PubMed · 15439575
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J H KEATING. 1950-07-05. Present progress--and the future.. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15439575/
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BACKGROUND: Primary health care centres (PHCCs) were a characteristic of the former Yugoslav health care system introduced widely in Slovenia. Transition brought structural changes to health care and the position of the PHCC's was challenged. This paper investigates (i) PHCCs' perception of transition changes in health care, (ii) changes in resources and services, and (iii) changes in the relationships between PHCCs and new primary health care providers. METHODS: We mailed a self-administered questionnaire with 42 questions divided into 8 chapters and related to the period between 1990 and 2000 to all 65 PHCCs in Slovenia. Questions were of three types, grouped according to the aspects we were trying to explore: perceived changes, actual changes and relations with new providers. RESULTS: We obtained 57 questionnaires representing PHCC catchment areas covering 93.7% of the Slovenian population. Municipalities' position versus PHCCs was reinforced but their role remains ambiguous. The number of employees was reduced by one third, capital investments are still ongoing, but the scope and volume of services has shrunk. Relations with the Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia (HIIS) were considered controversial while the influence of the public providers' association is perceived as marginal. CONCLUSIONS: PHCCs have survived the transition both structurally as well as functionally. However, an unstructured approach to system changes in primary care, a poorly managed process of introducing private provision, and a monopoly position of the HIIS affected their situation. The challenges for the future will be in preserving their public health functions, in increasing efficiency and in establishing clearly defined relations with private providers.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a versatile medical imaging tool for which several new applications have been developed. Beside its broad clinical use for the detection of anatomical structures and pathologies MRI has been successfully applied for the non-invasive imaging of human organ functions, including the brain and the cardiovascular system. The use of MRI for the assessment and analysis of gastrointestinal (GI) function is a new approach that is currently performed in only a few research sites. Several characteristics make MRI an ideal technique for the direct assessment of GI physiology: MRI acquires high resolution images with excellent soft tissue contrast, it does not expose subjects to ionizing radiation, is non-invasive, and the acquisition and analysis of the images can be independently verified. In this article we summarize recent developments of MRI techniques in GI research. We will also discuss the advantages and limitations of MRI for this purpose in relation to established medical imaging tools and investigations.
The general objective of the "Rehabilitation Medicine Summit: Building Research Capacity" was to advance and promote research in medical rehabilitation by making recommendations to expand research capacity. The 5 elements of research capacity that guided the discussions were researchers; research culture, environment, and infrastructure; funding; partnerships; and metrics. Participants included representatives of professional organizations, consumer groups, academic departments, researchers, governmental funding agencies, and the private sector. Small group discussions and plenary sessions generated an array of problems, possible solutions, and recommended actions. A post-Summit, multiorganizational initiative is called for to pursue the agendas outlined in this report.