No abstract

Increasing diversity of available medical applications (apps) has led to their widespread use in healthcare delivery. However, app involvement in diagnosis and patient management has raised concerns, specifically regarding accuracy and reliability of content. Here, we report on the contemporary range of microbiology-themed apps and prevalence of medical professional involvement in app development. Of 94 microbiology-themed apps identified, only 34% had stated medical professional involvement. The lack of such involvement in app design is concerning and undermines consumers' ability to be informed regarding quality of content. We propose that increased regulatory measures are introduced to safeguard patient welfare.

Results: Participants' comfort level with performing a PCNB improved from a mean of 1.2 to 2.7 (p ¼ <0.001) (from not comfortable to mildly-moderately comfortable) after being taught on this model. General knowledge improved from a mean score of 7.2 to 9.2 (p ¼ <0.001).Conclusions: Using supplies that can be bought from crafts and general merchandise stores, we developed a low-cost model that effectively taught residents how to perform a PCNB.

Emergency response systems have been demonstrated to be useful as aids in independent living for the elderly. This article provides information on the development, background, and use of in-home emergency response systems. Two different types of systems are delineated, and three different model applications of emergency response systems are discussed. Results from two of these models, which have been in use for three or more years, are reviewed. Possible criteria for selection of emergency response systems are also presented, along with limitations that should be considered in the use of such systems.In recent years, much has been said about technological innovations known as emergency response systems and the role they could play in linking elderly persons to their community, in serving as a support for persons who desire to remain in their homes, and in allowing persons to return home earlier than would otherwise be possible from hospitals and nursing homes. Continuing cutbacks in funding, plus actual usage of such systems in numerous different settings and programs, has led to an increased interest in utilization of such systems.Most of the ERS's available today were designed and developed either in response to the rapidly accelerating costs of health care for the elderly (Hizer, 1982), a group whose own rapid growth and needs for medical care are well known, or as an extension of existing security or fire systems (Philadelphia Corp. on Aging, 1982). According to Dibner (1982), Most people want to remain living independently in their own homes and their families often feel the same way. However, 14% of persons over the age of 65 have severe, disabling conditions and 31 To of this group live alone. In order for such individuals to stay independent, they must be kept in touch with help sources. Numerous attempts to provide this in-touch system range from window cards, to friendly visitors, to telephone reassurance networks, to postal service workers checking persons during their rounds. These methods were promoted and accepted with great enthusiasm in the belief and hope that they would help solve the problems of maintaining contact with the outside world and obtaining help in time of crisis.