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[Day care treatment of 2 siblings with elective mutism].

OBJECTIVES: This case report deals with the day care treatment of two seven- and eight-year-old siblings with elective mutism. Their treatment entails a combination of psychopharmacological and intensive behavior therapy. The multimodal therapeutic process is presented together with continuing psychosocial steps. Behavioral intervention focuses on building verbal expressive capacity, reducing speech anxiety in social situations and generalization to non-therapeutic situations. The case report is discussed in the context of the current literature on elective mutism.

Acculturation↗

Governance and the loss of biodiversity.

Most of the world's biodiversity occurs within developing countries that require donor support to build their conservation capacity. Unfortunately, some of these countries experience high levels of political corruption, which may limit the success of conservation projects by reducing effective funding levels and distorting priorities. We investigated whether changes in three well surveyed and widespread components of biodiversity were associated with national governance scores and other socio-economic measures. Here we show that governance scores were correlated with changes in total forest cover, but not with changes in natural forest cover. We found strong associations between governance scores and changes in the numbers of African elephants and black rhinoceroses, and these socio-economic factors explained observed patterns better than any others. Finally, we show that countries rich in species and identified as containing priority areas for conservation have lower governance scores than other nations. These results stress the need for conservationists to develop and implement policies that reduce the effects of political corruption and, in this regard, we question the universal applicability of an influential approach to conservation that seeks to ban international trade in endangered species.

Animals↗

Evaluation use and the CEFP. Lessons from a case study.

The Collaborative Evaluation Fellows Project was designed to build the evaluation capacity of the American Cancer Society and to produce evaluations that would be used in decision making on the local to national levels. Is this kind of use occurring and has use become a means of institutionalizing evaluation? Data from site visits to six regional offices suggest some use of findings occurring, while other data clearly indicate that an evaluation ethos and evaluation practice are both taking hold within the organization.

Cooperative Behavior↗

Mapping the future of environmental health and nursing: strategies for integrating national competencies into nursing practice.

:Nurses are increasingly the primary contact for clients concerned about health problems related to their environment. In response to the need for nursing expertise in the field of environmental health, the Institute of Medicine (IOM), Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), and National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) have designed core competencies for the nursing profession. The IOM competencies focus on four areas: (1) knowledge and concepts; (2) assessment and referral; advocacy, ethics, and risk communication; and (4) legislation and regulation. The competencies establish a baseline of knowledge and awareness in order for nurses to prevent and minimize health problems associated with exposure to environmental agents. To address the known difficulties of incorporating new priorities into established practice, nurses attending an environmental health short course participated in a nominal group process focusing on the question, "What specific actions can we take to bring environmental health into the mainstream of nursing practice?" This exercise was designed to bring the concepts of the national initiatives (IOM, NINR, ATSDR) to the awareness of individual nurses involved in the direct delivery of care. Results include 38 action items nurses identified as improving awareness and utilization of environmental health principles. The top five ideas were: (1) get environmental health listed as a requirement or competency in undergraduate nursing education; (2) improve working relationships with interdepartmental persons-a team approach; (3) strategically place students in essential organizations such as NIOSH, ATSDR, or CDC; (4) educate nurse educators; and (5) create environmental health awards in nursing. The 38 original ideas were also reorganized into a five-tiered conceptual model. The concepts of this model include: (1) developing partnerships; (2) strengthening publications; (3) enhancing continuing education; (4) updating nursing practice; and (5) strengthening schools of nursing. The model serves as a road map for action in building environmental health capacity within mainstream nursing.

Clinical Competence↗

Early workplace intervention for employees with musculoskeletal-related absenteeism: a prospective controlled intervention study.

Sickness absenteeism caused by musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) is a persistent and costly occupational health challenge. In a prospective controlled trial, we compared the effects on sickness absenteeism of a more proactive role for insurance case managers as well as workplace ergonomic interventions with that of traditional case management. Patients with physician-diagnosed MSDs were randomized either to the intervention group or the reference group offered the traditional case management routines. Participants filled out a comprehensive questionnaire at the initiation of the study and after 6 months. In addition, administrative data were collected at 0.6, and 12 months after the initiation of the project. For the entire 12-month period, the total mean number of sick days for the intervention group was 144.9 (SEM 11.8) days/person as compared to 197.9 (14.0) days in the reference group (P < 0.01). Compared with the reference group, employees in the intervention group significantly more often received a complete rehabilitation investigation (84% versus 27%). The time for doing this was reduced by half (59.4 (5.2) days versus 126.8 (19.2), P < .01). The odds ratio for returning to work in the intervention group was 2.5 (95% confidence interval 1.2-5.1) as compared with the reference group. The direct cost savings were USD 1195 per case, yielding a direct benefit-to-cost ratio of 6.8. It is suggested that the management of MSDs should to a greater degree focus on early return to work and building on functional capacity and employee ability. Allowing the case managers a more active role as well as involving an ergonomist in workplace adaptation meetings might also be beneficial.

Absenteeism↗

The changing emphasis of disasters in Bangladesh NGOs.

Bangladesh is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, affected by cyclones and floods, as well as chronic hazards such as arsenic poisoning. NGOs have played a major role in bringing concerns related to risk management on to the national agenda and promoting a shift of focus from mere relief response to disaster mitigation and preparedness. The government has, after earlier scepticism, now accepted NGOs as major partners in these tasks. Innovative approaches, such as the use of microfinance, have been applied; many of which are related to preserving the gains of development efforts as part of rehabilitation. NGOs have pressured for better coordination with government. Improved structures are now approved, but it is still too early to judge their impact. Despite progress, neither NGOs nor governmental agencies have clearly defined roles in the effort to link disaster management priorities. This will ensure that longer-term development efforts build on local capacities and reduce vulnerabilities.

Bangladesh↗

Decentralized data management in nutritional surveillance for timely warning and intervention.

In this paper we describe a theoretical approach for decentralized data management in sentinel community nutritional surveillance systems for timely warning and intervention, by using customized computer programs. By making the data available at lower levels first, the decentralized data management system builds the institutional capacity at regional level and allows rapid and appropriate action by decision-makers. In addition, it facilitates the flow of information and strengthens the involvement of field staff. Reports from field experiences should further demonstrate the feasibility, efficacy, costs and benefits of customized data management computer programs.

Costs and Cost Analysis↗

Canadian public health nurses' job satisfaction.

OBJECTIVES: This study was undertaken to test the applicability of using a standardized questionnaire for measuring public health nurse (PHN) job satisfaction and to determine whether or not scores changed over 30 months. The importance of establishing a method for ongoing measurement of PHN job satisfaction was underscored by changing directions in practice and an emphasis on building public health capacity. METHOD: A 30-month interval, repeated measures descriptive survey design was used. SAMPLE: A randomly selected sample of 87 PHNs employed within 1 Canadian regional health authority participated. MEASUREMENT: The survey questionnaire, the Index of Worklife Satisfaction, was designed to measure the importance of and satisfaction with 6 components of job satisfaction. RESULTS: Pay and autonomy were the most important components; the order of the 4 remaining components changed from first to second surveys. Professional status, autonomy, and interaction were the most satisfying components; PHN satisfaction with professional status and interaction improved significantly over 30 months. A majority of subjects reported that direct client care/client response/making a difference were worklife aspects providing them with most satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: A valid, reliable questionnaire suitable for ongoing measurement was tested with PHNs, and baseline levels of their job satisfaction were established.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

Harnessing genomics and biotechnology to improve global health equity.

With decisive and timely action, genome-related biotechnology can be harnessed to improve global health equity. In June 2002 in Kananaskis, Canada, leaders of the G8 industrial nations will develop an action plan to support implementation of the New African Initiative. By extending their discussion of health issues raised in the New African Initiative to include genomics, G8 leaders could signal their intention to increase global health equity by preventing a health genomics divide from developing. There are already some early and growing examples of genome-related biotechnology being applied successfully to health problems in developing countries. But how can genomics be systematically harnessed to benefit health in developing countries? We propose a five-point strategy, including research, capacity strengthening, consensus building, public engagement, and an investment fund.

Biotechnology↗

Moving East: how the transnational tobacco industry gained entry to the emerging markets of the former Soviet Union-part II: an overview of priorities and tactics used to establish a manufacturing presence.

OBJECTIVES: To explore how British American Tobacco (BAT), having established cigarette imports, responded to the opportunities for investment in cigarette manufacturing in the former Soviet Union (FSU). DESIGN: Analysis of documents held at the BAT archive in Guildford, UK. RESULTS: Considerable priority was attached to investing in the FSU. This led BAT to undertake a major organisational change and to intense competition to acquire assets. BAT used flawed economic arguments to persuade cash starved governments that its investment would reap economic rewards. It offered excise advice that disadvantaged governments while benefiting BAT, confused issues over pricing, and avoided competitive tendering. BAT targeted agriculture ministries, using its expertise in leaf production to differentiate itself from other potential investors. It subverted the principles of corporate social responsibility to promote itself as a business partner. BAT's task was made easier by the naivety of post-Soviet governments and by the international financial organisations' support for rapid economic reform. The latter permitted tobacco transnationals to penetrate markets before effective competitive tendering processes had been established, giving them the opportunity to minimise prices and establish monopolies. CONCLUSIONS: Many of the arguments employed when penetrating post-Soviet markets were highly misleading but governments lacked expertise to realise this. There is a need to build tobacco control capacity in transition economies, within and outside government, to ensure that governments are better informed of the true economic and health impacts of tobacco. Rapid transition from socialist to market economies without establishing regulatory institutional structures may be dangerous when investing companies use business practices that fall short of international standards.

Advertising↗

Breathing pattern and ventilatory response to carbon dioxide in divers.

The breathing pattern and ventilatory response to carbon dioxide of 10 experienced divers was compared with that of 10 nondivers of similar age and build. Breathing pattern was described by the equation VE = M (VT - K) and the response to carbon dioxide by VE = S(PCO2 - B). The divers exhibited a value form 27% lower than the nondivers; S was 33% lower. The difference was significant (P less than 0.05) in both cases. B was significantly higher (P less than 0.05) in the divers than nondivers. These differences are not attributable to age, build, or vital capacity. S was well correlated with M when all subjects were considered a single group. Within the diving group no correlation of S and M with diving experience was found.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Bringing managed care home to people with chronic, disabling conditions: prospects and challenges for policy, practice, and research.

This article examines the challenges and opportunities inherent in the idea that home care organizations may be able to reinvent themselves into managed care systems for the frail elderly and chronically ill. Data come from three sources: (a) existing literature, (b) a survey with experts, and (c) insights from an organization with direct experience in designing and implementing first- and second-generation managed care programs. The authors conclude that although even the best-positioned home care organizations will face significant challenges in transitioning to managed care systems (e.g., establishing medical linkages, building managed care capacity, securing funding, dealing with regulatory hurdles), changes in the environment may enable these challenges to be overcome. Home care organizations are beginning to use innovative techniques to manage care, and those with a strong commitment to the chronically ill may be interested and capable of pursuing the option of becoming home-based managed chronic care programs.

Aged↗

Building teen power for sexual health.

Alarming numbers of teens engage in behaviors that place them at risk for pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including AIDS. Intervention studies targeted toward reducing risky sexual behavior and improving school retention and literature about variables that affect risky sexual behavior and school performance were reviewed to develop the Social-Cognitive Model for Sexual Behavior During Adolescence. Interventions that target change in the family and school environments in addition to building the personal capacities of each teen have the potential to be effective. Many environmental factors cannot be altered, but the intervention can help reframe the situation and provide the knowledge, specific skills, role models, and rehearsal that promote change. The 13-week school-based intervention assists students identify how personal strengths and family, school, and neighborhood environmental factors can reinforce health behaviors and choices.

Adolescent↗

Establishing an Internet-based tobacco-control network for Czech health professionals.

This article describes the background, implementation, and evaluation of an Internet-based health promotion network in the Czech Republic. The network was intended to build the indigenous capacity of Czech health professionals in the use of the Internet for tobacco control to organize and coordinate public health campaigns, heighten public awareness, and catalyze policy change. Multiple methods of evaluation included three needs assessment surveys, three training workshop evaluations, an Internet survey of participating member organizations, and quarterly reports from the project partners. The evaluation showed that an Internet-based network was established with 40 health professionals from 30 organizations. A grassroots heart disease prevention and tobacco-control advocacy group was formed. Network participants utilized and continue to utilize the Internet to communicate, research, coordinate outreach, and advocate tobacco-control issues.

Computer-Assisted Instruction↗

Nursing education in telehealth.

Many nurses around the world provide expert nursing care through distance technologies but few undergraduate programmes expose nursing students to the full range of technologies available. Nursing education in telehealth needs to reflect the roles, responsibilities and capacity for knowledge building and innovation of the various constituencies within the profession. Registered nurses and advanced practice nurses will need complementary but different knowledge and skills than nurse administrators. The former will need technical proficiency in using common telehealth modalities and the ability to integrate telehealth in their practices.

Education, Nursing↗

Chinese Dementia Specialist Education Program: training Chinese American health care professionals as dementia experts.

A Chinese Dementia Specialist Education Program (CDSEP) was launched in the Greater Boston Area to educate Chinese American health care providers who lacked adequate dementia education and services. This program trained bilingual health care providers to identify, assess and serve people with dementia and their families, and raised dementia awareness in Chinese American communities. The ten-month follow-up survey documented that the sixteen graduates helped over 70 families and held 76 workshops and formal and informal discussions, reaching over 400 people. The CDSEP demonstrates that a "Train the Trainer" model is an effective approach for building dementia care capacity in community-based agencies, increasing outreach to people with dementia and their families, and for raising dementia awareness in bilingual and minority communities.

Adult↗

Health research philanthropy in a time of plenty: a strategic agenda.

Generous public investment in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides research foundations with a unique opportunity to more closely connect investments in basic research to a payoff in improved health. Foundations can support efforts to integrate what is known from the biological, behavioral, and social sciences to solve the nation's most pressing health problems. In doing so, they will help to build the scientific capacity to conduct high-quality integrative research in anticipation of a more robust public investment in translating what is known about health into what is done to improve and maintain it.

Budgets↗

Trends in international nurse migration.

Predicted shortages and recruitment targets for nurses in developed countries threaten to deplete nurse supply and undermine global health initiatives in developing countries. A twofold approach is required, involving greater diligence by developing countries in creating a largely sustainable domestic nurse workforce and their greater investment through international aid in building nursing education capacity in the less developed countries that supply them with nurses.

Emigration and Immigration↗