The creation of a specializedmedical-dental clinic for adults with developmental disabilities in Montreal, Canada

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Melody Blessing Ng ◽  
Malvina Klag ◽  
Carrie Mazoff ◽  
Samantha Sacks ◽  
Chantal Czerednikow ◽  
...  

Purpose There is inadequate health care for patients with developmental disabilities (DD), due to a number of systemic issues. This case study describes the establishment of a medical-dental clinic in Montréal, Québec for adults with DD. The purpose of this paper is to describe the model of interdisciplinary care based on best practices, as an example to encourage a growing community of trained health professionals to serve this population. Design/methodology/approach Interviews with all the clinic staff and leadership were conducted on-site at the clinic, followed by document review and discussions with an embedded researcher in the organization. Findings The clinic was established through a series of events that led to public and government interest to act, the timely emergence of major donors, and bringing together several dedicated individuals and organizations. The core team engaged in consultation with clinics, followed by extensive billing analyses and iterative process mapping as a learning organization. Prior to patient visits, the clinic conducted detailed intake processes to adequately plan for each patient interaction. Desensitization visits were undertaken to improve patient tolerance for examination and treatment. The continual collection of data fed into an evaluation framework to facilitate continuous improvement and articulate a model for replication. Originality/value To the best of the authors knowledge, there is not a clinic of this nature serving this population in Canada. This work can serve to inform the efforts of other care providers looking to create a medical – dental home for this population.

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 113-122
Author(s):  
Jay Ebben ◽  
Alec Johnson

Synopsis This case is intended to introduce undergraduate entrepreneurship students to business models via an entrepreneur who has two businesses: a used-car dealership, which he owns with his father, and a used-sport-bike dealership, which he solely owns. Although these businesses seem similar, there are subtle differences in business model that make the sport-bike business much more attractive. Case analysis involves a step-by-step comparison of the two firms' revenue models, cost structures, and investment needs and leaves students with two decision: first, how to best grow the sport-bike business, and second, whether to continue operating the used-car business once his father retires. Research methodology Primary interviews, company document review, secondary market research. Relevant courses and levels Undergraduate introduction to entrepreneurship.


2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 743-751 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jin Sun

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe a visual try-in evaluation framework for the template-guided modelling of a nasal prosthesis. Design/methodology/approach For patients with nasal defects, there is no self-information that can be used for the fabrication of the nasal prosthesis. Based on model retrieval from a database, the template-guided model construction method can ensure successful building of the nasal prosthesis. The deviation measurement between the two mid-planes of pre-operative and visual post-operative patient’s face allowed a virtual try-in approach in the symmetry evaluation of the prosthetic rehabilitation. The test of fit between the prosthesis model and the surrounding tissue data also provided an evaluation of whether the nasal prosthesis fit the patient’s appearance well before operation. Findings A case study confirmed that this visual try-in evaluation framework has potential to design the desired nasal prosthesis for daily clinical practice. Practical implications This technique facilitates modelling of nasal prostheses while helping to predict the effect before the prosthesis is manufactured. Originality/value This visual try-in evaluation framework has great potential for use in clinical applications because of its advantages on the aesthetic evaluation of the prosthetic rehabilitation.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anupam Thakur ◽  
Cheryl Pereira ◽  
Jenny Hardy ◽  
Nicole Bobbette ◽  
Sanjeev Sockalingam ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND People with intellectual and developmental disabilities are at increased health related risks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual training programs that support providers in caring for the physical and mental health needs of this population, as well provide psychological support to the providers themselves are favourable during the pandemic. OBJECTIVE This study describes the design, implementation and evaluation of a virtual educational COVID focused ECHO® program to support providers in caring for the mental health of the IDD population during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A rapid design thinking approach was used to develop a 6-session long program, with sessions incorporating mindfulness practice, a wellness check, COVID-19 related research and policy updates, a didactic presentation on a combination mental health and COVID related topic, and a case-based discussion to encourage practical learning. The program was evaluated using Moore’s evaluation framework, specifically looking at levels 1-5 (participation, satisfaction, learning, self-efficacy and change in practice), as well as additional reflection measures around innovations to the program. Qualitative feedback from open-text responses were analysed using a modified manifest content analysis. RESULTS Care providers from both health and disability service sectors (n=104) participated in the program. High levels of engagement (81 participants per session on average) and satisfaction (overall mean satisfaction score of 4.31±0.17 out of 5) were observed. Statistically significant improvements in mean self-efficacy scores (19.8%) and mean scores on support and coping measures were seen. Participants also rated high agreement with the newly developed COVID-19 program and its innovative components. Open text feedback responses showed participants felt: ECHO expanded their knowledge and competency, and created this sense of being part of a community of practice; there was value seen for the COVID-19 innovations; ECHO supported the gaining and sharing of resources not just within the smaller group of participants, but with their broader teams and organizations as well; ECHO facilitated changes to participants’ practice via their approach to client care, and increased confidence in supporting clients and families. CONCLUSIONS ECHO is an effective model for capacity building programs with a shared learning approach. Future iterations should include targeted evaluation of long term outcomes such as staff burn out. CLINICALTRIAL This research work doesn't involve a clinical trial.


2016 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 302-323 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allan Best ◽  
Alex Berland ◽  
Carol Herbert ◽  
Jennifer Bitz ◽  
Marlies W van Dijk ◽  
...  

Purpose – The British Columbia Ministry of Health’s Clinical Care Management initiative was used as a case study to better understand large-scale change (LSC) within BC’s health system. Using a complex system framework, the purpose of this paper is to examine mechanisms that enable and constrain the implementation of clinical guidelines across various clinical settings. Design/methodology/approach – Researchers applied a general model of complex adaptive systems plus two specific conceptual frameworks (realist evaluation and system dynamics mapping) to define and study enablers and constraints. Focus group sessions and interviews with clinicians, executives, managers and board members were validated through an online survey. Findings – The functional themes for managing large-scale clinical change included: creating a context to prepare clinicians for health system transformation initiatives; promoting shared clinical leadership; strengthening knowledge management, strategic communications and opportunities for networking; and clearing pathways through the complexity of a multilevel, dynamic system. Research limitations/implications – The action research methodology was designed to guide continuing improvement of implementation. A sample of initiatives was selected; it was not intended to compare and contrast facilitators and barriers across all initiatives and regions. Similarly, evaluating the results or process of guideline implementation was outside the scope; the methods were designed to enable conversations at multiple levels – policy, management and practice – about how to improve implementation. The study is best seen as a case study of LSC, offering a possible model for replication by others and a tool to shape further dialogue. Practical implications – Recommended action-oriented strategies included engaging local champions; supporting local adaptation for implementation of clinical guidelines; strengthening local teams to guide implementation; reducing change fatigue; ensuring adequate resources; providing consistent communication especially for front-line care providers; and supporting local teams to demonstrate the clinical value of the guidelines to their colleagues. Originality/value – Bringing a complex systems perspective to clinical guideline implementation resulted in a clear understanding of the challenges involved in LSC.


2016 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 234-251
Author(s):  
Anne E. Roll ◽  
Barbara J. Bowers

This qualitative case study sought to examine an innovative community outreach nursing program designed to promote healthy aging for more than 250 individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities living in the community. We analyzed 10 in-depth interviews, one focus group, and various documents using thematic analysis. We researched why the program emerged and found the reasons to be improving the communication with primary care providers, providing person-centered health care, and building on and contributing to existing community-based programs. Findings on what the daily work of community outreach nurses with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities entailed, included person-centered health education, advocacy for the safe return home, support for staff to understand that health issues can lead to behavior changes, and enabling social participation. This case study may inspire further research or help others develop similar programs.


2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esteban R. Brenes ◽  
Carlos Martínez ◽  
Caleb A. Pichardo

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss Centrolac, a Nicaraguan company engaged in processing ultra-pasteurized milk, and provides abundant information for readers to decide on vertical vs horizontal integration to deal with the changing competitive environment. It has been prepared to simplify discussion and knowledge about the competitive field (where to compete); generic cost-leadership and high-perceived-value strategies (how to compete); and the action required to attain positioning (how to implement it). Design/methodology/approach The case study is based on primary research conducted in conjunction with the company, including interviews with senior management and a broad document review. Secondary research was also conducted into the relevant environmental, industry and competitor trends and characteristics. Findings The case study presents topics of competitive positioning and how current company strategy can have a significant impact on future growth decisions. Originality/value This case study is for use in an MBA-level business strategy course with a focus on strategic positioning and growth paths. However, it can also be used for MBA corporate strategy courses in relation to corporate expansion on issues linked to organic growth within the same business (expansion into new dairy products) or vertical integration (integration into dairy-farming).


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth J. Barnes ◽  
John Hoffmire

Purpose This case study aims to explore the efforts of a small start-up company, whose unique solutions are being deployed in the fight against COVID-19, with encouraging results. Using innovative technology and local volunteer networks, they have set out to identify the medical needs of local care providers, while reducing the effects of fraud, corruption and mis-management. Design/methodology/approach This case study involved the interrogation of data made available by the company and an interview with the chief executive officer. Findings The research suggests that small enterprises can have a positive impact, far beyond what either the state or the market might assume. By properly equipping and empowering people at the grassroots level, they can identify and solve local resourcing issues and root-out fraud, corruption and mismanagement before they happen. Originality/value This is a unique approach to the problem of resource management in the non-profit sector, with implications for grant projects beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Costanza

Purpose Patient organizations (POs) belong to the non-profit world and carry on several activities alongside health care. However, literature devotes scarce attention to POs’ management specificities in the interaction with health-care delivery. This paper aims to describe the contribution of POs to health care from an operational point of view; investigate the effect of POs’ managerial choices on health-care performance; and provide useful insights for patient organizations and health-care management. Design/methodology/approach The paper combines qualitative case study research and system dynamics (SD). After a literature review about patient organizations’ role, modeling steps are described. In first place, the analyses of institutional documents, interviews and observations are condensed in a stock-and-flow diagram. The latter is translated into a set of differential equations to simulate the effect of alternative resource allocations. Findings The case study emphasizes PO’s educational and administrative role in supporting health-care delivery. Simulated policy scenarios, while confirming the positive contribution of patient co-created health, disclose potential divergencies in public and private/third sector decision-making, to be read considering key feedback mechanisms within the system. Originality/value This study proposes a holistic view of patient organizations’ engagement in health care. The findings highlight synergies and trade-offs of alternative managerial decisions involving POs and health-care providers, disclosing the benefits of joint resource planning.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (S1) ◽  
pp. 78-79
Author(s):  
Latrice Rollins ◽  
Nicole Llewellyn ◽  
Eric Nehl ◽  
Astrid Sosa

OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: We will use a structured evaluation framework, the payback framework, to document the outcomes of 15 case studies of pilot projects supported by Georgia CTSA from 2007 to 2014. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We will use a case study approach including bibliometric analyses of publications associated with the selected projects, document review (e.g., investigator curriculum vitae, biannual project reports) and investigator interviews. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: We will document outcomes in 5 “payback categories”: (1) knowledge, (2) research targeting, capacity building, and absorption, (3) policy and product development, (4) health benefits, and (5) broader economic benefits. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: This study will aid in characterizing the returns resulting from this research funding and identify its strengths and weaknesses. This study will inform our understanding of the diversity and breadth of outcomes resulting from Georgia CTSA-supported research, and the value pilot projects provide to clinical and translational science and the broader community.


Author(s):  
Iftekhar Ahmed ◽  
Esther Ruth Charlesworth

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the utility of a tool for assessing resilience of housing. After disasters, maximum resources are often allocated for housing reconstruction, and most initiatives on disaster resilient housing have arisen after disasters. With widespread claims by agencies of having “built back better”, it is important to establish an evaluation framework that allows understanding to what extent resilience has been successfully achieved in such housing projects. This paper discusses such a tool developed by the authors. Design/methodology/approach – In a study commissioned by the Australian Shelter Reference Group, the authors have developed an evaluation tool for assessing resilience in housing and tested it in several housing reconstruction projects in the Asia-Pacific region. Various evaluation frameworks were reviewed to develop the tool. An approach derived from the log frame was adapted in alignment with other key approaches. The tool is practical and targeted for agency staff involved in housing projects, evaluators of housing reconstruction projects and communities to assess their housing in terms of resilience. It comprises three main stages of an assessment process with guided activities at each stage. Findings – The tool was tested in the Cook Islands and Sri Lanka, and the key findings of the test assessments are presented to demonstrate the prospects of the tool. While the case study projects all indicated achievement of a level of resilience, problems were evident in terms of designs issues and external factors. Originality/value – Such a tool has the potential to be used more widely through advocacy to prioritise resilience in post-disaster housing reconstruction.


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