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Traditional Role (traditional + role)
Selected AbstractsConcurrent validity of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and AUDIT zones in defining levels of severity among out-patients with alcohol dependence in the COMBINE studyADDICTION, Issue 12 2006Dennis M. Donovan ABSTRACT Aims To examine among alcohol-dependent out-patient clients the concurrent validity of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) total score and ,zones' suggested by the World Health Organization for defining levels of severity of alcohol use problems. Design Participants were classified into AUDIT zones (AUDIT total score = 8,15, 16,19, 20,40) and compared on measures of demographics, treatment goals, alcohol consumption, alcohol-related consequences, severity of dependence, physiological dependence, tolerance, withdrawal and biomarkers of alcohol use. Setting Eleven out-patient academic clinical research centers across the United States. Participants Alcohol dependent individuals (n = 1335) entering out-patient treatment in the Combined Pharmacotherapies and Behavioral Interventions (COMBINE) study. Measurements The AUDIT was administered as part of an initial screening. Baseline measures used for concurrent validation included the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 4th edition (DSM-IV) Disorders, the Alcohol Dependence Scale, the Drinker Inventory of Consequences, the Obsessive-Compulsive Drinking Scale, the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment, the Thoughts about Abstinence Scale, the Form-90, %carbohydrate-deficient transferrin and gamma-glutamyl transferase. Findings Indicators of severity of dependence and alcohol-related problems increased linearly with total score and differed significantly across AUDIT zones. The highest zone, with scores of 20 and above, was markedly different with respect to severity from the other two zones and members of this group endorsed an abstinence goal more strongly. Conclusions The AUDIT total score is a brief measure that appears to provide an index of severity of dependence in a sample of alcohol-dependent individuals seeking out-patient treatment, extending its potential utility beyond its more traditional role as a screening instrument in general populations. [source] Adopting a constructivist approach to grounded theory: Implications for research designINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NURSING PRACTICE, Issue 1 2006Jane Mills PhD (Cand) Grounded theory is a popular research methodology that is evolving to account for a range of ontological and epistemological underpinnings. Constructivist grounded theory has its foundations in relativism and an appreciation of the multiple truths and realities of subjectivism. Undertaking a constructivist enquiry requires the adoption of a position of mutuality between researcher and participant in the research process, which necessitates a rethinking of the grounded theorist's traditional role of objective observer. Key issues for constructivist grounded theorists to consider in designing their research studies are discussed in relation to developing a partnership with participants that enables a mutual construction of meaning during interviews and a meaningful reconstruction of their stories into a grounded theory model. [source] Assessing Perceived Health and Associated Health-Promoting Behaviors: An Investigation of Methods Used to Assess Health StatusJOURNAL OF APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 2 2007Craig M. Becker Health assessments have been integral in the development of health behavior and policy recommendations. As the nation's health status improves, information about positive health is needed to continue development of appropriate behavior and policy recommendations. In this study, perceived health, health behaviors, health care usage, and how participants defined health were assessed. Using reported health-promoting behaviors, respondents were grouped into high-, middle-, and low-health groups. Analyses found statistically significant differences (p<.05) for all health behaviors reported and for life satisfaction. Each group's understanding of health also differed significantly. Results document the discriminating value and importance of positive health-promoting behaviors beyond their traditional role in prevention. Recommendations for health professionals' use of positive health assessments are discussed. [source] Managing corporate governance risks in a nonprofit health care organizationJOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE RISK MANAGEMENT, Issue 3 2005Glenn T. Troyer Esq. Partner Triggered by corporate scandals, there is increased oversight by governmental bodies and in part by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Corporations are developing corporate governance compliance initiatives to respond to the scrutiny of regulators, legislators, the general public and constituency groups such as investors. Due to state attorney general initiatives, new legislation and heightened oversight from the Internal Revenue Service, nonprofit entities are starting to share the media spotlight with their for-profit counterparts. These developments are changing nonprofit health care organizations as well as the traditional role of the risk manager. No longer is the risk manager focused solely on patients' welfare and safe passage through a complex delivery system. The risk manager must be aware of corporate practices within the organization that could allow the personal objectives of a few individuals to override the greater good of the community in which the nonprofit organization serves. [source] Proteases implicated in apoptosis: old and newJOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 5 2010Kelly L. Moffitt Abstract Objectives The role of proteases in the regulation of apoptosis is becoming increasingly apparent. Whilst many of these proteases are already characterised, some have yet to be identified. Traditionally caspases held the traditional role as the prime mediators of apoptosis; however, attention is now turning towards the contribution made by serine proteases. Key findings As unregulated apoptosis is implicated in various disease states, the emergence of this proteolytic family as apoptotic regulators offers novel and alterative opportunities for therapeutic targets. Summary This review presents a brief introduction and overview of proteases in general with particular attention given to those involved in apoptotic processing. [source] Going privately: partnership and outsourcing in UK public servicesPUBLIC ADMINISTRATION, Issue 3 2002Damian Grimshaw Public private partnerships provide an important illustration of the way the traditional role of government as employer and service provider is being transformed. While policy,makers argue that the growing role of the private sector is not driven by ideological thinking , that, in fact, both public and private sector organizations can benefit from working together in partnership relations , in practice it is the norms and rules of private sector management that underpin reforms. This paper assesses evidence from two detailed case studies of partnerships and demonstrates, first, that there is little evidence of mutual gains from partnership arrangements and, second, that because of an imbalance of power between public and private sector partners, any gains achieved are not distributed equitably. These results suggest that current reforms need to be refocused around building on the distinctive qualities of services provision in the public sector, rather than expanding the private sector world of markets and contracts. [source] Singapore's Emerging Knowledge Economy: Role of Intellectual Property and its Possible Implications for Singaporean SocietyTHE JOURNAL OF WORLD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, Issue 3 2006Robin Ramcharan This article seeks to take an exploratory and critical look at the role of intellectual property (IP) in the development of Singapore. IP protection has become an important factor in the move to a knowledge-based economy (KBE), in which information is a prized asset. In order to preserve its traditional role as a regional trading entrepôt, its economy has evolved from an initial concentration on heavy industry-based manufacturing to manufacturing in knowledge-intensive products (electronics, chemicals and engineering), and the provision of financial and banking services. IP is now, arguably, a critical factor in the latest attempts by the Singaporean leadership to remain relevant to the regional and global economy. Faced with numerous competitors and cheaper labor markets, an impressive drive has been launched towards the enhancement of knowledge-intensive industries for which IP protection is vital. These include the creative industries strategy (copyright industries) and the provision of biomedical services (pharmaceutical, medical devices, biotechnology and healthcare services), the "fourth pillar" of Singapore's manufacturing sector, in addition to electronics, chemicals and engineering. Singapore seeks a competitive edge in this niche, for which IP protection seems vital. Patents are particularly relevant to the fourth pillar. This article will examine the following: (1) the place of IP historically in its economic development; (2) its role in various aspects of various strategies in its current economic development plans,the creative industries strategy, the intelligent island strategy and the fourth pillar strategy; and (3) critical IP issues for Singapore's economy. It does so with several key questions in mind. (1) Could the drive to an IP intensive knowledge economy generate social dislocations? (2) Which segments of Singaporean society stand to gain or lose in the move to an intensively knowledge-based economy? (3) Can the IP system contribute to softening the blow in any such dislocations? This article seeks to stimulate research into the social and economic impact of IP in Singapore's developmental process, an area thus far understudied. [source] Methotrexate for psoriasis in the era of biological therapyCLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY, Issue 5 2008R. B. Warren Summary Methotrexate's traditional role as a first line agent for moderate to severe psoriasis is being challenged by the rapid and growing use of biological therapies. A recent study comparing adalimumab with methotrexate showed significantly superior efficacy of adalimumab over methotrexate over 16 weeks. Although it is inexpensive, the future use of methotrexate may be compromised by its unpredictable response and toxicity, and by the introduction of newer, more effective biological therapies. However, recent advances in the screening of liver fibrosis by monitoring serum levels of the aminoterminal peptide fragment of type III procollagen have reduced the need for liver biopsy. Furthermore, the potential for personalized methotrexate use by application of modern pharmacogenetics and pharmacokinetics may ensure its place as a first-line agent for the treatment of psoriasis for the foreseeable future. [source] The Health Sector Gap in the Southern Africa Crisis in 2002/2003DISASTERS, Issue 4 2004Andre Griekspoor The southern Africa crisis represents the first widespread emergency in a region with a mature HIV/AIDS epidemic. It provides a steep learning curve for the international humanitarian system in understanding and responding to the complex interactions between the epidemic and the causes and the effects of this crisis. It also provoked much debate about the severity and causes of this emergency, and the appropriateness of the response by the humanitarian community. The authors argue that the over-emphasis on food aid delivery occurred at the expense of other public health interventions, particularly preventative and curative health services. Health service needs were not sufficiently addressed despite the early recognition that ill-health related to HIV/AIDS was a major vulnerability factor. This neglect occurred because analytical frameworks were too narrowly focused on food security, and large-scale support to health service delivery was seen as a long-term developmental issue that could not easily be dealt with by short-term humanitarian action. Furthermore, there were insufficient countrywide data on acute malnutrition, mortality rates and performance of the public health system to make better-balanced evidence-based decisions. In this crisis, humanitarian organisations providing health services could not assume their traditional roles of short-term assistance in a limited geographical area until the governing authorities resume their responsibilities. However, relegating health service delivery as a long-term developmental issue is not acceptable. Improved multisectoral analytical frameworks that include a multidisciplinary team are needed to ensure all aspects of public health are dealt with in similar future emergencies. Humanitarian organisations must advocate for improved delivery and access to health services in this region. They can target limited geographical areas with high mortality and acute malnutrition rates to deliver their services. Finally, to address the underlying problem of the health sector gap, a long-term strategy to ensure improved and sustainable health sector performance can only be accomplished with truly adequate resources. This will require renewed efforts on part of governments, donors and the international community. Public health interventions, complementing those addressing food insecurity, were and are still needed to reduce the impact of the crisis, and to allow people to re-establish their livelihoods. These will increase the population's resilience to prevent or mitigate future disasters. [source] The Care,tech Link: An Examination of Gender, Care and Technical Work in Healthcare LabourGENDER, WORK & ORGANISATION, Issue 4 2008Sally Lindsay Despite the dramatic increase of technology in the healthcare field, little is known of how care work and technical work are related. Examining substitute healthcare providers offers a useful illustration of the care,tech link because nursing (care) and medical (technical) models often merge. Forty-two interviews with men and women (nurse practitioners, nurse anaesthetists and physician assistants) were conducted in the USA. The results showed that the gendered nature of care,tech boundaries has shifted in small but important ways and that the gendering of work influenced the shape of these boundaries. Men often encountered barriers when moving too far into the care realm and attempted to overcome this by ,caring cautiously' and emphasizing problem-solving care. Women faced similar barriers from the ,old boys network' when they entered highly technical areas. There is also evidence that men and women challenged existing care,tech boundaries and moved beyond their traditional roles. [source] How Pervasive are Euro-Politics?JCMS: JOURNAL OF COMMON MARKET STUDIES, Issue 2 2000Effects of EU Membership on a New Member State While the consequences of becoming an EU Member State for national policies are usually the core concern of pre-membership debates and of post-accession assessments, studies of the effects of European integration on the political systems of the Member States have so far been less numerous. Among the new EU members, which are ideal cases for studying domestic accession effects, Austria is a particularly challenging case in terms of top-down impact on the national political system. A number of specific precautions were taken in order to protect typical features of the national political system (notably the traditional roles of parliament, Länder and social partners) from being eroded in the multi-level system. The basic research question of this article is whether or not these measures were actually successful. How ,sticky' is the EU upon closer inspection, i.e. how pervasive are its effects on adverse national structures? Can national measures, even at the constitutional level, outweigh specific consequences of participating in Euro-politics? If not 9as the Austrian case indicates), why not? The conclusions distinguish specific Austrian variables from generalizable ones and discuss the findings in the light of the existing literature. [source] Pharmacist prescribing in the UK , a literature review of current practice and researchJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 6 2007A. P. Tonna MRPharmS MSc Abstract Objective:, To review the research literature to date on pharmacist prescribing in the United Kingdom (UK) and to explore the main areas of care and practice settings including any benefits and limitations. Findings:, There are two models of pharmacist prescribing in the UK: pharma\cist supplementary prescribing (SP) introduced in 2003, involving a voluntary partnership between the responsible independent prescriber (a physician or a dentist), the supplementary prescriber and the patient, to implement an agreed patient-specific clinical management plan; and pharmacist independent prescribing (IP) introduced in 2006, responsible for the assessment and consequent management, including prescribing of both undiagnosed and diagnosed conditions. There have been narrative reports of pharmacist SP in different health care settings including primary care, community pharmacies, secondary care and at the primary/secondary care interface; published research within these areas of care is conflicting as to which setting is more suitable for pharmacist prescribing. Initial research reports that almost 50% of pharmacist supplementary prescribers self-reported prescribing with both benefits of and barriers to implementing SP. Research involving other healthcare professionals has indicated that encroachment of traditional roles is likely to occur because of the advent of pharmacist prescribing. A small-scale study has concluded that patients are likely to accept pharmacist prescribing favourably, with another study showing pharmacist prescribing leading to improved adherence to guidelines. There is no published research yet available about practices involving pharmacist IP. Discussion:, Most of the literature focuses on pharmacists' perceptions of SP, with little information referring to other stakeholders, including patients. There is also limited published research focusing on clinical and economic outcomes of pharmacist SP. Conclusion:, This is a rapidly changing aspect of pharmacy practice in the UK, particularly with the more recent introduction of pharmacist IP. It is likely that this area of research will expand rapidly over the coming years. [source] The evolving role of platelets in inflammationJOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS, Issue 9 2003A. S. Weyrich Summary., Platelets are small in size and simple in structure. Nevertheless, these anucleate cytoplasts utilize complex molecular systems to regulate a variety of biological functions. Here we review evolutionary paths, traditional roles, and previously unrecognized biological capacities of platelets that interface thrombosis with inflammation and potentially identify new roles in inflammatory diseases. [source] Out of touch and out of time: lawyers, their leaders and collective mobility within the legal professionLEGAL STUDIES, Issue 3 2004Andrew M Francis The legal profession has experienced enormous upheaval over the last 30 years and this paper suggests that legal professional associations have failed to come to grips with this ,brave new world'. This paper argues that the Law Society's current difficulties in performing its traditional roles are not simply examples of passing contemporary problems. Rather they represent the declining ability of the Law Society to serve as the fulcrum of the profession's collective advancement. Professional control may exist but on an individual and contingent basis alongside a reduced role for the Law Society. [source] RECENT CHANGES AND TRENDS IN THE PRACTICE OF APPLIED ANTHROPOLOGYANNALS OF ANTHROPOLOGICAL PRACTICE, Issue 1 2008Satish Kedia The emergent global economy of the 21st century will create an ever greater need for research-based information and pragmatic utilization of social science skills, creating new work opportunities for applied anthropologists in a variety of settings. However, anthropologists may need to adjust their traditional roles and tasks, approaches and methods, and priorities and guidelines to practice their craft effectively. Anthropological training and education must be based in sound ethnographic techniques, using contemporary tools, participatory methods, and interdisciplinary knowledge in order to accommodate faster-paced work environments and to disseminate their findings efficiently to a diverse audience while fulfilling the goal of empowering and enabling humans around the world to address social, economic, and health issues, along with other pressing concerns facing their communities. [source] | ||||||||||||||||