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13 pages, 251 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using Diffusion of Innovation Theory to Address Health of the Homeless in Hawaii

by Lisa Spencer, Anita Tanner and Kristina Lu

Healthcare 2023, 11(21), 2828; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11212828 - 26 Oct 2023

Viewed by 1071

Abstract

Policy diffusion is the process in which an innovation is communicated over time through various channels among the members of a social system. It is a special type of communication, in that the messages are concerned with new ideas. Diffusion theory or diffusion [...] Read more.

Policy diffusion is the process in which an innovation is communicated over time through various channels among the members of a social system. It is a special type of communication, in that the messages are concerned with new ideas. Diffusion theory or diffusion of innovations is the theoretical framework utilized in this study to compare successful programs aimed at providing health care for the homeless population. This study examines the Crisis Outreach Response and Engagement (CORE) program in Hawaii and explains how the diffusion innovation theory and programs in other states can be used to develop policies and processes to successfully address the medical and crisis intervention needs of the homeless on O’ahu. The study also includes suggested recommendations and strategies for the CORE program. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Government Regulation of the Free Market(s) Economy: The Case of the Healthcare Industry)

11 pages, 273 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Environmental Quality on Healthcare Expenditures in Developing Countries: A Panel Data Approach

by Asim Anwar, Shabir Hyder, Russell Bennett and Mustafa Younis

Healthcare 2022, 10(9), 1608; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10091608 - 24 Aug 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1616

Abstract

Objective: The deterioration in environmental quality has an economic and social cost. The aim of this study is to analyze the impact of environmental factors on health expenditures in developing countries. Method: To analyze the relationship between environmental quality (air pollution and temperature) [...] Read more.

Objective: The deterioration in environmental quality has an economic and social cost. The aim of this study is to analyze the impact of environmental factors on health expenditures in developing countries. Method: To analyze the relationship between environmental quality (air pollution and temperature) and health expenditure in thirty-three developing countries, the study uses system generalized method of moments (GMM) using data from 2000 to 2017. Results: The results suggest a positive effect of both air pollution and temperature on health expenditure. However, the effect is highest for government health expenditure, followed by private and total health expenditure in the studied countries. The results further suggest that the impact of environmental factors is greater in higher-income countries when we divide the studied countries into two groups, i.e., higher- and lower-income countries. Conclusion: Our results are interesting and informative for the policy makers to design such policies to attain better environmental quality and social well-being. The increased healthcare expenditures due to increased air pollution and climate change necessitate for an efficient, reliable, affordable and modern energy policy by emphasizing the use of clean and renewable energy in these countries that ensure better health for the masses. Furthermore, a smart and sustainable environmentally friendly economic growth policy is necessary to ensure better health for the masses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Government Regulation of the Free Market(s) Economy: The Case of the Healthcare Industry)

Review

Jump to: Research

24 pages, 834 KiB

Open AccessReview

Physical Restraint Use in Nursing Homes—Regional Variances and Ethical Considerations: A Scoping Review of Empirical Studies

by Gülendam Hakverdioğlu Yönt, Sezer Kisa and Daisy Michelle Princeton

Healthcare 2023, 11(15), 2204; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11152204 - 4 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2356

Abstract

Background: Physical restraints are known to violate human rights, yet their use persists in long-term care facilities. This study aimed to explore the prevalence, methods, and interventions related to physical restraint use among the elderly in nursing homes. Methods: The method described by [...] Read more.

Background: Physical restraints are known to violate human rights, yet their use persists in long-term care facilities. This study aimed to explore the prevalence, methods, and interventions related to physical restraint use among the elderly in nursing homes. Methods: The method described by Joanna Briggs was followed to conduct a scoping review without a quality assessment of the selected studies. An electronic search was conducted to find eligible empirical articles using MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, CINAHL, and grey literature. The database search was performed using EndNote software (version X9, Clarivate Analytics), and the data were imported into Excel for analysis. Results: The prevalence of physical restraint use was found to be highest in Spain (84.9%) and lowest in the USA (1.9%). The most common device reported was bed rails, with the highest prevalence in Singapore (98%) and the lowest (4.7%) in Germany, followed by chair restraint (57%). The largest number of studies reported the prevention and/or risk of falls to be the main reason for using physical restraints, followed by behavioral problems such as wandering, verbal or physical agitation, and cognitive impairment. Most studies reported guideline- and/or theory-based multicomponent interventions consisting of the training and education of nursing home staff. Conclusions: This review provides valuable insights into the use of physical restraints among elderly residents in nursing homes. Despite efforts to minimize their use, physical restraints continue to be employed, particularly with elderly individuals who have cognitive impairments. Patient-related factors such as wandering, agitation, and cognitive impairment were identified as the second most common reasons for using physical restraints in this population. To address this issue, it is crucial to enhance the skills of nursing home staff, especially nurses, in providing safe and ethical care for elderly residents with cognitive and functional impairments, aggressive behaviors, and fall risks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Government Regulation of the Free Market(s) Economy: The Case of the Healthcare Industry)

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