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Biomedical subjects

S Altman

Publications and source records attributed to S Altman.

At least 199 records · Page 11Linked to original sources

A T4-induced endonuclease which attacks T4 DNA.

A DNA endonucleolytic activity that introduces single-stranded breaks into native T4 DNA is found in T4-infected E. coli. This endonuclease attacks other double-stranded, but not single-stranded, DNA. Experiments with ultraviolet-irradiated phages and amber mutants indicate that the enzyme is made beginning about five minutes after infection at 37 degrees C.

Centrifugation, Density Gradient↗

Routine assessment of patient progress: a multiformat, change-sensitive nurses' instrument for assessing psychotic inpatients.

A new instrument, the Routine Assessment of Patient Progress (RAPP), is a standardized scale with a unique format that allows trained nurses to incorporate both interview and observational data into a comprehensive assessment of psychiatric inpatients. The scale was developed to accurately document treatment effects, assist in treatment planning, and provide ancillary judgments of psychopathology that may affect diagnosis. The RAPP demonstrates satisfactory interrater reliability and internal consistency. The RAPP total score and its two subscales correlated highly, where expected, with an observation-based nursing scale, global measures, and an interview-based psychopathology scale. RAPP scores demonstrated sensitivity to change over time in patient functioning. It reliably discriminated among patients discharged to settings with varying degrees of independent living. The use of the RAPP over several years on a psychiatric inpatient unit has shown it to be a practical clinical tool that eases nurses' charting demands, helps create care plans, and facilitates interdisciplinary communication.

Activities of Daily Living↗

Ensuring quality care: what do you get for your money?

In the rush to produce balanced scorecards and outcomes measures, managed care organizations must recognize the need to better assess the clinical competencies of their contracted skilled nursing facilities. Health plan quality management staffs, although composed of gifted professionals, generally do not have sufficient skilled nursing facility (SNF)-related experience or knowledge to support evaluation and qualification of these providers. The successfully implemented Altman-Conrad (A-C) SNF quality management process objectively measures and monitors managed care contracted services provided by SNFs. The A-C process requires a health plan's quality management/utilization management staff to engage in a team-based educational endeavor. This effort is designed to generate measurable outcomes specific to the health plan's needs. The proven benefits of the process include improved member services, greater member satisfaction, more productive days for SNFs, more effective discharges, and the generation of a win-win relationship between the health plan and its contract providers.

Clinical Competence↗

Public policy issues in nonprofit conversions: an overview.

Conversions raise two critical policy questions: First, does ownership form (nonprofit or for-profit) make any difference to delivery of health care? Second, when conversions occur, how are charitable assets and purpose preserved? This paper addresses both questions, based on a review of evidence and experience. On the first question we conclude that, overall, nonprofit ownership enhances the potential for community benefit. However, that potential may be better realized by requiring nonprofits to meet minimum community benefit standards and possibly by mitigating pressure on institutions to convert. On the second question, we conclude that more states should take legislative action to establish a formal oversight process for conversions. Without public consideration of how much money to set aside and for what purpose, conversions pose the risk that communities will lose significant services and resources.

Health Facility Merger↗

Healthcare reform: moving forward.

One of the toughest and most important issues facing America today is healthcare reform. To examine this issue more closely, four industry observers were invited to share their thoughts with Healthcare Executive.

Chief Executive Officers, Hospital↗