efficiency (redirected from efficient)

ef·fi·cien·cy (-fshn-s)

n.

1. The production of the desired effects or results with minimum waste of time, effort, or skill.

2. A measure of effectiveness; specifically, the useful work output divided by the energy input in any system.

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efficiency

[ifish′ənsē]

1 the production of desired results with the minimum waste of time and effort.

2 the amount of achievement compared with the effort expended.

3 (in radioassay) the counts perceived by a beta or gamma counter relative to the known disintegration rate of a comparable standard radioactive source.

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efficiency,

n the operation of a dental practice in such a way that both business and professional services are performed in a minimal amount of time without sacrificing quality of work, sympathetic attitude, and kindliness.

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efficiency

1. in clinical practice equals the effect achieved in relation to the expenditure and effort expended.

2. in physiological terms, efficiency of any organ or tissue is equal to the ratio of useful energy produced to total energy expended.

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efficiency

Lab medicine The relative ability of a test to detect a disease, while maintaining the rate of false positive results to a minimum; the efficiency of a test is defined as the number of true positives and true negatives multiplied by one hundred, divided by the sum of true positives, true negatives, false positives and false negatives. Cf Four cell diagnostic matrix.

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Patient discussion about efficiency.

Q. Is electric shock efficient for ocd? Is it dangerous? My husband has OCD for 15 years now. He was also diagnosed with mania-depressia. He takes so many medications and nothing really helps. We were offered to try electric shock and I'm scared. Is it dangerous? What are the chances of this method to work for him?

A. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is indeed considered effective for OCD, although it's not the first line of treatment. It does have its risks, including memory loss, disorientation and sort of confusion. There is also a change in the activity of the heart but it's rarely significant.

Generally it can be said that it's not an absolutely safe treatment, but it may help, especially if other drugs don't help.

You may read more here:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003324.htm