Danube University Krems

About: Danube University Krems is a education organization based out in Krems, Niederösterreich, Austria. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Stroke & Population. The organization has 498 authors who have published 1572 publications receiving 68797 citations.

Embedding oncologic protocols into the provision of care: the Oncocure project.

Abstract: A computerized Decision Support System (CDSS) can improve the adherence of the clinicians to clinical guidelines and protocols. Integrating it within the clinical workflow can reduce the workload of the physicians, and improve the acceptance of the system. The building of a prescriptive CDSS and its integration with a legacy cancer patient management system is the aim of the Oncocure project, which implements the existing protocol for the medical treatment of breast cancer in the Asbru language, and interfaces the Asbru interpreter with the Electronic Patient Record (EPR) in use in an oncologic unit. Our work is not constrained to a specific domain or EPR implementation, but can be generalized to other fields of medicine and patient management systems. When implemented, our CDSS is expected to reduce the cost of care while improving the adherence to the guideline and the quality of the documentation.

Linked Information Visualization for Linked Open Government Data. A Visual Synthetics Approach to Governmental Data and Knowledge Collections

Abstract: Open government data initiatives provide citizens with access to the information that governments have about their countries (such as data about people, resources, infrastructure, or services) upon which they act. Information visualizations can help to make sense of these complex data and knowledge collections, but are mostly used to shed light on subselections of data only, without coordinated efforts to connect them to bigger pictures up to now. In analogy to linked data initiatives, this article discusses methods and strategies to link information visualizations in the government data realm and thereby to connect widely available local pictures and insights into more coherent global mental models. We expect related developments to provide benefits for communication professions like civic education and political journalism, and to open up enhanced methods for cross-domain exploration and reasoning for (linked) open government data. Thus linked information visualizations aim for supporting students, readers, and citizens to meet a widening range of macro-cognitive challenges, which complex societies are facing in increasing amounts.

Challenges of rapid reviews for diagnostic test accuracy questions: a protocol for an international survey and expert consultation

Abstract: Assessment of diagnostic tests, broadly defined as any element that aids in the collection of additional information for further clarification of a patient’s health status, has increasingly become a critical issue in health policy and decision-making. Diagnostic evidence, including the accuracy of a medical test for a target condition, is commonly appraised using standard systematic review methodology. Owing to the considerable time and resources required to conduct these, rapid reviews have emerged as a pragmatic alternative by tailoring methods according to the decision maker’s circumstances. However, it is not known if streamlining methodological aspects has an impact on the validity of evidence synthesis. Furthermore, due to the particular nature and complexity of the appraisal of diagnostic accuracy, there is need for detailed guidance on how to conduct rapid reviews of diagnostic tests. In this study, we aim to identify the methods currently used by rapid review developers to synthesize evidence on diagnostic test accuracy, as well as to analyze potential shortcomings and challenges related to these methods. We will carry out a two-fold approach: (1) an international survey of professionals working in organizations that develop rapid reviews of diagnostic tests, in terms of the methods and resources used by these agencies when conducting rapid reviews, and (2) semi-structured interviews with senior-level individuals to further explore and validate the findings from the survey and to identify challenges in conducting rapid reviews. We will use STATA 15.0 for quantitative analyses and framework analysis for qualitative analyses. We will ensure protection of data during all stages. The main result of this research will be a map of methods and resources currently used for conducting rapid reviews of diagnostic test accuracy, as well as methodological shortcomings and potential solutions in diagnostic knowledge synthesis that require further research.