The Rand/UCLA Appropriateness Method User's Manual

The Rand/UCLA Appropriateness Method User's Manual PDF Author: Kathryn Fitch
Publisher: Rand Corporation
ISBN: 9780833029188
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 109

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Book Description
Health systems should function in such a way that the amount of inappropriate care is minimized, while at the same time stinting as little as possible on appropriate and necessary care. The ability to determine and identify which care is overused and which is underused is essential to this functioning. To this end, the "RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method" was developed in the 1980s. It has been further developed and refined in North America and, increasingly, in Europe. The rationale behind the method is that randomized clinical trials--the "gold standard" for evidence-based medicine--are generally either not available or cannot provide evidence at a level of detail sufficient to apply to the wide range of patients seen in everyday clinical practice. Although robust scientific evidence about the benefits of many procedures is lacking, physicians must nonetheless make decisions every day about when to use them. Consequently, a method was developed that combined the best available scientific evidence with the collective judgment of experts to yield a statement regarding the appropriateness of performing a procedure at the level of patient-specific symptoms, medical history, and test results. This manual presents step-by-step guidelines for conceptualising, designing, and carrying out a study of the appropriateness of medical or surgical procedures (for either diagnosis or treatment) using the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method. The manual distills the experience of many researchers in North America and Europe and presents current (as of the year 2000) thinking on the subject. Although the manual is self-contained and complete, the authors do not recommend that those unfamiliar with the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method independently conduct an appropriateness study; instead, they suggest "seeing one" before "doing one." To this end, contact information is provided to assist potential users of the method.

The Rand/UCLA Appropriateness Method User's Manual

The Rand/UCLA Appropriateness Method User's Manual PDF Author: Kathryn Fitch
Publisher: Rand Corporation
ISBN: 9780833029188
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 109

Get Book Here

Book Description
Health systems should function in such a way that the amount of inappropriate care is minimized, while at the same time stinting as little as possible on appropriate and necessary care. The ability to determine and identify which care is overused and which is underused is essential to this functioning. To this end, the "RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method" was developed in the 1980s. It has been further developed and refined in North America and, increasingly, in Europe. The rationale behind the method is that randomized clinical trials--the "gold standard" for evidence-based medicine--are generally either not available or cannot provide evidence at a level of detail sufficient to apply to the wide range of patients seen in everyday clinical practice. Although robust scientific evidence about the benefits of many procedures is lacking, physicians must nonetheless make decisions every day about when to use them. Consequently, a method was developed that combined the best available scientific evidence with the collective judgment of experts to yield a statement regarding the appropriateness of performing a procedure at the level of patient-specific symptoms, medical history, and test results. This manual presents step-by-step guidelines for conceptualising, designing, and carrying out a study of the appropriateness of medical or surgical procedures (for either diagnosis or treatment) using the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method. The manual distills the experience of many researchers in North America and Europe and presents current (as of the year 2000) thinking on the subject. Although the manual is self-contained and complete, the authors do not recommend that those unfamiliar with the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method independently conduct an appropriateness study; instead, they suggest "seeing one" before "doing one." To this end, contact information is provided to assist potential users of the method.

Handbook of Theory and Methods in Applied Health Research

Handbook of Theory and Methods in Applied Health Research PDF Author: Catherine Walshe
Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing
ISBN: 1785363212
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 381

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Book Description
This Handbook expertly instructs the reader on how to conduct applied health research across a number of disciplines. Particularly aimed at postgraduate health researchers and students of applied health research, it presents and explains a wide range of research designs and other contemporary issues in applied health research.

Radiology 101

Radiology 101 PDF Author: Thomas A. Farrell
Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
ISBN: 149639299X
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 962

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Book Description
With over 35,000 copies of the first 4 editions sold, Radiology 101 introduces diagnostic imaging to non-radiologists; medical students, individuals on a radiology rotation, as well as PA and nursing students. As in previous editions, there is coverage of normal anatomy, commonly encountered diseases and their radiological manifestations with up to date clinical content relevant to those studying for the USMLE. Each chapter includes an outline, highlighted important information and an end of chapter Question and Answer section. Throughout the book, emphasis is placed on what exam to order with extensive referencing to the ACR Appropriateness Criteria© which will assume new importance as the basis for evidence based clinical decision support when ordering imaging in the near future.

Radiological Safety and Quality

Radiological Safety and Quality PDF Author: Lawrence Lau
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9400772564
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 473

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Book Description
This book is the product of a unique collaboration by experts from leading international, regional and national agencies and professional organizations discussing on the current ‘hot’ issue on the judicious use and safety of radiation in radiology. There have been several cases involving radiation overexposure that have received international attention. Strategies and solutions to guide readers how to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks when using radiation in medicine are covered.

The ASCRS Textbook of Colon and Rectal Surgery

The ASCRS Textbook of Colon and Rectal Surgery PDF Author: David E. Beck
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1441915818
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 943

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Book Description
Developed in conjunction with the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, this comprehensive textbook provides readers with the full scope of surgical practice for patients with diseases of the colon and rectum. Expert surgeons, all active both as educators and with busy clinical practices, have written concise and practical chapters on the most commonly done procedures while providing much-needed insight on less frequently presentations, as well. The ASCRS Textbook is designed to meet the needs not only of colorectal specialists, but also the general surgeon in practice whose caseload includes patients with disorders and diseases of the colon, rectum and anus. Residents and fellows will also find a wealth of hands-on guidance and practical tips and tricks. The ASCRS Practice Parameters are incorporated in the book along with an appendix providing the most up-to-the minute access to best practice guidelines. Patient care and safety are addressed in each chapter. "[The ASCRS Textbook of Colon and Rectal Surgery] is a long awaited textbook for those in the field and it does not disappoint. It is brief and to the point, but does not lack the necessary detail expected from a society-produced publication. [It has an] easy-to-read quality that enhances comprehension for the trainee. It is by no means just a student textbook. The inclusion of "hot" current topics, like the anal fistula plug, makes it fresh and useful for experienced surgeons. This is an excellent addition to the colorectal library." (Doody's Review)

Drawing the Line

Drawing the Line PDF Author: Philip M. Rosoff
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 019020656X
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 329

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Book Description
American healthcare is neither efficient nor available to all, and is also the most expensive in the world. This book argues that rationing of healthcare could work and proposes an approach to ration fairly, effectively and generously.

Benzel's Spine Surgery E-Book

Benzel's Spine Surgery E-Book PDF Author: Michael P. Steinmetz
Publisher: Elsevier Health Sciences
ISBN: 0323636691
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 2116

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Book Description
Written and edited by world-renowned experts in the field, Benzel's Spine Surgery: Techniques, Complication Avoidance and Management, 5th Edition, provides expert, step-by-step guidance on the evaluation and management of disorders of the spine. This definitive, two-volume work explores the full spectrum of techniques used in spine surgery, giving you the tools you need to hone your skills and increase your knowledge in this challenging area. Clearly organized and extensively revised throughout, it features contributions from both neurosurgeons and orthopaedic surgeons to present a truly comprehensive approach to spine disease. - Offers a thorough overview of the effective management of patients with spinal disorders, including fundamental principles, biomechanics, applied anatomy, instrumentation, pathophysiology of spinal disorders, surgical techniques, motion preservation strategies, non-surgical management, and complication avoidance and management, as well as controversies. - Focuses on both pathophysiology and surgical treatment of spine disease, with an increased emphasis on minimally invasive surgery. - Contains new features such as key points boxes at the beginning of chapters and algorithms to help streamline the decision making process. - Covers today's hot topics in spine surgery, such as health economics, artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, new less invasive techniques including endoscopic spine surgery, and the future of spine surgery. - Provides expert coverage of key topics including biomechanics of motion preservation techniques, spinal injuries in sports, biologics in spine fusion surgery, anterior sub-axial cervical fixation and fusion techniques, complex lumbosacropelvic fixation techniques, and many more. - Features more than 1,500 high-quality illustrations, as well as new procedural videos on en bloc spondylectomy, minimally invasive endoscopic posterior cervical foraminotomy, cervical total disc replacement, minimally invasive lumbar decompression of stenosis, and more. - Enhanced eBook version included with purchase. Your enhanced eBook allows you to access all of the text, figures, and references from the book on a variety of devices.

Selected Rand Abstracts

Selected Rand Abstracts PDF Author: Rand Corporation
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Abstracts
Languages : en
Pages : 216

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Book Description
Includes publications previously listed in the supplements to the Index of selected publications of the Rand Corporation (Oct. 1962-Feb. 1963).

Integrated Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Imaging: A Guide for the Practitioner

Integrated Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Imaging: A Guide for the Practitioner PDF Author: IAEA
Publisher: International Atomic Energy Agency
ISBN: 9201016212
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 258

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Book Description
Integrated cardiovascular imaging is the optimal use of multiple imaging modalities to obtain complementary information about cardiac diseases, to aid in diagnosis, determine aetiology and prognosis, with the ultimate objective of effectively guiding clinical decision making. Over the past few decades, advances in technology have contributed to the development of new imaging modalities and refinement of existing ones, leading to major improvements in the accuracy of diagnosing cardiovascular disease. While modality-centric expertise has been the primary driver of improvements in each modality, this has also contributed to imagers working in silos resulting with limited inter-modality coordination and collation of information relevant for patient care. This publication provides comprehensive guidance on the rationale and implementation of integrated cardiovascular imaging for practitioners.

The School Services Sourcebook

The School Services Sourcebook PDF Author: Cynthia Franklin
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0197603416
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 881

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Book Description
A practical resource book for school social workers and mental health professionals. This third edition will appeal to practicing professionals in schools and become a popular textbook for graduate level students enrolled in school social work and school counselling courses.