background: computerized preventive screening software is a cost effective intervention tool to address non-communicable chronic diseases. shiraz smart screening software (ssss) was developed as an innovative tool for qualified screening. it allows simultaneous smart screening of several high-burden chronic diseases and supports reminder notification functionality. the extent in which ssss affe...

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The structural significance of the inappropriateness of left ventricular mass (iLVM) is known to be an important prognostic factor for cardiovascular events; however, the functional changes associated with iLVM have not been established. This study was performed to determine if diastolic dysfunction is associated with iLVM using a tissue Doppler technique. SUBJECTS A...

AIMS Radiological inappropriateness in medical imaging leads to loss of resources and accumulation of avoidable population cancer risk. Aim of the study was to audit the appropriateness rate of different cardiac radiological examinations. METHODS AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS With a retrospective, observational study we reviewed clinical records of 818 consecutive patients (67 ± 12 years, 75% males)...

OBJECTIVE To adapt the Appropriateness Evaluation Protocol (AEP) to the specific settings of health care in China and to validate the Chinese version AEP (C-AEP). METHODS Forward and backward translations were carried out to the original criteria. Twenty experts participated in the consultancy to form a preliminary version of the C-AEP. To ensure applicability, tests of reliability and validi...

Background: The use of acute hospital beds is an issue of concern both to policy-makers and practitioners. In most countries attempts are underway to improve ef ciency in this sector. Methods: One of the most widely used instruments for assessing inappropriate hospital use is the Appropriateness Evaluation Protocol, which consists of a set of standards based on objective criteria relating the c...

BACKGROUND Health systems are currently subject to unprecedented financial strains. Inappropriate test use wastes finite health resources (overuse) and delays diagnoses and treatment (underuse). As most patient care is provided in primary care, it represents an ideal setting to mitigate waste. OBJECTIVE To identify overuse and underuse of diagnostic tests in primary care. DESIGN Systematic ...

INTRODUCTION The appropriateness of the indications for upper gastro-intestinal endoscopy (EGD) is crucial in assessing quality in endoscopy units, improving cost-effectiveness and providing better patient care. Using the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) guidelines, the aim of this study was to evaluate the appropriate use of EGD and to measure the local accuracy of these ...

Abstract Background Mild Behavioral Impairment is characterized by later life emergent and persistent neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS). MBI domains include impaired drive/motivation, affective dysregulation, impulse dyscontrol, social inappropriateness, psychosis. We aimed to compare the relationship between NPS cognition in patients with subjective cognitive decline (SCD), mild impairment (MCI)...