Discusses, in context of physician-patient relationship, workable model on advance directives for physicians to use with patients along with appropriate guidelines. Examines variables involved in establishment of guidelines for use by physician in office and inpatient settings. Identifies key management and clinical factors for initiating and…

The paper discusses computer-based decision support in the following areas: the dental patient record system; diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the oral mucosa; treatment strategy in complex clinical situations; diagnosis and treatment of functional disturbances of the masticatory system; and patient recall. (DB)

Surveyed 80 Latina mothers to obtain data on reasons for emergency room visit, usual sources of care, child's health, and mother's physical and psychosocial health. Results revealed clear pattern of delayed care for acute problems in children, high number of reported barriers to pediatric care, and high mental distress reported by mothers.…

Evaluated medical services for elderly members in Social Health Maintenance Organization (SHMO) demonstrations. SHMOs generally failed to offer special geriatric medical services to frail elderly, and coordination of SHMO medical services with special long-term care and case management services offered by SHMOs was limited. (Author/NB)

Notes that International Work Group on Death, Dying, and Bereavement recognizes wide variation of attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors pertaining to childhood death, dying, and bereavement. Statement identifies set of assumptions which can serve as guidelines, across cultures, in care of children with terminal illness and their families. (Author/NB)

Differential sensitivity to change of three measures of men who participated in cardiac rehabilitation was measured to evaluate the hypothesis that measures that enhance subjective health and well-being are more appropriate to assess change than are measures of psychopathology. Rehabilitation subjects, but not control subjects, reported a decrease…

Presents an analysis of the medical records of Union soldiers in the American Civil War. Shows a cause and effect relationship between disease, infection, and death. Discusses the lack of medical knowledge at that time, the problems with surgical infection and sanitation, and surgical innovations. (DDR)

Examined the usefulness of systematically accounting for acceptable physician variations in guideline application. Review of 141 cases of treatment of acute myocardial infarction in a Canadian hospital show that even seemingly noncontentious guideline protocols do not offer a threshold of variation similar to conventional Continuous Quality…

Reviews changes in nursing education in the last quarter century, notes trends currently shaping health-care delivery and education, and discusses issues that are likely to grow in importance during the next 25 years. (JOW)

The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing has established a community-based practice based on a model of socially responsible care and designed to meet the complex care needs of frail elders. The LIFE program is culturally relevant, involves the community in governance, and includes a research agenda and health-information network. (JOW)

In March 1999, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act regulations defining "related services" for disabled children meant paying nursing costs for Garret Frey, a medically fragile student enrolled in the Cedar Rapids (Idaho) Community School District. However, physicians' services are not…

Infertile couples' (N=131) consideration of options for dealing with infertility (medical help, adoption, fostering, alternative medicine, and focusing on other life goals) is studied. Options were related to specific motivations including altruistic motives for adoption or foster care. Results, timing of choices, and motivations are discussed.…

Surveyed the use and composition of required procedure lists in U.S. family practice residency programs. Although a majority of respondents reported use of a required procedure list, programs differed greatly in terms of required procedures, and few defined how to evaluate the technical competency of their residents. (EV)

A chart compares provisions regarding vision-related services of five major federal health reform bills. Comparisons cover general characteristics, vision services, inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient rehabilitation, durable medical equipment, long-term care, consumer information in accessible formats, and other provisions of interest. (DB)

This article examines the role and future of medicine and medically oriented interventions for children and youth with autism spectrum disorder. Included in the discussion are the diagnostic issues and medication treatments available currently and those that will become available in the new millennium. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)