Administrative Director Research Articles

Abstract 262: Factors Influencing the Adoption of Get With The Guidelines® Quality Improvement Registries: Findings from a Regional Survey

Background and Objectives: Healthcare systems are under increasing pressure to deliver a high quality care. To assist with this delivery, hospitals often participate in data registries. The American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® modules are an in-hospital suite of programs designed to improve quality of care, adhere more closely to evidence-based guidelines, and improve patient outcomes. The objective of this study was to determine factors that influence the adoption of GWTG or other quality improvement registries in Midwest (IA, IL, IN, KS, MI, MN, MO, ND, NE, SD, WI) hospitals. Methods: Data was collected via an online survey tool. The tool consisted of 8 questions, consisting of 6 rank order or fill in the blank and 2 demographic questions. Communication about the survey and a link to it was distributed via email to 1100 participants at 726 facilities across the Midwest. The survey was available to hospitals for 1 month. Results: The survey was completed by 260 individuals, giving a response rate of 23.6%. Quantities of returned surveys were proportional to the population in each surveyed state. Job titles of respondents were predominantly Administrative Service Line Directors, Nurses, C-Suite Personnel, Quality Improvement Personnel and Physicians. Questions focused on the following: elements considered during the purchase of a registry, reasons for the retention and continued use of a data registry, Full Time Equivalent (FTE) and other operational costs tied to Return on Investment (ROI), and the identification of which department is responsible for the final approval and acquisition of a data registry. Calculations clearly demonstrated three primary factors influenced the selection and continued use of a data registry - (1) Cost of acquiring and operating the tool, (2) Ease of use and tool functionalities, and (3) Registry purchasing decisions are typically made at the C-Suite level. Conclusions: This survey was designed to examine hospital motivations, barriers and deterrents when considering data registry implementation. Ease of use, data mapping capabilities and reporting functions were consistently ranked highest in importance from most respondents. It is evident as well that the cost of acquiring and operating a registry are primary concerns of hospitals and the final decision to engage in a registry rests with C-Suite personnel. This correlates closely to the desire to lower operating costs and larger ROI through efficient and effective tool usage. Resultingly, building strategies to address financial returns on investment is imperative to engage hospitals. Specific strategies towards addressing the needs and concerns of C-Suite personnel are critical if quality improvement data registry implementation is to occur.

Improving Quality Manager (QM) Resiliency with Open Communication and Trust between the QM and Program and Organizational Leaders

Background The QM role in the field of transplantation and cellular therapies is specialized. QMs may be at risk for stress and burnout, which results in low resiliency/less ability to recharge during change. Since 2017, the ASBMT Administrative Directors SIG Quality Working Group and the FACT Quality Management Committee have collaborated to identify opportunities to improve the resilience of the QM [1] . Methods A 59-question survey was created to collect anonymous data on the QM's personal resilience and the perceived benefits of improved resilience. Information was gathered regarding program size and complexity and key program personnel responsibilities and interpersonal interactions in order to assess work stressors associated with the QM role. The survey included a validated “Brief Resilience Scale” (BRS) [2] which quantitatively measures resilience (1 = low to 5 = high). A total of 98 QMs of the 130 U.S. hematopoietic cell transplant program respondents who completed the BRS and identified the QM role as their primary engagement were included in this analysis. Findings The mean and median BRS scores were 3.82 ± 0.67 and 4 respectively (range = 1.67 to 5). A link between improved resilience and increased productivity was reported in 75% of respondents. Two themes were evident from the data: trust and communication. Trust in their program director was reported by 77% of respondents, but only 42% reported this trust in senior executives and 56% in senior directors (Fig. 1). Those who reported trust in their senior directors and executives had statistically significant higher mean BRS scores, 4.00 and 4.11 respectively. While not reflected by lower BRS score, a proportionally high number of QMs reported that they did not engage in regular 1-to-1 meetings with their direct manager (27%), program director (45%) or organization's quality department (79%) (Fig. 2). Discussion Results for communication and sense of trust between QMs and organizational leaders varied. Lower than expected levels of 1-to-1 engagement between QMs and senior leadership did not always result in an observable decrease in the BRS score, and levels of trust between QMs and their program directors remained high. Interactions offer opportunities to strengthen communication and a sense of trust and to educate organizational leaders on the program's complexity and the crucial role of the QM. QMs must promote professionalism in quality and the importance of the QM to the program's success. At this time, further analysis into relationships between communication and trust may identify influencers which can be leveraged to improve QM resiliency.

Improving Quality Manager (QM) Workload Management in Order to Increase Their Resiliency and Effectiveness in Contributing to Program Success

Background The QM's capacity be resilient during change is a critical skillset. Since 2017, the ASBMT Administrative Directors SIG Quality Working Group and the FACT Quality Management Committee have collaborated identify opportunities increase QMs' resiliency [1]. The quality groups developed a 59-question anonymous survey collect data on QMs' personal resilience and perceived benefits of improved resilience. To assess possible work stressors, QMs were queried about their responsibilities, program size/complexity, and the nature of interactions with others, e.g. direct supervisors. Respondents were also asked rank selected resources for increasing resiliency. A total of 98 QMs of the 130 U.S. hematopoietic cell transplant program respondents who completed the BRS and identified the QM role as their primary engagement were included in this analysis. Findings BRS scores ranged from 1.67 5 (1 = low 5 = high resilience); mean and median scores were of 3.82 ± 0.67 and 4 respectively. 75% of respondents agreed that improved resilience promotes increased productivity. Survey results revealed links between lower BRS scores, longer work weeks, and failure use earned vacation time. QMs who reported they did not take their vacation leave had statistically significant lower BRS scores (Fig. 1). Analysis of this subgroup of respondents showed they routinely work >40 hours/week, and 63% were not engaged in managing their workload which was a measure shown result in a lower BRS score (Fig. 2). Although not reflected in lower BRS scores, respondents reported they did not engage in regular 1-to-1 meetings (Fig. 3) with their direct manager (27%) or program director (45%), and missed opportunities discuss workload management. Due limitations in project scope respondents were not asked about the availability of back-up personnel help manage workload. Discussion QMs are essential effective quality programs which, ultimately, impact patient outcomes. To recruit and retain proficient personnel, key drivers for increasing QM resilience must be identified and deployed. Through improved understanding of the QM role and engagement, the QM and program leadership must effectively manage key projects, tasks and events. Methods must optimize time management, productivity, and communication; e.g. proactively planning workload management with program leadership, streamlining work flows, developing ready references/job aids, and prioritizing to do lists. ASBMT and FACT will continue collaborating identify opportunities support increasing QMs' resiliency.

The Impact of Strategic Fit on the Marketing Performance of the Industrial Corporations in Jordan

The present study aimed at identifying the impact of strategic fit on the marketing performance of the industrial corporations in Jordan. The population consists from all the Jordanian industrial corporations that are listed on Amman Stock Exchange. To be specific, the population consists from 63 companies. A sample was chosen through using the simple random sampling method. It was selected from 54 companies. Questionnaire forms were distributed to marketing, and administrative directors (or the ones holding equivalent positions).  76 questionnaire forms were retrieved (out of 108 questionnaires). All of the retrieved forms are valid for statistical analysis. The response rate is 70.37%. The latter rate is considered a good rate.
 
 Several results were concluded. For instance, it was found that the strategic fit has a statistically significant positive impact on the marketing performance of the Jordanian industrial corporations. The researchers recommend providing more attention to the achievement of strategic fit in the industrial corporations. That shall enable those companies to improve their marketing performance.

Organizacja i funkcjonowanie Wyższego Seminarium Duchownego w Koszalinie w latach 1981–2011

The study hereby proposed presents the activity of a Catholic college - Higher Theological Seminary in Koszalin in the years 1981-2011. The College came into being thanks to the efforts of Bishop Ignacy Jeż. In the abovementioned period, the college was administered by five rectors and seven administrative directors. There were 658 students (alumni) and 362 deacons, who took holy orders. During the six-year program of education, students learned the obligatory, pastoral and theological subjects as well as underwent practical training. The thesis defense took place in the fifth year of studies. The sixth year was intended for practicing and taking religious vows.

The Impact of Information Technology on Supply Chain Management in Internal Environment of Jordanian Industrial Companies

The purpose of this study is to identify the impact of using information technology (IT) on supply chain management (SCM) in the internal environment of Jordanian industrial companies. The study sample consisted of 171 employees working in the Jordanian industrial companies, including the administrative and financial director, head of the administrative and financial department, information systems staff, and the employees. The study relied on descriptive analytical method and also used regression analysis. The study results showed an important impact of IT on SCM in the internal environment of Jordanian industrial companies. It also showed a positive relationship between each techniques of IT (information sharing, infrastructures, and strategic planning) and SCM in the internal environment of Jordanian industrial companies. The study's recommendations included the need to maintain the highest levels of IT techniques by keeping pace with the latest developments in the fields, such as information sharing and infrastructures services.

Співавторство наукових статей у контексті академічної доброчесності

To find out how Ukrainian scholars view co-authorship, a Google form was posted on Facebook in professional communities. The survey was filled out by 198 scholars representing 24 fields. Among the main reasons for co-authorship, respondents identified the following: possibility of intellectual development, establishment of professional contacts, opportunity to save time, material rewards as a result of such publication, pressure of a manager who wants to have a publication but does not actually participate in the research, access to expensive equipment and materials, ability to share costs with all co-authors, bad English language skills, increased likelihood of being published with co-author authority, and more. We managed to get numerous answers illustrating the difficulties of preparing scientific publications in co-authorship: delays by other authors, reluctance of collaborators to take into account the comments of reviewers, the low requirements of some collaborators to itself, when they allow themselves to be published in “predatory journals”, problems during interpersonal communication, the need to include in the list of authors the people who did not participate in the writing of the article, long-term text alignment by co-authors, plagiarism, language problems, conflicting views on the results. Ethical problems arising from the co-authorship are revealed: the order of authors, distribution of scientific contribution, authorship of the administrative director, authorship of works performed under scientific supervision, etc.The article also addresses the problem of gift and guest authorship and elucidates the attitude of Ukrainian scientists to the services of companies that “guarantee” the publication of articles in international peer-reviewed journals.

Sound the Shofar in Luxembourg

In March of 2017, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) received a preliminary reference from the Constitutional Court of Romania seeking guidance on the proper implementation of Directive 2004/38/EC, commonly known as the Citizen’s Rights Directive, and its applicability to same-sex spouses. This Article is the first to argue that a proper decision by the ECJ would force Member States to recognize—to an extent necessary for purposes of providing and protecting the fundamental EU Citizen’s right to free movement—marriages and equivalent partnership recognitions conducted and legally recognized in other Member States. This unique argument derives from a comparative analysis of Israeli jurisprudence, most notably the Israeli High Court of Justice’s ruling in Ben Ari v. Director of Population Administration. This Article explores the interpretation of Directive 2004/38/EC, which stipulates the freedom of movement for workers within the Member States is a fundamental right guaranteed to all citizens so long as certain employment criterion is met. This right, in general, extends to the immediate family and dependents of the worker who is asserting that right, meaning that in a heterosexual marriage, the husband or wife of a worker who decides to relocate to another EU Member State to work can move with their partner and live without major legal problems or immigration status concerns. While EU law currently guarantees these spousal rights, the definition of marriage is left to the individual Member States. In balancing the limitations of EU competences in the realm of family law against the need to protect fundamental rights of EU citizens, this article argues the ECJ could be guided by the Israeli High Court of Justice, which crafted an opinion mandating that the Israeli government record same-sex couples legally married abroad as “married” in the official population registry. This recording entitles the partners to prima facie evidence of their marital status, thus affording them the rights of married couples under Israeli law without constituting an official “marriage” under the laws of Israel. By combining the wisdom of the Israeli decision with the unique limitations of the EU, this article argues that the ECJ should require all Member States to acknowledge the prima facie validity of cross-border legal same-sex marriages only to the extent necessary to allow the Member State to provide the rights and protections guaranteed as fundamental under EU law.

In Vivo and Ex Vivo Microscopy: A Business Plan to Justify the Introduction of Similar Emerging Technologies Into Pathology Practice.

Our patients are now demanding value for their medical diagnoses and treatment in terms of optimal costs, quality, and outcomes. The financial justification for the introduction of new emerging technologies that may better meet these needs will depend on many factors, even if there is an established reimbursement code. In vivo and ex vivo microscopic technologies (IVM and EVM, respectively) will be used as examples of potentially transforming technologies. To describe the components of a business plan that ensures all of the ramifications of introducing a new technology into pathology practice have been considered. As well as the financial justification, such a plan should include strategic vision and congruence, the advantages and drawbacks of introducing such technology, and how plans for marketing, implementation, and verification can be operationalized. Unlike many pathologists, administrative directors in clinical laboratories already know the components of a financially sound business plan. In addition to the financial justifications, other considerations of such a plan include expense reductions, multiyear buildups in revenue generation, the replacement of other technologies, improved productivity and workflows, additional space, new capital, retrained personnel, and the impact on other departments. Pathologists will learn a business plan format to improve their confidence in making the sound financial justifications needed to consider the introduction of an emerging technology into pathology practice, even when there is initially no obvious revenue stream because formal reimbursement codes have not been established.

La auditoría interna como herramienta de gestión para el control en los gobiernos autónomos descentralizados de la provincia de Morona Santiago

El control interno provee de una seguridad razonable a las operaciones administrativas y financieras de las instituciones; en la discusión sobre modelos de respuesta a los riesgos se presenta el modelo de control interno Committee of Sponsoring Organizations, (COSO), seleccionado por garantizar lo siguiente: 1) cumplimiento de leyes y regulaciones; 2) confiabilidad en la información financiera, y 3) salvaguarda de activos. Esta investigación se orientó hacia la necesidad de evaluar comparativamente el control interno de las unidades de auditoría interna pertenecientes a los gobiernos autónomos descentralizados cantonales de la provincia de Morona Santiago y a conocer su influencia sobre el control de gestión institucional. Para efectos del estudio se empleó una muestra de nueve de los trece cantones de la provincia seleccionada; la metodología para obtener información de la gestión de las unidades de auditoría interna sobre el control institucional, se fundamentó en entrevistas a los directores administrativos y financieros, y en la aplicación de un cuestionario de evaluación del control interno dirigido a los auditores internos o a los responsables de esta área en una entidad. La conclusión fundamental indica que el cumplimiento de las instituciones públicas con las normas técnicas de control interno dispuestas por la Contraloría General del Estado, bajo supervisión de las unidades de auditoría interna, promueve garantías razonables para la consecución eficiente de sus objetivos.

School leadership for social justice and its linkage with perilous politics

This paper explores the phenomenon of perilous politics of school leadership for social justice, in order to strengthen social equity for educational development. School leadership for social justice emphasizes that leaders can make efforts to pursue equitable relationships of gender, class, race, culture, etc. Therefore, it stresses the understanding of ‘intersectionality’ of multiple biases. However, school leadership for social justice can easily initiate perilous politics. As a result, school leaders would not overburden the perilous politics of relation tear derived from the interest pursuit of stakeholders. This qualitative research chose a junior high school by purposive sampling for a case study. There were 14 participants, including 1 principal, 3 administrative chairs, 3 administrative directors, 3 chairs of subject areas, 2 parents, and 2 students. Interviews were conducted to collect data. Based on the analyses and discussions of research results, the findings are as follows: (1) there is great care for the disadvantaged students; (2) the structure of collective responsibility is linked with the process of community support; (3) there is perilous politics of pathological diffusion and respect decline; and (4) self-empowerment and deliberative intervention is risen to assume the perilous politics to play reasonable perilous politics.

Реальний педагогічний експеримент як віддзеркалення суспільних взаємовідносин

The article deals with the conditions for creating a new type of school in Melitopol, Zaporizhia region – school-complex No. 9. It is shown in the article that only due to the joint efforts of the regional and city councils, the regional and city departments of education, the Regional Institute of Postgraduate Pedagogical Education and the Melitopol State Pedagogical Institute, the staff of the Melitopol Plant of Tractor Hydraulic Units, parents and residents of one of the most socially problem areas of Melitopol (New Melitopol) in six months the administration managed to create a fundamentally new comprehensive educational institution. The scientific basis of the school was the experimental pedagogical platform, led by its initiators: scientific supervisors Professor Pavlyutenkov E.M, Professor Krizhko V.V. and the administrative director of the school Elkin M.V. The pedagogical conditions for study, rest and conducting group and individual work of students in the afternoon are described. The role of scientists (professors, associate professors, teachers), deputy directors, teaching staff, other specialists (mainly of various genres of art) working with the pedagogical staff and students of the school is emphasized. New subjects and special courses, which were included in the schedule of classes, were introduced, as well as educational, scientific and methodical papers issued by the editorial board of the EPP. The closure of the experiment (despite its effective work and social significance), was due to the change of the city's leadership, the city department of public education, the narrow-mindedness and incompetence of the "Young Reformers", who have done their dirty work. Now the new Ukrainian school must be restored from the first. Keywords: pedagogical experiment, school-complex No. 9 of a new type, social relations, pedagogical conditions, complex goals of the school's work, experimental pedagogical platform (EPP), experiment participants, subjects and special courses on author's programs, guides, conductorship.

Sound the Shofar in Luxembourg: Cross-Border Recognition of Same-Sex Spouses in the European Union and Israel's Ben Ari V. Director of Population Administration

In March of 2017, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) received a preliminary reference from the Constitutional Court of Romania seeking guidance on the proper implementation of Directive 2004/38/EC, commonly known as the Citizen’s Rights Directive, and its applicability to same-sex spouses. This Article is the first to argue that a proper decision by the ECJ would force Member States to recognize—to an extent necessary for purposes of providing and protecting the fundamental EU Citizen’s right to free movement—marriages and equivalent partnership recognitions conducted and legally recognized in other Member States. This unique argument derives from a comparative analysis of Israeli jurisprudence, most notably the Israeli High Court of Justice’s ruling in Ben Ari v. Director of Population Administration. This Article explores the interpretation of Directive 2004/38/EC, which stipulates the freedom of movement for workers within the Member States is a fundamental right guaranteed to all citizens so long as certain employment criterion is met. This right, in general, extends to the immediate family and dependents of the worker who is asserting that right, meaning that in a heterosexual marriage, the husband or wife of a worker who decides to relocate to another EU Member State to work can move with their partner and live without major legal problems or immigration status concerns. While EU law currently guarantees these spousal rights, the definition of marriage is left to the individual Member States. In balancing the limitations of EU competences in the realm of family law against the need to protect fundamental rights of EU citizens, this article argues the ECJ could be guided by the Israeli High Court of Justice, which crafted an opinion mandating that the Israeli government record same-sex couples legally married abroad as “married” in the official population registry. This recording entitles the partners to prima facie evidence of their marital status, thus affording them the rights of married couples under Israeli law without constituting an official “marriage” under the laws of Israel. By combining the wisdom of the Israeli decision with the unique limitations of the EU, this article argues that the ECJ should require all Member States to acknowledge the prima facie validity of cross-border legal same-sex marriages only to the extent necessary to allow the Member State to provide the rights and protections guaranteed as fundamental under EU law.

Response to Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak in Nigeria, West Africa: The Zaria experience

ObjectiveTo assess the formation and function of a joint committee of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) and the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) to prevent and control EVD in Zaria and the North West sub region of Nigeria.IntroductionThe Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in West Africa was unprecedented in spread and its attendant response. There were over 15 000 confirmed cases and over 9 000 suspected cases. The response to the outbreak was massive within Africa and beyond. The outbreak in Nigeria affected 19 people and led to 7 deaths (CFR 37%).There were more than 891 contacts of these cases under surveillance as at 23rd September 2014. Nigeria was declared EVD free by the World Health Organization in October 2014.Nationwide there was targeted preparedness to prevent and control EVD. In Zaria, this led to the formation of a joint committee of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) and the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) to prevent and control EVD in Zaria and the sub region as a whole.MethodsA joint multidisciplinary committee was formed by ABU and ABUTH with representatives from the Department of Community Medicine, Internal Medicine, Nursing sciences, Veterinary Public Health, Medical Microbiology, Mass Communication, Directorate of Public Affairs ABU Zaria, General Administration and Management services division ABUTH, the University Health Services and the Centre for Disease Risk Management under the Department of Geography. Four subcommittees were created steered by the main committee. The subcommittees were Surveillance; Case Management; Infection Control and Social and Mass mobilization subcommitteesResultsThe committee conducted seminars and trainings in case management, surveillance and infection control. Mass media campaigns included radio jingles production and airing as well as production of flyers and posters on EVD prevention and control. There was a phone in live radio programme. Screening exercise for raised temperature was conducted using laser thermometers at main entry points. A case of suspected EVD was managed who turned out to be a case of dengue haemorrhagic fever.ConclusionsThe committee was enriched by its multidisciplinary nature and a blueprint for the control and prevention of EVD was developed in line with national and global standards. The committee was hampered with lack of funds to implement fully the blueprint for the prevention and control of EVD in Zaria and its environs. The committee transformed into the ABU/ABUTH Epidemic Preparedness and Response Committee after the outbreak was over to address other emerging epidemics.ReferencesABU/ABUTH Joint Committee For The Prevention And Control Of Ebola Virus Disease (ABUPACE) Blueprint For Prevention And Control Of Ebola Virus Disease In ABU/ABUTH Zaria 2014. Pages 1-44World Health Organization. WHO declares end of Ebola outbreak in Nigeria www.who.int/mediacentre/news/statements/2014/nigeria-ends-ebola/en/

A Tale of Two Cities: Evolution of Academic Physiatry in Boston and Baltimore: Part 1: The Boston Marathon

A Tale of Two Cities: Evolution of Academic Physiatry in Boston and Baltimore: Part 1: The Boston Marathon

Pengaruh Kepemimpinan Terhadap Motivasi dan Kinerja Karyawan pada Direktorat Jendral Administrasi dan Keuangan, Kementerian Estatal Timor Leste

Employee performance is one of the determinant factors for the achievement of organizational performance. Therefore, improving employee performance is an important issue that must be considered. Many factors can affect employee performance, such as: leadership and motivation. Based on the existing issues in the Directorate of Administration and Finance Ministry Genderal Estatal East Timor, this study examines three variables, namely: leadership, motivation, and performance of employees.
 The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of leadership on motivation and performance of employees in the Directorate of Administration and Finance Ministry Genderal Estatal East Timor. The population in this study were all employees of the Directorate of Administration and Finance Ministry Genderal Estatal Timorese by the number of employees as many as 152 people, while the sample is 110 by using a sampling technique proportionate stratified random sampling. The data used are primary data and secondary data with the questionnaire data collection methods. The analysis tool is used path analysis.
 The results obtained in this study are positive and significant effect of leadership on the motivation, meaning that if the leadership is getting better, then the increased work motivation. Motivation has a positive and significant impact on the performance of employees, meaning that if the motivation is getting better, then the performance of employees is increasing. Leadership has a positive and significant impact on the performance of employees, meaning that if the leadership is getting better, then the performance of employees is increasing. Therefore, in the future to improve the performance of employees, the Directorate of Administration and Finance Ministry Genderal Estatal Timorese leadership should develop in order to get better and improve employee motivation.

Explaining the role of organizational culture on succession-planning at the Ministry of Health and Medical Education: A qualitative study.

BackgroundDeveloping and guiding new knowledge are futile unless the organizational culture can also be transformed. Future leaders cannot emerge out of an organizational environment that is not conducive to the accumulation of experiences.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to explore the role of organizational culture in creating a succession-planning system at the Ministry of Health and Medical Education in 2014.MethodsThe present qualitative framework analysis held interviews with 23 director generals, administrative directors and deputies from the headquarters of the Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education in 2014 who were selected through snowball sampling. The data obtained were analyzed in MAXQDA-10. Codes were extracted using inductive techniques.ResultsThe cultural factors affecting succession-planning at the Ministry of Health and Medical Education were identified and classified under three main areas, including the cultural factors related to the directors with four themes (Directors’ job security, Constructive competition, Transparency and trust development, Creating opportunities), to the personnel with four themes (Organizational identity and loyalty, Trust in the organization, Talent and merit, Peer envy) and to the system with two themes (Values and beliefs, Politicization).ConclusionFindings of the study show that establishment and institutionalization of the succession planning to the Ministry of Health and Medical Education is deeply affected by the components of organizational culture. Accordingly, unprofessional organization culture can deprive the organization of numerous advantages in multiple-succession planning.

Gender Differences in the Leadership Styles of MPA Directors

A growing body of literature has documented leadership styles by gender. This study examines if directors of Master of Public Administration (MPA) programs accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration exhibit gender differences in leadership styles. Such differences may affect the implementation of public administration and how effective MPA directors are in achieving positive outcomes. Using a mixed methods approach—specifically, exploratory sequential design utilizing qualitative data and analysis, followed by a quantitative survey—we find that there are some gendered differences among public administration directors. In particular, we find that women directors are significantly more likely than their male counterparts to exhibit traits that resemble transformational leaders. However, we also find that male and female directors converge in terms of other styles of leadership.

Management of support processes in Austrian hospitals: Integrated network of primary care processes and support processes

ABSTRACTThe transformation process and added value creation in Austrian hospitals can be divided into primary health care (core) processes, support processes and the overarching management processes. In conjunction with the increased focus on service and resource shortages, the important role of support processes comes more into focus. Hence, the question: What challenges and possible solutions with regard to the management of support processes in hospitals are being discussed and prioritized by the decision makers in Austrian hospitals? The methodological approach included an expert workshop and an online survey. The online survey focused on the challenges and solutions in terms of support processes in the hospital from the perspective of the Chief Executive Directors and Administrative Directors. The focus is on the optimization of internal structures and processes. Furthermore, it becomes clear that the desire for transparency is especially attended to by established indicators and criteria. It also becomes apparent that the enhanced engagement with external stakeholders and approaches are of minor importance. In future, however, it seems necessary to increasingly consider and develop the external demands and opportunities in terms of integrated networking, not only with respect to the primary care processes, but also in terms of support processes.

Insurance Receipt and Readiness for Opportunities under the Affordable Care Act: A National Survey of Treatment Providers for Substance Use Disorders

ABSTRACTThis study measures the readiness of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment to use opportunities under the Affordable Care Act by examining Medicaid and private insurance acceptance between 2011 and 2013, as well as center characteristics associated with acceptance. Data for this study were from a random sample of SUD treatment centers in the United States. Interviews were conducted on site and face to face, with administrative and clinical directors. We employed logistic regression analyses to examine Medicaid acceptance and private insurance acceptance. We found that 59% of centers accepted Medicaid and 55% accepted private insurance. Accredited centers were more likely to accept Medicaid. A 12-step orientation and greater reliance on female clients were negatively associated with Medicaid acceptance. Larger centers and centers with a greater percentage of counselors with advanced degrees had greater odds of accepting private insurance. Centers that offered residential treatment had lower odds of accepting either Medicaid or private insurance. For private insurance acceptance, having a specific track for homeless patients lowered the odds of acceptance, as did having a greater percentage of Hispanic clients. Newly insured individuals under the ACA may have difficulty finding a program that accepts insurance. Future research should examine effects of Medicaid expansion on SUD treatment delivery.