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Abstract
: media-1vid110.1542/5972298231001PEDS-VA_2018-1171Video Abstract BACKGROUND: Firearm-related fatalities are a top 3 cause of death among children in the United States. Despite historical declines in firearm ownership, the firearm-related mortality rate among young children has risen over the past decade. In this study, we examined changes in firearm ownership among families with young children from 1976 to 2016, exploring how such changes relate to recent increases in firearm-related mortality among 1- to 5-year-olds. METHODS Individual-level data from the National Vital Statistics System were merged with household-level data from the General Social Survey to create national-level estimates of firearm-related child mortality and family firearm ownership from 1976 to 2016 (n = 41 years). Vector autoregression models were used to examine the association between firearm ownership and child mortality. RESULTS The proportion of non-Hispanic white families with young children who owned firearms declined from 50% in 1976 to 45% in 2016 and from 38% to 6% among non-Hispanic African American families. The proportion of white families with young children who owned handguns, however, increased from 25% to 32%; 72% of firearm-owning families with young children now own a handgun. Increases in handgun ownership partially explained the recent rise in firearm-related white child mortality (B = 0.426), net of economic conditions, and sociodemographic characteristics of firearm-owning families. CONCLUSIONS Changes in the types of firearms in the homes of US families may partially explain recently rising firearm-related mortality among young white children. These findings hold relevance for pediatricians and policy makers aiming to reduce firearm-related mortality and promote firearm safety in children's homes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate C Prickett
- Department of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand;
| | - Carmen Gutierrez
- Department of Public Policy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and
| | - Soudeep Deb
- Department of Statistics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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Ge J, Polhill JG, Matthews KB, Miller DG, Spencer M. Not one Brexit: How local context and social processes influence policy analysis. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0208451. [PMID: 30557363 PMCID: PMC6296738 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper develops an empirical agent-based model to assess the impacts of Brexit on Scottish cattle farms. We first identify several trends and processes among Scottish cattle farms that were ongoing before Brexit: the lack of succession, the rise of leisure farming, the trend to diversify and industrialise, and, finally, the phenomenon of the "disappearing middle", characterised by the decline of medium-sized farms and the polarization of farm sizes. We then study the potential impact of Brexit amid the local context and those ongoing social processes. We find that the impact of Brexit is indeed subject to pre-Brexit conditions. For example, whether industrialization is present locally can significantly alter the impact of Brexit. The impact of Brexit also varies by location: we find a clear divide between constituencies in the north (highland and islands), the middle (the central belt) and the south. Finally, we argue that policy analysis of Brexit should consider the heterogeneous social context and the complex social processes under which Brexit occurs. Rather than fitting the world into simple system models and ignoring the evidence when it does not fit, we need to develop policy analysis frameworks that can incorporate real world complexities, so that we can assess the impacts of major events and policy changes in a more meaningful way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Ge
- The James Hutton Institute, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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3
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite ample research examining how alcohol use relates to gun involvement, little is known about the relationship between opioids and gun involvement. In the current study, we examined correlates of gun possession, accessibility, and related behaviors in an opioid dependent sample. METHODS Between October 2016 and April 2017, we surveyed persons entering a brief, inpatient opioid detoxification (n = 386) and 51 contemporaneous persons seeking alcohol detoxification at the same facility in Massachusetts and recorded their lifetime experiences with gun involvement. RESULTS Participants averaged 33 years of age, 74% were male, 83% were White, and 64% had a history of incarceration. Opioid users had significantly higher rates of gun involvement than persons in alcohol detoxification; for example, 31.3% (vs. 3.9%) had carried a gun for protection, 45.1% (vs. 25.5%) had been threatened with a gun, and 13.8% (vs. 2.0%) had shot at another person. Among persons misusing opioids, male and non-White respondents, and those with a history of incarceration or poorer self-control reported greater gun involvement. CONCLUSIONS Opioid users, both men and women, lead gun-involved lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Stein
- Behavioral Medicine and Addictions Research, Butler Hospital, 345 Blackstone Blvd., Providence, RI 02906, USA; Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany St., Boston, MA 02118, USA.
| | - Shannon R Kenney
- Behavioral Medicine and Addictions Research, Butler Hospital, 345 Blackstone Blvd., Providence, RI 02906, USA; Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany St., Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Bradley J Anderson
- Behavioral Medicine and Addictions Research, Butler Hospital, 345 Blackstone Blvd., Providence, RI 02906, USA
| | - Genie L Bailey
- Stanley Street Treatment and Resources, Inc., Fall River, MA 02720, USA; Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 222 Richmond St., Providence, RI 02912, USA
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4
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Most physicians have given up on owning a practice for joining larger networks. Mod Healthc 2017; 47:13. [PMID: 30481413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
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Ronald LA, McGregor MJ, Harrington C, Pollock A, Lexchin J. Observational Evidence of For-Profit Delivery and Inferior Nursing Home Care: When Is There Enough Evidence for Policy Change? PLoS Med 2016; 13:e1001995. [PMID: 27093442 PMCID: PMC4836753 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1001995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Margaret McGregor and colleagues consider Bradford Hill's framework for examining causation in observational research for the association between nursing home care quality and for-profit ownership.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A. Ronald
- Department of Family Practice, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Margaret J. McGregor
- Department of Family Practice, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Charlene Harrington
- School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Allyson Pollock
- Queen Mary, University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joel Lexchin
- School of Health Policy and Management at York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Bishop TF, Shortell SM, Ramsay PP, Copeland KR, Casalino LP. Trends in hospital ownership of physician practices and the effect on processes to improve quality. Am J Manag Care 2016; 22:172-176. [PMID: 27023022 PMCID: PMC4831046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Reports suggest a trend for physician practices to change ownership from physicians to hospitals. It remains unclear how this change affects quality of patient care. We report the effect of a change to hospital ownership on the use of care management processes (CMPs) and health information technology (IT) among practices in the United States. STUDY DESIGN Trend analyses of 3 large national surveys of physician practices. METHODS We included 2 cohorts of practices: large practices with 20 or more physicians and small/medium practices with fewer than 20 physicians. The main outcomes were the changes in CMP and health IT indices among practices that were acquired by hospitals. We used multivariate logistic regression to assess these changes. RESULTS Large practices acquired by hospitals had larger increases in their CMP index than those that remained physician-owned (11.0-point increase vs 7.0-point decrease; adjusted P = .03). Small/medium practices acquired by hospitals had smaller but significantly higher increases in their CMP score (3.8 points vs 2.6 points; adjusted P = .04). Among all practices, there were no significant differences in the change of the health IT index. CONCLUSIONS We found a significant increase in the use of CMPs among practices that were acquired by hospitals and no difference in health IT use. These findings suggest that a trend for hospitals to own physician practices may have a positive effect on chronic disease management and quality of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara F Bishop
- Department of Public Health, Weill Cornell Medical College, 402 E. 67th St, Rm LA-218, New York, NY 10065. E-mail:
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Kutscher B. REITs on hospital hunt. Capital-hungry operators given enviable choice with real estate prices rising. Mod Healthc 2015; 45:18-20. [PMID: 26638410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
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8
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Singleton T, Miller P. The Physician Employment Trend: What You Need to Know. Fam Pract Manag 2015; 22:11-15. [PMID: 26176503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
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9
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Study: Young horse owners dwindling in number. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2014; 244:886. [PMID: 24818305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
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10
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Frey T. Moving from just-in-case to just-in-time living. J Environ Health 2013; 75:54-55. [PMID: 23858667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Frey
- DaVinci Institute, Louisville, CA 80027, USA.
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Becerra JM, Reis RS, Frank LD, Ramirez-Marrero FA, Welle B, Arriaga Cordero E, Mendez Paz F, Crespo C, Dujon V, Jacoby E, Dill J, Weigand L, Padin CM. Transport and health: a look at three Latin American cities. CAD SAUDE PUBLICA 2013; 29:654-666. [PMID: 23568296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2012] [Accepted: 12/03/2012] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Transport is associated with environmental problems, economic losses, health and social inequalities. A number of European and US cities have implemented initiatives to promote multimodal modes of transport. In Latin America changes are occurring in public transport systems and a number of projects aimed at stimulating non-motorized modes of transport (walking and cycling) have already been implemented. Based on articles from peer-reviewed academic journals, this paper examines experiences in Bogotá (Colombia), Curitiba (Brazil), and Santiago (Chile), and identifies how changes to the transport system contribute to encourage active transportation. Bus rapid transit, ciclovias, bike paths/lanes, and car use restriction are initiatives that contribute to promoting active transportation in these cities. Few studies have been carried out on the relationship between transport and physical activity. Car ownership continues to increase. The public health sector needs to be a stronger activist in the transport policy decision-making process to incorporate health issues into the transport agenda in Latin America.
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Kaissi A, Charland TA. How satisfied are hospital systems with their ownership of retail clinics? J Healthc Manag 2013; 58:143-155. [PMID: 23650698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Retail clinics--while innovative--can no longer be considered a new model of healthcare delivery, as an increasing number of hospitals and health systems now own them. The purpose of this article is to explore the extent to which hospital systems are satisfied with their ownership of retail clinics. In terms of operational challenges, respondents to our survey, administered to representatives from 19 health systems, were relatively satisfied with clinic staffing and their relationship with the retailers regarding lease terms, store locations, and shopper demographics. They expressed mostly neutral levels of satisfaction with regulations and laws related to retail clinics and low satisfaction with insurance reimbursement and clinics' seasonal patterns. The two areas that received the lowest respondent satisfaction ratings were patient volume and response to marketing initiatives. When asked to share their perceptions of their organization's satisfaction with various strategic aspects of retail clinic ownership, respondents revealed that the clinics were achieving several important strategic goals, such as improved access, increased referrals, defense against competitors, and increased brand exposure. They indicated overall dissatisfaction with profitability and cost-reduction outcomes. We conclude that serious operational challenges and strategic threats must be overcome if retail clinics are to be a successful service line for hospitals and health systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amer Kaissi
- Department of Healthcare Administration, Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas, USA.
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Wytzka MA. Will the trend toward increasing hospital ownership of medical practices continue? MGMA Connex 2012; 12:36-37. [PMID: 22550801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
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Abstract
Ownership conversions and closures in the nursing home literature have largely been treated as separate issues. This paper studies the predictors of nursing home ownership conversions and closure in a common framework after the implementation of the Prospective Payment System in Medicare skilled nursing facilities. The switch in reimbursement regimes impacted facilities with greater exposure to Medicare and lower efficiency. Facilities that faced greater financial difficulty were more likely to be involved in an ownership conversion or closure, but after controlling for other factors the effect of exposure to Medicare is small. Further, factors that predict conversion were found to vary between not-for-profit and for-profit facilities, while factors that predict closure were the same for each ownership type.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Bowblis
- Department of Economics and Scripps Gerontology Center, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA.
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Buch HK, Gustafsson AC, Drvota V, Sundberg CJ. Divining the path to a successful European exit. Nat Biotechnol 2011; 29:205-207. [PMID: 21510008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
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Barton CM, Ullah II, Bergin S. Land use, water and Mediterranean landscapes: modelling long-term dynamics of complex socio-ecological systems. Philos Trans A Math Phys Eng Sci 2010; 368:5275-5297. [PMID: 20956371 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2010.0193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The evolution of Mediterranean landscapes during the Holocene has been increasingly governed by the complex interactions of water and human land use. Different land-use practices change the amount of water flowing across the surface and infiltrating the soil, and change water's ability to move surface sediments. Conversely, water amplifies the impacts of human land use and extends the ecological footprint of human activities far beyond the borders of towns and fields. Advances in computational modelling offer new tools to study the complex feedbacks between land use, land cover, topography and surface water. The Mediterranean Landscape Dynamics project (MedLand) is building a modelling laboratory where experiments can be carried out on the long-term impacts of agropastoral land use, and whose results can be tested against the archaeological record. These computational experiments are providing new insights into the socio-ecological consequences of human decisions at varying temporal and spatial scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Michael Barton
- Center for Social Dynamics and Complexity, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-2402, USA.
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Gidman W. Exploring the impact of evolving health policy on independent pharmacy ownership in England. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 32:488-95. [PMID: 20454857 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-010-9395-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2009] [Accepted: 04/22/2010] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the impact of policy and contractual changes on community pharmacy ownership in England. SETTING North West of England. METHOD Twenty nine male pharmacists were interviewed between September 2007 and February. 2008. The study involved semi-structured face to face interviews with theoretically sampled respondents. Data were analysed using the constant comparative method. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE English community pharmacists' opinions and experiences. RESULTS Practice ownership attracted some respondents to pharmacy as a career. Respondents considered that a combination of legislative and policy changes in combination with contractual alterations had decreased the profitability of independent pharmacy businesses. Additionally, it seemed that community pharmacy corporate groups were able to out bid individual pharmacists for community pharmacy businesses. A proportion of respondents had sold community pharmacy businesses recently, in some cases in response to contractual and policy changes. Some considered that the declining proportion of independent pharmacies was likely to limit patient choice as well as affecting the profession. Some felt this made pharmacy a less attractive career choice. CONCLUSION It seems that recent policy and contractual changes have favoured the multiple community pharmacy sector in England, resulting in a declining proportion of independent community pharmacies. Policy makers must consider the far reaching consequences of this for pharmacists, the profession and patient choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Gidman
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, John Arbuthnott Building, University of Strathclyde, Taylor Street, Glasgow G4 0NR, Scotland, UK.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND China has made tremendous progress in its economic development in the past two decades. Accompanying this economic development has been an evident shift in the modes of transport, from walking and cycling to the use of motorcycles and, increasingly, four-wheel vehicles. Such changes are likely to have also produced changes in the patterns and numbers of road traffic injuries, including increases in motorcycle injuries. However, such changes have not been well documented. The work described in this paper sought, therefore, to document the changes in motorcycle ownership, motorcyclist mortality and injury rates in China since 1987. METHODS National traffic ownership and injury data from 1987 to 2001 were obtained from the National Bureau for Traffic Administration. Additionally, traffic ownership and injury records from 1997 to 2001 were collected from local police offices from 20 counties in Guangxi Region. Population data were obtained from the national and county statistics bureaus. Motorcycle ownership, fatality and injury trends over time were calculated. RESULTS Nationally, motorcycles accounted for 23.4% of all registered motor vehicles in 1987, increasing to 63.2% in 2001. Motorcyclist fatalities and injuries increased 5.5-fold and 9.3-fold, respectively, between 1987 and 2001. In 1987, 7.5% of all traffic fatalities and 8.8% of all traffic injuries were sustained by motorcyclists, with the corresponding proportions increasing to 18.9% and 22.8%, respectively, in 2001. The changing proportions of both traffic fatalities and injuries sustained by motorcyclists were positively correlated with the change in the proportion of motorcycles among all motor vehicles. In the 20 counties in Guangxi, motorcyclist fatality and injury rates also increased between 1997 and 2001. Moreover, these rates were considerably higher than the national rates. CONCLUSIONS Motorcyclist injury in China is a serious public health problem. Motorcyclist fatalities and injuries are likely to continue to increase unless appropriate intervention programmes are implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhua Zhang
- The George Institute for International Health, University of Sydney, Sydney NSW, Australia.
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Integrated delivery systems. MGMA Connex 2010; 10:29. [PMID: 20104815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
It's been assumed, and now MGMA member stats bear it out--more and more practices are hospital-owned.
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Seleski D. Hospitals face a difficult future. J Med Pract Manage 2009; 24:261-262. [PMID: 19288655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy Seleski
- L.A. Care Health Plan, 555 W. Fifth Street, Los Angeles, CA 91344, USA.
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Perez-Verdin G, Kim YS, Hospodarsky D, Tecle A. Factors driving deforestation in common-pool resources in northern Mexico. J Environ Manage 2009; 90:331-340. [PMID: 18083291 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2007.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2006] [Revised: 08/02/2007] [Accepted: 10/12/2007] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The theory of collective action has been extensively used to explain the relationship between common-based property regimes and the conservation of natural resources. However, there are two key components of the theory that literature reports as puzzles in which no consensus exists about their effect on the performance of common-pool resources. These are group size and heterogeneity. This study analyzes the effects of these two key components on the effectiveness of community-based forestry, called ejidos, to protect their forest resources in northern Mexico. We used a multinomial logit model to determine the contribution of 16 explanatory variables to the dependent variable, a measure of success of ejidos defined by the presence of deforested, degraded, or forested conditions. The results show that corn yield, marginality, percent of forest area, total population, a forest value index, distance to markets, roads and towns, were all statistically significant in driving deforested conditions. Deforestation becomes more attractive for poor communities and as corn yield and distance to towns, roads, and markets decrease. In general, group size and heterogeneity had no significant effects on the presence of deforested conditions. Deforestation is driven by resource-specific characteristics, such as location and soil productivity, not by ejidos' attributes, such as total area or number of members. We argue that current institutional policies focusing on the structure of property right arrangements should be shifted (1) to provide better technology for land cultivation; (2) to reduce the marginality problem in poor communities; and (3) to strengthen local institutions.
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Zigmond J. Consolidation trend continues. Mod Healthc 2008; 38:17. [PMID: 18681253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
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Andanda PA. Human-tissue-related inventions: ownership and intellectual property rights in international collaborative research in developing countries. J Med Ethics 2008; 34:171-179. [PMID: 18316458 DOI: 10.1136/jme.2006.019612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
There are complex unresolved ethical, legal and social issues related to the use of human tissues obtained in the course of research or diagnostic procedures and retained for further use in research. The question of intellectual property rights over commercially viable products or procedures that are derived from these samples and the suitability or otherwise of participants relinquishing their rights to the samples needs urgent attention. The complexity of these matters lies in the fact that the relationship between intellectual property rights and ownership or rights pertaining to the samples on which the intellectual property right is based may either be overlooked or taken for granted. What equally makes the matter complex is that samples may be obtained from participants in developing countries and exported to developed countries for analysis and research. It is important for research ethics committees to tread carefully when reviewing research protocols that raise such issues for purposes of ensuring that appropriate benefit sharing agreements, particularly with developing countries, are in place. This paper attempts to analyse the key questions related to ownership and intellectual property rights in commercially viable products derived from human tissue samples. Patent law is used as a point of reference as opposed to other forms of intellectual property rights such as industrial designs because it is the right that most inventors apply for in respect of human tissue-related inventions. The key questions are formulated following a systematic analysis of peer reviewed journal articles that have reported original investigations into relevant issues in this field. Most of the cases and reported studies that are referred to in this paper do not directly deal with HIV/AIDS research but the underlying principles are helpful in HIV/AIDS research as well. Pertinent questions, which members of ethics review committees should focus on in this regard are discussed and suggestions on appropriate approaches to the issues are proposed in the form of specific questions that an ethics review committee should consider. Specific recommendations regarding areas for further research and action are equally proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- P A Andanda
- University of Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, WITS 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsinchun Chen
- Department of Management Information Systems, Artificial Intelligence Lab, Eller College of Management, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, USA.
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Abstract
Physician ownership of specialty hospitals has become commonplace in recent years in several states where certificate-of-need laws do not exist. The study examines trends in utilization rates for complex and simple spinal fusion procedures performed on injured workers with back/spine disorders in two markets in Oklahoma. During the time period we examine, physician-owned spine or orthopedic specialty hospitals entered both market areas in Oklahoma. Because there were no market areas in Oklahoma without physician-owned spine or orthopedic hospitals to use as a comparison group, we also analyzed trends in utilization for these surgical procedures performed on Medicare beneficiaries. We compared utilization for these procedures in Oklahoma and three other states with a high concentration of physician-owned specialty hospitals (Kansas, South Dakota, and Arizona) to utilization rates for back surgery performed on Medicare patients who reside in the Northeast region. States in the Northeast constitute an appropriate control group because there are no physician-owned specialty hospitals in this region. Both analyses indicate that the entry of the physician-owned specialty hospitals was followed by substantial increases in the market area utilization rates for complex spinal fusion surgery. Conversely, such dramatic changes did not occur in the Northeast where physician-owned specialty hospitals do not exist. After considering but ruling out alternative explanations, the findings imply that the financial incentives linked to ownership coincided with significant changes in physicians' practice patterns.
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Abstract
The German hospital market is in a state of transition due to the introduction of diagnosis-related groups (DRGs) and a constant change of the reimbursement, demographic, economical and technical framework. To date mainly public hospitals were bought by private hospital chains, but this trend has currently reached university hospitals. During recent months a consolidation within the market of private hospitals took place, while new market players such as foreign hospital chains, US universities and private equity firms emerged on the scene. The target of the privatisation process, however, turns more and more to larger hospitals. Central key values remain the cluster formation and centralisation of key competences such as food supply, purchasing and pharmacy. Within a network of clinics the representation of different care components (basic, regular and maximum care provider) and care levels (low, normal, intermediate and intensive care) remain important elements of efficient hospital management. Today, successful hospital operation is based on the successful competition for patients and even more for qualified staff. In this aspect, university hospitals could play a decisive role, because of their combination of maximum acute care provision and educational mandate. No such network has yet been formed due to the different interests of the owners, however, given the new market situation this alternative concept could become more attractive.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Schmidt
- Mühlenkreiskliniken AöR, Akademische Lehrkrankenhäuser der Medizinischen Hochschule Hannover, Minden, Deutschland.
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Vogl TS. Urban land rights and child nutritional status in Peru, 2004. Econ Hum Biol 2007; 5:302-21. [PMID: 17287155 DOI: 10.1016/j.ehb.2007.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2006] [Revised: 01/08/2007] [Accepted: 01/09/2007] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Advocates of land-titling programs in developing countries posit that these programs lead to a multitude of benefits, including health improvements. This paper presents the results of a child health survey of several Lima communities after various time exposures to Peru's urban land-titling program. The results provide suggestive evidence that improved property rights increase children's weight but not their height, which is consistent with previous work on the topic. However, titles also appear to raise children's risk of being overweight or obese, implying that the observed weight gain is not necessarily an improvement in nutritional status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom S Vogl
- Department of Economics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomomi Aida
- Intellectual Property Division, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
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Abstract
Specialized, physician-owned cardiac hospitals have grown rapidly. Physicians have also expanded their capability to provide cardiovascular diagnostic services in their offices. In this paper we consider evidence of errors in Medicare's prices for hospital care and physician services and discuss ways to improve the accuracy of those prices. We find that recent proposals to change the inpatient prospective payment system would help dampen hospitals' financial incentives to favor some kinds of patients and related investments. For the physician fee schedule, we suggest that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) review the accuracy of prices for high-growth diagnostic services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J Hayes
- Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, Washington, DC, USA.
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Recent patent applications in biological imaging. Nat Biotechnol 2007; 25:536-536. [PMID: 17483835 DOI: 10.1038/nbt0507-536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Benko LB. Quiet giant. Blues consolidator Health Care Service Corp. may not get the same attention as for-profit WellPoint, but the company is busy making big moves. Mod Healthc 2007; 37:28-30. [PMID: 17348352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
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Zigmond J. Betting big on doc ownership. 'Boutique' chain blasts off with $1 billion investment, plans for 10 hospitals, and hopes to create healthcare model of the future. Mod Healthc 2006; 36:6-7, 16, 1. [PMID: 17212213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
A new "boutique" chain is roaring out the gate with $1 billion to spend and plans for 10 hospitals. University General Hospital Systems, which aspires to offer the feel of a luxury hotel in its facilities, is wading into the thick of some of the most controversial issues in healthcare. All but one of its hospitals are planned for states without CON laws, according to W.J. "Bill" Burk, left.
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Zigmond J. Special effects. With moratorium over, specialty projects growing--slowly for now. Mod Healthc 2006; 36:30, 32. [PMID: 17128587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
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Affiliation(s)
- John H Barton
- Stanford Law School, Crown Quadrangle, 559 Nathan Abbott Way, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-8610, USA.
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Magill MK, Lloyd RL, Palmer D, Terry SA. Successful turnaround of a university-owned, community-based, multidisciplinary practice network. Ann Fam Med 2006; 4 Suppl 1:S12-8; discussion S58-60. [PMID: 17003155 PMCID: PMC1578671 DOI: 10.1370/afm.540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The University of Utah purchased a 100-clinician, 9-practice multi-specialty primary care network in 1998. The university projected the network to earn a profit the first year of its ownership in a market with growing capitation; however, capitation declined and the network incurred up to a 21 million dollars operating loss per year. This case study describes the financial turnaround of the network. METHODS In 2001, the university reconfigured the practices for a fee-for-service environment while preserving the group's multidisciplinary clinical and ancillary services. Changes included reorganization under the existing University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics system, new governance and leadership, closure of practices, creation of a billing office, new financial reporting, implementation of electronic health records, revision of physician compensation, capture of referrals, leadership and staff training, and practice reengineering. RESULTS The network as a whole became profitable in 2004-2005. Its primary care component is projected to become profitable in 2 to 3 years. The network is opening new sites strategically important to the health system. CONCLUSIONS This turnaround required commitment from senior university leaders, management with knowledge of primary care practice, retention of ancillary revenues, and management and business services specific to the network with support from other units within the university. Culture change within the group was essential. Our experience suggests that an academic health center can successfully operate a primary care network by attending to the unique needs of this challenging business. Doing so can strengthen the institution's overall financial and clinical performance and provide an important setting for teaching and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael K Magill
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
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Recent patent applications relating to peptide therapeutics. Nat Biotechnol 2006; 24:656-656. [PMID: 16763592 DOI: 10.1038/nbt0606-656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Abstract
Analyzing patent data from 1995-2005 show the increasing importance of patenting by small and medium-sized biotech companies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saurabh Aggarwal
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 1650 Orleans Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, USA.
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Abstract
Who owns the human body? This issue has been formerly raised about the status of the slave. Today, it has become a prominent stake for when reflecting on biomedical research and healthcare practices. In our cultures, many answers may be given to this question : they are derived from philosophical or theological traditions ; they are borrowed from anthropological, sociological or psychological knowledge ; they may be formulated in a moral or political perspective. All of them give different insights and reveal one of the various dimensions of the question. When examining the status of the body and its relation to the human subject in the various stages of his/her life (including his/her death), one of the main difficulties is to deal with each of these answers and to understand how they meet and interact in the public debate. Another matter is related to the fact that law also plays a crucial role in the process of giving an answer to this question. In our book, A qui appartient le corps humain ? Médecine, politique et droit (Paris, Belles Lettres, 2004), Claire Crignon-De Oliveira and I have tried to deal with both difficulties. In this article, I focus on the meaning of the various law traditions. In western world, the laws are all derived, up to a certain extent, from the Roman tradition. Whether they have chosen to consider the human body as a property or to associate the body to the person, they have taken very different options. However, an examination of the ways laws are elaborated on this topic shows that these two conceptions can meet in unexpected manners and that lawmaking can give creative answers to both the problem of protecting the person and to the requirements of biomedical research and healthcare practices.
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Abstract
▪ Abstract Conversions of Blue Cross plans to for-profit status have the potential to remake the corporate landscape of health care finance. Absent regulatory intervention, current trends could easily result in more than half of Blue Cross subscribers being in for-profit plans, a phenomenon far more significant than the conversion of nonprofit hospitals. Therefore, regulators' deliberations over conversion proposals are beginning to focus on the health policy impacts. This chapter surveys the full range of health policy implications by analyzing all existing studies of Blue Cross conversions and reporting on the authors' own case studies of conversion impacts. These studies conclude that conversions have not caused major negative impacts on the availability or accessibility of health care in the states in which conversions have occurred so far. However, a great deal of uncertainty exists about the actual effects of previous conversions, and each state is unique; therefore, even if the historical record were clear, it is difficult to predict with great certainty what the actual effects will be in another state undergoing a Blue conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Hall
- Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157, USA.
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Reed ED. Property rights, genes, and common good. J Relig Ethics 2006; 34:41-67. [PMID: 17144023 DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9795.2006.00255.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
This paper applies aspects of Hugo Grotius's theologically informed theory of property to contemporary issues concerning access to the human DNA sequence and patenting practices. It argues that Christians who contribute to public debate in these areas might beneficially employ some of the concepts with which he worked--notably "common right," the "right of necessity," and "use right." In the seventeenth century, wars were fought over trading rights and access to the sea. In the twenty-first century, information and intellectual property are the issues of the day. Grotius's writings serve to correct the overemphasis in modern liberalism on individual rights, and have practical application to the debate concerning the reduction of the human genome to the status of private property.
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Olson DL, Wiley P. Benefits, consumerism and an "ownership society". Benefits Q 2006; 22:7-14. [PMID: 16827539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Compared to the generations preceding them, baby boomers assume more of both decision-making and financial responsibility for their health care and retirement. This article reviews the changing health and retirement plan landscape, and describes the plans, products and features available to the baby boom generation. It then describes how employers can become educators in order to help boomers best manage their increased responsibility for their health care and retirement.
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Lawrence S. Looking at US versus European exit opportunities. Nat Biotechnol 2005; 23:1203. [PMID: 16302294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
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