Online Activity and Participation in Treatment Affects the Perceived Efficacy of Social Health Networks Among Patients With Chronic Illness

Background

The use of online health-related social networks for support, peer-to-peer connections, and obtaining health information has increased dramatically. Participation in an online health-related social network can enhance patients’ self-efficacy and empowerment, as they are given knowledge and tools to manage their chronic health condition more effectively. Thus, we can deduce that patient activation, the extent to which individuals are able to manage their own health care, also increases. However, little is known about the effects of participation in online health-related social networks and patient activation on the perceived usefulness of a website across disease groups.

Objective

The intent of the study was to evaluate the effects and benefits of participation in an online health-related social network and to determine which variables predict perceived site usefulness, while examining patient activation.

Methods

Data were collected from “Camoni”, the first health-related social network in the Hebrew language. It offers medical advice, including blogs, forums, support groups, internal mail, chats, and an opportunity to consult with experts. This study focused on the site’s five largest and most active communities: diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, spinal injury, and depression/anxiety. Recruitment was conducted during a three-month period in which a link to the study questionnaire was displayed on the Camoni home page. Three questionnaires were used: a 13-item measure of perceived usefulness (Cronbach alpha=.93) to estimate the extent to which an individual found the website helpful and informative, a 9-item measure of active involvement in the website (Cronbach alpha=.84), and The Patient Activation Measure (PAM-13, Cronbach alpha=.86), which assesses a patient’s level of active participation in his or her health care.

Results

There were 296 participants. Men 30-39 years of age scored higher in active involvement than those 40-49 years (P=.03), 50-64 years (P=.004), or 65+ years (P=.01). Respondents 20-29 years of age scored higher in perceived usefulness than those 50-64 years (P=.04) and those 65+ years (P=.049). Those aged 20-29 years scored significantly lower on the PAM-13 scale than those aged 30-39 years (P=.01) and 50-64 years (P=.049). Men and women had similar PAM-13 scores (F _9,283=0.17, P=.76). Several variables were significant predictors of perceived usefulness. Age was a negative predictor; younger age was indicative of higher perceived usefulness. Active involvement was a positive predictor. There was a negative relationship found between PAM-13 scores and perceived usefulness, as taking a less active role in one’s own medical care predicted higher perceived website usefulness. A trend toward higher frequency of website activity was associated with increased perception of usefulness.

Conclusions

Online health-related social networks can be particularly helpful to individuals with lower patient activation. Our findings add information regarding the social and medical importance of such websites, which are gradually becoming an inseparable part of day-to-day chronic disease management in the community.     

Comparison of health care services for career soldiers throughout the world

Health care systems operate differently in every country and are products of historical and political factors. We compared health care systems for career soldiers in various countries with those of the Israel Defense Forces. Questionnaires requesting data regarding military health care services provided in their countries were sent to military attaches serving in Israel. The countries for which data were gathered include Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, England, France, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Poland, Romania, Spain, and the United States. In most countries, career soldiers receive better health care services than civilians, especially in countries with military rule or under military threat.     

Managing health and finance: challenges, outcome, and control in the Israel Defense Forces

BACKGROUND: The Ministry of Defense budget constitutes 16% of the state budget. The budget for the Ministry of Health and for civilian health care is derived from the state budget. The health care funds receive their budgets from several sources. The capitation formula, which is determined by law, is the main factor that affects the size of the budget each fund receives. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to describe the manner of planning, managing, monitoring, and controlling the budget allocated to medical services, which is a public budget for soldiers. METHODS: Several parameters are suggested for comparison, including the interface with the civilian health system, the method for budgeting a health care system, possible results of managing a medically centered budget, and the possibilities for monitoring the provided services. We also examine the potential for decentralization of authority. CONCLUSIONS: Managing the budget and locating appropriate alternatives, as well as the availability and accessibility of medical services, are important for procurement and for forming contracts with both military and civilian systems. Turnover based on updated information might serve to improve future health services.     

The cost of preventing stigma by hospitalizing soldiers in a general hospital instead of a psychiatric hospital

Hospitalization costs are lower in psychiatric hospitals than in psychiatric departments of general hospitals. However, soldiers hospitalized in psychiatric hospitals are subject to the stigma associated with mental illness. The goal of this study was to examine the financial costs of preventing such stigma by hospitalizing soldiers in psychiatric departments of general hospitals, rather than less expensive psychiatric hospitals. Another goal was to find ways to reduce hospitalization costs, taking into consideration the consequences of the stigma for patients and their families. Costs, medical data, and demographic data were gathered from records of soldiers hospitalized for psychiatric illness. The most expensive causes of hospitalization were determined (acute psychotic state and adjustment disorders), and the characteristics of a soldier most likely to encounter psychosis were described. Recommendations include rerouting patients from hospitalization to ambulatory day care, when possible, and from general to psychiatric hospitals. We also recommend adopting a psychiatric diagnosis-related group price list to standardize sums paid per diagnosis and creating a system for considering, on a case-by-case basis, early discharge of soldiers with psychotic disorders during the stressful first half-year of military service.     

Colorimetric Polymer Films for Predicting Lipid Interactions and Percutaneous Adsorption of Pharmaceutical Formulations

Purpose  To develop and demonstrate a rapid and simple colorimetric film assay for evaluating lipid interactions of pharmaceutical compounds and gel formulations. Methods  The colorimetric assay comprises glass-supported films of phospholipids and polydiacetylene, which undergo visible and quantifiable blue–red transformations induced by interactions with amphiphilic molecules applied in very small volumes on the film surface. The color transitions are recorded by scanning of the films, and quantified through a simple image analysis algorithm. Results  We show that pharmaceutical molecules and gel formulations induce blue–red transformations after short incubation with the lipid/polydiacetylene (PDA) films. Colorimetric dose–response curves exhibit dependence upon the lipid affinity and extent of membrane binding of the pharmaceutical compounds examined. The colorimetric lipid/PDA film assay was employed for distinguishing the contributions of individual molecular components within gel formulations. Conclusions  The colorimetric data yield insight into the degree of lipid binding of the molecules tested. The film assay is particularly advantageous for analysis of semi-solid (gel or lotion) formulations, elucidating the lipid interaction characteristics of specific molecular components within the mixtures. The new colorimetric film assay constitutes a generic, rapid, and easily applicable platform for predicting and screening interactions of pharmaceutical compounds and complex formulations with lipid barriers. Izek Ben-Shlush and Roman Volinsky contributed equally.     

Outsourcing primary medical care in Israeli defense forces: decision-makers' versus clients' perspectives

BACKGROUND: Decision-makers in the Israeli defense force (IDF) have determined that the Medical Corp (MC) would outsource the primary care services required by career soldiers to a skilled civilian health care provider, in an attempt to improve efficiency, quality and "image" of the MC care system, while controlling expenses. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey to reveal decision-makers' considerations for outsourcing primary care for career soldiers and to evaluate whether these considerations match career soldiers' satisfaction level parameters was conducted between February 2002 and 2003 in IDF bases and civilian primary care clinics. RESULTS: Medical Corp decision-makers are concerned about loss of professional prestige and dependence on the civilian system. A high level of satisfaction following outsourcing was found among career soldiers due to: medical staff attitude, pleasant facilities, quality of care, availability and accessibility of medical care. Agreement about five factors was found among decision-makers and career soldiers: working environment, medical personnel attitude, quality and availability of medical care, and patient satisfaction level. CONCLUSIONS: Outsourcing of primary care from military to civilian providers gives high client satisfaction level.     

Outsourcing of primary care: satisfaction level in the Israeli Defense Forces

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of outsourcing primary care services on satisfaction levels among career soldiers in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). METHODS: Data were acquired via self-administered satisfaction questionnaires during the visits of soldiers and civilians to primary care clinics in military bases, hospitals, and HMO settings. Multivariable analyses (GLM) used the SAS statistical program. RESULTS: Two hundred thirty civilians and 618 soldiers (200 in hospital clinics, 277 in military clinics, and 141 in HMO clinics) completed 848 questionnaires. Gender did not influence satisfaction level (alpha < 0.05). Age and rank influenced two parameters: surroundings (p = 0.0277) and availability of the medical service (p = 0.0368). Location (hospital clinic, HMO clinic, and military clinic) was the primary variable influencing and predicting satisfaction level (11.6%). "Quality of medical care" predicts only 4% of satisfaction level. Soldiers in HMO settings expressed a higher degree of satisfaction particularly in availability of service, quality of service, general satisfaction, and courtesy. CONCLUSIONS: Career soldiers in Israel value all aspects of primary care given by a civilian HMO and are willing to accept a change (outsourcing primary care to a civilian provider). As a result, decision makers should expand the provision of these services to all career soldiers in Israel. Outsourcing of medical services can serve as a model to military corps worldwide.