Health Policy Commons^™

Workplace Screening & Brief Intervention: The Big (Brief Intervention Group) Initiative, Eric Goplerud, Tracy Mcpherson

Health Policy and Management Faculty Publications

To realize the full value of their investment in Employee Assistance Program (EAP), employers should attend to the opportunities to drive down health and productivity costs by encouraging their EAPs to engage and treat workers who drink in unhealthy ways. Nationwide, EAPs engage only about one worker in twenty who has a serious alcohol problem. The lost productivity, absenteeism, excess emergency department and hospital use by the other 19 out of 20 workers with alcohol problems who are not treated add $61 billion (or approximately $200 for every man, woman and child in the United States) to the nation's health …

Implementation Of Eaps, Mark Attridge, Patricia Herlihy, Dave Sharar, Tom Amaral, Tracy Mcpherson, Diane Stephenson, Tom Bjornson, Rich Paul, Lisa Teems, Eric Goplerud, Sandra Routledge

Health Policy and Management Faculty Publications

This Research Note describes how to effectively implement employee assistance program services in an organization.

Contrainsurgencia Y Salud: Contradicciones En La Teoría, Historia Y Aplicación Del Programa Oportunidades En Comunidades Rurales En Chiapas, José Carlos Gutiérrez

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Este estudio explora las contradicciones en la teoría, historia y aplicación del Programa Oportunidades enfocado a la salud y a combate de la pobreza, basándose en la investigación de recursos secundarios y primarios pero especialmente en entrevistas con actores relevantes en la salud en Chiapas. El ensayo argumenta que las contradicciones del programa, que se manifiestan de forma concreta en las comunidades, no son producto de un error de planeación sino de una deliberada estrategia de contrainsurgencia empleada por el estado mexicano. El ensayo introduce el conflicto histórico entre el estado y las poblaciones indígenas mexicanas, expone la situación de …

Consumer Consent Options For Electronic Health Information Exchange: Policy Considerations And Analysis, Melissa M. Goldstein, Alison L. Rein

Health Policy and Management Faculty Publications

The issue of whether, to what extent, and how individuals should have the ability to exercise control over their health information represents one of the foremost policy challenges related to the electronic exchange of health information. The current landscape of possible consent models is varied, and the factors involved in choosing among them are complex. States and other entities engaged in facilitating the exchange of electronic health information are struggling with a host of challenges, chief among them the establishment of policies and procedures for patient participation in their exchange efforts. While some have adopted policies enabling patients to exercise …

Accountable Care Organizations: Implications For Antitrust Policy, Taylor Burke, Sara J. Rosenbaum

Health Policy and Management Faculty Publications

This analysis examines accountable care organizations (ACOs) and assesses their implications for antitrust policy. Consideration of the antitrust implications of ACOs is timely. Both the House and Senate health reform measures contemplate the creation of ACOs as a new class of Medicare provider while providing parallel legal authority under Medicaid.

Poverty, Vulnerability, And Provision Of Healthcare In Afghanistan, Jean-Francois Trani, Parul Bakhshi, Ayan A. Noor, Dominque Lopez, Ashraf Mashkoor

Brown School Faculty Publications

This paper presents findings on conditions of healthcare delivery in Afghanistan. There is an ongoing debate about barriers to healthcare in low-income as well as fragile states. In 2002, the Government of Afghanistan established a Basic Package of Health Services (BPHS), contracting primary healthcare delivery to non-state providers. The priority was to give access to the most vulnerable groups: women, children, disabled persons, and the poorest households. In 2005, we conducted a nationwide survey, and using a logistic regression model, investigated provider choice. We also measured associations between perceived availability and usefulness of healthcare providers. Our results indicate that the …

Changing Po2licy: The Elements For Improving Childhood Asthma Outcomes, Anne Rossier Markus, Meagan Lyon, Sara J. Rosenbaum

Geiger Gibson/RCHN Community Health Foundation Research Collaborative

Childhood asthma is a serious and chronic health issue that affects one in seven U.S. children and their families, compromising their health and quality of life and placing a heavy financial burden on families as well as an enormous strain on the health care system. Treating, managing, and ultimately preventing and reducing the burden of asthma represents a critical test of the ability of the U.S. health system – health insurers, clinical care providers, and public health agencies – to work together. Our investigation found that, as a country, we already know enough to act and improve life for the …

Medicare Advantage Payment Provisions: Health Care And Education Affordability Reconciliation Act Of 2010 H.R. 4872, Brian Biles, Grace Arnold

Health Policy and Management Issue Briefs

The Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act of 2010 would make major changes to Medicare Advantage (MA) payment policies. Overall, payments to MA plans would be reduced from the current national average of 113 percent of local fee-for-service (FFS) costs to a new average of 101 percent of FFS costs. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has estimated that the new polices would reduce Medicare spending by $132 billion over 10 years. The new policies would set county payment benchmarks for MA plans at 115 percent, 107.5 percent, 100 percent, and 95 percent of local FFS costs depending of the …

Changing Policy: The Elements For Improving Childhood Asthma Outcomes, Anne R. Markus, Meagan Lyon, Sara J. Rosenbaum

Health Policy and Management Faculty Publications

This report lays out the facts and offers specific policy recommendations for success that could change the face of childhood asthma in America. These recommendations aim to make better use of programs and policies already in place, such as Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), as well as private sector insurance coverage and existing public health programs. The recommendations also underscore the importance of careful research -- scientific, practical, and community-based -- in order to continue to learn what works best and strengthen knowledge for future action. In a reformed health system, these initial efforts are not wasted …

Can States Pick Up The Health Reform Torch?, Sara J. Rosenbaum

Health Policy and Management Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Conceptions Regarding Children’S Health: An Examination Of Ethnotheories In A Sending And Receiving Community, Maria Rosario De Guzman, Jennifer Deleon, Gloria Gonzalez-Kruger, Rodrigo Cantarero

Department of Child, Youth, and Family Studies: Faculty Publications

Ethnotheories are beliefs that adults hold about children and the factors that impact upon their development. Scholars suggest that “ethnotheories” serve as cultural models that underlie motivations for parenting practices and the way adults organize children’s early experiences. This study examines Mexican adults’ ethnotheories about children’s health in two communities that are linked by transnational migrants and serve as sending and receiving communities for workers. Forty-four Mexican adults in six focus groups discussed well-being issues affecting children in their communities. Qualitative analyses using grounded theory revealed a complex conception of children’s health issues that included physical, psychological, and behavioral components …

Women In The Down Economy: Impacts Of The Recession And The Stimulus In Massachusetts, Randy Albelda, Christa Kelleher

Publications from the Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy

The “Great Recession” is affecting everyone in one way or another, but not everyone is affected in the same way. Women’s and men’s work (both in and out of the labor force) still differs, so we can expect that the economic crisis has had a distinct impact on women as well as their families. This policy brief discusses how the down economy has differentially impacted women and men in Massachusetts and the gendered implications of federal stimulus spending. It also identifies potential opportunities to promote gender equality as the United States, and Massachusetts in particular, attempt to move beyond the …

The President's Emergency Plan For Aids Relief (Pepfar): A Social Work Ethical Analysis And Recommendations, Robert J. Barney, Stephan L. Buckingham, Judith M. Friedrich, Lisa M. Johnson, Michael A. Robinson, Bibhuti K. Sar

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is the most recent international social program instituted by the U.S. Government to combat HIV/AIDS. Since its inception in 2003, this foreign policy initiative has dedicated $63 billion for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment in foreign countries. Despite PEPFAR's many accomplishments, it continues to promote controversial prevention strategies. This paper analyzes these prevention strategies, utilizing social work values as described in the NASW Code of Ethics. Policy, practice, and research implications are discussed.

Langkah Kedepan Mempercepat Penurunan Kematian Ibu Di Indonesia, Anhari Achadi

Kesmas

Kematian ibu tidak hanya menjadi masalah kesehatan masyarakat, tetapi juga menjadi masalah sosial karena akan berpengaruh besar terhadap keluarga, terutama anak-anak. Di negara maju dengan status sosial ekonomi yang tinggi kematian ibu telah turun mencapai tingkat minimal kurang dari 10 per 100.000 kelahiran hidup. Hal tersebut belum terjadi di negara-negara berkembang, termasuk Indonesia. Di samping pertumbuhan ekonominya yang terus membaik, kematian ibu di Indonesia masih tergolong tinggi, bahkan di antara sesama negara Asia Tenggara. Berdasarkan data SDKI, telah terjadi penurunan angka kematian ibu, tetapi dengan penurunan seperti sekarang target Pembangunan Milenium tidak akan tercapai. Dari aspek demand, supply, maupun kebijakan, …

Faktor - Faktor Yang Berhubungan Dengan Kepatuhan Petugas Terhadap Sop Imunisasi Pada Penanganan Vaksin Campak, Dini Yulianti, Anhari Achadi

Kesmas

Campak adalah penyakit yang sangat menular dan menjadi salah satu penyebab utama kematian anak di negara berkembang termasuk Indonesia. Imunisasi campak di Indonesia telah berhasil dilaksanakan dengan baik, tetapi ternyata masih banyak ditemukan kasus campak di beberapa daerah. Salah satu faktor yang diduga menjadi penyebabnya adalah daya guna vaksin yang tidak maksimal karena sistem rantai vaksin yang sangat menentukan untuk pengamanan mutu vaksin tidak berfungsi dengan baik atau para petugas imunisasi tidak melakukan penanganan vaksin sesuai dengan prosedur yang telah ditentukan. Berdasarkan atas kenyataan ini, dilakukan penelitian mengenai faktor-faktor yang berhubungan kepatuhan petugas imunisasi terhadap SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) imunisasi …

The Economic Stimulus: Gauging The Early Effects Of Arra Funding On Health Centers And Medically Underserved Populations And Communities, Peter Shin, Brian K. Bruen, Emily Jones, Leighton C. Ku, Sara J. Rosenbaum

Geiger Gibson/RCHN Community Health Foundation Research Collaborative

During times of economic crisis, community health centers and other health care safety net providers become even more vital to the communities they serve. The current downturn, with its high levels of unemployment and enormous impact on family incomes, carries major implications for health insurance coverage. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), signed into law on February 17, 2009, provided slightly more than two billion dollars to community health centers for capital improvements, expansion (or retention) of personnel and services, and adoption of health information technology. All of these uses not only support health centers' mission to serve populations …

Traveling Exhibit: The Lives They Left Behind: Suitcases From A State Hospital Attic, Laura J. Hall

Posters and Presentations

The Lives They Left Behind: Suitcases from a State Hospital Attic was a traveling exhibit that explored the stories of patients from the Willard Psychiatric Center in New York, whose personal belongings were discovered after the institution closed in 1995. The exhibit highlighted the intersection of mental health, poverty, and systemic failures in care. Through a series of public events including panel discussions on homelessness, health equity, and mental health policy, the exhibit aimed to raise awareness and promote dialogue on mental health issues. Curated locally by Laura J. Hall and funded by the New Mexico Humanities Council, it was …

Risky Business: Effectiveness Of State Market-Based Health Programs, Christopher Stream, Nathan Myers

Public Policy and Leadership Faculty Research

Since the 1990s, state governments have been leaders of health care reform. Today, approximately 47 million people are without health insurance. As health care costs and uninsurance levels continue to rise, states are pursuing a variety of government- and market-based strategies to address this growing social problem. Health care research has indicated that state-based programs have proven to be successful in extending access to coverage. However, the question remains as to whether the market-based programs have had a positive impact on state health care. Advocates for market-based state health programs argue that the reforms benefit the greater good because they …

The Utility Of Trouble: Leveling The Playing Field: Giving Municipal Officials The Tools To Moderate Health Insurance Costs, Robert L. Carey

Edward J. Collins Center for Public Management Publications

According to the research, Boston could have reduced its 2010 health premiums by between 15.6 and 17.1 percent, for a savings of between $41.4 and $45.4 million by joining the state’s Group Insurance Commission, more widely known as the GIC. The City is unable to join the GIC, however, without first receiving 70% union approval, according to state law. This requirement and the associated tradeoffs involved are a major barrier to municipal participation in the GIC. Several cities and towns including Boston have called for cities and towns to have the same ability as the state to design health insurance …

Head Start: It Works For Indiana Children And Families!, Jennifer Dobbs-Oates, James Elicker, Volker Thomas

Center for Families Publications

This technical report summarizes new and existing data to address the question, “Does Head Start work for Indiana children, families, and communities?” Data sources consulted in this study include the state Head Start Program Information Report, local Indiana Head Start and Early Head Start Programs, existing national studies of Head Start and Early Head Start, and local and national data available on children’s development in early care and education programs for low-income families. This report concludes that Indiana’s Early Head Start and Head Start programs are indeed providing substantial benefits to children, families, and communities. The report summarizes the outcomes …

The Intersection Of Public Policy And Health Behavior Theory In The Physical Activity Arena, Genevieve Dunton, Michael Cousineau, Kim D. Reynolds

CGU Faculty Publications and Research

Background:

Policy strategies aimed at modifying aspects of the social, physical, economic, and educational environments have been proposed as potential solutions to the growing problem of physical inactivity. To develop effective physical activity policies in these and other areas, greater understanding of how and why policies successfully impact behavior change is needed.

Methods:

The current paper proposes a conceptual framework explaining how policy strategies map onto health behavior theoretical variables and processes thought to lead to physical activity change. This framework is used to make hypotheses about the potential effectiveness of different policy strategies.

Results:

Health behavior theories suggest that …

Avoiding Tough Policy Choices In An Influenza Pandemic: The Role Of Kettl's Rocket Science Model In Public Health, Danny Lambert

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The security and social inequality approaches to public health present distinct answers to policy objectives relative to a pandemic. However, each approach leaves us with tough choices between the most valued objectives. I demonstrate how the networked approach, which Kettl's Rocket Science Model (RSM) exemplifies, does not leave us with such choices. Furthermore, I connect the epidemiological concepts public health practitioners apply toward communicable disease pandemics to RSM concepts. Finally, drawing on the disease parameters of a worst-case scenario influenza pandemic, I demonstrate how the networked approach helps public health practitioners expand capacity such that tough choices are unnecessary.

Uncompensated Care And Quality Assurance Among Rural Hospitals, Doohee Lee, Chris Dixon, Paul Kruszynski, Alberto Coustasse

Management Faculty Research

Health care disparities in rural areas remain significant in the U.S. health care industry. Uncompensated care makes health care disparities in rural areas worse, and rural hospitals are unfavorably positioned to compete with urban hospitals in the economic-downturn marketplace. How uncompensated care affects quality care among rural hospitals has been lightly investigated. Given that many rural residents experience difficulty accessing high quality care and given the importance of establishing quality care practice standards in a rural setting, we conducted a systematic literature review to identify some quality-care barriers and opportunities and suggested strategies to strengthen the position of rural hospitals …

The Social Determinants Of Health: Defining A Research Agenda For Canada’S Urban Aboriginal Population, Chantelle Richmond, Katie Big-Canoe

Aboriginal Policy Research Consortium International (APRCi)

No abstract provided.

Disproportionate And Unjustifiable: Teen First Nations Mothers And Unstated Paternity Policy, Michelle Mann

Aboriginal Policy Research Consortium International (APRCi)

No abstract provided.

Scientific Certainty In A Time Of Uncertainty: Predicting Vulnerability Of Canada’S First Nations To The H1n1/09 Pandemic, Nicholas Spence

Aboriginal Policy Research Consortium International (APRCi)

No abstract provided.

Issues In The Recruitment And Retention Of Aboriginal Health Research Participants In Canada, Victoria Nadalin, Marion Maar, Fred Ashbury, John Mclaughlin

Aboriginal Policy Research Consortium International (APRCi)

No abstract provided.

Towards The Adoption Of A National Aboriginal Health Policy, Josee G. Lavoie, Laverne Gervais

Aboriginal Policy Research Consortium International (APRCi)

No abstract provided.

Adapting And Developing Educational Best Practices And Curricula For Aboriginal Tobacco Cessation Interventions, Hillary Connolly, Jeff D'Hondt, Marilyn Herie, Peter Selby

Aboriginal Policy Research Consortium International (APRCi)

No abstract provided.

Contrasting Policies And Administration Of Sexually Transmitted Infection Programs In Saskatchewan First Nations And Alaska Native Communities, Rick Kotowich, Mike Fisher

Aboriginal Policy Research Consortium International (APRCi)

No abstract provided.