Standardized data in the broiler value chain.

In the Dutch broiler chain, data are collected as a routine practice. However, there is wide variation in the content of data collected and in data collection systems. This variability hampers the use of field data in management information systems to support decisions.

Work-related health complaints in surgical residents and the influence of social support and job-related autonomy.

Objectives: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the influence of job-related autonomy and social support provided by consultants and colleagues on the stress-related health complaints of surgical residents in the Netherlands.

Methods: All (n = 400) Dutch residents in training in general surgery were sent validated self-report questionnaires. Odds ratios were calculated predicting health and exposure to long-term stress for gender, number of working hours, type of hospital, level of social support, job-related autonomy and training phase.

Field study on broilers' first-week mortality.

In the Dutch poultry meat production chain, first week mortality (FWM) of the chicks is an important measure to quality and is therefore highly related to the price of the chicks that the broiler farm has to pay to the hatchery. Therefore, next to the total number of broiler eggs produced per hen and hatchability, this figure is often used as a measure of efficiency in the breeder-hatchery-broiler production chain. In this study, factors that are related to chick mortality in the first week at broiler farms were investigated.

Field study on broiler eggs hatchability.

The aim of this research was to explore factors that are related with hatchability in the field. Data from 3 Dutch hatcheries for the years 2004, 2005, and 2006 were analyzed using a random regression model with the method of restricted maximum likelihood. In total, 24,234 batches of 724,750,444 eggs, originating from 511 breeder flocks, were included.

The impact of repeated simulation on health and healthcare perceptions of simulated patients.

Objective: To explore the effect of simulating medical conditions on simulated patients (SPs). Main points of interest are influence on: perception of personal health and perception of their relation with the health care provider (HCP), personal well being.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with eight experienced, well-selected SPs involved in communication training at the medical faculty of Ghent University.