scholarly journals Improving the productivity and efficiency of an integrated mental and addiction care

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 18
Author(s):  
Juha Kemppinen ◽  
Jukka Korpela ◽  
Kalle Elfvengren ◽  
Jussi Polkko
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Adult Adhd ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Action Research Approach ◽  
Addiction Care

This paper suggests that the productivity and efficiency of social and health care services can be improved considerably by redesigning and streamlining the processes. The paper presents the theory of constraint (TOC) and five-focusing step (5FS) solution to the productivity and efficiency problems of an integrated mental and addiction care outpatient clinic (MTPA-model) team. The MTPA is an integrated walk-in clinic where clinical decisions on key patient groups are supported by a clinical decision support system (CDSS). One of the critical service processes of the MTPA is a CDSS-assisted adult ADHD diagnostics process. The aim of the paper is to describe the improvement of productivity and efficiency of a typical multidiscipline team of MTPA-model. A combination of the action research approach and design science research was applied to solve the emerging service process problems and create a CDSS. The paper outlines the principles of the TOC applied for the established CDSS-assisted adult ADHD diagnostics process. The bottlenecks or constraints of an adult ADHD process are defined. The data from the designed CDSS and the currently used electronic health record provided material for applying the 5FS methodology for improving the productivity and efficiency of the adult ADHD process. We suggest that applying the 5FS-process of TOC to mental and addiction care processes generally, and to the multi-professional team especially, is an effective way to negotiate constructively about the bottlenecks or constraints of the process and improve the productivity and efficiency of integrated mental health and addiction care services and operations. Based on the results, a general framework for improving the productivity and efficiency of a multi-professional team and health care services organization by applying the 5FS methodology is proposed.

scholarly journals Digital Storytelling as a Patient Engagement and Research Approach With First Nations Women: How the Medicine Wheel Guided Our Debwewin Journey

2021 ◽  
pp. 104973232110275
Author(s):  
Kendra L. Rieger ◽  
Marlyn Bennett ◽  
Donna Martin ◽  
Thomas F. Hack ◽  
Lillian Cook ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
First Nations ◽  
Patient Engagement ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Digital Storytelling ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Qualitative Health Research ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
First Nations Women

When research is conducted from a Western paradigm alone, the findings and resultant policies often ignore Indigenous peoples’ health practices and fail to align with their health care priorities. There is a need for decolonized approaches within qualitative health research to collaboratively identify intersecting reasons behind troubling health inequities and to integrate Indigenous knowledge into current health care services. We engaged with First Nations women to explore to what extent digital storytelling could be a feasible, acceptable, and meaningful research method to inform culturally safe health care services. This novel approach created a culturally safe and ethical space for authentic patient engagement. Our conversations were profound and provided deep insights into First Nations women’s experiences with breast cancer and guidance for our future qualitative study. We found that the digital storytelling workshop facilitated a Debwewin journey, which is an ancient Anishinabe way of knowing that connects one’s heart knowledge and mind knowledge.

scholarly journals Working conditions and interventions of health extension workers in the rural areas of South-Western Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Gudina Yadeta Abetu ◽  
Adamu Amanu
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Rural Health ◽  
Working Conditions ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Health Extension Workers ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Effective Interventions ◽  
Western Ethiopia

This study examined the working conditions and interventions of health extension workers in the two selected rural kebeles found in Sarbo District, South-Western Ethiopia. The qualitative research approach utilized owing to the nature of the study in which four health extension workers interviewed in-depth and key informant interviews used as methods. Data were analyzed and interpreted by using qualitative methods of data analysis with triangulation in the thematic method. The study indicated that low payment, poor transportations, unsafe working conditions, and less supportive top management were among the issues that impede interventions and working conditions of health extension workers in the study areas. Furthermore, it further leads to poor delivery of primary health care services. This calls for the designing of effective interventions to improve rural health care services by creating favorable working conditions for rural health extension workers.

scholarly journals Characterization of the healthcare tourism in the city of Bogotá and the district of Cartagena

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (28) ◽  
pp. 486-492
Author(s):  
Francisco José Arias-Aragonés ◽  
Alexander Mauricio Caraballo-Payares ◽  
Javier Enrique Jiménez-Osorio
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Medical Tourism ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Service Needs ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Local Health Service

The article characterizes the medical tourism subsector in Bogota and Cartagena to detect potential service offers to foreign patients. We performed a comparative analysis between these two cities to identify the weaknesses, opportunities, strengths, and threats they have. The study has a quantitative research approach using primary sources of information to characterize the subsector in these cities. In Bogota, the quality of health care services, specialized infrastructure, the accreditation of some health care institutions, and the formation of the health care cluster stand out as competitive elements. Meanwhile, Cartagena shows attractive prices but has scarce health care infrastructure and health professionals, low levels of bilingual proficiency, and increased local health service needs. We conclude that there is a need to strengthen the subsector’s competitiveness in both cities, as the trend points to the growth of this type of tourism in the coming years.

Learning to Accept Uncertainty as a Quality of Care Dimension

2013 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Vahé A. Kazandjian
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Information Technology ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Care Process ◽  
Care Services

Uncertainty in clinical decision-making is integral to the pathways chosen while applying available knowledge to a patient’s care process. This chapter explores the ways in which uncertainty can be incorporated into the understanding of better performance approaches, and is thus proposed as an enabling dimension of performance. Tracing the keystone definitions of uncertainty from Hippocrates to Osler, the discussion addresses the dimensions of decision - making appropriateness, its timeliness, the expected and actual value of the care services, and the role of systematic communication between providers of care as well as with patients. The crucial role of Health Information Technology is emphasized, and a unifying model is proposed where the inclusion of uncertainty as a dimension of performance promotes an encompassing evaluation of the quality of health care services.

Buildings’ impact on effective hospital services

2014 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 386-404 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marit Støre-Valen ◽  
Anne Kathrine Larssen ◽  
Svein Bjørberg
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
General Strategy ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Property Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Specialist Health Care

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess the status of the physical assets of Norwegian hospital facilities in terms of technical condition, building performance, usability and adaptability, thereby comprehending the main challenges for property management as part of facilities management (FM) within hospitals of the Norwegian Specialist Health-Care Services and permitting a discussion on a more strategic property management role. Design/methodology/approach – The research is based on an action research approach using data collection from surveys, schemes and questionnaires, literature studies, documentation analysis and workshops with an active research team involvement with stakeholders. In-depth interviews were undertaken with owner representatives, property management representatives and health-care deliverers, and a GAP analysis allowed a study of the quality of property management (as part of the FM). Findings – A severe technical backlog was documented together with a strong demand for structural upgrading, which was roughly estimated to be approximately 30-35 billion NOK in 2012 (3.75-4.4 billion euros). Improvements are necessary in all areas of FM delivery within limited economic frameworks, even though several examples of good property management (as part of FM delivery) were found. A gap exists between the general strategy concerning hospital assets and the property management role, particularly with regard to the translation of change in user needs into changed facilities. A need for an increasing professionalization of the role is pressing, turning attention from operational costs and control to potential added value. This requires a shift of focus from the property manager in order to implement visions and goals for the health-care sector, which involves several actions such as an improved communication between stakeholders and technically improved skills, thus ensuring the recruitment and capability of property management staff and improved measurement processes. Practical implications – This paper give two major recommendations: first, a stronger integration of the property management role as part of the FM delivery with the executive management of the Health Authorities and Regional and Local Health Trusts; and second, a nationally coordinated strategy for the development of property management in the Specialist Health-Care Services (called Strategic FM). The authors believe that developing a pool of competencies at the national level is necessary to develop the tools, methods and standardized measurements to enable a change in the use of the terms of added value and sustainability. Ultimately, this will enhance the assets of the health sector, and this paper suggests a model that allows for this development. Originality/value – This paper shows a model for property management as a strategic role in a holistic process involving all stakeholders from both the bottom up and the top down. The authors believe this process will engage the stakeholders in agreeing upon a clear vision and set of goals for the health-care service assets.

scholarly journals Challenges of Applying AI in Healthcare in India

2021 ◽  
pp. 203-209
Author(s):  
Verda Nizam ◽  
Avinash Aslekar
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Healthcare Sector ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Massive Change ◽  
Front Line Workers

With the advent of digitalization, upcoming technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) are being utilized by healthcare services to manage various healthcare services to mimic human cognitive functions. This technology is expected to bring about a massive change in healthcare. Patient management, clinical decision support, patient tracking, and health care services are the four main AI-enabled fields of the healthcare industry. The method carrying out the study was based on secondary research by the themes of the studies performed earlier using Artificial intelligence in healthcare sector, through observations, interviews and valid documentations from prominent databases, by means of challenges and its analysis and the last by the issues associated with the study and the target groups are the front line workers in healthcare sectors. The AI applications in health care have gathered much attention, but AI's adoption issues have not been significantly tended. There are several challenges of its implementation, such as resolving the unequal relationship between trained physicians and patients and increasing physicians' efficiency to be more effective in their work; providing AI-enabled healthcare equipment in rural communities; and educating physicians or doctors in handling it. AI technologies have the potential to enhance patient outcomes. Still, they may also pose significant risks in terms of inadequate patient risk assessment, medical error, and suggestions for treatment, privacy violations, and others.

scholarly journals Determinants Influencing Bed Occupancy Rate (BOR) at Langsa Hospital in the Covid-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 6-14
Author(s):  
Iskandar Iskandar ◽  
Arifah Devi Fitriani ◽  
Asriwati Asriwati
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Independent Practice ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Hospital Policies ◽  
Referral Status

Health facilities with referral status for COVID-19 cases, reported a decrease in non-COVID inpatients, compared to facilities with non-referral status. The decrease in bed utilization (BOR) was very significant in several health facilities including Langsa Hospital 10-15% before 65-75%,. This study aims to study the Determinants of Factors Affecting the Decrease in Bed Utilization (BOR) at Langsa Hospital during the COVID-19 Pandemic Period in 2021. The research approach uses descriptive qualitative data collection techniques through in-depth interviews and informants are determined by purposive sampling of key informants, namely 4 inpatients and 2 supporting informants. The total number of informants is 6 people. The research instrument is the researcher himself and data collection through interviews, documentation and field observations. Data analysis technique with taxonomy. The results of the study, namely the availability of services due to reduced facilities, hospital policies in implementing health care programs, priority to hospitals from patients in independent practice health care services and community stigma regarding the confirmation of COVID-19 status in each patient, were the driving factors for the decrease in BOR at Langsa Hospital in the 2021 COVID-19 pandemic. It is recommended that the Langsa Hospital management coordinate with IPSRS for the availability of facilities, the health promotion section conducts more effective promotion and socialization methods and nursing provides training on effective communication.

scholarly journals Application of IoT in Predictive Health Analysis–A Review of Literature

2020 ◽  
pp. 185-214
Author(s):  
Geetha Poornima K. ◽  
Krishna Prasad K.
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Smart Devices ◽  
Time Data ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Smart Healthcare ◽  
Internet Of Thing

Internet of Thing (IoT) has influenced several fields these days. Healthcare is one among them. The field of health care has been changed forever with the help of smart devices, wearable along with the overall level of inventions and connectivity in terms of the modern medical equipment. IoT, Cloud computing and other emerging technologies use data from different devices distributed across the network. Among those applications that are facilitated by the IoT, applications related to health care are most significant ones. Predictive analysis is carried out on the real-time data of patients to analyze their current situation for the purpose of effective and accurate clinical-decision making. Generally, internet of thing has been extensively utilized for interconnecting the advanced medical resource as well as for providing effective and smart health care services to the people. In order to monitor the condition of the patient, advanced sensors can be embedded or worn within the patient’s body. The data accumulated to such an extent that those data can be examined, aggregated as well as mined to do the initial predictions of diseases. Moreover, physicians are assisted by the processing algorithm for the personalization of treatment and at the same time thereby making the field of heath care more economical. This literature review is carried out by using the secondary data obtained from peer-reviewed journals and other sources on the web. This review aims to explain the use of IoT for providing smart healthcare solutions. The limitation of this study is that the major focus is on application side there by excluding the hardware and theoretical aspects related to the subject.

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