4 cities of the country was formed. The nominal group drafted the final recommendations through 3 rounds according to the recommendations with a high priority rating. ConclusionsThis document contains recommendations for effective telemedicine healthcare for rheumatological diseases in Colombia. To establish effective telemedicine healthcare, it is necessary to evaluate different possible forms of care, the convenience of using telemedicine according to the clinical-cultural and sociodemographic profile of the patient, the access and implementation capacity of the different technological tools, and the exhaustive analysis of the barriers and facilitators to its adoption.

Analisis Metode Multi Objective Optimization On The Basis Ratio Analysis pada Pengadaan Bahan Baku Kosmetika PT. Zoey Cosmedica Putra

Supervision, procurement and maintenance of good raw materials are really needed to increase production potential and production costs. PT. Zoey Cosmedica Putra is a cosmetic tolling company, which is a business collaboration between individuals/companies and cosmetic manufacturers who have permits in the manufacture of cosmetic products. PT. Zoey Cosmedica Putra procures raw materials only based on last month's stock availability without taking other factors into account. Therefore, it is necessary to take into account those who are able to provide alternative value to PT. Zoey Cosmedica Putra in determining the maximum procurement of raw materials in order to obtain minimal profits, risks and expenses. The use of the Multi Objective Optimization Method based on Ratio Analysis (MOORA) is a solution related to the needs of PT. Zoey Cosmedica Putra in determining the procurement of raw materials by providing a priority rating of each raw material with criteria, determination of criteria and weights that adjust to the company's needs, namely expiration, inventory, raw material prices, intensity of use, and delivery from producers where each criterion has its own set. -each -each. This calculation is to support decisions in procuring raw materials. with an accuracy rate of 76 percent.

Evaluasi Pengelolaan Obat dan Bahan Medis Habis Pakai di Puskesmas Kota Kupang serta Strategi Pengembangannya

The management of drugs and disposable medical supplies in healthcare units greatly affects the quality of healthcare services. However, the management is still not carried out optimally because it is not up to the standard. The Hanlon method is a basic priority rating system (Brief Priority Rating Scale, BPRS) which is used to compare health problems with relative and objective to identify factors that must be considered in determining a priority. This study aimed to describe and measure the efficiency of drugs and disposable medical supplies management in Healthcare Centers in Kupang City by using efficiency indicators and to develop the strategy using the Hanlon method. The design of this research is a descriptive quantitative-qualitative combination using retrospective and concurrent data. The sampling technique used was a total sampling of 11 Healthcare Centers in Kupang City, while the object of the study was the management of drugs and disposable medical supplies which were assessed using efficiency indicators. The results of research on the management of medicines and consumable medical materials at 11 Healthcare Centers in Kupang City have not been carried out efficiently because not all indicator values reached the standard, namely the suitability of drug items with DOEN and FORNAS, conformity of items received, the accuracy of planning, items expired or damaged, items that were not prescribed for 3 months, the level of availability of the drug, the percentage of drugs with generic names, use of antibiotics in patients with non-specific diarrhea and the average item per prescription sheet. Therefore it can be concluded that the management of drugs and disposable medical supplies in 11 Healthcare Centers in Kupang City using indicators at the selection, procurement, distribution, and use stages are not yet according to standards and the proposed improvements are proposed as a management development strategy, namely optimizing planning according to the needs of the health center, monitoring stock. and expiration date and conduct regular learning and growth of all human resources.

What do malaria program officers want to learn? A survey of perspectives on a proposed malaria short course in Nigeria.

In disease control, the program officers are vital to the successful implementation of control strategies. However, poor knowledge of the disease and its control, staff attrition, and lack of intentional training for new staff can lead to under-performance and ineffectiveness of interventions. Thus, the Nigeria Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, in collaboration with National Malaria Elimination Program, planned a malaria short course (MSC) to strengthen the capacity of current program managers and incoming staff. To guide the development of the curriculum for the MSC, we conducted a needs assessment survey to ascertain the perceived usefulness of the MSC, the priority rating of MSC thematic domains and associated factors. Overall, 384 purposively selected respondents across ten states and the Federal Capital Territory in Nigeria were interviewed. These comprised malaria and non-malaria control program staff at state, local government area (LGA) and ward levels. We administered a structured questionnaire to elicit information on socio-demographics, training needs, priority malaria thematic domains, perceived course usefulness and willingness of ministries/organizations to release staff to attend the MSC. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics at p<0.05. Mean age was 43.9 (standard deviation: 7.6 years), 172 (44.8%) were females. Of the 384 respondents, 181 (47.1%), 144 (37.5%) and 59 (15.4%) were at the ward, LGA and state levels, respectively. Seventy-two (18.8%) had never worked in malaria control program. Majority (98.7%, n = 379) reported the need for further training, 382 (99.5%) opined that the course would be useful, and all affirmed their employers' willingness towards their participation at the training. Respondents rated high the domains of basic malariology, malaria treatment, malaria prevention, surveillance/data management, use of computers, leadership skills, program management and basic statistics. Predictors of malaria topical domains' high rating were gender (odds ratio (OR) = 6.77; 95% CI:3.55-12.93) and educational qualifications (OR = 0.48; 95% CI:0.26-0.89). A malaria short course is a necessity and appropriate for program officers at different levels of health administration in Nigeria to achieve malaria elimination, taking into consideration the challenges of human resource retention. The outcome of this study should inform the curriculum and the delivery of the MSC.

Assessing knowledge and engagement on sustainable development goals: exploratory research in the agri-food departments of Ibero-American universities

Aim of study: To offer an overview of current knowledge and civic engagement in the implementation of sustainable development goals (SDGs) applied to agriculture sector.Area of study: Members of university communities from agri-food field departments at universities from three Ibero-American countries (Spain, Colombia and Brazil).Material and methods: 631 on line surveys from different Ibero-American faculties of the area. Descriptive, quantitative and qualitative analysis was performed. The level of knowledge and engagement of SDGs related to agriculture sector as Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) and 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) were investigated.Main results: The level of knowledge about the SDG Agenda, the priority rating for the implementation of each goal and the level of engagement varied significantly between countries. While Spain obtained the highest values in most of the variables relating to knowledge of the SDGs, followed by Brazil, Colombia showed the highest levels of engagement and willingness to apply specific actions in the agri-food sector to promote the implementation of the SDGs.Research highlights: The knowledge and engagement must be improved if we are to achieve the SDGs, and education and research play a vital role in bridging the SDG implementation gap in agri-food field. In the area the best-known SDG strategies are those related to sustainable farming systems and the least-known are the concept of 'degrowth' as a possible efficient strategy, 'permaculture' and 'local production and consumption'. Big differences exist between countries in terms of public knowledge and engagement with SDGs.

Prioritising Risk Factors for Prescription Drug Overdose among Older Adults in South Korea: A Multi-Method Study.

Older adults are vulnerable to drug overdose. We used a multi-method approach to prioritise risk factors for prescription drug overdose among older adults. The study was conducted in two stages. First, risk factors for drug overdose were classified according to importance and changeability through literature review, determined through 2-phase expert surveys. Second, prescription drug overdose cases during 2011–2015 were selected from a national cohort; the prevalence of ‘more important’ or ‘more changeable’ factors determined in stage one was investigated. Scores were assigned according to the Basic Priority Rating Scale formula, reflecting the problem size and seriousness and intervention effectiveness. In the first stage, polypharmacy, old-old age, female sex, chronic disease, psychiatric disease, and low socioeconomic status (SES) were selected as risk factors. In the second stage, 93.9% of cases enrolled had chronic medical disease; 78.3% were using multiple drugs. Low SES was more prevalent than other risk factors. As per the scoring formula, chronic medical disease, polypharmacy, psychiatric disease, low SES, female sex, and old-old age were the most important risk factors in order of priority. Patients with chronic medical disease and those using multiple medications should be prioritised in overdose prevention interventions among older adults.

Target SARS-CoV-2: theoretical exploration on clinical suitability of certain drugs

We propose a unique theoretical methodology because of the global high priority rating to search for the repurposed drugs that outfit clinical suitability to SARS-CoV-2. The approach is based on the exploration of structural analysis, computation of biothermodynamics, interactions and the prediction of entropy sign successively via molecular dynamics. We tested this methodology for Favipiravir/Dolutegravir drugs on the apo form of SARS-CoV-2 main protease. This theoretical exploration not only suggested the presence of strong interactions between (SARS-CoV-2 + Favipiravir/Dolutegravir) but also emphasized the clinical suitability of Favipiravir over Dolutegravir to treat SARS-CoV-2 main protease. The supremacy of Favipiravir over Doultegravir is well supported by the results of global clinical trials on SARS-CoV-2 infection. Thus, this work will pave the way for incremental advancement towards future design and development of more specific inhibitors to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Method of using the transitive graph of a Markovian process as part of ranking of heterogeneous items

Hierarchy analysis developed by Thomas Saaty is a closed logical structure that uses simple and well-substantiated rules that allow solving multicriterial problems that include both quantitative, and qualitative factors, whereby the quantitative factors can differ in terms of their dimensionality. The method is based on problem decomposition and its representation as a hierarchical arrangement, which allows including into such hierarchy all the knowledge the decision-maker has regarding the problem at hand and subsequent processing of decision-makers’ judgements. As the result, the relative degree of the interaction between the elements of such hierarchy can be identified and later quantified. Hierarchy analysis includes the procedure of multiple judgement synthesis, criteria priority definition and rating of the compared alternatives. The method’s significant limitation consists in the requirement of coherence of pairwise comparison matrices for correct definition of the weights of compared alternatives. The Aim of the paper is to examine a non-conventional method of solving the problem of alternative ratings estimation based on their pairwise comparisons that arises in the process of expert preference analysis in various fields of research. Approaches are discussed to the generation of pairwise comparison matrices taking into consideration the problem of coherence of such matrices and expert competence estimation. Method. The methods of hierarchy analysis, models and methods of the Markovian process theory were used. Result. The paper suggested a method of using the transitive graph of a Markovian process as part of expert ranking of items of a certain parent entity subject to the competence and qualification of the experts involved in the pairwise comparison. It is proposed to use steady-state probabilities of a Markovian process as the correlation of priorities (weights) of the compared items. The paper sets forth an algorithm for constructing the final scale of comparison taking into consideration the experts’ level of competence. Conclusion. The decision procedures, in which the experts are expected to choose the best alternatives out of the allowable set, are quite frequently used in a variety of fields for the purpose of estimation and objective priority definition, etc. The described method can be applied not only for comparing items, but also for solving more complicated problems of expert group estimation, i.e., planning and management, prediction, etc. The use of the method contributes to the objectivity of analysis, when comparing alternatives, taking into consideration various aspects of their consequences, as well as the decision-maker’s attitude to such consequences. The suggested model-based approach allows the decision-maker identifying and adjusting his/her preferences and, consequently, choosing the decisions according to such preferences, avoiding logical errors in long and complex reasoning chains. This approach can be used in group decision-making, description of the procedures that compensate a specific expert’s insufficient knowledge by using information provided by the other experts.

Target SARS-CoV-2: computation of binding energies with drugs of dexamethasone/umifenovir by molecular dynamics using OPLS-AA force field

IntroductionIn recent times, myriads of public have been infected with a novel SARS-CoV-2, and the fatality toll has reached thousands and been mounting step by step, which is a major crisis in the world. The challenge for this burning issue pertinent to repurposed medicines which prevent novel coronavirus is of immense concern for all scientists around the globe until the arrival of the vaccine.MethodsBecause of the global high priority rating on the search for the repurposed drugs which outfits clinical suitability to SARS-CoV-2, a unique theoretical methodology is proposed. The approach is based on explorations of biothermodynamics computed via molecular dynamics, root-mean-square deviation (RMSD), radius of gyration (Rg) and interactions. This unique methodology is tested for umifenovir/dexamethasone drugs on (SARS-CoV-2) main protease.ResultsThis theoretical exploration not only suggested the presence of strong interactions between (SARS-CoV-2 + umifenovir/dexamethasone) but also emphasized the clinical suitability of dexamethasone over umifenovir to treat SARS-CoV-2. This supremacy of dexamethasone is well supported by the results of global clinical trials and COVID-19 therapeutic approved management guidelines of countries.ConclusionsThus, this work will pave a way for incremental advancement towards future design and development of more specific inhibitors for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans.

Prioritising Risk Factors for Prescription Drug Poisoning Among Older Adults: A Multi-Method Study

Background: Older adults are vulnerable to drug poisoning. Prioritisation can help to effectively distribute healthcare services in resource-limited settings. We used a multi-method approach to prioritise risk factors for prescription drug poisoning among older adults. Methods: The study was conducted in two stages. First, the risk factors for drug poisoning among older adults were summarised through a literature review and classified according to importance and changeability determined through 2-phase expert surveys. Second, prescription drug poisoning cases among older adults between 2011 to 2015 were selected from a national cohort, and the prevalence of ‘more important’ or ‘more changeable’ factors determined in stage one was investigated. Scores were assigned according to the Basic Priority Rating Scale formula reflecting the size and seriousness of the problem and the effectiveness of intervention for each risk factor. Findings: In the first stage, polypharmacy, old-old age, female sex, chronic disease, psychiatric disease, and low socioeconomic status (SES) were selected as risk factors for prescription drug poisoning. In the second stage, 93∙9% of the cases enrolled had chronic medical disease and 78∙3% were using multiple drugs. Low SES was more prevalent than other risk factors. As per the scoring formula, chronic medical disease, polypharmacy, psychiatric disease, low SES and female sex, and old-old age were the most important risk factors, in that order of priority. Interpretation: Prioritisation of healthcare services requires multi-faceted considerations. Patients with chronic medical disease and those using multiple medications should be prioritised in poisoning prevention interventions among older adults. Funding Information: None. Declaration of Interests: We declare no competing interests. Ethics Approval Statement: Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board at A jou University (Approval number: AJIRB-SBR-EXP-19-104). Written informed consent was obtained from each participant.

Selecting suitable procurement system for steel building construction

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to select a suitable procurement method for steel building construction in Sri Lanka following a systematic method which weigh, both procurement selection factors and existing procurement systems.Design/methodology/approachAn abductive research stance is followed in this empirical study. Procurement selection factors were selected through a critical literature review which was followed by a quantitative questionnaire survey. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistical analysis and relative important index.FindingsThe critical literature review outlined 46 procurement selection factors, out of which 26 factors were very important in steel building procurement selection. Short construction period and higher constructability of design are ranked at the top with the highest priority rating factors. Management-oriented procurement system was selected as the most appropriate procurement system for steel building constructions within the Sri Lankan context.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited to widely use three procurement systems in Sri Lankan construction industry. Yet, the process followed in selecting the most appropriate procurement system could be applied for other contexts. The implications of the study are mainly identifying management-oriented procurement as the most suitable procurement method for steel building construction in Sri Lanka.Practical implicationsThe systematic procedure of procurement method selection for steel building construction may use in the Sri Lankan construction industry to limit the resource loss due to wrong selection of procurement.Originality/valueA study which critically and comprehensively presenting a procurement selection process for steel building construction is not recorded in Sri Lanka prior to this study.

Physiotherapists’ clinical use and acceptance of a telemonitoring platform during anterior cruciate ligament rehabilitation: a prospective clinical study

Purpose The aim of this study was to assess physiotherapists’ clinical use and acceptance of a novel telemonitoring platform to facilitate the recording of measurements during rehabilitation of patients following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Additionally, suggestions for platform improvement were explored. Methods Physiotherapists from seven Dutch private physiotherapy practices participated in the study. Data were collected through log files, a technology acceptance questionnaire and focus group meetings using the “buy a feature” method. Data regarding platform use and acceptance (7-point/11-point numeric rating scale) were descriptively analysed. Total scores were calculated for the features suggested to improve the platform, based on the priority rating (1 = nice to have, 2 = should have, 3 = must have). Results Participating physiotherapists (N= 15, mean [SD] age 33.1 [9.1] years) together treated 52 patients during the study period. Platform use by the therapists was generally limited, with the number of log-ins per patient varying from 3 to 73. Overall, therapists’ acceptance of the platform was low to moderate, with average (SD) scores ranging from 2.5 (1.1) to 4.9 (1.5) on the 7-point Likert scale. The three most important suggestions for platform improvement were: (1) development of a native app, (2) system interoperability, and (3) flexibility regarding type and frequency of measurements. Conclusions Even though health care professionals were involved in the design of the telemonitoring platform, use in routine care was limited. Physiotherapists recognized the relevance of using health technology, but there are still barriers to overcome in order to successfully implement eHealth in routine care. Implications for rehabilitation The use and acceptance of the telemonitoring platform by physiotherapists for patients following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was limited. Suggestions made by therapists for platform improvement mainly related to user-friendliness and efficiency of workflow. Novel digital health technology needs to fit into daily routines, be easily accessible and easy to use for the end users.

РЕЙТИНГ ПРІОРИТЕТНОСТІ ДЕРЖАВ СВІТУ ВІДПОВІДНО ДО НАЦІОНАЛЬНИХ ІНТЕРЕСІВ УКРАЇНИ

After the Russian occupation of Crimea and a part of Donbas the political and geographical position of Ukraine as well as its positioning in the modern world significantly changed. Previously, Ukraine had placed greater focus on non-bloc status in the multipolar world and on development of mutually beneficial bilateral relations with all its partners. For this reason, it is very important to calculate the country priority rating for Ukraine. This rating contains two groups of indicators from all spheres of interstate relations. The first group shows the current level of interaction and the second group shows the importance of states in the modern world. From six priority groups of countries the top-priority for Ukraine is cooperation with Germany, the USA, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Italy, France, Canada, Spain and Switzerland. The second priority group includes most of European countries (such as the Czech Republic, Poland, Austria, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, Portugal, Hungary, Romania, Norway, Iceland, Finland, Slovakia), Japan, Israel, Australia, South Korea, Turkey and Singapore. Contrary to popular belief of supporters of indispensable friendship with Russia this country is not so important for cooperation nowadays and, moreover, it is not a landmark for the future as it is only in the third priority group. This group also includes Bulgaria, Malaysia, China, New Zealand, Estonia, Greece, Latvia, Thailand, Brazil, etc.Cooperation with more prosperous countries will help to get rid of the negative moments of Russian colonization, to reach higher economic and socio-political standards. With certain modifications this rating can be used for calculation of cooperation priority ratings for any country in the world.