Summarizes the small body of research to date that focuses on the effects of homelessness on children. In matters related to health, development, and education, homeless children are at a grave disadvantage, many from birth. Policy implications are outlined, concluding that children need permanent housing if they are to thrive. (DM)

Some problems in the changing pattern of relationships between bedside teaching, clinical research, and provision of medical services in academic hospitals are examined, including patient types, sophistication of medical intervention, and specialization. Four elements of government policy that might favor desirable development in these areas are…

Ambulatory care undergraduate medical education from 1979-91 is examined and two major problems are found: (1) difficulties in transfer of educational techniques from hospital to ambulatory care setting; and (2) problems in definition of ambulatory care, primary care, and community-oriented primary care. A framework for planning education and…

Several problems of the U.S. health care system are reviewed, including rising costs, increasing numbers of people who are uninsured, and the financial failure of public hospitals that treat uninsured patients. A plan called "Health America," which will guarantee health care for every U.S. family and control soaring health care costs, is…

A comprehensive risk-management program associated with athletic activities contains the following essential components: (1) policies and procedures; (2) training; (3) supervision; (4) corrective action; (5) review and revision; (6) legal counsel and support. Action steps follow each of these major areas. (29 case references) (MLF)

Discusses the factors contributing to existing patterns of utilization of health care systems for the aged in poor health. Identifies trends in the demographic characteristics of the aged African American population that may affect ways to modify the existing systems to meet the needs of African American aged. (JS)

This article describes a program called Blind FOCUS, in which the medical community and rehabilitation services cooperate to provide integrated services to people with diabetes who become visually impaired, in the Kansas City, Missouri, area. (DB)

A classification of nonmetropolitan counties based on type of economy, socioeconomic level, and land use was applied to inpatient psychiatric services data of the National Institute of Mental Health. The scarce inpatient mental health services in nonmetropolitan areas were located mostly in nonfederal general hospitals in specialized-government…

Describes the German health insurance system which is mandatory for nearly all German citizens. Explains that, along with pension, accident, and unemployment insurance, health insurance is one of four pillars of the German national social security system. Asserts that controlling costs while maintaining high health care standards is a national…

Presents recommendations for contracting elements that should be adopted by state Medicaid agencies and approaches that should be taken by managed care practices interested in providing high-quality care for children with special needs. These recommendations are based on interviews with administrators from 29 states and 22 plans. (SLD)

Presents moral philosophical arguments regarding life-saving medical treatment that may be more available to infants without disabilities than to infants with intellectual disabilities. Argues that human well-being is not based merely on individual characteristics, but is a result of the individual's relation to other people. (Author/CR)

A questionnaire was sent to counselors (N=32) to categorize the key points given in genetic counseling; to assess the amount and type of information recalled; and to examine the relationships between counselees' knowledge, satisfaction with information received, the meeting of expectations, concern, and anxiety. Results emphasize the importance of…

Highlights a case study from behavioral health care and focuses on the information technology professional's role as change agent. Discusses commercial applications, a conflict of cultures, dissemination and training interventions, and technological evolution and adaptation. Describes six steps for change agents' promotion of innovation and…

A study of 1,792 rural hospitals with fewer than 200 beds found an increase of 100-200 admissions per resident--more for smaller hospitals and fewer for larger hospitals. Because increased admissions improve the financial health and continued operation of rural hospitals, this study confirms the importance of education-based strategies in ensuring…

This article offers guidelines for the evaluation and treatment of the child or adult client with vocal disorders, including the importance of obtaining a thorough history; the physical examination, including use of such technology as video strobolaryngoscopy; and medical, surgical, or rehabilitation treatment. A team effort, involving both…