The Use of Lean Six Sigma Methodology in the Reduction of Patient Length of Stay Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery.

The purpose of this study was to reduce the length of stay of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction patients within a private hospital in Ireland, reducing any non-value-added activity in the patient pathway, with the goal of increasing patient flow, bed capacity, and revenue generation within the hospital system, while maintaining patient satisfaction. We used a pre-/post-intervention design and Lean Six Sigma methods and tools to assess and improve the current process. A reduction in inpatient length of stay by 57%, and a reduction in identified non-value-added activity by 88%, resulted in a new day-case surgery pathway for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction patients.

Impact of skull sutures, spongiform bone distribution, and aging skull conductivities on the EEG forward and inverse problems.

. Source imaging is a principal objective for electroencephalography (EEG), the solutions of which require forward problem (FP) computations characterising the electric potential distribution on the scalp due to known sources. Additionally, the EEG-FP is dependent upon realistic, anatomically correct volume conductors and accurate tissue conductivities, where the skull is particularly important.

Training Healthcare Professionals to Work With People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

This study assessed 155 healthcare providers, from nine disciplines, who work professionally with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Using a national, web-based survey, respondents rated their experience, comfort, and competence in treating individuals with different disability types and preferred methods of continuing education; respondents also provided suggestions for attracting others to work with the IDD population. Findings revealed that experiences, comfort, and competence were all higher concerning persons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID), lower for those with deaf-blindness.

Does participant's age impact on tDCS induced fields? Insights from computational simulations.

: Understanding the induced current flow from transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is essential for determining the optimal dose and treatment. Head tissue conductivities play a key role in the resulting electromagnetic fields. However, there exists a complicated relationship between skull conductivity and participant age, that remains unclear.

Variation in Reported Human Head Tissue Electrical Conductivity Values.

Electromagnetic source characterisation requires accurate volume conductor models representing head geometry and the electrical conductivity field. Head tissue conductivity is often assumed from previous literature, however, despite extensive research, measurements are inconsistent. A meta-analysis of reported human head electrical conductivity values was therefore conducted to determine significant variation and subsequent influential factors.

High delusional ideation is associated with false pictorial memory.

Background And Objectives: To assess the relationship between false memories and schizotypal experiences in healthy volunteers. Previous research has examined a number of schizotypal dimensions and experiences and found a variety of results. Our aim was to determine the specificity of these associations by giving participants a schizotypy measure which tapped positive, negative and disorganised dimensions (O-LIFE) and another which focused on delusional ideation (PDI).

Undetected post-traumatic stress disorder in secondary-care mental health services: systematic review.

Background: Comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with poorer outcomes of other disorders, but is treatable. Aims To estimate the frequency of clinically undetected PTSD in secondary care.

Method: A systematic review of studies that screened for PTSD and reported on PTSD documentation in clinical records.

Synthesis and hydrolysis studies of a peptide containing the reactive triad of serine proteases with an associated linker to a dye on a solid phase support.

The synthesis of a Tentagel-supported peptide incorporating the reactive triad of serine, histidine and aspartic acid, found within serine protease enzymes, is described.