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T M Wickizer

Publications and source records attributed to T M Wickizer.

45 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1988

Economic implications of workplace health promotion programs: review of the literature.

The conventional wisdom holds that workplace health promotion (HP) programs yield financial dividends, often generating cost savings. To examine the intellectual and empirical basis for this belief, we reviewed the literature on the economics of workplace HP programs. In general, in the literature published through early 1986, the claims of HP programs' profitability are based on anecdotal evidence or analyses seriously flawed in terms of assumptions, data, or methodology. Furthermore, certain aspects of the economics of HP programs have been virtually ignored. The dearth of sound evidence on the economic merits of workplace HP should not be interpreted as a negative assessment of the potential of such programs, however. Rather, it recommends a healthy skepticism in reading the literature and development of a new research-based body of understanding.

Back Injuries↗
PubMed1984

Hospital-sponsored primary care: I. Organizational and financial effects.

Findings are presented from a seven-year (1976-83) evaluation of the Community Hospital Program (CHP), a national demonstration program sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to assist 54 community hospitals in improving the organization of access to primary care. Upon grant expiration, 66 per cent of hospital-sponsored group practices continued under some form of hospital sponsorship; over 90 per cent developed or were planning to develop spin-off programs; and new physicians were recruited and retained in the community. About 9 per cent of hospital admissions were accounted for by group physicians and grantee hospitals experienced a greater annual increase in their market share of admissions than competing hospitals in the area. While only three of the groups generated sufficient revenue to cover expenses during the grant period, 21 additional groups broke even during the first post-grant year. Productivity and cost per visit compared favorably with most other forms of care. Hospitalization rates from the hospital-sponsored practices were somewhat lower than those for other forms of care. Medical director leadership and involvement and the organization design of the practice were among several key factors associated with higher performing practices. The ability of such joint hospital-physician ventures to meet the needs of the poor and elderly in a time of Medicare and Medicaid cutbacks is discussed along with suggestions for targeting future initiatives in primary care.

Evaluation Studies as Topic↗
PubMed1981

Polychlorinated biphenyl contamination of nursing mothers' milk in Michigan.

The problem of environmental contamination by toxic substances and human exposure to these substances has attracted increased attention in recent years. Particular concern has centered on polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which have become widespread environmental pollutants as well as contaminants of the human population. This paper reports data from a study of PCB contamination of nursing mothers' breast milk in Michigan. During 1977 and 1978, breast milk samples of 1,057 nursing mothers residing in Michigan were tested for PCB residues. All of the 1,057 samples collected from 68 of the state's 83 counties contained PCB residues ranging from trace amounts to 5,100 parts per million (fat weight basis). The mean level was 1,496 parts per million (ppm), with 49.5 per cent of the samples having PCB levels of 1-2 ppm, 17.4 per cent had 2-3 ppm, and 6.14 per cent had more than 3 ppm. There was no consistent trend in the level of PCB contamination over the 24 months of monitoring. The mean PCB level for the eighth quarter of monitoring was slightly higher than for the first quarter. The public health significance of PCB contamination in human populations and its effects on breast-fed for eight months by a woman with the average PCB level in this sample would have an estimated body burden of approximately 0.89 ppm of PCBs. The implications of PCB contamination of human milk with regard to current breast-feeding practices are discussed and several precautionary measures are recommended.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1981

Testing for polychlorinated biphenyls in human milk.

Reports of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination of human milk have raised questions about the possible risks of breast-feeding and whether nursing mothers ought to have their breast milk tested. Current data on contamination of human milk are needed so that pediatricians can make informed recommendations about breast milk testing and breast-feeding. With consideration of recent findings of PCB contamination of human milk in Michigan, recommendations concerning breast milk testing and breast-feeding are made. No major changes in current breast-feeding practices are advised. However, breast milk testing is recommended for certain nursing mothers who have had potentially high exposure to PCBs. Limiting the duration of breast-feeding may also be advisable for mothers with high PCB milk fat levels in order to reduce infant exposure to PCBs.

Body Burden↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Hospital-physician vertical integration.

Vertical integration of healthcare services has been viewed by hospitals as an effective strategy for maintaining institutional viability in the face of increased competitive pressures. This paper examines the effects of vertical integration on hospital utilization and market share, based on the experience of a selected set of hospitals that developed primary care group practices as part of a national demonstration program conducted over the period 1976 to 1982. Inpatient days and admissions for the average hospital increased 9.0 percent and 8.2 percent, respectively, over the initial four-year period of group operation, while average market share of inpatient days and admissions rose by 4.9 percent and 3.6 percent, respectively. The establishment of the group practices also helped most hospitals achieve a more favorable outpatient payor mix.

Financial Management↗