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Strategic planning: today's hot buttons.

The first generation of mergers and managed care hasn't slowed down group practices' need for strategic planning. Even groups that already went through one merger are asking about new mergers or ownership possibilities, the future of managed care, performance standards and physician unhappiness. Strategic planning, including consideration of bench-marking, production of ancillary services and physician involvement, can help. Even if only a short, general look at the future, strategic planning shows the proactive leadership needed in today's environment.

Benchmarking↗

Reducing disparities in utilization of mamography: reaching dually eligible women in Connecticut.

This article describes a two-pronged intervention by the health care Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) for Connecticut to address the disparity in rates of mammography screening between women eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid (i.e., "dually eligible") and other Medicare beneficiaries. The interventions were directed beneficiaries. One intervention addressed information and access needs of the target population: an education session was followed by a mobile mammography van session at low-income housing sites in specific geographic areas. The second intervention was a culturally-sensitive direct mailing to dually eligible beneficiaries across the state. Implementation methods are described including: defining and identifying the target population; specifying the disparity; developing community collaboration; and testing the mail materials. Preliminary results of the education sessions and community testing of the direct mail materials generated information about the target population. Issues in implementation and analysis include: reaching the target population, building community relations, and developing design approaches to test the intervention.

Aged↗

Nutrition and the commercialization of agriculture: ten years later.

This paper reviews the results of studies examining the impacts of agricultural commercialization on food consumption and nutritional status carried out over the last 10 years. Several conclusions can be drawn. First, the income effects of shifts to cash cropping are highly dependent on pricing policy for cash crops. Short term gains seen in some schemes are often highly dependent on the maintenance of high prices for commercial crops. Second, those schemes in which subsistence production is protected or stabilized are more likely to show positive results with an increase in income generated from cash cropping. Third, increased income does not translate directly into increased food consumption at either the household or individual (child) level. Shifts in control of income from women to men are important. Fourth, morbidity, especially from diarrheal disease is an important predictor of child growth. A failure to improve morbidity of children may offset gains in food consumption and in some instances a decrease in the time women have to care for their children as a result of commercialization has resulted in greater morbidity among children. Finally, the question "Who benefits and who loses?" is rarely addressed in these studies. The impacts of commercialization are mixed. They are highly dependent on the nature of the crop, the control of production and income, the allocation of household labor, the maintenance of subsistence production, land tenure, and pricing policies for both cash crops and food stuffs. It is these 'intervening' factors, not crop choice, that appear to be the most crucial in the nutritional status of rural people. Economic, food and agricultural policies and programs that advantage the most vulnerable population groups are the most likely to provide positive benefits in terms of food security and nutritional status. To place the emphasis on commercialization per se is to misplace it.

Adult↗

The role of epidemiology in the introduction of vi polysaccharide typhoid fever vaccines in Asia.

Despite the availability of at least two licensed typhoid fever vaccines--injectable sub-unit Vi polysaccharide vaccine and live, oral Ty21a vaccine--for the last decade, these vaccines have not been widely introduced in public-health programmes in countries endemic for typhoid fever. The goal of the multidisciplinary DOMI (Diseases of the Most Impoverished) typhoid fever programme is to generate policy-relevant data to support public decision-making regarding the introduction of Vi polysaccharide typhoid fever immunization programmes in China, Viet Nam, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Indonesia. Through epidemiological studies, the DOMI Programme is generating these data and is offering a model for the accelerated, rational introduction of new vaccines into health programmes in low-income countries. Practical and specific examples of the role of epidemiology are described in this paper. These examples cover: (a) selection of available typhoid fever vaccines to be introduced in the programme, (b) generation of policy-relevant data, (c) providing the 'backbone' for the implementation of other multidisciplinary projects, and (d) generation of unexpected but useful information relevant for the introduction of vaccines. Epidemiological studies contribute to all stages of development of vaccine evaluation and introduction.

Asia↗

The potential role of risk-equalization mechanisms in health insurance: the case of South Africa.

International agencies such as the World Bank have widely advocated the use of health insurance as a way of improving health sector efficiency and equity in developing countries. However, in developing countries with well-established, multiple-player health insurance markets, such as South Africa, extension of insurance coverage is now inhibited by problems of moral hazard, and associated cost escalation and fragmentation of insurer risk-pools. Virtually no research has been done on the problem of risk selection in health insurance outside developed countries. This paper provides a brief overview of the problem of risk fragmentation as it has been studied in developed countries, and attempts to apply this to middle-income country settings, particularly that of South Africa. A number of possible remedial measures are discussed, with risk-equalization funds being given the most attention. An overview is given of the risk-equalization approach, common misconceptions regarding its working and the processes that might be required to assess its suitability in different national settings. Where there is widespread public support for social risk pooling in health care, and government is willing and able to assume a regulatory role to achieve this, risk-equalization approaches may achieve significant efficiency and equity gains without destroying the positive features of private health care financing, such as revenue generation, competition and free choice of insurer.

Actuarial Analysis↗

Nonprofit health insurers: the story Wall Street doesn't tell.

For several years, Wall Street investment firms have campaigned for conversion of nonprofit health insurers to investor ownership, arguing that an infusion of equity capital is critical to insurers' survival. However, closer examination of the financial performance and capital position of not-for-profit health plans shows that: The lower operating margins reported by not-for-profit health plans very likely reflect the organizations' corporate missions to serve their communities by minimizing the cost of coverage and their ability to invest all gains back into the company for the future benefit of their customers. Their investor-owned counterparts must generate higher margins to give shareholders a return on their investment. Compared with investor-owned insurers, not-for-profit health plans use a significantly higher percentage of the customers' premium dollar to pay health care claims. A lower percentage goes for administrative expenses. Over the past 10 years, not-for-profit health plans have succeeded in using operational and investment gains to build and retain a strong capital position--stronger than that of investor-owned companies--while investing heavily in infrastructure, product development, and market growth.

Commerce↗

Trends in demographic and health survey publications based on a bibliometric analysis.

BACKGROUND: The Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) Program, launched in 1984, provides high-quality population health data that underpins a vast body of global health research. However, the scale and growth patterns of DHS-based publications remain underexplored, particularly as donor funding uncertainties threaten program sustainability. OBJECTIVE: We examine temporal trends in DHS-based research output from 1984 to 2025, quantifying growth patterns and publication delays to inform understanding of the program's global research expansion. METHODS: A systematic bibliometric review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Dimensions, Wiley, and CINAHL. Eligible peer-reviewed articles using DHS data between 1984 and 2025 were identified. Annual publication counts were analyzed, segmented regression identified growth inflection points, and timeliness was assessed by calculating lag between survey completion and publication. RESULTS: Over 10,000 DHS-based publications were identified. Annual output rose from isolated studies in the 1980s to several hundred annually by the 2010s. Segmentation analysis revealed two rapid growth phases: a 56-publications/year increase from 2004-2012, and a 71-publications/year increase from 2012 to 2024. Despite this growth, median lag from survey completion to publication remained approximately 5 years, with only a modest recent improvement (Kendall's &#x3c4;&#x2009;=&#x2009; -0.623, p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001). CONCLUSION: DHS data have fueled exponential growth in global health research over four decades, confirming their vital role in evidence generation. However, persistent publication delays highlight the need to shorten the pathway from data collection to dissemination through strengthened research capacity in low- and middle-income countries. Sustained funding is essential to maintain this critical evidence source.

Bibliometrics↗

Financing health care in the Sudan: some recent experiments in the central region.

The macroeconomic difficulties facing the developing countries are having a direct impact on these countries' public health programs. Reduced budgets and rising demands for health care are forcing health ministries to either cut back on already inadequate health care services or identify alternative sources of revenue. This article describes and analyzes a set of experiments designed and implemented by the Sudan's Central Province that have effectively raised the operating budget of the regional health ministry. The seven experiments encompass imposition of fees, cost containment efforts, and local taxes earmarked for health. Together, the revenue generating efforts have improved the efficiency of service delivery, ensured more efficient resource allocation, raised much needed revenue for the health system, and honored the government's commitment to make free health care available to the Sudanese population.

Costs and Cost Analysis↗

Literacy and body fatness are associated with underreporting of energy intake in US low-income women using the multiple-pass 24-hour recall: a doubly labeled water study.

OBJECTIVE: The accuracy of the multiple-pass 24-hour recall method for estimating energy intake in low-income women in the United States was ascertained by comparing the method with measurements of total energy expenditure. The multiple-pass 24-hour recall is designed to provide respondents with multiple cues and opportunities to report their food intake. It consists of 3 distinct passes: the quick list, detailed description, and review. Predictors of energy intake misreporting (energy intake--total energy expenditure) in the sample were determined. DESIGN: Four multiple-pass 24-hour recalls (2 in person, 2 by telephone) were obtained over a 14-day period to estimate energy intake. Total energy expenditure was measured over the same 14-day period using the doubly labeled water method. Body composition was measured using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, and literacy was measured by the Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT) for reading and spelling. SUBJECTS/SETTINGS: Thirty-five low-income women between the ages of 19 and 46 years were tested at the General Clinical Research Center at the University of Vermont, Burlington. Low income was defined as a household income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Pearson product moment correlation coefficients, t tests, paired t tests, and stepwise multiple regression analysis were used to test the relationships among study variables. RESULTS: Mean energy intake was significantly lower than mean total energy expenditure (2,197 +/- 607 vs 2,644 +/- 503 kcal, P = .001) and the correlation between the 2 measures was poor (r = .22, P = .20). Percentage body fat and the combined age-adjusted reading and spelling WRAT scores were the best predictors of misreporting of energy intake (R = .52, P = .006). CONCLUSIONS: The multiple-pass 24-hour recall did not generate a group measure of energy intake that was accurate or unbiased in this sample. Underreporting was strongly associated with increased body fatness. The ability to read and spell as measured by the WRAT improved the accuracy of the women's recall of their food intake. APPLICATIONS: Dietetics professionals should take into consideration the problem of underreporting whenever conclusions are made about associations between diet and health and/or when evaluating the impact of food assistance programs on dietary intake.

Adipose Tissue↗

Tuning the engine of cognition: a focus on NMDA/D1 receptor interactions in prefrontal cortex.

The prefrontal cortex of the primate frontal lobes provides the capacity for judgment which can constantly adapt behavior in order to optimize its outcome. Adjudicating between long-term memory programs and prepotent responses, this capacity reviews all incoming information and provides an interpretation dependent on the events that have just occurred, the events that are predicted to happen, and the alternative response strategies that are available in the given situation. It has been theorized that this function requires two essential integrated components, a central executive which guides selective attention based on mechanisms of associative memory, as well as the second component, working memory buffers, in which information is held online, abstracted, and translated on a mental sketchpad of work in progress. In this review, we critically outline the evidence that the integration of these processes and, in particular, the induction and maintenance of persistent activity in prefrontal cortex and related networks, is dependent upon the interaction of dopamine D1 and glutamate NMDA receptor signaling at critical nodes within local circuits and distributed networks. We argue that this interaction is not only essential for representational memory, but also core to mechanisms of neuroadaptation and learning. Understanding its functional significance promises to reveal major new insights into prefrontal dysfunction in schizophrenia and, hence, to target a new generation of drugs designed to ameliorate the debilitating working memory deficits in this disorder.

Animals↗

Determinants of adolescent physical activity and inactivity patterns.

OBJECTIVES: Despite recognition of the important influence of environmental determinants on physical activity patterns, minimal empirical research has been done to assess the impact of environmental/contextual determinants of physical activity. This article aims to investigate environmental and sociodemographic determinants of physical activity and inactivity patterns among subpopulations of US adolescents. We define environmental determinants as modifiable factors in the physical environment that impose a direct influence on the opportunity to engage in physical activity. The present research examines environmental and sociodemographic determinants of physical activity and inactivity with the implication that these findings can point toward societal-level intervention strategies for increasing physical activity and decreasing inactivity among adolescents. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY: The study population consists of nationally representative data from the 1996 National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health on 17 766 US adolescents enrolled in US middle and high schools (including 3933 non-Hispanic blacks, 3148 Hispanics, and 1337 Asians). Hours/week of inactivity (TV/video viewing and video/computer games) and times/week of moderate to vigorous physical activity were collected by questionnaire. Outcome variables were moderate to vigorous physical activity and inactivity, which were broken into categories (physical activity: 0-2 times/week, 3-4 times/week, and >/=5 times/week; inactivity: 0-10 hours/week, 11-24 hours/week, and >/=25 hours/week). Sociodemographic and environmental correlates of physical activity and inactivity were used as exposure and control variables and included sex, age, urban residence, participation in school physical education program, use of community recreation center, total reported incidents of serious crime in neighborhood, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, generation of residence in the United States, presence of mother/father in household, pregnancy status, work status, in-school status, region, and month of interview. Logistic regression models of high versus low and medium physical activity and inactivity were used to investigate sex and ethnic interactions in relation to environmental and sociodemographic factors to examine evidence for the potential impact of physical education and recreation programs and sociodemographic factors on physical activity and inactivity patterns. RESULTS: Moderate to vigorous physical activity was lower and inactivity higher for non-Hispanic black and Hispanic adolescents. Participation in school physical education programs was considerably low for these adolescents and decreased with age. Participation in daily school physical education (PE) program classes (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.21; confidence interval [CI]: 1.82-2.68) and use of a community recreation center (AOR: 1.75; CI: 1.56-1.96) were associated with an increased likelihood of engaging in high level moderate to vigorous physical activity. Maternal education was inversely associated with high inactivity patterns; for example, having a mother with a graduate or professional degree was associated with an AOR of.61 (CI:.48-.76) for high inactivity. High family income was associated with increased moderate to vigorous physical activity (AOR: 1.43; CI: 1.22-1.67) and decreased inactivity (AOR:.70; CI:.59-.82). High neighborhood serious crime level was associated with a decreased likelihood of falling in the highest category of moderate to vigorous physical activity (AOR:.77; CI:.66-.91). CONCLUSIONS: These results show important associations between modifiable environmental factors, such as participation in school PE and community recreation programs, with activity patterns of adolescents. Despite the marked and significant impact of participation in school PE programs on physical activity patterns of US adolescents, few adolescents participated in such school PE programs; only 21.3% of all adolescents

Adolescent↗

Information management in national tuberculosis control programmes and national health information systems.

A good notification system is one of the key elements for the success of national tuberculosis programmes (NTPs). The national health information system (NHIS) in low income countries is often weak and unreliable. When restructuring this system, what circuit should be used to integrate TB data: the NTP or the NHIS? Experience from several countries shows that unlike the NHIS, only the data generated by the NTP are reliable and complete, and arrive rapidly enough to be used for programme management. It is therefore the duty of the NTP to collect this information and transmit it to the NHIS at each level of the health system. These were the conclusions of a seminar held in Cotonou, Benin, organised by the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, which involved the leaders of the NHIS and of NTPs of six West African countries.

Africa↗

A spreadsheet program measuring laboratory productivity in several ways: an application of College of American Pathology scores and other data to assess the overall economics of clinical laboratories.

A spreadsheet has been designed that measures the productivity of hospital or other clinical laboratories using several methods, one of which, used as a yardstick, is based on College of American Pathology (CAP) workload test scores with some departures from CAP conventions. In this method the CAP-assessed proportion of a laboratory's time utilised in performing pathology or other tests is compared with the time allocated to non-testing departmental activities as a group. A premise in the approach is that variation in the time allocated to these latter activities, in addition to variation in the efficiency of testing, also contributes significantly to the productivity and economics of hospital laboratories. The workload measure of productivity used in the study is referred to as total staff-paid-productivity (TSPP)--allied to paid-productivity of the CAP Manual 1991--and it is suggested that it be used together with several other result parameters to assess laboratories. However, there are two differences from CAP in the TSPP parameter: the salaries and hours of all staff whether medical, technical or scientific are included; and the professional component (time necessary for test interpretation) is also included where applicable. Necessary data include the goods and services costs, the total test-generated income, the total number of full-time staff equivalents and their hours in each unit or work group, the numbers of tests and raw CAP scores and in addition, an estimation of the professional/interpretive component of each test until the generation of a report. The method is illustrated with examples from six different departments with total staff-paid-productivities covering a wide range beyond the typical values of 65 per cent to 75 per cent. When the data for the laboratories are compared, it is observed that the various admixtures of non-testing activities are a stronger influence on differences in total staff-paid-productivity than the interpretative components of tests, although the latter vary markedly from discipline to discipline. When the interpretative components are included in workload measurements, it enables the productivity of different laboratories to be compared across disciplines. It is suggested that for laboratories to generate ongoing productivity they should be staffed at a rate that produces approximately a maximum total staff-paid-productivity of about 75 per cent.

Australia↗

Family planning in Viet Nam: a vigorous approach.

Viet Nam, a country in transition, is vigorously implementing its population and family planning policies and plans, despite the fact that increased government expenditure for family planning only amounts to some US $0.15 per capita, far short of the minimum $0.60 required. An increased range of family planning methods will be offered to the population through a "cafeteria" approach. Genital tract infections will be reduced, as well as the incidence of abortion. Research continues on injectable and implanted contraceptives, and the use of quinacrine nonsurgical female sterilization. In the long term, a mix of imported and locally-produced contraceptives is envisaged to achieve greater sustainability. Family planning will be closely linked to economic development and poverty alleviation, with mass organizations developing family planning-linked credit, savings and income generating schemes. Pilot experience has indicated value if integrated approach linking family planning, nutrition, and parasite control. The health manpower and health services systems are being overhauled, with plans to appoint family planning focal points at commune level, linked to mobile district teams and grassroots motivators. Medical equipment, contraceptives and essential drugs for family planning and reproductive health services are in short supply at an estimated 60% of commune health stations. Both the public sector and the growing private sector will need to face the challenge of providing the population with high-quality reproductive health services and family planning options suited to individual needs and preferences.

Contraception↗

User fees at a public hospital in Cambodia: effects on hospital performance and provider attitudes.

User-fee programs have been introduced at health care facilities in many developing countries. Difficulties have been encountered, however, especially at public hospitals. This report describes the effects of user fees introduced in April 1997 at a public hospital, the National Maternal and Child Health Center (NMCHC) of Cambodia, on patient utilization, revenue and expenditure, quality of hospital services, provider attitudes, low-income patients, and the government, by reviewing hospital data, patient and provider surveys, and provider focus group discussions.Before the introduction of user fees, the revenue from patients was taken directly by individual staff as their private income to compensate their low income. After the introduction of user fees, however, revenue was retained by the hospital, and used to improve the quality of hospital services. Consequently, the patient satisfaction rate for the user-fee system showed 92.7%, and the number of outpatients doubled. The average monthly number of delivery of babies increased significantly from 319 before introduction of the system to 585 in the third year after the user-fee introduction, and the bed occupancy rate also increased from 50.6% to 69.7% during the same period. As patient utilization increased, hospital revenue increased. The generated revenue was used to accelerate quality improvement further, to provide staff with additional fee incentives that compensated their low government salaries, and to expand hospital services. Thus, the revenue obtained user fees created a benign cycle for sustainability at NMCHC. Through this process, the user-fee revenue offered payment exemption to low-income users, supported the government financially through user-fee contributions, and reduced financial support from donors. Although the staff satisfaction rate remained at 41.2% due to low salary compensation in the third year of user-fee implementation, staff's work attitude shifted from salary-oriented to patient-oriented-with more attention to low-income users.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

Differential effects of atypical versus typical antipsychotic medication on earnings of schizophrenia patients : estimates from a prospective naturalistic study.

BACKGROUND: Rising public and private expenditure on antipsychotic medications is concentrated on the cost of second generation or 'atypical' medications, which are more expensive than first generation medications and make up a rapidly growing share of all antipsychotic prescriptions. Previous studies have examined whether the higher acquisition costs of atypicals are offset by other cost and/or utilisation benefits. This paper extends this literature by examining possible effects of atypicals on earnings and related measures of labour supply in a large naturalistic study with a long-term follow-up period. METHODS: We analysed data on earnings and other characteristics from the Schizophrenia Care and Assessment Program (SCAP), a 3-year longitudinal study (with data collection during the years 1997-2003) of 2327 adults with schizophrenia (including schizoaffective and schizophreniform disorders) recruited from behavioural healthcare provider systems in six areas of the US. We used empirical criteria and data from the SCAP database to identify 336 patients aged < 50 years who were in the stable or 'maintenance' phase of their antipsychotic treatment during the 6 months prior to baseline. Effects of atypicals compared with typicals were estimated from Tobit regression models that included additional covariates and the baseline-dependent variable values. Regression-dependent variables were reported earnings per month, hours worked per month, days worked per month and a binary indicator of employment. To control for the effect of selection bias in choice of type of atypical, we employed an instrumental variables (IV) estimation procedure. RESULTS: For all dependent variables, our IV Tobit regressions yielded consistently positive coefficient estimates for atypical use that were either marginally significant (p < 0.1) or significant (p < 0.05) for earnings, significant for hours and days of work and not as consistently significant for employment status. Results from these regressions imply a positive effect of atypical use on monthly earnings in the range of Dollars US 107-122. In regressions that did not control for selection bias by using IVs, coefficients for atypical use were often negative and never statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that higher drug costs of atypicals for maintenance-phase treatment are at least partially offset by higher earnings among patients. These effects represent benefits to consumers as well as savings to taxpayer-supported income transfer programmes. Future studies should seek to determine if treatment with atypicals increases patients' earnings via better control over negative symptoms and/or improved patient cognition. Both appear to be connected with employment and labour supply in patients with schizophrenia, and both may be improved through use of atypicals.

Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation↗

Cost assessment of a school-based mental health screening and treatment program in New York City.

Although school-based mental health screening and treatment programs have been proposed as a viable means of reaching youth with unmet mental health needs, no previous reports have attempted to comprehensively document the costs of such programs. The purposes of this report are (1) to estimate the cost of a school-based mental health screening and treatment program in a real-world school setting, and (2) to outline the methods and procedures that should be employed by future investigators to explore the costs of such programs. The program, located in a middle school in a low-income, largely Hispanic neighborhood in New York City, aimed to screen all students in Grades 6-8 for anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. Most students in need of treatment were referred to the school-based treatment program, where social workers offered individual and group counseling. Economic evaluation methods and a before/after study design were used to assess the costs of the screening and treatment programs for 3 years of operation. Costs were estimated from the societal perspective, which includes all measurable program costs regardless of who bears the costs, and the school perspective, which includes only costs that would be borne directly by a school operating these programs. Data primarily came from administrative records and staff interviews. The total cost ranged from 106,125 dollars to 172,018 dollars for the screening program and from 420,077 dollars to 468,320 dollars for the treatment program. The cost of the screening program ranged from 149 dollars to 234 dollars per student and the cost of the treatment program ranged from 90 dollars to 115 dollars per session. These costs were estimated from the perspective of society. Applying economic cost analysis methods in a real-world school setting is challenging, but the process can generate useful estimates. Cost analyses and cost-effectiveness studies are needed in this area.

Adolescent↗

From research to policy: what have we learned from designing the Population Health Information System?

This article discusses the lessons learned from the experience of designing and using a population health information system and the policy implications of information generated. A useful system must include measures of the population's health status and socioeconomic risk when analyzing health care use. The strong gradient that can be demonstrated in service use across income groups where these indicators are included challenges policymakers and health care managers to rethink fundamental beliefs about the role of medical care. Given the size of health care expenditures in western economies, the author argues for redirecting some of these resources toward other means of improving the health of populations. Outcomes research should be expanded to assess the efficacy of non-medical and medical interventions. A population-based health information system can help identify opportunities for shifting expenditures toward meliorating the determinants of health, while monitoring the health care system to ensure that adverse effects do not occur.

Canada↗