No abstract

Background Few studies have comprehensively and systematically analyzed nationwide samples. This study purposed to explore temporal trends and predictors of medical resource utilization and medical outcomes in these patients to obtain data that can be used to improve healthcare policies and to support clinical and administrative decision‐making. Methods This study used nationwide population data contained in the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database of Taiwan. The 14,970 inguinal hernia repair patients were enrolled in this study (age range, 18–100 years) from 1997 to 2013 in Taiwan. After temporal trends analysis of demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, and institutional characteristics, predictors of postoperative medical resource utilization and medical outcomes were evaluated through multiple linear regression analysis and Cox regression analysis. Results The prevalence of inguinal hernia repair per 100,000 population significantly decreased from 195.38 in 1997 to 39.66 in 2013 (p < 0.05). Demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, and institutional characteristics were significantly associated with postoperative medical resource utilization and medical outcomes (p < 0.05). Of these characteristics, both surgeon volume and hospital volume had the strongest association. Conclusions The inguinal hernia repair prevalence rate gradually decreased during the study period. Demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, and institutional characteristics had strong associations with postoperative medical resource utilization and medical outcomes. Furthermore, hospital volume and surgeon volume had the strongest associations with postoperative medical resource utilization and medical outcomes. Additionally, providing the education needed to make the most advantageous medical decisions would be a great service not only to patients and their families, but also to the general population.

No abstract

No abstract

T-Learning was passive, for a long time, because of the restrictions imposed on TVs. The relevant restrictions are a result of the input function, i.e. the normal TV remote control. Researchers have proposed various solutions for improving the normal TV remote control. However, these are difficult to be in practice now. Nowadays, it has been established that dual-device services may be helpful for T-Learning. These studies usually lay more emphasis and stress on the cooperation of output function, while ignoring the input function of the cooperative device. Thus, this study is aimed at improving the normal TV remote control for advanced T-Learning. In the present study, an advanced T-Learning framework named as "DDRC T-Learning Framework" is proposed which is based on M2M cooperation to improve the input function in T-Learning., In the DDRC T-Learning Framework, the touch screen of a handheld device can be effectively used by the learner as an advanced TV remote controller for interactive T-Learning.