Showing papers on "Health management system published in 2008"

Association between nine quality components and superior worksite health management program results.

Abstract: Objective: To assess the prevalence of “best practice” program components across a select sample of organizations, and to explore differences in engagement rates and health risk reduction between organizations using “best-practice” and “common-practice” health management approaches. Methods: Using a retrospective approach, researchers assigned organizations to a “best practice” or “commonpractice” group based on well-defined criteria. The study examined group differences in employee health assessment participation rates, health coaching program participation and completion rates, and organizational-level health risk reduction. Results: Best-practice organizations achieved higher levels of engagement than common-practice organizations in both health assessment and health coaching programs. Population-level and intervention-level health risk reduction was 2.35 and 1.08 times higher, respectively, among best-practice organizations compared with common-practice organizations. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the contribution of quality program components to superior program engagement rates and health outcomes. (J Occup Environ Med. 2008;50:633–641)

Emerging trends in health and productivity management.

Abstract: Many large U.S. employers have generally embraced a Health and Productivity Management (HPM) perspective to guide their multiple employee health management efforts. In looking ahead there are a number of emerging trends that are helping to shape these efforts. As health promotion professionals assess the implications of these trends on their respective role and function within the worksite, it may provide a very useful process for refining strategies for programming and professional development. The identified trends also have a variety of implications for health promotion vendors and the growth of the health management marketplace.

Defining competencies for hospital management

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to address the problem of providing managers in both the public and private sectors with the requisite competencies to help address efficiency, effectiveness and responsiveness in the delivery of health services.Design/methodology/approach – A cross sectional survey using a self administered questionnaire was conducted among hospital managers in South Africa. Respondents were asked to rate the level of importance that each proposed competency had in their job and to indicate their perceptions about the adequacy of health management training programs in South Africa.Findings – Hospital managers in both sectors feel that people management and self management skills are the most valuable for the efficient and effective management of hospitals, followed by “hard management skills” and skills related to the ability to think strategically. Specific skills or knowledge related to health care delivery were perceived to be least important. Public sector managers were also mor...

System and method for population health management

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a system and method for population health management, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a system and method for population health management that analyzes and utilizes, in part, membership information from a healthcare insurer database to assess and address health management needs of its members.

Bridging the Divide - Commercial Procurement and Supply Chain Management: Are There Lessons for Health Care Commissioning in England?

Abstract: Current English health policy is focused on strengthening the ‘demand-side’ of the health care system Recent reforms are designed to significantly enhance the capability and status of the organisations responsible for commissioning health care services and, in so doing, to address some of the perceived problems of a historically provider/supplier led health system In this context, commissioning organisations are being encouraged to draw on concepts and processes derived from commercial procurement and supply chain management (SCM) as they develop their expertise While the application of such principles in the health sector is not new, existing work in the UK has not often considered the role of health care purchasers in the management of health service supply-chains This paper describes the status of commissioning in the NHS, briefly reviews the procurement and SCM literature and begins to explore the links between them It lays the foundations for further work which will test the extent to which lessons can be extracted in principle from the procurement literature and applied in practice by health care commissioners

보육시설 영유아 건강관리 현황

Abstract: Purpose: This study was conducted to identify the status of health management and to evaluate the need for health professionals in day care centers in the South Korea. Method: Data were obtained from 360 child care providers in 16 provinces from May to August, 2007. Data was analyzed using SPSS WIN 14.0. Results: Safety education (traffic. 83.8% general safety. 71.6%) was provided more often than the other topic of education. All health related education was provided by child care providers. When minor health problems occurred, the most common management strategy was to send the child home (36.1%). During emergency conditions, majority of child care providers preferred taking the children to medical centers without giving any emergency care and 19.4% reported sending the child home without any immediate care. Child care providers recognized the need for health care professionals. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest the need for services of health professionals in day care centers to satisfy the needs and expectations for health management in these centers. As health professionals, public health nurses or pediatric nurse practitioners may play an important role in health management of children in day care centers.

The skills gap in hospital management in the South African public health sector.

Abstract: A lack of management capacity has been identified as the key stumbling block to the transformation and reconceptualization of the public sector in South Africa into a more effective, efficient, and responsive system of health delivery. As part of the overall management development process, this research aimed to identify the skills important for public sector health management and to evaluate managers' self-assessed proficiency in each of these skills. A cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted among hospital managers in the South African public health sector. Respondents were asked to rate the level of importance that each proposed competency had in their job and to indicate their proficiency in each skill. Self-assessment of levels of competency showed that managers felt most competent in strategic planning, people management, and self-management, and relatively less competent in the task-related skills and their ability to deliver healthcare. People management, self-management, and task-related skills were rated as being most important, followed by strategic management and health delivery skills, respectively. The largest differences between mean importance rating and mean skill rating were for people management skills, task-related and self-management skills. These findings reflect the reality of the local health service environment and the needs of health managers and will be useful in the conceptualization, design, and delivery of health management programs aimed at enhancing current and future management and leadership capacity in the public health sector in South Africa.

Mobile phones : changing health care one SMS at a time : opinion

Abstract: The use of mobile phones in South Africa has increased rapidly and they have become more affordable and available to an increasingly wider population. Their widespread availability has given them the potential to revolutionise health care communication and improve health services. Even before the phone became truly mobile, Haynes et al. found that communication efforts (e.g. telephone contacts) that kept the patient engaged in health care may be the simplest and most cost-effective strategy for improving adherence to chronic medication. Mobile phones can now be used to provide appointment reminders, create treatment adherence systems, record patient diaries, conduct risk assessments, provide information and even conduct research. This article reviews some of the many benefits and functions associated with mobile phone use and health management.

Electronic health management system

Abstract: A method and system of aggregating, integrating and reporting medical data for the purpose of encouraging the use of a health care program recommended to a patient by a health care provider, comprises maintaining a database of recommended health care actions by patient and health care provider; maintaining a database of recommended changes in recommended health care actions by patient and health care provider; requesting agreement by a health care provider to the recommended changes for at least one patient of that provider; communicating to that patient (1) the recommended changes and (2) the agreement by the health care provider to such recommended changes; maintaining a database of actual changes in recommended health care actions by health care provider; and delivering to at least certain of the health care providers an incentive to recommend health care actions that include the recommended changes.

Rural and remote health management: 'the next generation is not going to put up with this...'

Abstract: Aim: To identify, describe and comment on critical health service management issues, particularly relating to human resource management, in the rural and remote context of Australia. Approach: A case study of a Remote Area Nurse manager. Context: Very remote Australia is characterised by ongoing workforce supply problems, professional, social and geographical isolation of practitioners, relatively scarce health resources, a dispersed and highly mobile population and high morbidity and mortality rates. Many practitioners work in a cross-cultural environment. Main findings: This case was characterised by generally poor Human Resources (HR) practice. We assert that this resulted from a (1) relatively under-funded environment; (2) resultant poor systems relating to orientation and induction of new staff, communication with remote clinics, quality improvement and pastoral care; (3) a centralised health system structure not well suited to a primary health care approach to a dispersed population; and (4) inadequate preparation of operational managers, associated with inadequate recognition of health services management as a health discipline and related continuing professional development and accreditation requirements. Conclusion: Given continuing national and international health workforce pressures, the generalisability of these issues needs to be better determined and appropriate policy changes urgently implemented.

Health management feedback method using fitness equipments

Abstract: A health management feedback method by using fitness equipments comprises that a feedback unit 2 proposes at least one seductive health management feedback plan for feedback to user 1 and the health management feedback plan including the matching fitness equipment 3 and a feedback plan for setting the execution result 6 to realize seductive factors, wherein once user 1 using fitness equipment 3 being confirmed for self-use achieves the execution result 6 predefined by health management feedback system 5, feedback unit 2 is through feedback of the resource obtained by user 1 to realize seductive factors, and the predefined objective of the feedback plan proposed by feedback unit 2 is achieved through the execution result 6 done by user 1.

Occupational Health and Safety Management: A Practical Approach, Second Edition

Abstract: Reflecting changes in the current health and safety landscape, Occupational Health and Safety Management: A Practical Approach, Third Edition includes examples and tools to facilitate development and implementation of a safety and health management approach This how-to book is not just an information providing text It shows you how to write a program and identify hazards as well as involve workers and attain their cooperation It emphasizes the need for better and more effective communication regarding safety and health See What’s New in the Third Edition: Chapters on workers’ compensation, terrorism, and Lean safety/sustainability Additional coverage of flammable liquids and ventilation, accident reporting, and accident investigation New compliance requirements as well as expanded accident investigation, environmental, and risk analysis guidelines PowerPoint presentation slides for each chapter A complete and practical guide for the development and management of occupational safety and health programs in any industry setting, the book supplies a management blueprint that can be used for occupational safety and health in any organization, from the smallest to the largest, beginning to develop or wanting to improve its safety and health approach It includes comprehensive guidelines for development of occupational health and safety programs to a variety of industries and is especially useful for start-up companies The author takes a total management approach to the development of written programs, the identification of hazards, the mitigation of hazards by the use of common safety and health tools, the development of a safe workforce through communications, motivational techniques, involvement, and training He addresses the tracking and acceptable risk from both safety and health hazards He also discusses how to work with and within the OSHA compliance approach as well as how to deal with the OSHA regulations, workers’ compensation, terrorism, and Lean safety As you understand and apply the guidelines in each chapter, you can put your company on the way toward building a successful and effective safety and health effort for its employers and employees

Integration of Health Information Systems

Abstract: Health information system is generally recognized as a tool to significantly address health service delivery problems. This fact is evident from ongoing reform efforts in most developing countries which among many other things, seek to revamp health information systems by ensuring availability of key information to support decision making processes. However, ensuring a working health information system is quite a challenge due to proliferation of of donor funded fragmented disease and service focused vertical systems. This book presents an in-depth theoretically underpinned empirical analysis of the challenges to integrate fragmented health information systems within a health care system of a low income country. Specifically, the book explores the challenges in the processes of achieving integration; and challenges and opportunities emanating from the way users received and related to the newly integrated health information system. Strategies used to curb the challenges are also explored. The study showed that user participation does not always lead to compliance due to the power that users have to apply agency and enact different ways to respond to the new technology.

Strategic Issues and Challenges in Health Management

Abstract: Strategic issues and challenges in health management , Strategic issues and challenges in health management , کتابخانه دیجیتال جندی شاپور اهواز

A study for safety and health management problem of semiconductor industry in Taiwan.

Abstract: The main purpose of this study is to discuss and explore the safety and health man- agement in semiconductor industry. The researcher practically investigates and interviews the input, process and output of the safety and health management of semiconductor industry by using the questionnaires and the interview method which is developed according to the frame- work of the OHSAS 18001. The result shows that there are six important factors for the safe- ty and health management in Taiwan semiconductor industry. 1. The company should make employee clearly understand the safety and health laws and standards. 2. The company should make the safety and health management policy known to the public. 3. The company should put emphasis on the pursuance of the safety and health management laws. 4. The company should prevent the accidents. 5. The safety and health message should be communicated sufficiently. 6. The company should consider safety and health norm completely.

A heterogeneous network management approach to wireless sensor networks in personal healthcare environments

Abstract: Many countries are facing problems caused by a rapid surge in numbers of people over sixty-five. This aging population cohort will place a strain on the existing health systems because the elderly are prone to falls, chronic illnesses, dementia and general frailty. At the same time governments are struggling to attract more people into the health systems and there are already shortages of qualified nurses and care givers. This thesis represents a multi disciplinary approach to trying to solve some of the above issues. In the first instance the researcher has established the validity of the health crisis and then examined ways in which Information Technology could help to alleviate some of the issues. The nascent technology called Wireless Sensor Networks was examined as a way of providing remote health monitoring for the elderly, the infirm and the ill. The researcher postulated that Network Management models and tools that are used to monitor huge networks of computers could be adapted to monitor the health of persons in their own homes, in aged care facilities and hospitals. Wireless Sensor Network (WNS) Personal Healthcare can monitor such vital signs as a patient’s temperature, heart rate and blood oxygen level. WSNs (often referred to as Motes) use wireless transceivers that can do remote sensing. The researcher aimed to assist all stakeholders in the personal healthcare arena to use WSNs to improve monitoring. The researcher provided a solution architecture and framework for healthcare sensor monitoring systems, based on network management techniques. This architecture generalises to heterogeneous and autonomous data acquisition systems. Future directions from this research point towards new areas of knowledge from the development or creation of new technologies to support the exponential growth of ubiquitous, just-in-time WSN health informational services and applications such as the preventive and proactive personal care health management and services around it. The affordable and ubiquitous distributed access to remote personal health care technologies in the future could have an important impact in the society, by allowing the individuals to take immediate preventive actions over their overall health condition. These systems could potentially prevent death as well as improve national health budgets by limiting costly medical interventions that could have been avoided by individual, easy-action early prevention.

Long term care: an essential element of health administration education.

Abstract: Long-term care represents a career opportunity of choice for many healthcare executives and an education essential for the comprehensive management responsibilities of many others. Yet formal educational programs for health administrators include little academic attention to long-term care. This paper reports on an examination of the curricula and courses of undergraduate health administration educational programs certified or recognized by the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA) and graduate programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Management Education (CAHME). The results show that long-term care plays a minor role in the curriculum for most university programs in health administration, that there are few students enrolled in long-term care concentration or certificate offerings, and that courses in long-term care vary widely in their content and focus. We suggest that university health administration programs include specific training about long-term care services in their established core health management educational requirements so that all students in health management programs receive at least a basic education about long-term care.

Bridging Care Communication and Health Management within Diverse and Underserved Populations

Abstract: As the US healthcare system becomes further impacted by factors such as the oncoming flood of aging baby boomers, increases in the amount of people uninsured or underinsured, higher occurrences of chronic illnesses (diabetes, hypertension, etc.), and a potentially insufficient pool of incoming healthcare workers, the burden of managing one's own health, therapy, and medical transactions will increasingly fall on the patient, their family and care managers. A multitude of new systems for personal health management are being developed and it will be critical that these systems are responsive to the unique and specific needs of all people and perhaps more importantly those who are the most at-risk. As an initial step toward identifying core system requirements, interviews with care managers and administrators of a personal health information system (PHIS) for use with migrant farm workers was conducted providing preliminary recommendations toward the development of a framework for effective use of PHIS within diverse and underserved populations. Initial findings indicate that PHIS within these types of communities will exist not so much as an isolated tool for health management, but moreover an artifact for bridging health information communication between patients and their healthcare providers.

A Survey of Health Consumers' Attitude of Personnel Health Management Service Using PHR

Abstract: Objective: This study was conducted to investigate public opinion regarding personal health management service using Personal Health Record (PHR) in Korea. Specifically, the relationships between consumer's demographic characteristics, need for health information, consumer's benefit and concern, type of health information, type of management and security of patient information using PHR and attitude to PHR were explored. Methods: A survey was conducted, using questionnaire developed by the study team based on literature review. Structured questionnaires were completed through a telephone survey for 715 consumers. Results: A key finding was the significant difference for customer's attitude towards using PHR by customer's characteristics. Regarding factors affecting attitudes of customers with higher concern about their health, considering authorization level to access their private information and using reliable method to certificate were more likely to prefer PHR system positively. Conclusion: Public opinion is reflected in policy of health information. Meeting consumers' needs sufficiently, the goal of health information service to improve consumers' accessibility to and satisfaction will archive successfully

Homeless HealthShare: connecting health professionals and the homeless

Abstract: We are developing a web-based system that helps improve the health of homeless individuals by aiding healthcare professionals in identifying, locating, and contacting homeless patients in order to initiate and continue effective healthcare. Poor health is both a significant cause and a symptom of homelessness, carrying high costs for the general public as well. Our system addresses health problems amongst the homeless by allowing healthcare professionals and other homeless service professionals from multiple organizations to better share, manage, and communicate information vital to effective healthcare.

The PRIME model : a management solution in academic medicine : original research

Abstract: Background: The Health Sector and the rendering of health services in South Africa have undergone substantial adjustment since the political change in 1994, filtering through to academic medicine. The managerial responsibilities of the Heads of Department at Medical Schools multiplied. In order to improve their management skills; decrease their frustration; and optimally utilize the highly skilled person-power available, this study endeavoured to establish a management model for use by experienced as well as new Heads of Department in a School of Medicine, measured against the background of good management practices. Methods: A descriptive, explanatory survey comprising a literature review, a questionnaire survey and a Delphi process was performed. The literature study covered a few aspects, including assessing the possible needs of Heads of Department, exploring factors impacting on their environment, as well as the difference between management and leadership, and the difference between various management models that may be applicable to management in an academic setting such as a Medical School. The second part of the empirical study was the Delphi process, which involved six experts from the areas of management, health management, and education. A quantitative approach with open-ended questions was followed, focusing on measurement of experts feelings about these areas. Results: Heads of Department are appointed in the academic environment with the primary focus on their educational achievements. Throughout the process, it was demonstrated that this is still relevant and needs to be part of the appointment process of Heads of Department in a School of Medicine. It was also indicated throughout this study that there is an increasing expectation from Heads of Department to take on sole responsibility for the management of their departments. In view of these developments, it was important to consider assisting them through establishing a management model, thus empowering them to manage their departments in the future. The main findings from the questionnaire to Heads of Department, the Delphi technique, and information obtained via the literature study enabled the researcher to make a recommendation on a management model that is flexible, individualized, relevant, and adaptable for Heads of Department at the School of Medicine at the UFS. Conclusion: Resources and services are spread thin by challenges from political changes and other challenges such as the AIDS pandemic and tuberculosis. Emphasis has shifted from hospital-based care to primary health care adding another dimension to the management strategy of academic institutions. A management model, the PRIME model, was developed that is simple, flexible, allows for individuality, integration and efficiency and should be easy to implement. It adds quality to management tasks but also to lives. It embraces multi-tasking and still focuses on the key position of the leader, while allowing growth and development of new talent. It is adjustable and should be the model of choice to address the ever changing environment of health management. It is recommended that a future study be conducted evaluating the possibility of utilising the principles of the PRIME model in other Medical Schools in South Africa in order to assist them with the managerial problems they might be experiencing.

System and method for generating patient health management information

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method utilizes patient claim data, including medical, pharmaceutical, laboratory claims, and self-report survey data to classify patients into one or more health management groups (HMGs) relating to one or more particular diseases, health conditions or health pre-conditions, each having an associated severity level that indicates the severity of the patient's condition. The HMGs assigned to each patient (e.g., health plan member) enable users of the system and method to identify patients having particular diseases, health conditions and pre-conditions based not only upon the patients' claim data but also based upon the patients' self-report survey data obtained from various sources. The HMGs assigned for each patient also enable the user to identify the severity of the patient's disease, condition or pre-condition to facilitate intervention and/or preventative care of the patient.

An Empirical Study on the Impact of the Activities in Industrial Safety & Health Management on Business Management

Abstract: In today's industrial society, one observes fierce competition aiming at profit generation among companies, and the utilization of complex machineries and cutting edge science and technology constitutes a constant threat to the life, body, and health of employees. In such a context, it is precisely the purpose of the Industrial Safety and Health Act that is in force to provide protection to the life and health of employees against hazardous and harmful environment and the role of enterprises becomes more and more important in the law. The Industrial Safety and Health Act places the responsibility for preventing industrial accidents on the shoulders of the business employer by providing safety and health information relating to current employees and creating an appropriate work environment. The employer must recognize the importance of prevention of industrial accident and must possess a business philosophy that places top priority on safety when it comes to company management. In light of such practical considerations, the present study approaches to find out the influence of safety and health management on business management from a statistical sample survey point of view. By doing this, the study hopes to show that a through safety management serves to protect the life and health of employees and raise profit for businesses. What is more, the study hopes to demonstrate that promoting a sound business culture can act as fertilizer that promotes the ushering in of a bright society.

Development and evaluation of a women's health support system at a Japanese company.

Abstract: This research was designed to evaluate a work environment in which all female employees can work safely and comfortably by developing a health support system for women in the workplace. With consent from management, the occupational health nurse invited an OB/GYN physician, contracted from outside the company, to act as a specialist adviser. Because health-related concerns unique to women are sometimes difficult to differentiate from mental health issues, a health management system was developed to ensure that the psychological health of workers is promoted and maintained. After development of this system, case studies were reviewed and evaluated for menstrual disorders, perinatal health management, and menopausal disorders. Intraoffice cooperation and support were garnered from the Personnel Department, the Sexual Harassment Measures Committee, the industrial physician, and the Health and Safety Committee. In addition, through the review of the case studies, the roles for care on every level were clarifi...