C.J. Fitch and C. Adams
This paper addresses some key management issues relating to developing mobile support for community healthcare (CHC) provision, such as support structures, service management and…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper addresses some key management issues relating to developing mobile support for community healthcare (CHC) provision, such as support structures, service management and organization.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper presents three generic examples that draw out the heterogeneous nature of CHC support and the issues and challenges involved. The research is mostly qualitative, based on interviews with key health and social care professionals in the south of England, supported by desk‐based activity. The initial phase of the pilot involved six healthcare professionals, who were interviewed for approximately an hour and a half each using a semi‐structured questionnaire.
Findings
It is clear that many CHC professionals, for the generic case examples, cannot do their community activity without some mobile technology support, such as a mobile telephone. More sophisticated support offers much potential to improve patient/client care in the community as well as efficiency benefits.
Research limitations/implications
The investigation is ongoing with the next stage involving other regions and a wider set of interviews and focus groups.
Practical implications
Practical considerations, such as availability and appropriateness of equipment, security, confidentiality and accountability issues access procedures and usage protocols need to be addressed before the full benefits can be achieved.
Originality/value
Identification of ten main issues and challenges facing mobile service provision and management.
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David J. Edwards, Gary D. Holt and F.C. Harris
The construction industry relies increasingly on profits generated from high utilisation of mechanisation. Interruption of this mechanical supply not only incurs the “tangible”…
Abstract
The construction industry relies increasingly on profits generated from high utilisation of mechanisation. Interruption of this mechanical supply not only incurs the “tangible” costs of labour, replacement parts and consumables, but also the less tangible costs of delays to contract, possible loss of client goodwill and ultimately, loss of profit. Cumulative costs associated with plant breakdown are therefore significant. Predictive maintenance (PM) techniques have evolved to keep a check on mechanical health, by generating information on machine condition. Such data allow just in time maintenance to be conducted. However, recent developments have witnessed an increased interest in determining “root cause” of failure as opposed to monitoring the time to breakdown once the wear process has begun. This paper reviews condition based monitoring (CBM) technologies and introduces the evolving concept of root cause analysis. Both these could have particular relevance to construction plant and equipment. In summary, the paper presents initial findings of ongoing research, which is the development of a model for predicting construction plant and equipment breakdown.
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Chris Fitch, Sarah Hamilton, Paul Bassett and Ryan Davey
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the evidence on the extent to which personal debt impacts on mental health, and mental health on personal debt.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the evidence on the extent to which personal debt impacts on mental health, and mental health on personal debt.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper systematically reviews the English‐language, peer‐reviewed literature, 1980‐2009, drawing on 14 databases across the medical, business, legal, and social science fields.
Findings
From 39,333 potential papers identified, 39,283 were excluded, and 50 were reviewed using a narrative analysis approach. Among nine longitudinal studies, three controlled for psychiatric morbidity or psychological wellbeing at baseline, income/wealth, and other socio‐economic variables. From these, two reported indebtedness or an increase in debt levels associated with subsequently poorer mental health, while one study found no such relationship. While methodological limitations make it difficult to definitively demonstrate whether indebtedness causes poorer mental health, plausible data exist which indicate that indebtedness may contribute to the development of mental health problems, and mediate accepted relationships between poverty, low income, and mental disorder.
Research limitations/implications
Existing research either uses definitions of “debt” which lack specificity, or definitions of “mental health” which are too broad‐brushed. A more sensitive set of core questions is needed. Further longitudinal research is also a key priority.
Practical implications
Those working with people with debt problems need to be aware of the potential risk of reduced mental wellbeing or mental disorder.
Originality/value
The mental health of individuals living with indebtedness has become a recent concern for the health and financial services sectors. However, no systematic reviews have so far been conducted.
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The wear of a machine element, whether it is due to fatigue or abrasive wear, will add contaminants in the form of particulates to the system. If a machine element is starting to…
Abstract
The wear of a machine element, whether it is due to fatigue or abrasive wear, will add contaminants in the form of particulates to the system. If a machine element is starting to wear out it will produce a large amount of particles and it will finally break down. Since this can be very costly, one can establish the need to monitor the system so that one can foresee failure. There are many different ways to monitor a system, e.g. measurements of the temperature, pressure, vibrations and the degree of contamination. The purpose of contamination control is to extend the life of a component and thereby save money. When monitoring a system it is very important that the monitoring control instrument should give the right output. One important factor in achieving this is the withdrawal of a representative oil sample. In this paper an investigation of where and how to take a representative sample is performed using Stokes’ law and the migration of spheres in a channel. A generalised sedimentation chart for different oils and particles is introduced. Sampling routines for proper sample withdrawal are also presented.
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Hui Cen, Ardian Morina and Anne Neville
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of water contamination on ageing of lubricants.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of water contamination on ageing of lubricants.
Design/methodology/approach
The viscosity, total acid number and Fourier transform infrared spectrum of a series of lubricants after ageing with water were studied. The tribological performance (friction and wear) of the aged lubricants was also analyzed, followed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis on the selected post test samples to study the tribochemical features of the tribofilm.
Findings
The results were also compared with Part I of this study, and it was found that ageing has a different impact on lubricants and tribological performances based on the physical and chemical properties when water is present in the lubricants.
Originality/value
This paper is a continuation of Part I of this study and gives an understanding on the impact of water on the lubricants and related tribological and tribochemical performance.
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In the OECD countries, hospitals face increased financial restrictions and competition. Process orientation is an essential means of remaining competitive. A wide range of…
Abstract
Purpose
In the OECD countries, hospitals face increased financial restrictions and competition. Process orientation is an essential means of remaining competitive. A wide range of theories and concepts relating to clinical process management already exists. When it comes to practical implementation, however, a comprehensive approach for the target‐oriented and consistent introduction of clinical process management throughout an entire hospital is missing. The purpose of this paper is to document the case of a German hospital that has realised a project of this kind and demonstrate the impacts on cooperation and on operational efficiency, which is understood as the degree to which a hospital is capable of steadily realising short lengths of stay.
Design/methodology/approach
The case shows the approach to implementing theories and concepts for managing clinical processes in practice as a consistent management system in the day‐to‐day use of process management and its impacts.
Findings
The effect of using clinical processes shown in the case is an additional net profit of several million euros a year – without a reduction in quality.
Research limitations/implications
While the impacts of clinical pathways on hospitals are not country‐specific, the reasons are nonetheless subject to the political and economic conditions. Therefore, some findings are only valid for hospitals in German‐speaking countries. However, major effects (e.g. reduction in the length of stay) may exist everywhere.
Originality/value
The paper shows how process orientation in a medium‐sized hospital can be systematically implemented.
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The implementation of proactive maintenance, as presented here, offers a complete package for maintenance system development. The package contains a methodology, a software…
Abstract
The implementation of proactive maintenance, as presented here, offers a complete package for maintenance system development. The package contains a methodology, a software package, and a set of tested and verified procedures. The methodology is general enough to be used in various fields of applications, as it was tested in different facilities, and service and production environments. It addresses the total corporate system, augmented by the new concepts of maintenance methods, and utilizes suitable approaches of information systems development. With the present approach process re‐engineering becomes essential for computerized maintenance information systems definition.
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Aims to use some of the sampling techniques and sampling routines, mentioned in Part 1 of the article, to perform practical tests to determine their differences in withdrawing…
Abstract
Aims to use some of the sampling techniques and sampling routines, mentioned in Part 1 of the article, to perform practical tests to determine their differences in withdrawing samples. Uses two different types of systems, a hydraulic system and a gear system, together with some of the investigated sampling techniques. In order to find out the optimum sampling method for each of the two systems, uses a specification of requirements and a systematic approach, together with practical sample withdrawal from the two systems. For the hydraulic system, uses an on‐line particle counter and bottle samples from valves, and for the gear system, applies drain‐plug and vacuum pump sampling. It was found that for hydraulic systems on‐line sampling is the most appropriate, if information on the elements is not required. If information on the elements is required, bottle sampling from a valve together with flushing of the valve should be performed. For the gear system no difference was seen between the samples taken with a vacuum pump and those taken from the drain‐plug, and therefore an alternative method is suggested to improve the reliability of the sampling.
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Claire Thirlwall and Sandy Whitelaw
Drawing on the notion of “mental health policy participation”, the purpose of this paper is to describe and reflect on a regional case study of a community engagement approach…
Abstract
Purpose
Drawing on the notion of “mental health policy participation”, the purpose of this paper is to describe and reflect on a regional case study of a community engagement approach that explored community perspectives on mental health and the factors that influence it. It established three expectations, that: the development of the Dumfries and Galloway Public Mental Health Strategy is informed by project outputs; services and innovations are based on what people want; active involvement of local people in decision making around mental health services and strategy is achieved.
Design/methodology/approach
A “participatory appraisal” approach was used to engage with communities. A three-day “Training of Trainers” exercise was undertaken. These individuals then accessed a number of community groups. Data collection was based on five key questions. A total of 443 were engaged in the process. Insights were reviewed by 20 stakeholders from a range of services to identify key actions. This led to the development of the mental health forum and, in turn, a Public Mental Health Strategy for Dumfries and Galloway. Community members were further included in processes through feedback mechanisms.
Findings
Factors of resilience, support of families and friends, social inclusion, access to social and leisure opportunities were most important. This was followed by structural issues like fear of judgement, lack of transport, discrimination and financial support. Finally, individual factors (sleep, meaningful hobbies and health) were highlighted.
Originality/value
This approach sought to go beyond a traditional focus to explore broader community perspectives on mental health and the factors that influence it.
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Guojun Zhu, Ludo Gelders and Liliane Pintelon
Approaches maintenance management in a systematic way so as to achieve its business objectives. From a managerial point of view, this so‐called object/objective‐oriented…
Abstract
Approaches maintenance management in a systematic way so as to achieve its business objectives. From a managerial point of view, this so‐called object/objective‐oriented maintenance management (OOMM) is an integral process of asset (equipment) management with behavior‐based maintenance (BBM) as a major element. Within the OOMM concept, the objective‐approach focuses on the managing of the maintenance processes so as to achieve the business objectives, and the object‐approach emphasizes the object (asset or equipment) and the behavioral failures. Furthermore, combined together, the two approaches reflect the basic characteristics of the maintenance process. Also, both sides affect and influence each other, and are inseparable within OOMM. BBM addresses the monitoring and controlling of the technical and economic behavior of a piece of equipment in two ways.