Nursing cost by DRG: nursing intensity weights.

Although diagnosis-related group (DRG) reimbursement is used for Medicare and many other payors, nursing--the largest portion of hospital costs--is not specifically identified and quantified in deriving payments in any of the DRG reimbursement systems except that of New York State. In New York, nursing costs are allocated to each DRG in payment rate formulation by means of nursing intensity weights (NIWs)--relative values reflecting the quantity and types of nursing services provided to patients in each DRG. In the absence of charges for nursing services, these NIWs are derived from scores for each DRG provided by a representative panel of nurses through a modified Delphi technique.

Changing habits--an experience in industry.

A company-sponsored No Smoking Clinic was attended by 118 persons. The sessions consisted of a total of eight hours divided over five consecutive work days. A 12 month follow-up showed a "quit rate" of 25%.

Physiological effects on word performance of vapor-barrier clothing and full-face respirator.

Work performance with impervious clothing and full-face respirator was investigated during maximal and submaximal (40-60%) bicycle ergometer efforts. Such levels may be dictated by the requirements of emergency decontamination tasks while most studies have been concerned with lower levels of activity. Five different exercise protocols were administered.