Information development guidelines

The government has developed guidelines for di-ft-octylphthalate. These are designed to protect the public from the possible harmful health effects of the chemical. However, EPA has recently determined that there is not enough evidence to say that di-//-octylphthalate definitely causes harmful effects in humans or to the environment. See Chapter 7 for more information on regulations and guidelines for di-//-octylphthalate. 

The assessment of the toxicity of drinking-water contaminants has been made on the basis of published reports from the open literamre, information submitted by governments and other interested parties, and unpublished proprietary data. In the development of the guideline values, existing international approaches to developing guidelines were carefully considered. Previous risk assessments developed by the WHO/IPCS in EHC monographs (see Section 3.6.1.1), lARC (see Section 3.6.1.2), JMPR (see Section 3.6.1.3), and JECFA (see Section 3.6.1.3) were reviewed. These assessments were relied upon except where new information justified a reassessment. The quality of new data was critically evaluated prior to their use in risk assessment. 

The Good Automated Manufacturing Practices (GAMP) Forum has developed guidelines for computer validation [5] and a draft guidance on quality assurance of information technology (IT) infrastructure [6]. 

In the United States Office of Management and Budget (2002) Information Quality Guidelines, accuracy is included in the broader concept of objectivity , which addresses whether information is being presented in an accurate, clear, complete, and unbiased manner, and as a matter of substance, is accurate, reliable, and unbiased . The present WHO document discussion of accuracy, however, focuses primarily on the substance— the development and use of data to represent particular exposures. Unbiased presentation of results that are substantively accurate is also critical. 

Information on good agricultural practices of many important medicinal plant species is either not available or meager. This information is important in view of quality assurance and safety of the products derived from medicinal plant species. The WHO has developed guidelines for good agricultural and collection practices however, there is a need to develop country specific guidelines for such practices. 

Table 8.2 Information technology (IT) sources of information and development guidelines. ...

Several authors have developed guidelines for designing and evaluating risk communication on the basis of risk perception and risk communication studies (Casal et al 1997 Covello et al., 1986). Some of them have proposed essential criteria for developing information programs. The most important of these guidelines are outlined in Table 31.3 (Renn, 1992). 

Harper, C. A., ed. 2001. Handbook of Materials for Product Design, 3rd ed. New York McGraw-Hill. This reference provides materials, data, information, and guidelines for designers, manufacturers, and users of electromechanical products, as well as those who develop and market materials useful for these products. Contains an extensive list of property and performance data. 

Surveys can help to define the components of disclosure that matter most to patients and their families (1) disclosure of all harmful errors, (2) an explanation as to why the error occurred, (3) how to minimize the error s effects, and (4) steps the physician and organization will take to prevent recurrences. Full disclosure of an error incorporates these components as weU as acknowledgement of responsibility and an apology by the physician. Many physicians choose their words carefully by failing to clearly explain the error or its effects on the patient s health. Circumstances surrounding an error can become complex. Physicians may not know how much information to disclose and how to explain the error to the patient. Recently developed guidelines should assist physicians with this process. Since 2001, the Joint Commission requires disclosure of unanticipated outcomes of care. In 2006, the National Quality Forum endorsed fuU disclosure of serious unanticipated outcomes as one of its 30 safe practices for healthcare. 

Develop guidelines and materials that address initial emergency actions by excavators when buried facilities are damaged and then distribute this information to all one-caU notification centers. (P-97-30)... 

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