Observations on health care issues in the former Soviet Union

Bacteriologic samples from 31 young men were cultured quantitatively for aerobes and anaerobes; these samples included 31 specimens of tonsils (16 infected and 15 healthy), 16 specimens from pericoronal pockets of lower third molars (11 infected and 5 symptom-free), and 6 postoperative specimens from lower-third-molar extraction sockets. Anaerobes were isolated more often from infected third molars than from infected tonsils (14.5 isolates vs. 8.4 isolates, respectively; P < .001). Infected tonsil samples contained significantly more anaerobic species if an adjacent partly erupted lower third molar was present rather than absent (10.3 isolates vs. 6.9 isolates, respectively; P < .05). Eubacterium aerofaciens, Clostridium species, Peptostreptococcus micros, and Prevotella oris were frequently isolated. Streptococcus salivarius was found more frequently in tonsillar specimens, whereas Corynebacterium species, Prevotella denticola, Capnocytophaga species, Peptostreptococcus anaerobius, and Lactobacillus species were more common in pericoronal pocket samples. Thus, partial eruption of lower third molars increases the number of anaerobic bacterial species on tonsils and many species can be isolated simultaneously from both tonsils and lower third molars.     

Demographic data and mental health planning

An attempt to induce portal hypertension using Ameroid constrictors and shunt operations is described. 1 week after the application of the Ameroid constrictor around the portal trunk, it was completely occluded and portal venous pressure was elevated to a level about twice of normal range. Angiographically, splenorenal collaterals and collaterals overbridging the Ameroid constrictor were observed in all examined rats. However, esophageal varices could not be found in any rat. In the second series of the experiment, an end-to-side cavoportal shunt was created before the application of the Ameroid constrictor. This operation model was devised to increase the portal venous flow. At the same time this operation should inhibit the development of splenorenal collaterals and as expected collaterals to the superior vena cava system developed instead. However, they were not located in the esophageal wall but retroperitoneally.     

Research contributions to improving managed health care outcomes.

Managed health care programs are beginning to look to findings from psychotherapy outcome research to help set policy, suggesting the need to consider outcomes research from the standpoint of usability or utility. It also provides an opportunity to integrate science and practice. Considering and applying outcomes in this context requires cooperation between scientists and practitioners, the willingness of each group to set aside guild agenda, and giving up favored but insupportable beliefs and practices on the parts of those in both scientist and practitioner camps. This type of cooperation may have mutual payoffs. This article considers some of the obstacles to this type of sacrifice and evaluates some of the potential costs of cooperating. It also provides perspectives on the new roles of psychological assessment and methods of outcome research that would provide a scientific basis for the function of managed health care. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Mental health policy: Observations from Europe.

Reviews policies and practices based on a study of 5 European countries (Switzerland, England, Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands) with respect to deinstitutionalization and community support and rehabilitation services, health and social security benefits, financing mechanisms, and care for the homeless and young adult chronic populations. Common trends in European mental health and social welfare policies are summarized. Relative to the US, the coordinated system of care in these countries is supported by a strong social welfare system allowing for community-based care administered by the mental health service system. (19 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Prospects for social workers in health planning

The nature and extent of social worker's involvement in regional health planning agencies was the subject of the nationwide study reproted here. Social work proved to be more heavily represented on the professional staffs of these agencies than any other discipline. This was just one of the findings that can help shape the profession's response to the possibilities this new field represents.     

Cash planning in community mental health agencies

Community mental health agencies often receive funds from a number of different sources with varying restrictions. Cash planning can help them manage these funds properly and avoid serious problems. The use of a projected cash flow statement may even help produce additional income for them.     

Review of The health planning predicament.

Reviews the book, The health planning predicament by Victor G. Rodwin (1984). There are many different ways health care can be distributed and paid for. Medical care utilization is an important behavior widely studied by health services researchers and by economists. Planning in health care requires an understanding of the need for services and the mechanisms required to pay for them. In this book, Rodwin presents a thoughtful analysis of the new challenges for health planners in four Western countries. Most Western cultures are guided by the assumption that medical care is good. Thus, most developed countries have increased access to medical care by creating systems for third-party payment of expenses. As a result, the availability of services for underserved groups has greatly improved. In addition, health care costs have steadily increased in most Western countries. A growing number of critics now argue that developed countries spend too much on health care and that ease of access has created new problems, including increased iatrogenic illness and threats to economic solvency. Rodwin addresses these and other questions by comparing health services systems in the United States, France, Canada, and England. Although these four countries have similar cultural and economic characteristics, they differ in the way they distribute health care services. The differences among the systems considered by Rodwin provide for many interesting comparisons of physician behavior, and of patient service utilization. They also provide a new basis for the evaluation of different health care policies. In summary, Victor Rodwin has produced an interesting and readable comparison of health planning in different countries. Despite different approaches to the same problem, all four governments are faced with a health planning predicament. The book is full of interesting insights and may stimulate new thinking about some very serious policy questions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Finnish health centre physicians'' participation in family planning

A patient who was given tamoxifen as adjuvant treatment for breast cancer developed very severe hypertriglyceridaemia, hypercholesterolaemia and acute pancreatitis after being treated for 4 months. The hyperlipidaemia was corrected after cessation of the tamoxifen and the institution of gemfibrozil treatment. This patient appears to have type IV hyperlipidaemia. It is suggested that, in such patients, tamoxifen should be used with extreme caution because the weakly oestrogenic effect of this agent can cause severe and life threatening hyperlipidaemia.     

An airport director's perspective on disaster planning and mental health needs.

The Director of the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport describes the responsibilities of major airports in disaster planning and response, including mental health needs. He discusses the impact of changes in the industry on airports' disaster plans, relevant Federal Aviation Administration regulations, and typical features of airport disaster plans. The need for psychological services is underscored by experiences in several recent crashes. Psychologists and other mental health professionals are urged to respond to airport directors' requests for assistance in planning, as well as to be more proactive in communities where these issues have yet to be addressed by airport management. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Reflections on contributions.

States that the Principles for Education and Training for Organizational Consulting Psychology establish the framework to significantly advance the overall quality of professional preparation in the field. This synopsis provides reflections on the conceptual articles and reaction pieces contained in this special issue of Consulting Psychology Journal: Practice and Research: D. R. Fuqua and J. L. Newman (see record 2003-04049-004), W. B. Johnson (see record 2003-04049-005), S. L. Shullman (see record 2003-04049-006), J. A. Cummings (see record 2003-04049-007), and W. J. Campbell (see record 2003-04049-008). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)