Development and Measurement of the Treatment Perceptions Survey (TPS) for Clients with Substance Use Disorders

The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research - Statistical reliability of the Treatment Perceptions Survey (TPS) questionnaire was examined using data from 19 California counties. The...     

Choledochal cyst complicating a twin gestation

Cystic dilatation of the common bile duct is rare and dangerous during pregnancy. We have described a case of a twin gestation and a concomitant choledochal cyst. Surgical release of the dilatation is urgent in light of the overdistended uterus. A conservative surgical approach in the antepartum period is supported by the successful outcome of this case.     

Cost and value of performance indicators. Results from IBH's (Institute for Behavioral Healthcare) National Leadership Council

Consumer Reports style report cards are becoming commonplace in our industry and will emerge as a necessary component of 21st century behavioral healthcare. As a result, health plans and providers are increasingly required to invest in and maintain an infrastructure for comparative performance measurement and reporting. Policymakers and accrediting agencies must be careful to require reporting about the most cost-effective indicators in order to minimize the extra cost burden imposed upon health plans and providers by this effort. The Institute for Behavioral Healthcare's National Leadership Council evaluated "real life" performance indicators already in use in health plans, facility-based provider settings, community mental health centers, and behavioral group practices. This study shows which performance indicators are most worth measuring and those which are not, and why. Significant implications for policy and accrediting organizations, and for the behavioral healthcare field, are discussed.     

Subspecialization manpower in obstetrics and gynecology

Growing interest in the emergence of subspecialties within obstetrics and gynecology prompted a survey of all Junior Fellows of the ACOG. That survey, representing the attitudes and expectations of 1702 housestaff and practitioners, disclosed that nearly 31% of obstetric-gynecologic residents planned to subspecialize as contrasted to 19.5% of postresidency obstetrician-gynecologists who either engaged in or plan to engage in subspecialty training/practice. The highest demand areas seemed to be in endocrinology and perinatology, and most subspecialists either limit or plan to limit their practice to the area specified. There was, in addition, a general feeling that subspecialists should confine their activities to major medical centers, and an unfavorable attitude was expressed toward subspecialty-board-imposed practice restrictions. Details regarding the factors influencing Junior Fellows' response to subspecialization are discussed.     

Furthering the reliable and valid measurement of mental health screening,diagnoses, treatment and outcomes through health information technology

Introduction

Measurement of mental health is challenging; however, many solutions may be found through the use of health information technology.

Method

This article reviews current approaches to measuring mental health, focusing on screening, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. It then identifies several key areas in which health information technology may advance the field and provide reliable and valid measurements that are readily available to and manageable for providers, as well as acceptable, feasible, and sustainable for selected populations.

Result and Conclusions

Although new technologies must overcome many challenges, including privacy, efficiency, cost, and scalability, it is an exciting and fast-growing field with many potential applications and clinical benefit.     

How will computerization revolutionize managed care?

Computerization of behavioral health care information systems is revolutionizing how payors, managed care companies, and providers exchange information. In this article, an imaginary scenario is depicted of how patient data will be accessed and communicated to facilitate care management of behavioral health care services in the near future.