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Biomedical subjects

T S Kerson

Publications and source records attributed to T S Kerson.

17 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

She can have a seizure maybe; then we can watch: the portrayal of epilepsy in film.

The study explores the portrayal of epilepsy in 23 films identified as involving seizures. Findings indicate that seizures are used in film to drive the narrative, enhance major characterization, add to minor characters and create distraction from other action. Epilepsy is primarily portrayed as one dimension of unsympathetic, out-of-control, and feared characters. Generally, depictions are out-dated and unrelated to present day treatment of the illness or control of its symptoms. Social workers are asked to advocate for more accurate portrayals, and a list of professional and self-help groups who work in this way is provided.

Epilepsy↗
PubMed1999

The depiction of seizures in film.

PURPOSE: The purpose was to describe the depiction of epilepsy in English language film. METHODS: The list of films, developed by consulting several databases, film scholars, and neurologists, includes every film suggested by any source. By using the saturation techniques of grounded theory, names of films were sought until no new names were received. All films were reviewed by an experienced board-certified neurologist. RESULTS: Seizures were depicted in 20 films. Generally, seizures are used in film to develop narrative or enrich character. They serve four functions: (a) a principal character has epilepsy; thus the condition is critical to character and narrative; (b) a seizure is used to drive the narrative; (c) a seizure is used to enrich a minor role; and (d) a seizure is feigned to distract attention from another activity. CONCLUSIONS: Conclusions can be drawn in four areas: character, accuracy of depiction, roles and responses of onlookers, and the place of epilepsy in the films: (a) Epilepsy is one dimension linked with other aspects of an individual to enrich character; (b) Seizures are depicted fairly accurately, but their frequent representation as uncontrollable and violent is exaggerated and out of date; (c) In the films, the onlookers' responses range from fear to taking correct measures; and (d) The presence of epilepsy is never arbitrary, but the function varies. Overall, the view of epilepsy conveyed in film continues to be distorted, sensationalized, and presented in the most frightening ways.

Epilepsy↗
PubMed1998

Reducing the number of days for which insurers deny payment to the hospital: one primary objective for a newly configured department of case management.

This article describes the formation of a Department of Case Management that has as a primary goal a reduction in the number of patient days for which its hospital is denied payment by managed care companies. The department, comprised of social workers and nurses, reached its goal through work with the hospital finance department, patients and families, payers, community resources, ancillary services and admitting physicians. A comparison of annualized denial comparisons based on quarters from 1996 and 1997 showed that the number of days had been quartered.

Humans↗
PubMed1992

The Patient Self Determination Act: opportunity knocks again.

The recent Patient Self Determination Act (PSDA) gives patients the right to exercise greater control over the care they receive from health care facilities and programs during the final phases of their lives. Social work can make important contributions to health care facilities as they develop policies and programs for implementing the Act's provisions about advance directives and refusal and withdrawal of treatment.

Advance Directives↗
PubMed1985

Responsiveness to need: social work's impact on health care.

Many factors and events have influenced the practice of social work in the field of health, but how has social work shaped health care delivery in turn? This examination of social work's impact indicates that the profession has succeeded in demonstrating the importance of considering the individual and his or her life as a whole in the provision of services.

Delivery of Health Care↗
PubMed1979

Sixty years ago: hospital social work in 1918.

The year 1918 marked a juncture in the development of social work in health sare. During that year, the fledgling group of hospital social workers responded to needs created by World War I, the influenza pandemic, and epidemics of tuberculosis and venereal disease. At the same time, in order to meet these needs and to professionalize their services, they formed a professional organization, published two new journals, and expanded opportunities for professional education. Examination of these matters helps to explain the place and direction of hospital social work exactly 60 years ago.

Persons with Disabilities↗