Computational Cytology: Lessons Learned from Pap Test Computer-Assisted Screening

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Madelyn Lew ◽  
David C. Wilbur ◽  
Liron Pantanowitz
Keyword(s):  
Pap Test ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Computer Assisted

scholarly journals 1000 consecutive ablation sessions in the era of computer assisted image guidance – Lessons learned

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie Beermann ◽  
Johan Lindeberg ◽  
Jennie Engstrand ◽  
Karolina Galmén ◽  
Silja Karlgren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Image Guidance ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Image

scholarly journals A 50+ Year Search for effective, efficient and engaging instruction

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. David Merrill
Keyword(s):  
Research Study ◽  
Research Data ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Extensive Experience ◽  
Authoring Systems ◽  
Engaging Instruction ◽  
Approach Theory ◽  
Theory Research

In this paper I will chronicle my 50+ year career, from my interest in making education more effective, to an epiphany about theories, and some of my published work that, for a time, gained the attention of others in the field of instructional technology.  My extensive experience with computer-assisted learning covers early efforts to teach concepts to attempts to design automated authoring systems. My most recent work attempts to identify underlying principles common to most theories of instruction.The professional press publishes reports of theory, research, data, prescriptions, and opinions, but seldom do we get the back story. Where did these ideas originate?  What events led to a particular theoretical or research approach?  What were the challenges—personal and interpersonal—that affected a given approach, theory or research study?  In this paper, in addition to identifying a few of the most notable contributions to this literature, I will provide some of the back story that contributed to my career and inspired or significantly influenced my work. I will also highlight some of the lessons learned along the way.Download the PDF and read more...

scholarly journals Process and implementation of Audio Computer Assisted Self-Interviewing (ACASI) assessments in low resource settings: a case example from Zambia

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. C. Kane ◽  
L. K. Murray ◽  
S. Sughrue ◽  
J. DeMulder ◽  
S. Skavenski van Wyk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Risk Behaviors ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Orphans And Vulnerable Children ◽  
Barriers And Challenges ◽  
Audio Computer

Background.Studies from low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) indicate that the use of audio computer-assisted self-interviewing (ACASI) is associated with more accurate reporting of sensitive behaviors (e.g. substance use and sexual risk behaviors) compared with interviewer-administered questionnaires. There is a lack of published information on the process of designing, developing, and implementing ACASI in LMIC. In this paper we describe our experience implementing an ACASI system for use with a population of orphans and vulnerable children in Zambia.Methods.A questionnaire of mental health, substance use, and HIV risk behaviors was converted into an ACASI system, tested in pilot and validity studies, and implemented for use in a randomized controlled trial. Successes, barriers, and challenges associated with each stage in the development and implementation of ACASI are described.Results.We were able to convert a lengthy and complex survey into an ACASI system that was feasible for use in Zambia. Lessons learned include the importance of: (1) piloting the written and electronic versions; (2) proper and extensive training for study assessors to use ACASI and for those doing voice recordings; and (3) attention to logistics such as appropriate space, internet, and power.Conclusions.We found that ACASI was feasible and acceptable in Zambia with proper planning, training, and supervision. Given mounting evidence indicating that ACASI provides more accurate self-report data and immediate data download compared with interview-administered measures, it may be an effective and economical alternative for behavioral health research studies in LMIC.

scholarly journals The impact of digital imaging in the field of cytopathology

CytoJournal ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liron Pantanowitz ◽  
Maryanne Hornish ◽  
Robert A. Goulart
Keyword(s):  
Digital Imaging ◽  
Pap Test ◽  
Image Cytometry ◽  
Virtual Microscopy ◽  
Diagnostic Techniques ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Training And Education ◽  
Automated Screening ◽  
The Impact

With the introduction of digital imaging, pathology is undergoing a digital transformation. In the field of cytology, digital images are being used for telecytology, automated screening of Pap test slides, training and education (e.g. online digital atlases), and proficiency testing. To date, there has been no systematic review on the impact of digital imaging on the practice of cytopathology. This article critically addresses the emerging role of computer-assisted screening and the application of digital imaging to the field of cytology, including telecytology, virtual microscopy, and the impact of online cytology resources. The role of novel diagnostic techniques like image cytometry is also reviewed.

scholarly journals An analysis of individual and department triage variances to identify, quantify, and improve markers of triage nurse accuracy

2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 19-20
Author(s):  
Rebecca Cotton ◽  
Richard Drew ◽  
Matthew Douma ◽  
Domhnall O'Dochartaigh ◽  
Candice Keddie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Performance Management ◽  
Vital Sign ◽  
Evaluation Method ◽  
Error Rates ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Triage Nurse ◽  
Microsoft Excel ◽  
Pain Scores ◽  
Nurse Triage

An analysis of individual and department triage variances to identify, quantify, and improve markers of nurse triage accuracy. Rebecca Cotton, Richard Drew, Matthew Douma, Domhnall O’Dochartaigh, Candice Keddie, Karen Muncaster, Christopher Picard Background: Canadian Emergency Departments (ED) use the five-point Canadian Triage Acuity Scale (CTAS) to sort and prioritize patients according to acuity. CTAS scores are used to make decisions on patient flow, staffing complement, and funding. Despite this, there is a paucity of literature describing how CTAS data can be audited, and how the data can inform quality improvement/assurance (QI/QA). Implementation: Triage data downloaded from Tableau were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and IBM SPSS 26. Staff were informed of the audit using email and social media, and invited to discuss the results with educators and administrators. Staff identified for intervention were approached individually with the administrative plan. Anonymized versions of the work plan were posted on the departmental audit board. Nurses triaging greater than 50% department average were offered the option to triage less frequently, while nurses triaging less than 50% the department average were preferentially placed in triage. Nurses triaging fewer than 100 patients per year were informed they would be relieved of triage responsibility unless their rates increased above threshold. Nurses “down-triaging” patients at rates greater than 2 SD were informed that if their practice remained outside 2 SD at repeat audit they would be relieved of triage responsibility until they voluntarily completed CTAS refresher training. Nurses with average assigned CTAS scores > 2 SD department average had 20 visits randomly audited per month for error/appropriateness. Evaluation Method: Computer-assisted analysis of complete triage records was conducted for August 2019 to August 2020 at the Misericordia Hospital Emergency. Complete triage entries of every patient triaged by all triage trained nurses in the department were examined. Nurse’s with practice variation two deviations from department mean were identified and received additional detailed audits. Items examined for error were: FTE adjusted triage frequency; average CTAS score assigned; triage score manual override “down/up-triage” rate; proportion of absent Numeric Pain Scores (NPS) for patients with primary presenting complaints of pain; and vital signs modifier error rates. Initial department averages were used for benchmarking individual nurses; zone averages were used to benchmark department performance. Nurses were interviewed, audit results and action plans were posted. Repeat audits were performed on a three-month basis and benchmarked to initial measures, and a staff awareness campaign was enacted to improve NPS scoring. Data were extracted using text-parsing algorithms programmed into Microsoft Excel and analyzed using IBM SPSS 26. Data were normally distributed and descriptive statistics were calculated using means and standard deviations. T-testing was used for comparisons, and all testing was two-tailed with a pre-defined significance set at 0.05. Results: After the 3rd quarterly audit and associated interventions, global improvements were appreciated in triage nurse practice. There was a 68% reduction in the need for administrative action (n=51, n=18) with reduced variance in individual nurse triage rates and a 50% reduction in nurses who triaged >50% more patients than their peers. 50% fewer nurses had a mean triage rate >.02 above or below department average, there was an 86% reduction in high risk vital sign error rates, a 78% reduction in ”down-triage” rates, and a 6.5% improvement in documentation of numerical pain scores. Advice and Lessons Learned:1) Triage data analytics can rapidly identify staff with significant deviations from the average,making auditing and QI/QA activities more efficient and effective. 2) Having a concrete performance management framework and dissemination plan in place areessential for auditing to have a significant impact on triage consistency and quality over time. 3) Future QI/QA work should consider expanding computer-assisted text parsing to identifypatients at risk for mis-triage for reasons other than vital sign derangement, which will allowfor broader ED rollout across the Edmonton Zone and beyond.

scholarly journals Conducting Household Surveys on Reproductive Health in Urban Settings: Lessons From Karachi, Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mir Baz Khan ◽  
Sidrah Nausheen ◽  
Imtiaz Hussain ◽  
Kristy Hackett ◽  
Zahra Kaneez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Health Study ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Household Surveys ◽  
Technical Problems

Abstract Background: Data collection is the most critical stage in any population health study and correctly implementing fieldwork enhances the quality of collected information. However, even the most carefully planned large-scale household surveys can encounter many context-specific issues. This paper reflected on our research team’s recent experiences of conducting surveys for a quasi-experimental evaluation of a reproductive health program in urban areas of Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: The study followed a three-stage random sampling design. Result: This paper has described the issues that were encountered around technical problems related to geographical information system (GIS) usage and computer assisted personal interviews (CAPI), household listing, interviewing respondents on sensitive topics and their expectations, and other field related concerns such as ensuring privacy etc. during the survey.Conclusion: The papers has also underscored on lessons learned from this process and presented some potential solutions for conducting future household surveys in similar urban environments.

Health Technology Assessment of Computer-Assisted Pap Test Screening in Italy

2013 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 349-358 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo Dalla Palma ◽  
Luca Moresco ◽  
Paolo Giorgi Rossi ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Health Technology Assessment ◽  
Technology Assessment ◽  
Pap Test ◽  
Health Technology ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Pap Test Screening

scholarly journals Methodological Lessons Learned From Conducting a Population-Based Phone Survey on Nutrition Practices in the Kyrgyz Republic

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 885-885
Author(s):  
Nargiza Toktorbaeva ◽  
Timothy Williams ◽  
Nazgul Abazbekova ◽  
Jennifer Yourkavitch ◽  
Silvia Alayon
Keyword(s):  
International Development ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Baseline Survey ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Kyrgyz Republic ◽  
Time Data ◽  
Nutrition Survey ◽  
Dietary Recall ◽  
Nutrition Practices

Abstract Objectives To share lessons from a survey on nutrition practices, where the methodology shifted from in-person to phone interviews due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods The USAID Advancing Nutrition Project is conducting an impact evaluation in Kyrgyz Republic to determine the effect of project interventions on nutrition behaviors. Municipalities in Batken and Jalalabad regions were randomly assigned to intervention or comparison areas.The stepped wedge design includes baseline, midpoint, and endline surveys, carried out at 12-month intervals. The baseline survey was completed in late 2020. Difference in differences analysis and analysis of project exposure variables will be used to determine impact. Due to COVID-19, all interviews were carried out using computer assisted telephone interviewing (CATI). Results We interviewed 2,091 women with children under two years of age, with phone numbers obtained from health facilities in survey areas. The response rate (11.6% completed interviews) was similar or higher than typical phone surveys. Interviews included complex questions related to 11 nutrition practices, including women's and children's dietary recall. Average interview length was 31 minutes. 4% of respondents dropped before completing the call. Advantages of phone interviews included reduced travel costs, improved quality control, and real-time data review. Disadvantages included high non-response, inability to observe items such as handwashing stations, and potential biases related to phone ownership. Conclusions Our experience suggests that it is possible to carry out a complex, population-based nutrition survey using CATI. Response rates may be improved by building rapport at the start of the call. Interview length can be reduced using block randomization. Baseline levels of most indicators were similar to previous in-person surveys in Kyrgyzstan, suggesting CATI survey results can potentially provide accurate estimates of nutrition behaviors. Funding Sources United States Agency for International Development.

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