Risk factors device-associated

Host- and Device-Associated Risk Factors for Nosocomiai Pneumonia... 

Table 3 Device-Associated Risk Factors and Preventive Measures for Nosocomial Pneumonia Caused by Bacteria...

Clinical research designed to further identify both host- and device-associated risk factors and to assess the benefit of specific preventive measures is required. Unfortunately, funding and institutional support for research may receive a lower priority under managed care and capitation policies. There is a need for increased recognition of host-associated risk factors, necessitating involvement of primary care physicians, and for increased emphasis on pre-... 

Use of devices is the most important risk factor for NP however, the development of improved devices has been slow. Future possibilities include antibiotic impregnated devices that may retard colonization and endotracheal tubes that resist the accumulation of biofilm. Increased acceptance of techniques such as CASS, the routine use of HME, and maintainance of adequate cuff pressures may also minimize device-associated risks for NP. The successful implementation of these devices requires the acceptance and cooperation of physicians, respiratory technicians, and nurses. 

A risk factor is defined as an attribute or exposure that increases the probability of a disease or disorder (Putz-Anderson, 1988). Biomechanical risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders include repetitive and sustained exertions, awkward postures, and application of high mechanical forces. Vibration and cold environments may also accelerate the development of musculoskeletal disorders. Typical tools that can be used to identify the potential for development of musculoskeletal disorders include conducting work-methods analyses and checklists designed to itemize undesirable work site conditions or worker activities that contribute to injury. Since most of manual work requires the active use of the arms and hands, the structures of the upper extremities are particularly vulnerable to soft tissue injury. WUEDs are typically associated with repetitive manual tasks with forceful exertions, such as those performed at assembly lines, or when using hand tools, computer keyboards and other devices, or operating machinery. These tasks impose repeated stresses to the upper body, that is, the muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerve tissues, and neurovascular structures. There are three basic types of WRDs to the upper extremity tendon disorder (such as tendonitis), nerve disorder (such as carpal tunnel syndrome), and neurovascular disorder (such as thoracic outlet syndrome or vibration-Raynaud s syndrome). The main biomechanical risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders are presented in Table 22. 

Future versions of this application will also consider dynamic risk factors such as user error, mean-time-between failure (MTBF), device failure within 30 days of a preventive maintenance or repair, and the number of years beyond the American Hospital Association s recommended useful life. 

Biomaterials are materials foreign to the human body that are used in medicine to replace, support or restore body function. Applications range from central venous and urinary catheters to more complex devices such as prosthetic joints and heart valves. The risk of biomaterial centered infection (BCI) is a key factor limiting their use [1]. The incidence of this type of infections varies for each application for instance 4% for hip prostheses [2] and 10-20% for urinary catheters (see Table 1). In BCI microorganisms are present in close association with the biomaterial surface forming a so-called biofilm. Different species of microorganisms are found in BCI that are often commen-... 

Related Calculations. Clearly, the EUAR and the selection of the most economical control device depend on the hurdle rate, even when the other inputs are held constant. Moreover, a given firm s hurdle rate can vary according to general economic conditions, the expected risk associated with a project, and other factors. Thus, the control device selection in this hypothetical situation or in any similar, real-world situation could also be affected by these factors. 

A unit dose pack also offers a number of other convenience factors, i.e. no risks associated with opening and reclosing, a few doses can be more readily carried at a time, size of pack, etc. Most pack devices demonstrate convenience advantages over earlier forms of presentation. However, convenience can also be extended to warehousing and production as well as the end user, i.e. in terms of incoming materials, reel-fed packs need less storage space than glass, metal and plastic containers. 

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