White paper

About: White paper is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 3852 publications have been published within this topic receiving 51169 citations. The topic is also known as: White paper & White papers.

Environmental Security in Harbors and Coastal Areas

Abstract: Practitioners of risk assessment (RA) and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) typically apply their craft in contested settings. This requires a blend of high-level technical skills, combined with a clear understanding of the larger context of social, economic, and political concerns that influence problem situations. In this White Paper, we provide a review of the challenges faced by RA and MCDA practitioners involved in the management of complex environmental problems, specifically in relation to stakeholder engagement. Based on this review, six possible elements of best practice for stakeholder involvement are presented. We also provide a Directory of Tools and Methodologies which can be used by facilitators, with an indication of how each tool or methodology would be utilized to support stakeholder involvement within the context of RA and MCDA. A brief description of selected tools and methodologies that assist with the successful engagement of stakeholders in decision- making processes is detailed. The paper concludes with a discussion of key issues and future challenges.

Adapting Standards of Care Under Extreme Conditions

Abstract: The filing of criminal charges against a group of clinicians in New Orleans for failure to meet expected standards of care following the hurricanes of 2005 made the growing concern among health professionals about care provided during extreme emergencies or disasters all too real. Questions about what may lead to censure, penalties from licensing boards, or lawsuits have come from nurses, physicians, and many other licensed health professionals. A panel convened by the American Nurses Association that included representatives of medical, public health, hospital, and government agencies considered the ethical, professional, and practical aspects of meeting standards of care in such circumstances. Clinicians are reminded that in emergencies, it is only the circumstances that change (perhaps radically); neither the individual's professional competency nor the basic professional standard of care is different. In making prioritized decisions under such circumstances, the individual's ethical framework is utilitarian, and there are 3 areas for action, even when some routine tasks are set aside: maintain worker and patient safety; maintain airway, breathing, and circulation; and establish or maintain infection control. Policy recommendations such as state legislation for the adoption of comprehensive immunity for volunteer health care workers, and the establishment of a medical review panel as arbitration board are also suggested. The resulting white paper summarizes the issues and provides guidance to individual professionals, institutions in which they work, and emergency planners.

Healthcare engineering defined : a white paper

Abstract: Engineering has been playing an important role in serving and advancing healthcare. The term "Healthcare Engineering" has been used by professional societies, universities, scientific authors, and the healthcare industry for decades. However, the definition of "Healthcare Engineering" remains ambiguous. The purpose of this position paper is to present a definition of Healthcare Engineering as an academic discipline, an area of research, a field of specialty, and a profession. Healthcare Engineering is defined in terms of what it is, who performs it, where it is performed, and how it is performed, including its purpose, scope, topics, synergy, education/training, contributions, and prospects.

Heritage protection for the 21st century

Abstract: This paper assesses the recent Heritage Protection Review (HPR) process, which culminated in the publication of the Heritage White Paper “Heritage protection for the 21st century” (DCMS, 2007) It argues that although the White Paper makes laudable and useful attempts at streamlining and clarifying the management and protection process, many of its proposed changes operate at the rhetorical level only Indeed, it does little to challenge the dominant and elitist understandings of “heritage” and attendant cultural values and meanings, and thus fails to adequately address social inclusion/exclusion issues in the cultural sector

The practice of physical and rehabilitation medicine in sub-Saharan Africa and Antarctica: a white paper or a black mark?

Abstract: Introduction: the medical specialty of physical and rehabilitation medicine has had a proven impact on people with disabilities and on healthcare systems. Documents such as the White Book on Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine in Europe have been important in defining the scope of practice within various regions. However, in some regions the practice has not been well defined. Objective: t o explore the practice of physical and rehabilitation medicine in Sub-Saharan africa and antarctica. Methods: Medline searches, membership data searches, fax survey of medical schools, internet searches, and interviews with experts. Results: the continents are dissimilar in terms of climate and government. However, both Antarctica and Sub- Saharan africa have no physical and rehabilitation medicine training programs, no professional organizations, no specialty board requirements, and no practising physicians in the field. Since there are no known disabled children on Antarctica and adults are air-lifted to world-class healthcare, the consequences of this deficit are minimal there. However, the 788,000,000 permanent residents of Sub-Saharan Africa, including approximately 78 million people with disabilities, are left unserved. Conclusion: Antarctica is doing fine, but Africa is in a cri sis. Local medical schools, hospitals doctors, and people with disabilities, along with foreign volunteers, aid groups, and policy makers can have an impact on the crisis. However, governments, specifically national ministries of health, are ultimately responsible for the health and well-being of their citizens.