TQI in the Albuquerque Veterans Affairs Medical Center's long-term oxygen therapy program.

Background: Long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) is the only treatment demonstrated to prolong the life of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In November 1994, a multidisciplinary total quality improvement (TQI) team composed of the involved hospital services was established to reorganize and improve the LTOT program at the Albuquerque Veterans Affairs Medical Center (AVAMC), Albuquerque. FROM THE OLD TO THE NEW PROCESS: The LTOT team used a process map to analyze the current process and gather information from patients and staff regarding their satisfaction with the program.

Exercise training by individuals with predialysis renal failure: cardiorespiratory endurance, hypertension, and renal function.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of 4 months of exercise training (ET) on cardiorespiratory function and endurance, blood pressure, muscle strength, hematology, blood lipids, and renal function in individuals with chronic renal failure (CRF) who were not yet on dialysis. Sixteen subjects were recruited to volunteer for participation in this study, but only eight completed all study phases. Subjects were first evaluated before and after a 2-month baseline (BL1 and BL2), after 4 months of ET, and again after 2 months of detraining (DT).

Pre-exercise glycerol hydration improves cycling endurance time.

The effects of glycerol ingestion (GEH) on hydration and subsequent cycle ergometer submaximal load exercise were examined in well conditioned subjects. We hypothesized that GEH would reduce physiologic strain and increase endurance. The purpose of Study I (n = 11) was to determine if pre-exercise GEH (1.

Smoking policy and cessation in an inner-city hospital.

Hospital policies regarding cigarette smoking can affect the smoking habits of employees, patients, and visitors. Successful smoking policy development and impact have been reported in a number of hospitals. These reports have been from financially secure or university hospitals.

An evaluation of a smoking cessation training program for medical residents in an inner-city hospital.

Thirty-four medical residents at a hospital serving a predominantly black inner-city area were trained to counsel their patients to quit smoking. They were tested before the training session and again 4 months later with questionnaires assessing smoking knowledge, attitude, and clinical practice. The training consisted of two 1-hour lectures, printed materials, and a 1.