scholarly journals Can a Different Formulation of Vitamin D3 Allow Savings? An Analysis From an Italian Regional Perspective

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 233339281986188
Author(s):  
Mario Sanò ◽  
Patrizia Dutto ◽  
Stefano D’Anna ◽  
Carla Rognoni
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Vitamin D3 ◽  
Pharmaceutical Expenditure ◽  
Local Health Authority ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Pharmaceutical Spending ◽  
Reducing Costs ◽  
New Formulation ◽  
Average Expenditure ◽  
Piedmont Region

Vitamin D3 reported in Italy in 2017 the net expenditure of almost €180 million, reaching the first place for consumption and the third place for conventional pharmaceutical spending. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether a shift of vitamin D3 prescriptions toward 100 000 IU formulation, less costly, could allow savings from the health-care perspective. An approach promoting the prescription of this formulation has been applied in a local health authority (ASL CN2) in Piedmont Region (Italy) starting from 2015. The retail pharmaceutical market and the consumption of vitamin D3 has been analyzed from year 2014 to 2017 in order to evaluate differences in expenditures. Despite an increase in consumption, the introduction of the new formulation enabled ASL CN2 to save about €280 000 in 2017 considering the regional average expenditure per 1000 inhabitants as a reference. If Piedmont Region had presented an average expenditure in line with that of ASL CN2, the annual regional savings would have exceeded €7 million in 2017 alone. A shift of vitamin D3 prescriptions toward 100 000 IU formulations would allow reducing costs from the payer perspective. Savings may be used to contain public pharmaceutical expenditure or can be allocated to fund other health-care technologies and services.

Evaluation of Care Processes and Health Care Utilization in Newly Implemented Medical Homes in Italy: A Population-Based Cross-sectional Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 265-273
Author(s):  
Matthew Alcusky ◽  
David Singer ◽  
Scott W. Keith ◽  
Sarah E. Hegarty ◽  
Marco Lombardi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Medical Home ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Care Physician ◽  
Care Utilization ◽  
Local Health Authority ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Process Of Care ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medical Homes

In the Local Health Authority (LHA) of Parma, Emilia Romagna, Italy, 16 medical homes were established between 2011 and 2014. The authors implemented a 1-year (January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2015) cross-sectional population-based design to compare utilization and processes of care between medical homes and comparison practices using the Parma LHA administrative health care database. Residents (n = 372 396) attributed to a primary care physician practicing in a medical home as of January 1, 2015, were considered exposed to medical homes. Adjusted rates of emergency department (ED) use (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.86; 95% CI = 0.82-0.90), potentially avoidable ED use (IRR = 0.78; 95% CI = 0.72-0.84), and hospitalization for chronic ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSCs; IRR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.78-0.97) were lower among patients in medical homes. Performance on process of care measures favored the medical home group; however, associations were generally weak. Receipt of care in medical homes in Parma LHA was associated with lower rates of avoidable ED visits and hospitalizations for chronic ACSCs.

scholarly journals Management of Pediatric Kidney Transplant Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Guidance From the Canadian Society of Transplantation Pediatric Group

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 205435812096784
Author(s):  
Chia Wei Teoh ◽  
Marie-Michele Gaudreault-Tremblay ◽  
Tom D. Blydt-Hansen ◽  
Aviva Goldberg ◽  
Steven Arora ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Peer Review ◽  
Kidney Transplant ◽  
Local Health Authority ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Guidance Document ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Canadian Society ◽  
Transplant Patients ◽  
Kidney Transplant Patients

Purpose of the program: To provide guidance on the management of pediatric kidney transplant patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sources of information: Program-specific documents, preexisting, and related to COVID-19; documents from provincial, national, and international kidney transplant societies/agencies and organ procurement agencies; national and international webinars, including webinars that we hosted for input and feedback; with additional information from formal and informal review of published academic literature. Methods: Challenges in the care of pediatric kidney transplant patients during the COVID-19 pandemic were highlighted within the Canadian Society of Transplantation (CST) Pediatric Group. It identified pediatric kidney transplant nephrologists (including a pediatric nephrologist ethicist) across the country and formed a workgroup. The initial guidance document was drafted and members of the workgroup reviewed and discussed all suggestions in detail via e-mail and virtual meetings. Disagreements were resolved by consensus. The document was reviewed by the CST Kidney Transplant Working Group, by the Canadian Society of Nephrology (CSN) COVID-19 Rapid Response Team (RRT), and an infectious disease expert. The suggestions were presented at an interactive webinar sponsored by CSN in collaboration with the CST and Canadian Association of Pediatric Nephrologists (CAPN), and attended by pediatric kidney health care professionals for further peer input. Final revisions were made based on feedback received. CJKHD editors reviewed the parallel process peer review and edited the manuscript for clarity. Key findings: We identified 8 key areas of pediatric kidney transplant care that may be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic: (1) transplant activity, (2) outpatient clinic activity, (3) monitoring, (4) multidisciplinary care, (5) medications (immunosuppression and others), (6) patient/family education/support, (7) school and employment, and (8) management of pediatric kidney transplant patients who are COVID-19 positive. We make specific suggestions for each of these areas. Limitations: A full systematic review of available literature was not undertaken for the sake of expediency in development of this guideline. There is a paucity of literature to support evidence-based recommendations at this time. Instead, these guidelines were formulated based on expert opinion derived from available knowledge/experience and are subject to the biases associated with this level of evidence. The parallel review process that was created to expedite the publication of this work may not be as robust as standard arms’ length peer review processes. Implications: These recommendations are meant to serve as a guide to pediatric kidney transplant directors, clinicians, and administrators for providing the best patient care in the context of limited resources while protecting patients and health care providers wherever possible by limiting exposure to COVID-19. We recognize that recommendations may not be applicable to all provincial/local health authority practices and that they may not be delivered to all patients given the time and resource constraints affecting the individual provincial/local health jurisdiction.

scholarly journals Subsequent attendance in a breast cancer screening program after a false-positive result in the Local Health Authority of Bologna (Italy)

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorena Squillace ◽  
Lorenzo Pizzi ◽  
Flavia Rallo ◽  
Carmen Bazzani ◽  
Gianni Saguatti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Screening ◽  
Positive Result ◽  
Breast Cancer Screening ◽  
Health Authority ◽  
False Positive ◽  
Screening Program ◽  
Local Health Authority ◽  
Local Health ◽  
False Positive Result

AbstractWe conducted a cross-sectional study to assess the likelihood of returning for routine breast cancer screening among women who have experienced a false-positive result (FPR) and to describe the possible individual and organizational factors that could influence subsequent attendance to the screening program. Several information were collected on demographic and clinical characteristics data. Electronic data from 2014 to 2016 related to breast screening program of the Local Health Authority (LHA) of Bologna (Italy) of women between 45 and 74 years old were reviewed. A total of 4847 women experienced an FPR during mammographic screening and were recalled to subsequent round; 80.2% adhered to the screening. Mean age was 54.2 ± 8.4 years old. Women resulted to be less likely to adhere to screening if they were not-Italian (p = 0.001), if they lived in the Bologna district (p < 0.001), if they had to wait more than 5 days from II level test to end of diagnostic procedures (p = 0.001), if the diagnostic tests were performed in a hospital with the less volume of activity and higher recall rate (RR) (p < 0.001) and if they had no previous participation to screening tests (p < 0.001). Our results are consistent with previous studies, and encourages the implementation and innovation of the organizational characteristics for breast cancer screening. The success of screening programs requires an efficient indicators monitoring strategy to develop and evaluate continuous improvement processes.

scholarly journals Health care network for chronic conditions: an intervention and evaluation in the health system

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
C S Cardoso ◽  
N R Baldoni ◽  
C F Melo ◽  
L O Rezende ◽  
K Noronha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health System ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Panel Study ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Institutional Capacity ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Care Network ◽  
Health Care Network

Abstract Background Health assessments are necessary for the (re) formulation of effective public policies and to guarantee the quality of care offered. This study aim to evaluate the perception of health professionals concerning the institutional capacity of the health system to care for Chronic Conditions (CC) after intervention in a medium-sized municipality in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Methods It is a panel study with evaluation before, during and after an intervention in the health system with a focus on three CC, i.e., i) diabetes; ii) hypertension; and iii) pregnant women. Health care professionals from primary and specialized care units were interviewed using the Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (ACIC) scale, which was applied in nine focal groups organized by health care unit. Results A total of 240 professionals participated of this evaluation, being 94, 63 and 82 participants in 2013, 2015 and 2018 respectively. The ACIC scores showed an positive evolution in the capacity of the health system to care for CC over the years. In the first wave the global score was 5.40 (basic capacity), while in the third wave the score was 9.38 (optimal capacity), with a significant increase in the scores (p &lt; 0.01). Conclusions An important gain in the institutional capacity of the municipality was evidenced for the care of chronic conditions after intervention in the health system. Such an enhancement of the health system to operate in the CC might be sustainable over the time. Furthermore, its impact may directly reflect on the health indicators of the population. Key messages The results showed a strengthening of the local health system. These findings can subsidize other municipalities with a similar reality in the organization of the health care network and, consequently improve the care provided to chronic conditions.

scholarly journals Risk and the Republican National Convention: Application of the Novel COVID-19 Operational Risk Assessment

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
David Callaway ◽  
Jeff Runge ◽  
Lucia Mullen ◽  
Lisa Rentz ◽  
Kevin Staley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
The United States ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
World Health ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Mass Gathering ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
National Convention

Abstract The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization broadly categorize mass gathering events as high risk for amplification of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spread in a community due to the nature of respiratory diseases and the transmission dynamics. However, various measures and modifications can be put in place to limit or reduce the risk of further spread of COVID-19 for the mass gathering. During this pandemic, the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security produced a risk assessment and mitigation tool for decision-makers to assess SARS-CoV-2 transmission risks that may arise as organizations and businesses hold mass gatherings or increase business operations: The JHU Operational Toolkit for Businesses Considering Reopening or Expanding Operations in COVID-19 (Toolkit). This article describes the deployment of a data-informed, risk-reduction strategy that protects local communities, preserves local health-care capacity, and supports democratic processes through the safe execution of the Republican National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. The successful use of the Toolkit and the lessons learned from this experience are applicable in a wide range of public health settings, including school reopening, expansion of public services, and even resumption of health-care delivery.

scholarly journals Involving clinicians in management: assessing views of doctors and nurses on hybrid professionalism in clinical directorates

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Prenestini ◽  
Marco Sartirana ◽  
Federico Lega
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Clinical Work ◽  
Local Health Authority ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Polarity Index ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
Clinical Directorates ◽  
Doctors And Nurses

Abstract Background Hybrid professionalism is one of the most effective ways to involve clinicians in management practices and responsibilities. With this study we investigated the perceptions of doctors and nurses on hybridization in clinical directorates (CDs) in hospitals. Methods We investigated the attitudes of healthcare professionals (doctors and nurses) towards eight hospital CDs in the Local Health Authority (LHA) of Bologna (Emilia Romagna, Italy) 6 years after their implementation. We used a validated questionnaire by Braithwaite and Westbrook (2004). Drawing on Palmer et al. (2007), we added a section about the characteristics of department heads. In all, 123 healthcare professionals in managerial roles completed and returned the questionnaire. The return rate was 47.4% for doctors and 31.6% for nurses. Results Doctors reported an increase in clinical governance, interdisciplinarity collaboration, and standardization of clinical work. Hybridization of practices was noted to have taken place. While doctors did not see these changes as a threat to professional values, they felt that hospital managers had taken greater control. There was a large overlap of attitudes between doctors and nurses: inter-professional integration in CDs fostered alignment of values and aims. The polarity index was higher for responses from the doctors than from the nurses. Conclusion The study findings have implications for policy makers and managers: mission and strategic mandate of CDs; governance of CDs, leadership issues; opportunities for engaging healthcare professionals; changes in managerial involvement during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also discuss the limitations of the present study and future areas for research into hybrid structures.

Health Care for South Lebanon's Civilian Population Following the June 1982 War

1985 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-54
Author(s):  
T.H. Tulchinsky ◽  
Yakov Adler
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Child Nutrition ◽  
Renal Dialysis ◽  
Nutrition Status ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Dialysis Unit ◽  
Medical Needs ◽  
South Lebanon

AbstractFollowing the June 1982 war in South Lebanon, the Israel Ministry of Health sent a medical team to assess health conditions in the area, to assist in the restoration of local health services, and to provide additional medical assistance as needed in public health and specialized medical services. For the approximately 600,000 population of the area, public health sanitary conditions were restored by local authorities, with some external assistance. Sanitation and housing for the refugee camp populations were difficult to solve because of extensive damage in the camps; but United Nations activities, supported by international and Israeli sources, were effective. Epidemic conditions did not occur. Monitoring for specific infectious diseases showed increases not exceeding usual summer conditions. Child nutrition status was satisfactory. Medical needs for specialty services, not available in South Lebanon, were arranged through screening and referral to Israeli hospitals. Renal dialysis needs were met by establishing a dialysis unit using local personnel in a damaged and non-functioning government hospital. Private medical and hospital services, the bulk of health care in the area, functioned except for minor dislocations throughout the war and post-war period. Israeli medical aid, managed by a small multidisciplinary team, was designed to assist and, where necessary, augment rather than replace local health services.

Building Health Communities: Local Health Care Networks in Maryland

2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 62-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron Wachhaus
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Collaborative Networks ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
The Public ◽  
Health Care Networks ◽  
Local Health Care ◽  
Health Communities ◽  
Treatment Of Obesity

Combatting chronic disease (prevention and treatment of obesity, diabetes, heart health, and stroke) requires action at the local level, both to educate the public and to provide health services. Effective collaboration among local organizations devoted to educating the public about, and treating patients of, these diseases is a key component of successful health care. To better understand local efforts, a social network analysis of five local health care networks spanning eight counties in Maryland was conducted. The purpose of this exploratory research was to discover whether collaborative networks exist at the local level, to map the networks, and to assess their strengths and needs.

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