Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

L Rudolph

Publications and source records attributed to L Rudolph.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

Design of a state-based workers' compensation information system.

BACKGROUND: California policy makers have long been hampered by a lack of credible information for use in making legislative or administrative changes to address serious problems in the workers' compensation system. In 1993, the legislature directed the California Division of Workers' Compensation to develop a Workers' Compensation Information System (WCIS). METHODS: An advisory committee developed key questions and identified data sources regarding injury/illness incidence, costs, promptness of benefit delivery, adequacy of benefits, satisfaction with services, and other outcomes. RESULTS: Key data elements were identified, mostly from existing mandated reporting forms for employers and physicians, and from standardized medical billings. Data collection will be carried out using: 1) rapid electronic data interchange (EDI) for a minimum number of data elements; 2) electronic collection of data on medical services for a sample of claims; and 3) surveys to address adequacy of benefits, satisfaction with services, return to work, and other outcomes. A state-based repository will analyze data and provide de-identified public use data files. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed WCIS will provide information to improve the performance and to increase the accountability of all the participants in California's Workers' Compensation system. More importantly, it will provide information which will allow improved quality in the provision of mandated benefits to injured workers.

Benchmarking↗
PubMed1999

Alternative approaches for measuring duration of work disability after low back injury based on administrative workers' compensation data.

BACKGROUND: Studies of low back pain (LBP) disability remain largely incomparable because of different outcome definitions. To date, systematic comparisons of alternative outcome measures have not been made. METHODS: Duration of work disability was studied in a 3-year cohort of 850 workers' compensation LBP claimants. Eleven administrative outcome measures were compared using Kaplan-Meier estimates of the proportion of claimants still on disability benefits during 3.5 years of follow-up. RESULTS: The estimated mean duration of work disability was 75 days for the first temporary disability (TD) episode, 108 days for cumulative time on TD, and 337 for total compensated days, which includes all types of wage replacement benefits during vocational rehabilitation, temporary and permanent disability. CONCLUSIONS: Commonly used administrative measures of lost workdays--time to first return to work and time on temporary disability--substantially underestimate the duration of work disability compared to measures based on all wage replacement benefits.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Duration of work disability after low back injury: a comparison of administrative and self-reported outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Workers' compensation wage replacement data have recently been used to estimate time to return to work (RTW) and the number of work days lost after occupational injury. The degree to which indemnity-based measures reflect self-reported work disability has until now not been studied. METHOD: Kaplan-Meier curves of administrative and self-reported measures of duration of work disability were compared within a sample of 433 low back injury claimants followed up for 1 to 3.7 years. RESULTS: Administrative measures consistently and significantly underestimated the duration of disability when compared to self-reported measures of RTW. The difference between the estimated mean number of work days lost for comparable administrative and self-reported measures ranged from 142 to 334 days. CONCLUSIONS: Number of work days lost after low back injury is substantially underestimated by measures based on the duration of wage replacement benefits. This calls into question the adequacy of indemnity benefits and underscores the need for disability prevention programs.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Non-human primate models; artificial menstrual cycles, endometrial matrix metalloproteinases and s.c. endometrial grafts.

Rhesus monkeys are useful models in which to examine the hormonal regulation of endometrial matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and to evaluate the role of MMP in uterine bleeding. Artificial 28 day menstrual cycles can be induced in ovariectomized monkeys by inserting an oestradiol implant for 2 weeks, then inserting a progesterone implant for 2 weeks, and then, with the oestradiol implant remaining in place, removing and reinserting the progesterone implant at 2 week intervals. To examine MMP during menses, we established such cycles and removed uteri by hysterectomy at closely spaced intervals before, during and after menses, as well as at later time points. Some samples were also obtained during menses induced by the withdrawal of both progesterone and oestradiol. We examined mRNA of the following MMP by Northern blotting: matrilysin, stromelysin-1, stromelysin-2, stromelysin-3 and the tissue inhibitor of MMP TIMP-1. The expression of these MMP mRNA increased substantially by 2-3 days after progesterone withdrawal, whether or not oestradiol was maintained. The expression of some of the MMP (stromelysins-1 and -2) returned very rapidly to baseline levels by 5 days after progesterone withdrawal, while the expression of others (matrilysin, stromelysin-3 and TIMP-1) declined more slowly, reaching a baseline level by 10 days after progesterone withdrawal, with little or no further decline after progesterone concentrations rose during the induced luteal phase. Immunocytochemical studies showed that matrilysin was expressed primarily in the glands of the upper functionalis. In other work with the rhesus monkey model, we used a s.c. endometrial autograft technique in which pieces of endometrium were autotransplanted to the abdominal skin. During menses in the grafts, matrilysin was expressed in the glands of the grafts similar to the glands in the eutopic endometrium. Endometrial autografts can serve as a useful model for the study of MMP in uterine bleeding.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Surveillance and prevention of work-related carpal tunnel syndrome: an application of the Sentinel Events Notification System for Occupational Risks.

In response to limitations in state-based, occupational disease surveillance, the California Department of Health Services developed a model for provider- and case-based surveillance of work-related carpal tunnel syndrome. The objectives were to enhance case reporting, identify risk factors and high-risk work sites, and link preventive interventions to work sites and the broader community. Using elements from surveillance of communicable diseases and sentinel health events, a model was integrated into the pre-existing reporting system in one California county. Between 1989 and 1991, 54 Santa Clara County health care providers reported 382 suspected cases, of which 365 from 195 work sites met reporting guidelines. Risk factors were profiled from interviews of 135 prioritized cases and 38 employers. Of 24 work sites prioritized for a free, voluntary, nonenforcement inspection, 18 refused and 6 completed an on-site visit. Sentinel Event Notification System for Occupational Risks (SENSOR) captured many cases not reported to the pre-existing reporting system. Case interviews indicated a profile of symptoms and signs, treatment, and exposure to uncontrolled occupational risk factors, including a lack of training on ergonomics hazards. Employer health insurance, rather than workers' compensation, was the apparent source of payment for most medical bills. Employers lacked knowledge and motivation to reduce ergonomic risks. Governmentally mandated occupational ergonomics standards are urgently needed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

The surveillance of work-related pesticide illness: an application of the Sentinel Event Notification System for Occupational Risks (SENSOR)

OBJECTIVES: In response to limitations in state-based occupational disease surveillance, the California Department of Health Services developed a model for surveillance of acute, work-related pesticide illness. The objectives were to enhance case reporting and link case reports to preventive interventions. METHODS: Elements from surveillance of communicable diseases and sentinel health events were used to integrate a model into the preexisting system in one agricultural country. RESULTS: Between 1988 and 1991, 45 Fresno County health care providers reported 230 suspected cases, of which 217 from 80 work sites met reporting guidelines. Risk factors were profiled from interviews of 81 prioritized case patients and 36 employers. Fifteen work sites were visited and 117 recommendations were made, of which 6% were identified in enforcement inspections. Pest management experts consulted with growers on reducing future pesticide use. CONCLUSIONS: Risk factors for pesticide illness were prevalent. Agricultural inspectors did not detect routine and serious hazards. Integrated pest management should be expanded and linked to occupational health. Agricultural enforcement personnel should be oriented and trained in occupational safety and health.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Issues in notification: reflections of a public health worker.

The objectives of notification are to inform individuals of research results so that they can make informed choices regarding health care and risk reduction behaviors, and to inform workers and employers of results and recommendations in order to take actions to improve workplace health and safety. Many questions confront researchers or public health workers engaged in notification efforts. Who should be notified? What information should be included in notification materials? When should notification occur? How and where should notification take place? What is the socioeconomic context in which notification is occurring? This article presents a public health worker's perspective on these issues.

Communication↗
PubMed1993

Demographic and diagnostic characteristics of inmates receiving mental health services in state adult correctional facilities: United States, 1988.

The demographic and diagnostic characteristics of inmates in State adult correctional facilities who received 24-hour hospital mental health care, residential treatment care, and counseling/therapy in 1988 are reported by State and by type of administrative auspices under which the services are provided. Rates under treatment for 24-hour hospital mental health care were highest for the youngest (under 18) and oldest (65 and over) age groups, for females, and for whites. For counseling/therapy, rates were also highest for the youngest, for females, and for whites, but they declined with age. Rates in residential treatment were highest for the young and old and for whites, but about equal for males and females. Primary diagnoses of major psychoses predominated in 24-hour hospital mental health care. In residential treatment, a comparatively small proportion of the caseload had major psychotic disorders and a comparatively large proportion had substance abuse and mental retardation diagnoses. In counseling/therapy, personality disorders predominated. Individual State figures vary widely on these characteristics, both within and between service auspice types.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

California adults with elevated blood lead levels, 1987 through 1990.

OBJECTIVES: Follow-up of California blood lead registry reports, 95% of which are of occupationally exposed adults, can guide interventions at specific high-risk work sites and measure the impact of targeted, industry-specific interventions. METHODS: A protocol was implemented to follow up the most severe case reports (> or = 2.90 mumol/L) and establish a statistical database for descriptive analysis. RESULTS: From 1987 through 1990, the California Department of Health Services received 17,951 reports for 4069 civilian, noninstitutionalized adults employed by at least 328 companies. Of 232 incident case subjects with severe lead toxicity (> or = 2.90 mumol/L), 182 were successfully traced and interviewed. Index case subjects were mostly male (95%) and disproportionately Hispanic (46%); 35% lived with children aged 7 or younger, and 10% had been hospitalized. Ninety-four percent involved overexposures at work sites that lacked medical removal (50%), ventilation (36%), appropriate respirators (62%), training (64%), clothing changes (45%), or showering (60%). CONCLUSIONS: Well-known risk factors for occupational lead poisoning clustered at the work sites of index case subjects. Despite standards of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, lead overexposure in California adults remains a significant public and occupational health concern.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

The initial impact of a workplace lead-poisoning prevention project.

The California Department of Health Services began an occupational lead poisoning prevention project in cooperation with 275 radiator service companies. The agency developed and marketed resources to facilitate companies' own efforts, tracked the progress of each company, and urged the companies to conduct blood lead testing. Testing by participating employers increased from 9% to 95%, and 10 times as many companies with likely overexposures were identified as had been reported to the state's lead registry in the previous year. The success of this project indicates that the model should be applied more extensively.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗
PubMed1993

Overview of mental health services provided by state adult correctional facilities: United States, 1988.

State-by-State data concerning the administrative auspices, volume of use, and sources of funding and expenditures for mental health services in adult correctional facilities are reported for 1988 from the first national survey of prison mental health services conducted by the Center for Mental Health Services. In all States reporting, a total of 11,546 State prison inmates--about 25 per 1,000--were receiving 24-hour psychiatric inpatient or residential treatment care for a psychiatric disorder on September 30, 1988. During the month of September 1988, nearly 10 percent of State prison inmates (95.6 per thousand) received some form of mental health counseling or psychotherapy from a physician, nurse, psychologist, or social worker; about 5 percent (49.7 per thousand inmates) received monitoring or evaluation of a psychotropic medications regimen; and about 4 percent (41.7 per thousand inmates) received psychiatric assessment or psychological testing to determine their mental health or emotional status. In the majority of States, 24-hour mental health care was provided in a mix of psychiatric and prison hospital settings, both on and off prison grounds, through interagency agreements, or through a mix of interagency and contractual arrangements. Individual State figures vary widely on these characteristics, as well as on length of stay for 24-hour hospital and residential treatment care, both within and among auspice types.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Funding, expenditures, and staffing of mental health services in state adult correctional facilities: United States, 1988.

State-by-State data concerning the sources of funding, expenditures, and staffing for mental health services in State correctional facilities are reported for 1988 from the first national survey of prison mental health services conducted by the Center for Mental Health Services. Among all States, the total annual funding per prison inmate for mental health services varied widely, ranging from $5.67 to $3,159.41 per inmate, with a mean of $469.67 and median of $303.48 per inmate. States that administered 24-hour hospital mental health care to prisoners solely through the Department of Corrections (DOC) also tended to fund all types of mental health services solely through the DOC. However, in States where the Department of Mental Health (DMH) had primary administrative responsibility for 24-hour hospital mental health care, funding sources for all types of mental health services available to prison inmates were more likely to be mixed--i.e., funded through DOC as well as through DMH and other administrative entities. Master's-level mental health providers outnumbered doctoral-level professionals by more than two to one. At both of these educational levels, psychologists were numerically the largest category of provider, followed by social workers among master's-trained professionals, and followed by psychiatrists among those with doctorates. The single largest category was mental health workers with bachelor's-level training or less; this group accounted for about 44 percent of all mental health staff on State prison payrolls.

Capital Expenditures↗
PubMed1991

Design and methods for a survey of lead usage and exposure monitoring in California industry.

A probability sample of California workplaces in 1986 estimated the numbers of workers using lead and their coverage by biological and environmental monitoring. Study steps included (1) identifying 505 stand ard industrial classifications (SICs) with possible lead use; (2) creating an employer lis; (3) identifying for oversampling seven single SICs and a group of 165 SICs with documented high ambient air lead; (4) further stratification by workforce size; (5) prediction from National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health surveys the number of lead-using workers for each employer; (6) drawing facilities into the sample with selection probability proportional to the number of workers predicted to use lead; (7) adjusting the sample selection if an employer listing covered multiple facilities; (8) sending a first-stage telephone/mail questionnaire to identify lead users, who were sent a second questionnaire; (10)follow-up which, aided by statutory authority, resulted in completion rates over 90%; (11) ranking lead-using processes by intensity of exposure; and (12) analysis. Sources of error include random sampling error, misleadingly large standard errors because sampling was with replacement, gaps in the employer list, and inaccurate responses. As a measure for the probability proportional to size sampling, total work force count would have been superior to the predicted number of lead users. Restriction to a single hazard makes a questionnaire-based study feasible, but names of workers, rather than counts, should be requested and a subsample should be visited.

California↗
PubMed1991

Lead use in California industry: its prevalence and health implications.

An estimated 230,000 workers were reported to work in lead-using activities as a result of a 1986 statistical survey of employers in California. However, 68% of these workers worked in activities of relatively low hazard. This included 114,000 workers engaged in electronic soldering. Over 1800 workers were reported to work in battery manufacture, a relatively high-hazard activity, but with consistent monitoring and protection. In contrast, over 4300 workers were involved in radiator repair activities, a high-hazard activity with inconsistent monitoring and protection. Over 8% of construction workers were reported to work in lead-using processes. This sector is exempt from federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Fed/OSHA) and California Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) lead standards, yet some of the most hazardous activities (welding, grinding, and cutting, etc.) occurred here. Comparison of projections from the National Occupational Hazard Survey of potential lead exposure in California with these survey results suggests consistent and reliable assessment of the major sources of potential occupational exposure to lead.

California↗
PubMed1991

The identification of occupational lung disease from hospital discharge data.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics-State Health Department Select Committee on Occupational Illnesses and Injuries conducted a study of hospital discharge records to determine their usefulness for identifying cases of occupational disease. Four states searched the diagnosis fields on computerized hospital discharge records for selected occupational lung diseases; pneumoconiosis, extrinsic allergic alveolitis, and respiratory conditions due to chemical fumes and vapors. The hospital discharge data identified more cases of pneumoconiosis than did the BLS data systems. Numerous cases of extrinsic allergic alveolitis and respiratory conditions due to chemical fumes and vapors were also identified. Patterns evidenced in the data were generally consistent with current knowledge of the diseases. The inclusion of industry and occupation on the hospital discharge record, further study of the quality of diagnosis coding, and the use of these data by additional states will enhance the usefulness of these data for occupational disease surveillance.

Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic↗
PubMed1990

Environmental and biological monitoring for lead exposure in California workplaces.

Patterns of environmental and biological monitoring for lead exposure were surveyed in lead-using industries in California. Employer self-reporting indicates a large proportion of potentially lead-exposed workers have never participated in a monitoring program. Only 2.6 percent of facilities have done environmental monitoring for lead, and only 1.4 percent have routine biological monitoring programs. Monitoring practices vary by size of facility, with higher proportions in industries in which larger facilities predominate. Almost 80 percent of battery manufacturing employees work in job classifications which have been monitored, versus only 1 percent of radiator-repair workers. These findings suggest that laboratory-based surveillance for occupational lead poisoning may seriously underestimate the true number of lead poisoned workers and raise serious questions regarding compliance with key elements of the OSHA Lead Standard.

California↗