A randomized, comparative pilot trial of family-based interpersonal psychotherapy for reducing psychosocial symptoms, disordered-eating, and excess weight gain in at-risk preadolescents with loss-of-control-eating: SHOMAKER et al.

Preadolescent loss-of-control-eating (LOC-eating) is a risk factor for excess weight gain and binge-eating-disorder. We evaluated feasibility and acceptability of a preventive family-based interpersonal psychotherapy (FB-IPT) program. FB-IPT was compared to family-based health education (FB-HE) to evaluate changes in children’s psychosocial functioning, LOC-eating, and body mass

Determinants of preventable readmissions in the United States: a systematic review

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Hospital readmissions are a leading topic of healthcare policy and practice reform because they are common, costly, and potentially avoidable events. Hospitals face the prospect of reduced or eliminated reimbursement for an increasing number of preventable readmissions under nationwide cost savings and quality improvement efforts. To meet the current changes and future expectations, organizations are looking for potential strategies to reduce readmissions. We undertook a systematic review of the literature to determine what factors are associated with preventable readmissions.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We conducted a review of the English language medicine, health, and health services research literature (2000 to 2009) for research studies dealing with unplanned, avoidable, preventable, or early readmissions. Each of these modifying terms was included in keyword searches of readmissions or rehospitalizations in Medline, ISI, CINAHL, The Cochrane Library, ProQuest Health Management, and PAIS International. Results were limited to US adult populations.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The review included 37 studies with significant variation in index conditions, readmitting conditions, timeframe, and terminology. Studies of cardiovascular-related readmissions were most common, followed by all cause readmissions, other surgical procedures, and other specific-conditions. Patient-level indicators of general ill health or complexity were the commonly identified risk factors. While more than one study demonstrated preventable readmissions vary by hospital, identification of many specific organizational level characteristics was lacking.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The current literature on preventable readmissions in the US contains evidence from a variety of patient populations, geographical locations, healthcare settings, study designs, clinical and theoretical perspectives, and conditions. However, definitional variations, clear gaps, and methodological challenges limit translation of this literature into guidance for the operation and management of healthcare organizations. We recommend that those organizations that propose to reward reductions in preventable readmissions invest in additional research across multiple hospitals in order to fill this serious gap in knowledge of great potential value to payers, providers, and patients.</p

Challenges in the implementation of the Infant and Young Child Feeding policy to prevent mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus in the Nelson Mandela Bay District

Objective: To assess the Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) policy implementation among healthcare workers working at the Nelson Mandela Bay District (NMBD) public healthcare facilities.Design: Descriptive survey using quantitative closed structured questionnaires.Setting: Nursing professionals (n = 32) rendering maternal and child health services in 19 permanent NMBD clinics were included in a convenience sample in October 2011.Method: The closed, structured questionnaire was developed based on statements contained within the 2007 IYCF policy and administered by one interviewer. Ethics approval was obtained and respondents had to provide informed written consent. Data were analysed by means of descriptive and differential statistics.Results: Sixty-three per cent of nursing professionals were older than 40 years of age and more than half had already completed the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) and 20-hour IYCF training course. Respondents achieved a high mean score of 8.07 on knowledge of infant feeding in the context of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, no association could be demonstrated between knowledge scores and previous training. Despite high scores on perceptions of the importance of IYCF counselling, 56% of the participants reported that they had never seen the IYCF policy before.Conclusion: Relevant training in IYCF in the context of HIV, the availability of IYCF policy guidelines and monitoring of counselling and training of health professionals and volunteers, are some of the challenges that need to be addressed to improve implementation of IYCF policy in the NMBD district.Keywords: PMTCT, IYCF, HIV, policy, healthcare facilitie

Establishment and operation of a close grid pibal network in northeastern Colorado, The

CER65WLC44.August 1965.Includes bibliographical references (page 9).Assigned to Northeastern Colorado Hail Project.Sponsored by National Science Foundation.A procedure is described for the establishment and operation of a fourteen station single theodolite pibal network in northeastern Colorado. This network operating for thirty-one days ran 646 pibals at a cost of $7.90 per run. No major problems were encountered during the establishment or operation of this network.Under grant NSF G-23706

Hailstorm data from a fixed network for the evaluation of a hail modification experiment

CER64RAS-JDM-WLC13.April 1964.Includes bibliographical references.Prepared for submission to Journal of Applied Meteorology.Hailfall data collected from a fixed network in northeastern Colorado during three seasons (1960-62) included the estimated impact energy, duration of hailfall, most common stone size, maximum stone size, and number of stones per square inch. These basic data, X, along with the transformations; ln X, √X, ∛X and 1/X were analyzed by computer methods to determine which parameters could be used in a statistical analysis of hail suppression experiment. The gamma distribution function was fitted to the hailfall data by the method of maximum likelihood. A chi-square goodness of fit test was applied to the data, and one transformation was tested using a sequential analysis technique. All parameters except impact energy and number of hailstones per square inch were eliminated from the statistical analysis because of bias, non-homogeneity, or sparsity of samples. Transformations which produced the minimum mean coefficient of variations were logarithm of impact energy (ln E) and square root of the number of stones per square inch (√(N_(1-6) ) ). It was determined that a target control analysis was not feasible for the analysis of hail suppression experiment. A period of 3 to 5 years is believed to be necessary to detect changes of 10 to 25 percent in the hail parameters. The gamma distribution function fitted only the (√(N_(1-6) ) ) data. From the results it was conclude that a sequential analysis test alone could not adequately evaluate the effectiveness of a hail modification experiment