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Managing the behavior of the medically insured in Germany: the acceptance of cost-sharing and risk premiums by members of the statutory health insurance.

In the course of the conflicts over the reform of statutory health insurance in Germany complaints about moral hazard-behavior on the part of the insured were repeatedly raised and linked to the demand for expanding managerial incentives aimed at reducing the consumption of health care benefits (copayments). However, critics and supporters of managerial incentives mostly neglect the perceptions and dispositions of the insured. In contrast, the article examines how members of the statutory health insurance scheme assess managerial intervention, namely cost-sharing and risk premiums.

Cost Sharing↗

Choosing HIV Counseling and Testing Strategies for Outreach Settings: A Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: In surveys, clients have expressed preferences for alternatives to traditional HIV counseling and testing. Few data exist to document how offering such alternatives affects acceptance of HIV testing and receipt of test results. OBJECTIVES: This randomized controlled trial compared types of HIV tests and counseling at a needle exchange and 2 bathhouses to determine which types most effectively ensured that clients received test results. METHODS: Four alternatives were offered on randomly determined days: (1) traditional test with standard counseling, (2) rapid test with standard counseling, (3) oral fluid test with standard counseling, and (4) traditional test with choice of written pretest materials or standard counseling. RESULTS: Of 17,010 clients offered testing, 7014 (41%) were eligible; of those eligible, 761 (11%) were tested: 324 at the needle exchange and 437 at the bathhouses. At the needle exchange, more clients accepted testing (odds ratio [OR] = 2.3; P < 0.001) and received results (OR = 2.6; P < 0.001) on days when the oral fluid test was offered compared with the traditional test. At the bathhouses, more clients accepted oral fluid testing (OR = 1.6; P < 0.001), but more clients overall received results on days when the rapid test was offered (OR = 1.9; P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Oral fluid testing and rapid blood testing at both outreach venues resulted in significantly more people receiving test results compared with traditional HIV testing. Making counseling optional increased testing at the needle exchange but not at the bathhouses.

AIDS Serodiagnosis↗

A group parent-training program: a novel approach for eating disorder management.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the rationale, development, and preliminary acceptability of a Group Parent Training Program (GPT) as an alternative approach for the treatment of adolescent eating disorders. METHOD: Sixteen families participated in a 16-session group treatment. After four months, parents were administered a treatment satisfaction questionnaire. RESULTS: Parent response to the intervention was positive. All parents indicated GPT was essential for the management of their child, improved general parenting skills, improved their own self-care, and decreased the burden they experienced as a result of managing their child's illness. DISCUSSION: Given the magnitude of task demands placed on a family for the management of adolescent eating disorders, there is the need for the development of effective intervention strategies that ease the stress of illness management for parents. Preliminary satisfaction data from GPT are promising and argue for a more systematic test of this intervention.

Adolescent↗

The shifting sands for applicants to maternal and child health training programs.

OBJECTIVE: Anecdotal evidence suggests that fewer students today than in decades past are applying to maternal and child health (MCH) graduate training programs with previous clinical degrees. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which applicants accepted to an MCH training program demonstrated a shift away from the tradition of having a prior health professional degree and discuss options needed to provide responsive training. METHODS: Twenty years of demographic face sheet data (1983 through 2002) for admitted applicants to the MCH training program at the University of South Florida College of Public Health were examined. RESULTS: Quantitative analysis of admission records confirmed the anecdotal data. Today's applicants are more likely to possess undergraduate nonclinical backgrounds rather than clinical health professional training. Statistically significant differences were found between the students with clinical and without clinical degrees for ethnicity, GRE score, GPA, and the length of time needed to complete the MPH degree. CONCLUSION: Adjustments in MCH curricula may be necessary to be responsive to the "shifting sands" of clinical and public health work experience among program applicants. However, curriculum modifications need to be ones that maintain the zeal of the new generation of MCH students without diluting the rigor of traditional professional preparation. Some possible responses of training programs are suggested.

Certification↗

Enhancing adherence to HAART: a pilot program of modified directly observed therapy.

Based on the model of directly observed therapy (DOT) for tuberculosis, we implemented an uncontrolled pilot program of modified DOT to increase adherence to HAART. Participants met every weekday with an outreach worker who observed them taking the morning dose of HAART. Thirty-seven patients with a history of poor adherence were enrolled and followed for a mean duration of 10 months. The program was feasible and well accepted by the participants. Self-reported adherence to nonobserved doses improved, and those who remained in the program for a year (n = 18) demonstrated a mean 1.53-log decrease from baseline in plasma HIV RNA level.

Adult↗

Employee assistance program treats personal problems.

Though the concept of employee assistance programs (EAPs) is widely accepted throughout business and industry, few hospitals have established similar channels for dealing with workers whose personal problems cause work-related problems. Among the reasons for the health care profession's lack of involvement in this area are: lack of information about costs and benefits of EAPs; the hospital's multidisciplinary environment in which standards of employee competence and behavior are set by persons from many disciplines; hospital working hours; and health care workers' attitudes about their vulnerability to illness. St. Benedict's Hospital, Ogden, UT, however, has confronted the question of how to demonstrate Christian concern for its employees. St. Benedict's EAP, the Helping Hand, which was created in 1979, combines progressive disciplinary action with the opportunity for early intervention in and treatment of employees' personal problems. When a worker with personal problems is referred to the EAP coordinator, he or she is matched with the appropriate community or hospital resource for treatment. Supervisors are trained to identify employee problems and to focus on employee job performance rather than on attempting to diagnose the problem. St. Benedict's records during the program's first three years illustrate the human benefits as well as the cost savings of an EAP. Of 92 hospital employees who took part in the EAP, 72 improved their situations or resolved their problems. The hospital's turnover rates declined from 36 percent to 20 percent, and approximately $40,800 in turnover and replacement costs were saved.

Alcoholism↗

Therapeutic factors in partial hospitalization.

In recent years, partial hospitalization programs have become an accepted major component of community-based care for psychiatric patients. Studies have shown that partial hospitalization is at least as effective as inpatient hospitalization in treating a spectrum of psychiatric disorders and is substantially more cost effective than standard inpatient care (Guillette et al. 1978; Herz et al. 1971; Washburn et al. 1976; Wilder et al. 1966). Despite these positive findings, the therapeutic factors that contribute to the effectiveness of partial hospitalization continue to be a subject of speculation (e.g., Goldberg 1982; Vannicelli et al. 1978; Washburn 1983). In a recent review of the literature on the efficacy of partial hospitalization, Mason et al. (1982) emphasize that the "active ingredient" in this treatment modality remains unclear. In an outcome study by Dunn et al. (1982, p. 297), hope was expressed that "future studies might best explore which nonspecific factors are most powerful therapeutically." The current study is part of a larger effort to develop from an empirical base a comprehensive model of partial hospitalization. The comprehensive model provides a framework for understanding partial hospitalization by examining: 1) the functions of a partial hospital admission, 2) the types of patient changes that occur in these programs, 3) the processes of change, and 4) the therapeutic factors that appear to facilitate change. Findings regarding the first three elements of the model are described in a companion paper. This report focuses on the findings regarding the fourth element of the model, the therapeutic factors that appear to facilitate change in a short-term partial hospitalization program. It also examines how specific program components contribute to these therapeutic factors.

Adult↗

[Cervix cancer: incidence, diagnosis, therapeutic principle].

The incidence of cervical cancer is decreasing, wherever screening programs are offered and accepted. Pathogenetic factors for dysplasia and cervical cancer among others are coital activity in early adolescence, promiscuity and low economic status. More than 80 percent of severe cervical dysplasias as a precancerous stage show the oncogenic potential of a sexually transmitted disease. The prognosis of cervical cancer widely depends on the stage found at the time of first detection. The staging procedure which then follows needs gynecological experience and skill. Clinical staging with methods auxiliary to inspection, colposcopy and palpation is still the most common method and remains to be the basis of the international data treasure of the Annual Report of FIGO, although clinical methods and even CT and MRI are insufficient for the evaluation of pelvic and/or paraaortic lymphnode metastases. To overcome the imperfection of clinical staging, surgical procedures are recommended to complete before any therapeutic decision is made, at least in cases thought to be operable. Radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy in stages Ib and IIa is the method of choice in most modern centers of gynecologic oncology. However, radiotherapy is still prevalent in all stages of cervical cancer as the most common therapy around the world. Further development in 5-years survival figures is expected to profit from supporting screening programs in risk populations or from expansions of already existing programs rather than from further modifications of the therapeutic modalities, already highly specialized.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Should health care professionals encourage living kidney donation?

Living kidney donation provides a promising opportunity in situations where the scarcity of cadaveric kidneys is widely acknowledged. While many patients and their relatives are willing to accept its benefits, others are concerned about living kidney programs; they appear to feel pressured into accepting living kidney transplantations as the only proper option for them. As we studied the attitudes and views of patients and their relatives, we considered just how actively health care professionals should encourage living donation. We argue that active interference in peoples' personal lives is justified - if not obligatory. First, we address the ambiguous ideals of non-directivity and value neutrality in counselling. We describe the main pitfalls implied in these concepts, and conclude that these concepts cannot account for the complex reality of living donation and transplantation. We depict what is required instead as truthful information and context-relative counselling. We then consider professional interference into personal belief systems. We argue that individual convictions are not necessarily strong, stable, or deep. They may be flawed in many ways. In order to justify interference in peoples' personal lives, it is crucial to understand the structure of these convictions. Evidence suggests that both patients and their relatives have attitudes towards living kidney donation that are often open to change and, accordingly, can be influenced. We show how ethical theories can account for this reality and can help us to discern between justified and unjustified interference. We refer to Stephen Toulmin's model of the structure of logical argument, the Rawlsian model of reflective equilibrium, and Thomas Nagel's representation of the particularistic position.

Coercion↗

Evolution of a community program for the dying and their families.

A direct outcome of the death and dying movement has been the establishment of community programs designed to provide intervention services, support and education for the dying and their families and for the community at large. This paper discusses the evolution of such a program. Included in the discussion is a brief history, the nature of the program that evolved, problems related to community acceptance, and the current status and future of the program. Although the experiences of this program are to a degree unique, issues are raised that are likely to be common to many such community programs.

Awareness↗

Risk factors for treatment delay in pulmonary tuberculosis in Recife, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis is still a great challenge to public health in Brazil and worldwide. Early detection followed by effective therapy is extremely important in controlling the disease. Recent studies have investigated reasons for delays in treatment, but there is no agreed definition of what constitutes an "acceptable" delay. This study investigates factors associated with total delay in treatment of tuberculosis. METHODS: A cohort of adult cases of pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosed over a two-year period was studied. Patients were interviewed on entry, reporting the duration of symptoms before the start of treatment, and sputum and blood samples were collected. It was decided that sixty days was an acceptable total delay. Associations were investigated using univariable and multivariable analysis and the population attributable fraction was estimated. RESULTS: Of 1105 patients, 62% had a delay of longer than 60 days. Age, sex, alcoholism and difficulty of access were not associated with delays, but associations were found in the case of unemployment, having given up smoking, having lost weight and being treated in two of the six health districts. The proportion attributable to: not being an ex-smoker was 31%; unemployment, 18%; weight loss, 12%, and going to the two worst health districts, 25%. CONCLUSION: In this urban area, delays seem to be related to unemployment and general attitudes towards health. Although they reflect the way health services are organized, delays are not associated with access to care.

Adult↗

California's experience implementing a pilot newborn supplemental screening program using tandem mass spectrometry.

OBJECTIVE: In response to a California legislative mandate, a pilot tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) screening program was undertaken by the Genetic Disease Branch of the California Department of Health Services between January 2002 and June 2003. This article outlines the Genetic Disease Branch approach to implementing the MS/MS pilot program and the program evaluation strategies used. METHODS: Through the use of multiple data collection methods, we were able to describe hospital participation patterns, screening test uptake, screening test performance, follow-up services utilization, and provider and family satisfaction with the educational materials and follow-up services provided. RESULTS: During the 18-month pilot program, just more than one half of California's 755,698 newborns were offered MS/MS screening; among this group, 90% of parents chose to have their newborns screened. Fifty-one newborns were identified with MS/MS-detectable disorders, among 461 patients referred for follow-up testing (0.13% of the screened population). One disorder was diagnosed successfully for every 6939 newborns screened and for every 9 infants referred (excluding phenylketonuria). The overall California population prevalence of MS/MS-detectable disorders was 1 case per 6500 infants (excluding phenylketonuria). The positive predictive value for medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency was 86.7%, whereas the positive predictive value for short-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency was 21.6%. For a sample from Hawaii, 1 isovaleric aciduria case was detected among 6132 newborns. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of the California MS/MS screening pilot program demonstrated that this technology was effective in identifying additional metabolic disorders. The positive predictive value of screening was particularly good for medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency. Overall, patient referral rates were very acceptable. The utility of the program was also demonstrated by positive reviews from patients and providers.

California↗

Feasibility and acceptability of skills training in affective recovery (STAR) video and TextSTAR text message program for recent sexual assault survivors.

Background: Sexual assault (SA) affects more than 50% of women in the United States and is associated with elevated risk for impairing posttraumatic stress symptoms and substance, particularly opioid, misuse. Intervening following SA exposure could attenuate these risks.Objective: This study examined the acceptability and feasibility of a 17-minute video, Skills Training in Affective Recovery (STAR) and a 21-day text message program (TextSTAR), that were delivered in the acute post-SA period to prevent the onset or escalation of posttraumatic stress symptoms and substance misuse. The interventions provide psychoeducation about trauma, strategies to reduce fear and avoidance, suggestions to increase social support, and coping strategies for substance use.Method: Participants were 50 women age 18 or older who presented for a Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Exam (SAMFE) within seven days of a SA. Using a Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Controlled Trial (SMART) design, participants were randomized to receive the STAR video (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;25) or no video (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;25) at the SAMFE. Those who received the video answered questions about video acceptability immediately after viewing the video. At 1-week post-SAMFE, participants completed online questionnaires about substance use and posttraumatic stress; those above threshold on acute stress or opioid use (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;36) were randomized to TextSTAR (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;18) or no-text program (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;18). Participants completed weekly online surveys 2-4 weeks post-SAMFE about symptoms and text program acceptability.Results: Participants found STAR and TextSTAR at least moderately acceptable; 80% who received STAR found it extremely acceptable while 60-90% (depending on timepoint) who received TextSTAR found it at least moderately acceptable. Our ability to enroll 50 participants and retain 94% at 1 week and 90% at 4 weeks suggests the intervention trial is feasible.Conclusions: STAR and TextSTAR are acceptable and feasible brief interventions for recent sexual assault survivors.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06456190.

Humans↗

Health Services Development Plan, 1983-1987.

The following are excerpts from this Plan [Health Services Development Plan] relating to family planning: "5. Family Life Development: Emphases must be given to Family Life Development in place of Family Planning. As a result the demographic characteristics of the population must be studied in relation to their impact on health and the quality of life, and programs developed in answer to these needs. This Government interprets Family Planning as much more than reduction of the birthrate. It accepts as its concept a program which includes Family and Family Life Development. The concept fundamentally includes programs for raising the quality of life and social well-being. The basic tenet to be stressed is the return to a greater sense of respect for womanhood and a greater responsibility for men and women in terms of their interpersonal relationships and ultimately the total development of the individual and family in society. The Government sees family life development as the main stay and principal fabric of the society and its heritage. However it accepts that in the short term both traditional and improved procedures of family planning will have to be followed until the message of family life development can bring about the desired results. Further, the Government now firmly intends to develop policies in population planning and to cause the Ministry of Health in conjunction with other Ministries and organizations to develop and introduce new policies in family planning and family life development which will be consonant with the high standard of life and lifestyle now being enjoyed by Barbadians."

Americas↗

Anticipated changes in the doctor-patient relationship in the managed care and managed competition of the Health Security Act of 1993.

The doctor-patient relationship is the cornerstone of medical ethics, yet the relationship will change significantly under the Health Security Act of 1993. In a way, managed care and managed competition are a return to the old medical ethics: doing everything reasonable and probably beneficial for all, instead of going all out for each. Five central questions may help physicians and policy makers anticipate a paradigm shift in ethics. An analysis of these questions suggests that managed care and managed competition challenge physicians' roles as trustworthy patient advocates. Fortifying doctor-patient relationships in managed care would be prudent and wise and would help to achieve the ethical allocation of limited resources. By protecting patients' personal medical interests and empowering patients to do the same, doctors can attempt to safeguard trust. Both doctors and patients want to have strong, personal, values-oriented relationships. Whether such relationships are possible under the Health Security Act remains to be seen.

Competitive Medical Plans↗

The de facto US mental and addictive disorders service system. Epidemiologic catchment area prospective 1-year prevalence rates of disorders and services.

After initial interviews with 20,291 adults in the National Institute of Mental Health Epidemiologic Catchment Area Program, we estimated prospective 1-year prevalence and service use rates of mental and addictive disorders in the US population. An annual prevalence rate of 28.1% was found for these disorders, composed of a 1-month point prevalence of 15.7% (at wave 1) and a 1-year incidence of new or recurrent disorders identified in 12.3% of the population at wave 2. During the 1-year follow-up period, 6.6% of the total sample developed one or more new disorders after being assessed as having no previous lifetime diagnosis at wave 1. An additional 5.7% of the population, with a history of some previous disorder at wave 1, had an acute relapse or suffered from a new disorder in 1 year. Irrespective of diagnosis, 14.7% of the US population in 1 year reported use of services in one or more component sectors of the de facto US mental and addictive service system. With some overlap between sectors, specialists in mental and addictive disorders provided treatment to 5.9% of the US population, 6.4% sought such services from general medical physicians, 3.0% sought these services from other human service professionals, and 4.1% turned to the voluntary support sector for such care. Of those persons with any disorder, only 28.5% (8.0 per 100 population) sought mental health/addictive services. Persons with specific disorders varied in the proportion who used services, from a high of more than 60% for somatization, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorders to a low of less than 25% for addictive disorders and severe cognitive impairment. Applications of these descriptive data to US health care system reform options are considered in the context of other variables that will determine national health policy.

Adolescent↗

Reinvention of health insurance in the consumer era.

The private health insurance industry in the United States has fundamentally changed its strategic focus, product design, and pricing policy as a result of the backlash against managed care. Rather than seek to influence the behavior of physicians through capitation and utilization review, the major health plans now seek to influence the behavior of patients through benefit designs that cover a broad range of services but with high co-payments, tiered network designs that cover a broad range of physicians but with variable coinsurance, and medical management programs that provide incentives for patients to better manage their own health care. Premium prices are carefully adjusted to cover the expected costs of care for each type of product and each class of patient, with a commensurate willingness to abandon enrollment where insurance premiums cannot outrun medical costs. The contemporary product and pricing policies reflect a retreat by the insurance industry from previous efforts to transform the health care system and embody a delegation to individual consumers of responsibility for setting priorities and making financial tradeoffs.

California↗