Managerial Epidemiology Cases & Concepts Responses

STUDENT POST 1:Cost-effective analysis helps to determine whether health care resources are going where they are needed the most. With the high cost of health care services in the U.S. and the vast health disparities that continue to exist around the world, cost effective analysis seems more vital than ever. “Cost effective analysis is imperative because it assists in finding interventions that are relatively inexpensive, yet have the ability to significantly reduce poverty and disease. Cost effective analysis provides a way to consider the gains of an intervention versus the costs and risks, straightforwardly comparing the economic and scientific consequences of any given program” (Unite for Sight, n.d.). To calculate cost effective analysis, monetary cost of the intervention would be divided by the expected health gain. Some pros of the cost effective analysis model are: comparing the same disease, but with different programs, comparing different disease with different intervention methods, and comparing different programs for the same demographic group. Most third-world countries have limited resources, and so will see the importance in using the most cost effective interventions available. To use cost effectiveness to the best of its ability, it is important to remember the people and region affected, and the services that the interventions will cover. Also, to consider whether the intervention will be doing enough to fight the main causes of the disease using preventative measures. Some cons of cost-effective analysis are that different countries can put out wildly different cost estimates depending on the scope, time and travel needed. To determine which cost-effective evaluation works best, the measures between benefit and harm would need to be analyzed. Evaluating cost effective measures takes into account which ones will be the most beneficial to the targeted population, while doing the least amount of harm. The benefits and harms of a cost-effective program must carefully be identified to see whether they are measurable or not. To be able to measure a program’s effectiveness results in the most accurate information being available. “A number of different measures of effect may be useful in the cost-effectiveness analysis. The most common measures of effect in cost-effectiveness analysis are related either to changes in morbidity or survival. Epidemiologists are critical in securing such information, particularly morbidity, since programs designed to eliminate or reduce risk factors should lead to less disease in future years” (Fleming, 2008). The usefulness of a program’s effectiveness stems on how it measures longevity and quality of life. If a program is measuring infant mortality related to birth weight, epidemiologists will need to look at how quality of life factored into the life span of the infant. This is a program that would need fairly accurate evaluation measures to be effective. References:Fleming, S. T. (2008). Managerial Epidemiology: Concepts and Cases (3rd ed.). Chicago, IL: Health Administration PressUnite for Sight. (n.d.). Cost Effective Analysis. Retrieved from www.uniteforsight.org/metrics-course/cost-effectivenessSTUDENT POST 2:Cost-effectiveness analysis is used to compare the costs and outcomes of alternative policy options.  Each resulting cost-effectiveness ratio represents the magnitude of additional health gained per additional unit of resources spent (Bertram).  The purpose of cost effective analysis is to develop programs, then determine whether the programs are feasible based on the estimated costs of implementing and providing such services.  More specifically, the goal of cost-effective analysis is to provide services to as many individuals with a particular illness, demographic or location for the least amount of cost.  By utilizing cost as a discipline, administrators, based on budgetary constraints, can determine whether a program is feasible or not.  The proposed program may go through a series of revisions before it is considered cost effective to implement.Cost-effectiveness should be used alongside other considerations – e.g. budget impact and feasibility considerations – in a transparent decision-making process, rather than in isolation based on a single threshold value (Bertram).  By focusing on one process, example cost, like any project, trip, or purchase, if the information obtained is incorrect or underestimated, the end result could lead to an ineffective, overpriced program that provides little or no assistance to the demographic it was designed to help.       Cost-effective analysis can be extremely beneficial when comparing interventions with one another, in particular when researchers want to:  compare different programs for the same disease; compare different programs for a certain demographic sector; compare different interventions for different diseases (UNITE FOR SIGHT).  Cost-effective analysis can be extremely useful especially when programs have already been implemented and have a history of success and cost.   In order to use in information about cost-effectiveness of past interventions in the most valuable way possible, it is important to:  Take into account how prices, demographics, epidemiology or service coverage would differ substantially in the specific region; Consider whether or not this intervention targets the chief causes of disease in the country; Decide if the interventions are practical based on the standing establishments and past experiences and assess the cost-effectiveness considering how the intervention is implemented and how items are distributed (UNITE FOR SIGHT).Limitations associated with cost-effective analysis is primarily associated with the inconsistency of how the calculation is performed.  Some studies place the same value on every life regardless of age, whereas other studies take into account how many years an individual has left to live (UNITE FOR SIGHT).  Other factors are whether the costs are fixed or variable.  The administrators would want to fix as many expenses as possible to minimize future price increases.  Analysis, additional costs such as dedication of time and transportation also need to be considered by estimating the costs associated with what could be considered as variable expenses.    Differences in choices of these measurement units significantly impact the interpretation of the analyzed information (UNITE FOR SIGHT).Cost-effective analysis can be a useful tool when duplicate services are provided to a demographic to combat disease. By combining efforts more lives can be touched, expenses can be reduced, resulting in a more cost-efficient program.  Where risks are a concern, is the implementation of a new program.  With the implementation of a new program historical data may not be available, therefore, budgeting is based on estimates.  If the cost estimates are incorrect, or costs that were not anticipated incurred, the results can be devastating to the organization or institution that is implementing the program.  Cost-effective analysis should be transparent and utilized in conjunction with other processes such as budgeting.  By utilizing as many resources as possible, an informed, educated decision can be made to minimize the risk.         ReferencesBertram, Melanie Y., Lauer, Jeremy A., De.Joncheere, Kees, Edejer, Tessa, Hutubessy,            Raymond, Kieny, Marie-Paule, Hill, Suzanne R. (2016).  Cost-effectiveness thresholds:            pros and cons.  World Health Organization.             Retrieved from: Fleming, Steven T. (Ed.). (2015). Managerial Epidemiology Cases & Concepts, (3rd ed.).            Chicago, IL: Health Administration Press.   UNITE For Site. Cost-Effective Analysis.             Retrieved from:

Political Science Discussion Post Response

  Political ScienceFinal Essay           The American government and political system have come a long way since the beginning of the founding of American, and the birth of the Constitution; over the past two centuries, America has evolved so much, politically and socially, almost to a point in which the framers of the Constitution may not even recognize anything in regard to systems, power, or policies. We, as citizens, have learned many things, what works and what does not work, and so have politicians. Politicians know that nowadays, Americans love controversy, and they especially love drama. In modern times, I feel as though What may work for politicians is standing out during campaigns and elections, and essentially doing whatever they can to catch the public eye the most, in order to win the popular vote. While it may not seem like such a smart idea to us citizens, it is actually a pretty decent tactic that politicians have been able to adapt because of the rise of social media.           If I were given responsibility to change the way the political system works, I would try and improve it by changing the way voting works. I believe that partially the reason there has been a lower voter turn out recently is because of how inconvenient and time consuming it is to register to vote. Especially young people nowadays, who have been used to instant gratification, I believe if there were a more accessible way to vote, that would greatly benefit the country. I believe the most I have ever seen younger people involved in politics was during the 2012 and 2016 elections. President Obama was able to really connect with minorities by becoming the first African-American president. That made a ton of people proud and honestly, really brought people together. In addition to that, Michelle Obama became involved in so many organizations, helping people all around the country. For the 2016 elections, well, we all know why that was significant. It was probably the most controversial election period of all time.          With the Democrats winning control of the House of Representatives, I believe politics will be headed down a road in which the majority of people will either start to agree more with democrats, or eventually be somewhat forced to be in order to conform with the rest of the country. A ton of young people identify with the Democratic side of the issues that go on today. If this trend keeps happening, sooner or later democrats will be the dominant party. Moving forward into 2020 elections, I believe the candidates will utilize the internet and social media a ton in order to reach out to the younger people— and older people who use the internet more than any other form of media. I also believe that there will be some type of controversy regarding president Trump, and I believe because of the digital media, voter turn out will slowly start to rise as more elections happen in the future.         Politics are an essential part to the American life. Over the course of roughly two decades, America has shaped itself into a place which may be considered unrecognizable, if the framers of the Constitution were alive to see it today. As we move forward into the future, I believe that America will slowly start to get better at agreeing on certain issues, as it seems as though more and more people are starting to come together to coexist even though we are seemingly divided. Things will only go up from here, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds.

Richland College Delegation of Performance Assignment of Rights Discussion

I. Facts – What happened?II. Issue – What is the question of law? (one simple sentence) All the information you want to put here usually belongs under defense.III. Holding – What is your decision? IV. Reasoning – What principles of law did you base your decision on?Phung orally agreed to sell a thoroughbred horse to Presti for $60,000. When Presti sent a check in payment, Phung told him that he intended to hold the check for a month for tax purposes. Phung retained possession of the horse. While the check remained uncashed, a disagreement arose between Phung and Presti. Phung announced that he would not go through with the transaction and that, because the contract was oral, it was unenforceable. Presti claimed that his sending the check was payment and this action made the oral contract valid and enforceable. Phung denied accepting payment. Is Presti’s claim that that sending the check made the contract enforceable, valid?I. Facts – What happened?In this case study, Helen had passed away and had left her niece as the beneficiary to her death. Unfortunately, the intended beneficiary of Helen’s niece had gone unnoticed for a year’s time due to the paperwork being “lost” in Helen’s house. After quite some time, the paperwork was discovered in which it listed Julie (her niece) as the person to receive Helen’s insurance policy money. The issue at hand involves a timeline in which the insurance company claims Julie had to abide by in order to claim the insurance money. Julie argues this due to the fact that she was not aware that she was listed on the insurance policy as well as not agreeing to the terms of the contract.II. Issue – What is the question of law?The question of the law is the donee beneficiary, the person listed on the beneficiary information or insurance policy, entitled to the policy/money.III. Holding – What is your decision?My decision in this situation would be a tough and indecisive one. I think that I could see both sides of the situation at hand in this kind of story. I agree with the insurance company that there should be a time frame on this kind of policy claim/cashing in of such money. It is unrealistic to think that someone could claim a life insurance policy some ten years later just by the sole reasoning that they just realized they were on the person’s insurance plan. On the flip side, I also think that perhaps Helen’s niece Julie was not aware that she was listed as her aunt’s beneficiary and perhaps she did not know she was entitled to a money sum. I know that I personally list my parents and my sister as my beneficiaries on my life insurance policy and I am not 100% sure that they are all aware of this. I think that the ultimate decision in this circumstance should be that the insurance company has rules/contracts and they need to be followed by the terms that are printed in writing. Therefore if the insurance company plainly has it stated that Julie had one year’s time to claim the insurance policy money, then that is the contract that needs to be followed regardless of the reasoning behind why Julie may or may not have claimed the money.IV. Reasoning – What principles of law did you base your decision on?I based my decision in the above case study on the donee beneficiary information listed on page 380 of the text. Unfortunately in this situation it does not sound like Julie may have been fully aware that she was listed as her aunt’s beneficiary on her life insurance plan; but nonetheless, the contract of the insurance company has to be followed to ensure that the insurance company does not have to pay out recipients to policies who decide to try and claim their money some 10 years later for whatever reason. I think that this is a fair decision and this is the reason in which such laws, contracts, and policies exist.

Autism and The Transition to Adulthood Discussion

Do you believe Jeff, Craig, and Maria will be able to advocate for themselves in employment, leisure, and community situations in the future?Do they need ongoing advocacy support?Please respond to student discussion. DO NOT include in question.According to the information pertaining to Jeff, it was in his best interest to live at home during his freshmen year of college to give him the cushion of losing some of the daily supports that he would have in the secondary school setting. This will give him that time to adjust and attain more real world skills in advocating for himself. It also states that he will be living with two roommates with 10 hours of support per week, which allows for the development of his leisure and community abilities as well. This minimal support could be faded out as his college years progress, leading him to moving out on his own and living without roommates or support.Craig will need assistance of some kind for a while longer, maybe for the majority of his independent living situations. His behavior and self harm activities need to continue to be monitored to ensure that nothing bad happens to him that could be prevented. He will do well developing his leisure activities while living around other people that he is unfamiliar with as well.Maria seems to have found a great living situation which will continue to support her needs. She will be living with people who care to meet her needs and help her feel comfortable which will greatly contribute to her leisure activities development. Maria will be able to access advocacy if she needs it, but at this time it seems as though she will be getting the proper amount of assistance to meet her needs. Maria wants to own a home of her own in her life and this a very realistic goal that ties directly into her ability to self-advocate in all settings, which will continue to get better as well.Wehman, P., Smith, M. D., & Schall, C. (2012). Autism and the transition to adulthood success beyond the classroom. Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes Pub.(LIZ)Jeff is attending college and living in a supervised place away from home. He has support services each week to work with him on planning meals, money management, and household chores. Jeff is enjoying living on his own. With continued support services, he will be able to advocate for himself as an adult.Craig is living away from home in a residential house with two roommates who have disabilities. He has continuous support from staff on site. Household activities, money management, and shopping are all services provided to residents (training or have them done). Craig continues to need support with making decisions and will most likely need to have an advocate to ensure his rights are addressed.Maria seems the most prepared for advocating for herself. Her transition team (including her mother) encouraged her to think about future housing. Maria lives in a house with another woman who supports her when needed (reduced rent). She is definitely the most independent of the three adults. I believe Maria’s mother is a big reason for her success (interest profile).(BEA)I believe they will be able to advocate for themselves at a certain point. They will need to be trained on what to do in certain situations like jobs and independent living but they can learn to advocate for themselves. I believe they will still need someone to take care of them with their finances and help them to manage their money and bank accounts, for that, they will need support I believe for the rest of their lives. They will all need some type of assistance with his social skills and also with their jobs but I believe they will all learn to advocate for themselves at some point mostly with finances, Maria more than Jeff and Craig since she struggles more with numbers than the boys (Wehman, 2009). They will always need advocacy since they are vulnerable in many situations therefore, its best for them to have the support they need just in case.ReferenceWehman, P., Datlow Smith, M., & Schall, C. (2009). Autism and the transition to adulthood: Success beyond the classroom. Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes Publishing

HSA 505 Strategy Map & Marketing Plan Discussion

I need an explanation for this Writing question to help me study. Per the text, the health care industry is known as one of the most complex operational environments, placing a premium on excellence in strategic planning and management. Determine the key reasons why health care marketing professionals should realize such complexity. Provide an example to support your rationale. Appraise the value offered by Ries and Trout’s Marketing Warfare Strategies in assisting in the understanding and implementation of competitor-oriented marketing strategies that can be employed to increase market share. Provide at least two (2) specific examples of the Ries and Trout’s Marketing Warfare Strategies Model that apply within a health care organization with which you are familiar. Justify the value of marketing plans as instruments that compel marketers to think about upcoming periods, perform routine marketing analyses and audits, and set marketing goals and objectives such as Return on Investment (ROI), etc. Provide one (1) example of the use of marketing plans in this fashion to support your rationale. Decide whether or not you believe Philip Kotler’s Marketing Plan Model provides a useful framework for developing an effective marketing plan. Provide at least two (2) specific examples of the Philip Kotler’s Marketing Plan Model that apply within a health care organization with which you are familiar.  

Week 5 Ethical Hacking Discussion

Embedded in much of your readings about the various CIKR sectors is the continuing issue of risk. By now you are beginning to understand what an important part of our lives are the topics of risk, threat, and warning. This week we are going to focus on managing risk. As you begin this dialog, describe what it means to manage risk. Now that you know how to assess risk, you will begin to intuitively think about the countermeasures (mitigation) that are so very important to the viability, durability, and resilience of our infrastructure. As you discuss these matters, please do not overlook perhaps the single greatest threat of all to our infrastructure: neglect. It might also be interesting to compare infrastructure in developed countries to that in the undeveloped world. There are countless numbers of souls on the planet that live with very little infrastructure at all. For those of us who have not seen this way of life, it is impossible to comprehend. For those of us who have seen it, and many of you have, we can be eternally grateful that we are privileged to live and rear our children in this country. Last week much of the discussion was only tangentially related to infrastructure. Try to keep this week’s discussions more closely focused on our national infrastructure. Always contact me if you have questions. Cheers.  

Understandable Statistics Concepts and Methods Questions

I’m stuck on a Mathematics question and need an explanation. 1. What does it mean to say that we are going to use a sample to draw an inference about a population? Why is a random sample so important for this process? If we wanted a random sample of students in the cafeteria, why couldn’t we just choose the students who order Diet Pepsi with their lunch? Comment on the statement, “A random sample is like a miniature population, whereas samples that are not random are likely to be biased.” Why would the students who order Diet Pepsi with lunch not be a random sample of students in the cafeteria?2. In your own words, explain the differences among the following sampling techniques: simple random sample, stratified sample, systematic sample, clus-ter sample, multistage sample, and convenience sample. Describe situations in which each type might be useful.(Brase 36)3. What do we mean when we say a histogram is skewed to the left? to the right? What is a bimodal histogram? Discuss the following statement: “A bimodal histogram usually results if we draw a sample from two populations at once.” Suppose you took a sample of weights of college football players and with this sample you included weights of cheerleaders. Do you think a histogram made from the combined weights would be bimodal? Explain.(Brase 84)Brase, Charles H., Corrinne Brase. Understandable Statistics: Concepts and Methods, 12th Edition. Cengage Learning

Making Sense of Implementation Theories Discussion

Please respond with a paragraph to the following question, add citations and references:One change theory is Lewin’s three stage change model that includes: unfreezing, moving and refreezing. When unfreezing one recognizes the need for change, moving is when the change occurs, and refreezing is when balance is established, and the results are satisfying (Nilsen, 2015). Another theory is the Lippett’s seven phase theory. Phase one diagnosis a problem, assess motivation and capacity for change, evaluate change agent’s motivation and resources, choose a role for change agent, maintain different and terminate the relationship.Lippet’s theories is more comparable to the nursing process and used more by my mentor. He explained that there is not a huge difference between the two theories, however nursing in general is much bigger that three steps. Critical care nursing is complex with multiple levels. In the EBP project that we are working on we will use this theory, for example when a patient is admitted to ICU and have the urgent need for multiple pressers and fluid resuscitation they will need a CVC. When a patient is administered pressers such as Levophed a CVC is required. So, it’s a long process from getting a consent, to educating the patient, family and staff from the insertion to when the catheter is discontinued. Every person involved in this patient’s care is held accountable for the maintenance of this CVC, especially the nursing staff.Reference:Nilsen, P. (2015). Making sense of implementation theories, models and frameworks. Implement Science, 53(10). doi: 10.1186s/13012-015-0242-0  

East Los Angeles College Art Questions

Who is the artist?What is the title of the work? Date? Dimensions? Location?   Medium?  Support?What is the subject matter of the work?Then consider answering some of the questions below:Consider the work’s title .  Does the title help you interpret what you see?Can you imagine different treatments of the same subject matter that would change the way you read the work?In case of a sculpture, or installation: If the human figure is its subject matter, how is the figure treated?If the work is nonrepresentational, what feelings does it evoke?Consider the formal elements of the work and how they relate to its subject matter.How is line employed in the work? Does it seem to regulate or order the composition?Does it seem to fragment the work?Is it consistent with traditional laws of perspective or does it violate them?In case of sculpture or installation: what is the relation of the work to the space it occupies?  What is its relation to the viewer?  Does the work move, or require you to move?What is the relation of shape to space in the work?How do light and dark function in the work?  Is there a great deal of tonal contrast? What other elements seem important?  is you attention drawn to the work’s texture? Does time seem an important factor in your experience of the work?Has the artist’s choice of medium played a role in the presentation of the various elements and their organization or design?Are effects achieved that are realizable only in this particular medium?If more than one medium is involved, what is their relation?

Textile Manufacturer Discussion

A textile manufacturer is closing its North Carolina plant and moving the production of its products to a developing nation in Southeast Asia. The primary reason for the move is because the lower labor cost will allow the organization to benefit from the new location. Proponents of the decision laud the move as a means to save the organization by taking advantage of the free market and finding cheaper methods of producing the company’s goods. Opponents of the decision state that a trust existed between the company and the employees and that a breach of trust will occur due to this decision. Additionally, opponents cite recent findings that contractors in the Southeast Asia region, where the company is moving, have been cited for utilizing child labor and failing to provide working conditions equivalent to those in the United States. Officials in the Southeast Asia region have answered the criticisms of the use of child labor by pointing out that oftentimes children are the only individuals in a family who are capable of working, and to deny them that opportunity would create even greater hardships on the already desperately poor population. Next, review the article by Peslak (2005), and reflect on what you have learned about deontological (actions focused) and teleological (consequences focused) frameworks.Peslak, A. R. (2005). An ethical exploration of privacy and radio frequency identification. Journal of Business Ethics, 59(4), 327-345. Retrieved from For this assignment, you will now write a paper that discusses whether this move discussed in the case study is ethical from the perspective of ONE of the following stakeholders:

× How can I help you?