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. 2006 Mar 21;63(8):530–537. doi: 10.1136/oem.2005.022723

Table 2 Description of model variables and data sources for input data.

Input variable Description Distributions used in the simulation Source
1990–97 2003–04
Task performance Gives whether or not a certain task is performed for each iteration (scenario). Probability depends on the % of nurses performing the task in the study population (table 3) Binomial ((1,0); (# performed, # not performed)) Peelen et al, 199921 Questionnaire survey conducted this study
Task frequency For each iteration a value is generated (times/week) for each task from its respective input distribution Lognormal (mean, SD) Peelen et al, 199921 Questionnaire survey conducted this study
Potential dermal contamination The dermal contamination of the hands or gloves. At each iteration a value is drawn from the binomial to decide if exposure is above or below LOD (table 4). Secondly an exposure value is drawn from the respective distribution Binomial ((1, 2); (# samples <LOD, # samples >LOD)) Fransman et al, 2005*24 Fransman et al, 200524
1 = Uniform (0, LOD) Peelen et al, 1999†21
2 = Lognormal ((mean, SD); truncated (LOD))
Glove use Gives whether or not gloves are worn for each iteration (scenario). Probability depends on the % of nurses wearing gloves in the study populations (table 5) Binomial ((1,0); (# wear gloves, # no gloves)) Peelen et al, 199921 Questionnaire survey conducted this study
Glove protection The protective effect of gloves is expressed as being between 0–100% of potential exposure Triangular (min, mean, max) Fransman et al, 200524 Fransman et al, 200524

LOD, limit of detection.

*For tasks; washing patients, changing bedsheets, cleaning.

†For tasks; preparation, urine handling, administering.