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Theses and dissertations (Health Sciences)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://ir-dev.dut.ac.za/handle/10321/12

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    An investigation of rejection rates, sources thereof and methods to reduce specimen rejection
    (2024) Ballim, Afsana; Mbatha, Joyce Nonhlanhla
    Background Specimen rejection occurs when specimens are sent to a medical diagnostic laboratory and are deemed unsuitable for analysis based on specimen acceptability criteria. Patient care may be hindered due to rejections. Specimen rejections impact negatively on patients, healthcare workers and the diagnostic laboratory. The aim of this study was to investigate specimen rejection rates, the contributing factors, and methods to reduce the number of rejected specimens, thereby improving healthcare for the patient as well as improving the financial and quality standing of the laboratory. Materials and methods Rejection statistics were obtained for King Dinuzulu Hospital Complex (KDL) and RK Khan Hospital (RKK) for a period of six months. An investigation of the rejection rates and common causes for rejection was conducted. The information gathered from the rejection statistics was used to create training material for training workshops. Pre training and post-training questionnaires were completed to determine the effectiveness of the training. Rejection statistics were re-collected for two months post the training workshop sessions to evaluate the rejection rates for improvement. Results The initial rejection rates indicated that KDL and RKK exceeded the allowable limit of rejections (National Health Laboratory Service allowable limit < 3%). The primary reason for specimen rejections was identified as errors that occur in the pre-analytical phase, with haemolysis emerging as the predominant contributing factor. Training workshops were conducted, although the improvement in assessment score for the workshop was 49.6% (p < 0.001), the rejection statistics collected post-training workshop showed an insignificant change in overall rejection rates at KDL and RKK (p-value = 0.139 and 0.242 respectively). Conclusion Specimen rejection is a growing problem that requires mitigation. Structured training has shown to improve pre-analytical knowledge, however, it was noted that the interventions taken by offering training workshops did not reduce the rate of specimen rejections.
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    The effectiveness of elastic tubing versus tyre resistance training as an adjunct to the standard manipulative training program at Durban University of Technology in the development of control of the dynamics of manipulation in chiropractic students
    (2014-04-10) Mey, Tarryn Ruby; Korporaal, Charmaine Maria
    Background: Motor learning theories indicate that training improves motor performance by reducing variability and increasing task control. Elastic tubing and tyre resistance training methods may allow for the development of control over the dynamics of spinal manipulation. This study thus aimed to determine whether training with elastic tubing and tyre resistance, in conjunction with the standard manipulative training at the Durban University of Technology, resulted in the development of control of the dynamics of manipulation compared to training with the standard training alone. Methods: A quantitative, prospective, experimental cohort design was used. Fifty-three participants were randomly allocated into tyre or elastic tubing resistance training intervention groups, or the control group. All groups continued with the standard manipulative training at the Durban University of Technology. The dynamics of manipulation were measured with the Dynadjust pre-, mid- and post-training. The SPSS was utilised to compute the parametric and non-parametric analyses. Results: The results showed no statistically significant differences over time for any of the measured dynamics of manipulation. None of the groups (excluding the control group for S-I manipulation) developed control of the relationships between the dynamics. Overall, there was no difference between the groups with regards to development of control of the dynamics. Conclusion: The results suggest that the additional training methods, should be carefully considered when employed over a short term. Study limitations include the sample size and the effect of outliers, therefore any firm conclusions drawn from this study are required to be interpreted with caution.