Multidimensional evaluation of a radio frequency identification wi-fi location tracking system in an acute-care hospital setting.

Real-time locating systems (RTLS) have the potential to enhance healthcare systems through the live tracking of assets, patients and staff. This study evaluated a commercially available RTLS system deployed in a clinical setting, with three objectives: (1) assessment of the location accuracy of the technology in a clinical setting; (2) assessment of the value of asset tracking to staff; and (3) assessment of threshold monitoring applications developed for patient tracking and inventory control. Simulated daily activities were monitored by RTLS and compared with direct research team observations.

Minimal and moderate oral sedation in the adult special needs patient.

Oral minimal/moderate sedation can be an effective tool to aid in the dental management of adult special needs patients. Specific sedative drugs must be chosen by the dentist that can be used safely and effectively on these patients. This article focuses on a select number of these drugs, specific medical and pharmacologic challenges presented by adult special needs patients, and techniques to safely administer oral minimal and moderate sedation.

Patient characteristics associated with receipt of dental radiographic procedures during a 48-month population-based study of dentate adults.

Objective: The objective was to test hypotheses that patient characteristics are associated with receipt of specific types of radiographic procedures.

Study Design: The Florida Dental Care Study was a prospective cohort study of dentate adults.

Results: From 19% to 59% of participants received a full-mouth series, panoramic, bitewing, or periapical radiograph(s), depending on procedure type.

The asthma patient and dental management.

Asthma is increasing worldwide at a dramatic rate. The way the medical community defines asthma is changing, from considering it solely a respiratory disease to recognizing it as a more complex inflammatory disease process. This means that the treatment of asthma is becoming multifocal, depending upon the varied symptoms displayed.