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Biomedical subjects

M A Paterson

Publications and source records attributed to M A Paterson.

11 recordsLinked to original sources

Client self-determination and professional intervention: striking a balance.

Social workers find themselves caught in the cross fire between two imperatives: (1) outcome-oriented and competency-based practice requisites and (2) the principle of client self-determination. In this context, the authors hypothesize that social workers use a wide range of gradations along a continuum of practice directiveness. Furthermore, there is ethical justification for this diverse role repertoire. Directiveness modalities are influenced by specific conditional factors that guide practitioner behavior. A study is described that empirically explores and amplifies these hypotheses.

Adult↗

Managing risk in a changing health care system.

This article examines the information requirements and other strategies needed to manage business and financial risk in health care organizations. The business and financial risk of providers in the changing health care market is defined. The major factors that are increasing risk are outlined, and strategies for measuring and managing risk are discussed. The interaction of business and financial risk is described, and strategic goals that will minimize the effect of this interaction are presented.

Capitation Fee↗

Marketed sperm: use and regulation in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: To collate information relating to the current use of marketed semen for therapeutic donor insemination (DI) in the United States. DATA IDENTIFICATION: Literature was identified by Medline search and government document review. LITERATURE SELECTION: Materials selected for review included empirical studies, policy reviews, legal documents, and government surveys relating to use of donor sperm. RESULTS: Use of marketed (donor) sperm is associated with significant medical, genetic, and psychological risk. These risks directly affect the individuals involved in therapeutic DI. Also, the public's health is involved because these risks include transmission of infectious disease and genetic anomalies. Legal and social concerns associated with therapeutic DI include offspring's knowledge of genetic endowment, parental responsibility, and donor confidentiality. This analysis shows that policies currently in place regarding the use of marketed semen in therapeutic DI do not ensure consumer safety and do not protect society's interest. CONCLUSIONS: Current policies need to be improved to protect those directly involved in the therapeutic DI process and to address public health and societal concerns. Recommendations include: [1] programs to assure quality and safety of marketed sperm, [2] implementation of a central registry to collect information about the use and outcomes of therapeutic DI, and [3H] expansion of available therapeutic DI guidelines to address psychological and social support for persons involved in therapeutic DI.

Commerce↗

Quality improvement--boon or boondoggle?

Is quality improvement (QI) reducing healthcare costs while improving patient care? Researchers find that QI has improved employee satisfaction and morale, but it was designed to do more. One solution is to use problem-solving techniques to help teams identify the level at which they want to address a problem, whether that be the subinstitutional, institutional, or system level. If QI is to fulfill its promise, skilled managers must create effective teams capable of defining and solving complex problems.

Efficiency, Organizational↗

Reproductive laboratory technology: an alternative career.

OBJECTIVES: Define the job description for reproductive laboratory technologist (RLT); describe the RLT laboratory setting; identify education level and certification of the respondents; establish level of job satisfaction and job security; determine if certification and position affect performance and job satisfaction; compare RLT job with any previous clinical laboratory position; and document education and training important for the position. SURVEY INSTRUMENT: A questionnaire was developed with questions targeted to answer objectives. SURVEY POPULATION: The questionnaire was mailed to a random sample of 300 non-physician members from the Reproductive Biology Professional Group and the Reproductive Laboratory Technology Group from membership lists provided by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. STUDY POPULATION: 81 survey respondents. RESULTS: RLTs are mostly college-educated, certified and non-certified laboratory professionals, trained on the job for specialty work in andrology and assisted reproductive technology (ART). Position, but not certification, correlate with job performance and job satisfaction. Respondents describe the position of RLT as stressful, but very interesting, exciting, fulfilling, and secure. Respondents with previous clinical laboratory experience rated level of job satisfaction higher for the reproductive laboratory. The CLS curriculum is an excellent background for RLT. CONCLUSIONS: RLT is an exciting career alternative for CLSs. Newly formed laws and regulations, and the demand for more stringent regulation, will continue to increase the demand for certified CLSs for this position. Formal education and certification requirements are anticipated for RLT. The specialty is being incorporated in CLS training programs.

Career Choice↗