ABSTRACT
This article reviews the state of play of European markets and applications of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology in healthcare in Europe. Based on the current situation the study presents three scenarios for 2020, to describe futures in which the technology and health care sectors develop in different ways. The scenarios were discussed in expert workshops to derive issues that need to be addressed by future policies of the European Union and other stakeholders. The market assessment is based on a review of literature and an analysis of proprietary market data. The information on the state of RFID applications in Health in Europe summarises the results of a literature review, an online Delphi survey, expert interviews and seven cases studies in Europe and the US. The policy analysis is based on the outcomes of a scenario gaming workshop with experts from academia, industry, healthcare providers, policymakers and representatives of patient organisations.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To examine factors associated with adverse consequences of alcohol consumption among a community sample of drinkers in a low-income, racial, and ethnic minority community. METHODS: A sample of 329 drinkers was recruited from 17 randomly selected off-sell alcohol outlets in South Los Angeles. Respondents were interviewed by trained research personnel on their demographic characteristics, income, drinking patterns and preferences, and alcohol-related adverse consequences (using the Drinkers Inventory of Consequences--DrInC), among other items. We developed logistic regression models predicting high scores on DrInC total score and subscales (impulse control, interpersonal, intrapersonal, physical, and social responsibility). RESULTS: In this sample, we found drinking patterns--bingeing, drinking outdoors, drinking in the morning--to be significantly associated with total DrInC scores and some subscales. Malt liquor beverage (MLB) use was significantly associated with total DrInC score and interpersonal and social responsibility subscales. Previous alcohol treatment predicted all but 1 DrInC subscale and total score. CONCLUSIONS: A diverse array of factors predicted high DrInC total and subscale scores. More research on the association between MLB use and consequences is required. In addition, studies with community samples are likely to further enrich our understanding of the interactions between drinking patterns and preferences, settings, and negative consequences.
Subject(s)
Alcohol Drinking/adverse effects , Alcohol Drinking/ethnology , Minority Groups , Racial Groups/ethnology , Social Class , Adult , Black or African American/ethnology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Data Collection , Female , Hispanic or Latino/ethnology , Humans , Impulsive Behavior/ethnology , Interpersonal Relations , Logistic Models , Los Angeles , Male , Middle Aged , Social Responsibility , White People/ethnologyABSTRACT
This column summarizes findings of a study that examined the usefulness of the quadrant model for improving service delivery for persons with co-occurring disorders. The authors discuss treatment recommendations, goals and barriers related to delivering care, policy recommendations for implementing evidence-based interventions, and strengths and limitations of the model. They conclude that although the quadrant model is useful for conceptualizing systems-level factors for improving delivery, its further development is unlikely to result in improved care at the clinical level. They call for research to develop and implement evidence-based practices targeted to specific populations of persons with co-occurring disorders.
