The computer model helps hospitals and clinics find the best combination of staff, equipment and rooms for the number of patients the facility expects. This, in turn, helps facilities determine the optimum number of patients it can see on any given day. This formula can be difficult for facility managers to determine because issues such as how long it takes to perform a procedure or how long it takes patients to recover can vary depending on the patient and the procedure.

Researchers used mathematics as the basis of studying systems in order to make them more efficient and effective. The model will benefit colonoscopy facilities, making them better able to handle scheduling. But the real beneficiaries will likely be the participating facilities’ patients, who will likely spend less money for the procedures and spend less time sitting in the waiting room because of it.

Researchers are currently working with the University of North Carolina hospitals to implement the model with plans to eventually make it available for general use.

Source: Science Centric

SOURCE: Fleet Attorney › Computer model aims to make colonoscopy facilities more efficient

A colonoscopy is a screening for colon and rectal cancers which, if detected early, is highly curable. It is recommended that individuals start screenings at age 50, or sooner for those at higher risk of colorectal cancer or with a family history of the disease.

The study found that a low number of people – about 6.9 per every 1,000 – who had colonoscopies experienced a serious gastrointestinal event, such as perforation or bleeding within 30 days of having a colonoscopy. Among those who experienced a gastrointestinal event, the risk was more than twice as high among adults older than 85 than among those ages 66 to 69. Patients with a history of chronic health problems, such as stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, atrial fibrillation or congestive heart failure were more likely that those without those conditions to experience a serious gastrointestinal event following a colonoscopy.

The solutions used to prep the bowel prior to colonoscopy may also cause greater risk for the elderly. Earlier this year, oral sodium phosphate (OSP) products Visicol and Osmo Prep received a black box warning from the Food and Drug Administration after receiving numerous reports of a serious kidney injury following use of OSP products. The agency also warned against over-the-counter OSP products, like those made by Fleet.

Use of OSP may cause a form of kidney injury known as acute phosphate nephropathy. Reports show that the elderly may be at greater risk of developing the condition than younger individuals.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force advises against colonoscopies among adults over age 85 because the risks of the procedure appear to outweigh the benefits.

Source: Cancer Consultants

SOURCE: Fleet Attorney › Elderly at greater risk of complications following colonoscopy