Emergency department use among Asian adults living in the United States: Results from the National Health Interview Survey (2006 – 2013)

This paper presents secondary analyses of the National Health Interview Survey data focused on emergency department (ED) utilization among Asian adults residing in the United States. National Health Interview Survey data provided from survey years 2006-2013 was pooled and disaggregated by single-race Asian ethnic subgroups (Filipino, Chinese, Asian Indian, other Asian). We explored trends in reports of an ED visit over the survey years for the purpose of determining whether reports of an ED visit increased or decreased over survey years. We also explored background/biologic, environment, access to care, and behavior factors and their associations with having an ED visit. The majority of respondents were foreign-born (75.9%) and had lived in the United States for ten or more years (54.3%). Estimates for reports of any ED visits ranged from 8.3% for the Chinese to 15.3% for the Filipino subgroups. Filipinos were more likely to have an ED visit compared to the Chinese and other Asians (except Asian Indians). For the eight years of survey data, estimates indicate a trend of fewer reports of any ED visit among the Asian Indian and Filipino subgroups. Among Filipinos, having diabetes and a smoking history were associated with an ED visit. The odds of an ED visit were higher among Asians in the youngest age category, among other Asians born in the United States, and among those who saw/talked to a mental health professional within the previous year. As there is a paucity of information available about ED use among Asians or Asian subgroups, this report adds to the literature on patterns of health care utilization among Asian subgroups living in the United States with a specific focus on ED utilization

Office of Education Guide to Graphic Art Software

During the summer experience in the LARSS program, the author created a performance support system showing the techniques of creating text in Quark XPress, placed the text into Adobe Illustrator along with scanned images, signatures and art work partially created in Adobe Photoshop. The purpose of the project was to familiarize the Office of Education Staff with Graphic Arts and the computer skills utilized to typeset and design certificates, brochures, cover pages, manuals, etc

The Phases and Faces of the Duke Lacrosse Controversy: A Conversation James E. Coleman, Jr.

This panel took place at the 2008 Annual Meeting of the Southeastern Association of Law Schools ( SEALS ) in July 2008 in West Palm Beach, Florid

Patient-Centered Outcomes for GoStrong: A Self-Management Diabetes Program in Savannah, GA

Background: To advance the goal of health improvement for diverse populations with diabetes, a patient-centered approach is foundational. Methods: Innovative methods were used to initiate and advance an approach to diabetes engagement and self-management. We began with a strategy to understand how patients with diabetes view and interact with the disease via the medical community and moved to program development through patient-centered design and to the development of strategic partnerships and continuous learning from patients, stakeholders, and academic research partners. Results: The mean age of the participants in the GoStrong™ program (n=106) was 51 ±9.2 (SD) years. There were significant differences in the HbA1c levels over time compared to the Control group (n=100). The mean HbA1c level from baseline to 36 months decreased from 7.49% to 6.89%, with the largest decline (to 6.28%, p\u3c0.01) at 12 months. The mean HbA1c level for the control group increased from 8.38% to 8.49% from baseline to 36 months, with the largest increase (to 8.89%, p\u3c0.01) at 18 months. There were significant differences for total medical costs at 12 months prior to and 12 months after starting the GoStrong program, a difference in total prescription drug costs at 12 months, and differences within the total group in number of emergency room (ER) visits. Claims information showed that GoStrong produced significantly lower total medical costs and ER visits. There was also an increase in total prescription drug costs that may be due to better medication adherence. Conclusions: For diabetics, the GoStrong program results in reduced HbA1c levels, reduced costs, and reduced ER visits

Attendant Care for Children and Youth with EBD/SED: Part II Attendant Care in Kansas

Attendant Care (AC) services provided to youth who experience Severe Emotional Disturbances (SED) are individualized support provided in the least restrictive community settings. AC has been identified as a valuable piece of the system of care in Kansas and elsewhere. Service utilization continues to dramatically increase, yet very little knowledge about AC is available in the literature. This is the first known study of mental health AC evaluating the standards of AC practices in the state of Kansas, stakeholders’ perspective on the usefulness of AC, and the policies and practices that support integration of AC into the system of care.c. 2004 State of Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services May be reproduced in original form Prepared under grant No. KAN23373; and contract No. 0702-HCP-0603-07

Our Taz

In memory of Professor Andrew Taslit

Review of boat wake wave impacts on shoreline erosion and potential solutions for the Chesapeake Bay

[Introduction] The goal of this technical review was to evaluate 1) the potential impacts of boat generated waves on shoreline stability and attendant ecosystem properties, and 2) policy options to minimize any adverse effects. We reviewed available literature, examined relevant data and information from Chesapeake Bay, discussed modeling approaches and highlighted data gaps to further quantify effects on shorelines and ecosystems, and detailed available management and policy actions to minimize potential boat wake impacts. The major findings are: 1) The literature review indicates an unequivocal connection between boat wake energy and shoreline erosion, sediment resuspension and nearshore turbidity. 2) There is not currently enough data to determine the extent (spatially and in magnitude) to which boat wakes are contributing to erosion or turbidity of the Chesapeake Bay 3) Recommended next steps are to identify highly vulnerable waterways and implement management or policy actions to minimize adverse effects