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Biomedical subjects

K H Dansky

Publications and source records attributed to K H Dansky.

9 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1998

Profiles of hospital, physician, and home health service use by older persons in rural areas.

Using data from the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey, we identify differences in hospital days, home health visits and physician office visits across five geographical categories. After controlling for individual characteristics and availability of health care providers, we find significant differences in service use. Results show greater use of home health care and less use of physician office visits and hospital care in rural areas. Because service use exhibits patterns of substitution and complementarity, future research on the use of health services needs to move beyond modeling the use of single services to modeling the range of services used.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

The use of health care services by people with diabetes in rural areas.

Current standards of health care support the view that diabetes can be managed in an outpatient setting, thereby preventing costly hospitalization. Yet, recent studies on access to care suggest that rural residents do not receive the same services for diabetes care as their urban counterparts. This study identifies differences in use for three types of services-hospital care, home health visits, and physician office visits--by geographical location. Using a sample of 6,698 Medicare beneficiaries, the authors performed multivariate analysis of variance to test the influence of geographical differences on each type of service use after controlling for the other types of service use and individual factors. Results showed significant differences among the geographical categories, with diabetic individuals in the most sparsely populated communities reporting fewer physician office visits and more home health visits than their urban counterparts. Because this pattern may have a negative impact on health outcomes, additional research is needed to determine the optimal array of services necessary to manage chronic diseases, such as diabetes, in rural areas.

Aged↗
PubMed1996

Developing and using a patient satisfaction survey: a case study.

Patient satisfaction is an important component of quality management in student health services. Satisfaction can influence if, where, and when a student seeks care, follows instructions, and continues a relationship with a specific provider. This case study describes the rationale for and process used in designing a system to measure patient satisfaction for the university health services at The Pennsylvania State University. In addition to collecting information about the health center from its clients, the authors obtained valuable information about survey development, administration, and data management. Their experience will guide future efforts to improve both the quality of services offered and the methods the health center uses to measure clients' satisfaction with those services.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Using TQM to improve management of home health aides.

Home health aides are at the front line of the home health industry, raising quality of care issues and human resource (HR) management challenges. Total quality management (TQM) provides a framework to help meet those challenges. The authors investigated the relationship between TQM and HR effectiveness in home health agencies. Results suggest that TQM practices are related to HR effectiveness. Suggestions are offered to make human resource management consistent with a TQM culture.

Home Care Services↗
PubMed1996

After hospitalization: home health care for elderly persons.

The immediate post-hospitalization outcomes for elderly individuals who received home health services after discharge were compared with those who did not receive home health services. The needs of individuals with cognitive impairment and the "old-old" were major foci of interest. Assessment instruments included the Mini-Mental State Exam, the Delirium Symptom Interview, and the Everyday Problem Solving Test. Data on the use of health services after hospital discharge were collected. Results showed that patients age 80 and older, who received skilled nursing services, were less likely to report health problems or complications than those who had not received skilled nursing services. Because the old-old elderly are more likely to have problems during the immediate post-hospitalization period, this group of patients should be targeted for needs assessment and discharge planning.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

The impact of healthcare reform on rural home health agencies. Issues and responses.

Healthcare reform will have an impact on home health services, but the extent of change depends on which elements are legislated. The author discusses major issues of reform related to rural home health agencies. Several proactive strategies are recommended, including staffing for a community-based care model, linkages with health providers and community agencies, and political agendas to direct local, state, and national policies related to rural home health services.

Capitation Fee↗