Does Patient Demand Contribute to the Overuse of Prescription Drugs?

In an experiment in Mali, we tested whether patients pressure providers to prescribe unnecessary medical treatment. We varied patients’ information about a discount for antimalarial tablets and measure demand for both tablets and costlier antimalarial injections. We find evidence of patient-driven demand: informing patients about the discount, instead of letting providers decide to share this information, increased discount use by 35 percent and overall malaria treatment by 10 percent. These marginal patients rarely had malaria, worsening the illness-treatment match. Providers did not use the information advantage to sell injections—their use fell in both information conditions. (JEL D83, I11, I12, O15)

Download Full-text

The Ties that Heal: Guatemalan Immigrant Women's Networks and Medical Treatment

International Migration Review ◽

10.1111/j.1747-7379.2002.tb00088.x ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 36 (2) ◽

pp. 437-466 ◽

Cited By ~ 79

Author(s):

Cecilia Menjívar

Keyword(s):

Social Networks ◽

Medical Treatment ◽

Prescription Drugs ◽

Immigrant Women ◽

Participant Observation ◽

Informal Networks ◽

Over The Counter ◽

Traditional Medicines ◽

Women's Networks ◽

Depth Interviews

Using participant observation and in-depth interviews with ladina and indigenous Guatemalan immigrant women, this article examines the intricate social networks - both local and transnational - through which these immigrants obtain treatment for their own and their families' illnesses. Although Guatemalan women also relied on ties with friends, families and acquaintances to obtain a cure in their country, these ties acquire more significance within the broader U.S. politicoeconomic context that restricts their medical choices. Under these conditions, these women's informal networks become key in putting within reach a variety of treatments that include prescription drugs (obtained over the counter) and “traditional” medicines, which are acquired both locally and from contacts back home. Giving and receiving help through these social networks, however, is a negotiated process punctuated by disillusions, tension, and frustration as much as by cohesiveness and support.

Download Full-text

High Times for U.S. Employees: Human Resource Management Considerations in Addressing Marijuana Legalization in U.S. Organizations

Applied Economics and Finance ◽

10.11114/aef.v8i6.5397 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (6) ◽

pp. 34

Author(s):

Wendy N. Buice ◽

Steven V. Cates

Keyword(s):

Resource Management ◽

Human Resource Management ◽

Medical Treatment ◽

Human Resource ◽

Prescription Drugs ◽

District Of Columbia ◽

Medical Marijuana ◽

Marijuana Use ◽

Human Resource Professionals ◽

Medical Marijuana Laws

Recent changes in state laws have legalized marijuana use for their state citizens. Originally by 2016, twenty-six states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico had legalized marijuana for medical use (State Medical Marijuana Laws, 2016). In the 2020 elections eighteen states, two U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia legalized recreational use of cannabis. We now have thirty-six states, four U.S. territories, and D.C. who have legalized medical use of the drug use (State Medical Marijuana Laws, 2021). This however creates some major issues for Human Resource professionals due to the fact that federal law still considers marijuana use illegal. This creates a confusing situation for organizations and especially Human Resource professionals who must create and enforce policies on the use of prescription and non-prescription drugs within the work environment. The purpose of this research is to determine if medical marijuana should be protected in the workplace and under what conditions. Based on the literature three research questions were posed and three hypotheses were tested based on analyzing data from a survey questionnaire that was completed by 57 working adults. Results indicate that they support the use of medical marijuana as a viable medical treatment and companies should recognize and support this medical remedy. Results indicate employees should be protected in their use of marijuana under the FMLA. Results also indicate marijuana should also be considered for long-term and permanent illnesses under the ADA. Implications are employees see marijuana in a positive light, as a viable medical treatment, and expect human resource management to support policies that allow for use of marijuana.

Download Full-text

Parents' Perception of Diagnostic Reports and Conferences

Language Speech and Hearing Services in Schools ◽

10.1044/0161-1461.1402.114 ◽

1983 ◽

Vol 14 (2) ◽

pp. 114-120 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Betty U. Watson ◽

Ronald W. Thompson

Keyword(s):

Medical Treatment ◽

Diagnostic Information ◽

Learning Language ◽

Speech Learning ◽

Hearing Problems

The purpose of this study was to evaluate parents' reactions and understanding of diagnostic information from written reports and conferences in a clinic which provides multidisciplinary evaluations for children with speech, learning, language, and hearing problems. Previous studies and anecdotal reports suggested that many parents do not receive appropriate diagnostic information about their children. In the present study questionnaires were mailed to parents who had received reports of evaluations and most of whom had attended hour-long conferences covering the findings. Questionnaires were also sent to professionals who had received reports. Fifty-seven percent of the parents, and 63% of the professionals returned the questionnaires. Ninety percent of the parents indicated that they had understood the results as they were presented in the conference. Ninety-three percent of the professionals and 89% of the parents stated they understood the conclusions of the written reports .Further, 83% of the parents and 80% of the professionals reported that the findings had made a change in the child's educational or medical treatment. The percentage of parents who reported understanding the findings was greater than expected. The specific informing techniques used in this study are discussed.

Download Full-text