Computer methods and programs in biomedicine
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Comput Methods Programs Biomed · May 2003
Comparative Study Clinical TrialA program based on a 'selective' least-squares method for respiratory mechanics monitoring in ventilated patients.
This paper proposes a program for continuous estimation of respiratory mechanics parameters in ventilated patients. This program can be used with any ventilator providing airway pressure and flow signals without additional equipment. Overall breathing resistance, dynamic elastance (E) and positive end expiratory pressure (P(0)) are periodically estimated by multiple linear regression on selected parts of breathing cycles. ⋯ The quality of estimation has been assessed by mean square difference between measured and reconstituted pressure (MSE), coefficient of determination (R(2)) and the condition number (a confidence index), and by comparison of E and P(0) with corresponding static values. The high R(2) and the low MSE obtained on most clinical cycles indicate that selected parts of cycles obey closely the model underlying parameter estimation. Agreement between static and dynamic parameters demonstrates the clinical validity of our program.
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Comput Methods Programs Biomed · May 2000
Comparative StudyThe biometrical comparison of cardiac imaging methods.
Biometrical comparison procedures for cardiac imaging methods with continuous outcome are reviewed mainly concentrating on assessment and design adequate comparison of accuracy and precision. Univariate graphical and numerical representation of corresponding deviations is outlined to derive a 'check list' of minimum information necessary to compare the measurement methods. ⋯ Since these methods can be performed by simple modification of standard options available in most statistics software packages, this review intends to enable cardiologists to choose appropriate methods for statistical data analysis and representation on their own.
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Comput Methods Programs Biomed · Sep 1997
An asynchronous co-operative model for co-ordinating medical unit activities.
CSCW is devoted to the analysis of interactions among human beings when performing their work together (Ellis et al., Commun. ACM 1 (34) (1991) 38-58). The main fields of application are work organisation, healthcare, education and training. ⋯ We do not aim to produce a practical system suitable for near-term deployment in the intensive care units (ICU), but rather an experimental system that performs and co-ordinates a range of intelligent planning tasks in ICU activities. The emphasis will be put especially on asynchronous co-operation. We apply the Workflow approach to ICU organisation through the analysis and the proposal of a co-operative model.
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Comput Methods Programs Biomed · Sep 1997
The development of an approach to evaluate NHS manager's competence in medical informatics.
This paper describes the research and development of Checkpoint, a self-assessment instrument. It outlines how the instrument has helped managers in the NHS identify their strengths and weaknesses with respect to their management and use of informatics. The paper presents trends and feedback from the use of Checkpoint and the implications for future education and training of managers in the NHS.
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Comput Methods Programs Biomed · Jul 1997
EasyMA: a program for the meta-analysis of clinical trials.
Meta-analysis of clinical trial data is an increasingly important method in clinical research, particularly in the field of therapeutic evaluation. This method uses some specific statistical techniques which are not all available on standard packages and therefore require specific developments. This paper describes a program designed to help medical researchers perform meta-analyses of clinical trial data with dichotomous outcomes. ⋯ A robustness index can be determined and the results obtained in table and graphic formats. Data-editing and data-manipulating facilities are also possible. Much care has been taken to make the user interface as user-friendly as possible, so that the program is within the reach of all medical researchers.