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.