The American Association of Managed Care Nurses has updated this textbook. This practical guide was produced by distinguished nurse executives experienced in managed care who want to share their knowledge with other nurses who must make choices about careers and patients influenced by managed care.
Chapters cover such topics as paving the pathway for managed care, information technology, contracting and capitation, patient benefits, disease management, negotiation skills, quality perspectives, and future trends.
For details, contact AAMCN at (804) 747-9698, www.aamcn.org.
Free nutrient database of 6000 foods available for handheld devices
PHILADELPHIA—A portable version of the United States Department of Agriculture's flagship National Nutrient Database listing more than 6000 food items is available for download free of charge onto handheld personal digital assistants (PDAs). This user-friendly searchable nutrient database program should soon be available for download onto personal computers as well. This resource can be invaluable to people with diabetes and other conditions that require strict monitoring of nutrient intake.
The software package has been made available for download from the Internet to users through a cooperative research and development agreement between HealtheTech and ARS Nutrient Data Laboratory in Beltsville, Maryland. Owners of PDAs running the Palm operating system can download the searchable database by going to www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp.
Assembled by food groupings, the searchable program allows users to browse a given category by scrolling through foods listed alphabetically. Another friendly option of the program is the portion modifier feature. The program provides information on about 30 nutrients for each food listed in a highly portable and easy-to-access format.
Workers Transition Network offers innovative return-to-work program
Workers Transition Network (WTN), a member of the LewisCo Group, is a specialty provider of re-employment and return-to-work solutions in the workers' compensation and disability marketplace, providing services to carriers, third party administrators, and self-insured employers. With offices in 12 states, WTN offers an alternative to traditional vocational rehabilitation, using funded employment at nonprofit agencies to act as a bridge to re-employment. This strategy can be applied to either temporary placement for employers lacking modified duty capabilities or permanent re-employment for workers whose employers cannot provide adequate job accommodation.
WTN's use of nonprofit agencies for interim employment of disabled workers allows these employees to re-establish an earning capacity while performing a real, meaningful job. Funded interim employment at the nonprofit agency, combined with intensive counseling by WTN's experienced vocational specialists, accelerates the resolution of difficult and often stagnant workers' compensation claims.
“Injured workers want and need employment opportunities that fit their personal goals and ultimately lead to new careers, while the economic climate has increased nonprofits' need for willing and skilled workers,” LewisCo leaders said. “WTN brings the parties together in a way that benefits everyone—workers, their employers and insurers, and nonprofit social service and cultural organizations.”
For details, call LewisCo Group at (847) 948-7585 or visit www.lewisco.com.
Failure mode and effects analysis in health care: Proactive risk reduction
Joint Commission Resources published this title last fall. Failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) is used extensively in the aerospace, nuclear, manufacturing, and chemical industries as a systematic way to proactively examine a process for ways failure can occur. Such analysis enables the process to be corrected or reinforced to prevent these failures. The book applies this concept to all health care settings and accreditation programs. It also includes examples of FMEAs conducted by health care organizations, including the model under implementation by the Department of Veteran Affairs.
For details, call (877) 223-6866 or visit Infomart at www.jcrinc.com.
Reye's Syndrome Foundation produces CD for medical clinicians
Reye's Syndrome and its Mimickers is a new CD-ROM produced by the National Reye's Syndrome Foundation (NRSF) to inform practitioners about the diagnosis and treatment of the syndrome and similar illnesses.
Dr. James Heubi, program director at Children's Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, and RSF medical director, said some conditions may be as important as Reye's syndrome, and its mimickers are unusual diseases. This presentation focuses on the description of Reye's syndrome and the common conditions presenting like it, their treatment, and the importance of recognition.
This disc is produced to help the attending physician “think Reye's syndrome” whenever a patient of any age presents with flu-like symptoms, persistent vomiting, and altered brain function. This tool can help determine a definitive diagnosis so that proper treatment is administered.
For more information, contact the NRSF, PO Box 829, Bryan, OH 43506, or nrsf@reyessyndrome.org.
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