Assessment Service Research Articles

Declining Blowout Fracture Cases and Rising Costs in South Korea (2010-2023).

Blowout fractures are a significant component of maxillofacial trauma care, but their incidence appears to be declining in South Korea. This study aims to investigate the trends in blowout fracture cases from 2010 to 2023 and assess the implications for plastic and reconstructive surgery, as well as the financial burden on patients. A retrospective observational study was conducted using data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service in South Korea. Patients diagnosed with orbital fractures (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision code S02.3) between 2010 and 2023 were included. Variables such as patient demographics, National Health Insurance (NHI) payments, and patient out-of-pocket expenses in United States dollars were analyzed. Time-series forecasting was performed using the Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average (1,1,1) model to predict future trends. A total of 163,146 patients were diagnosed with blowout fractures from 2010 to 2023. The number of cases decreased by 48.0%, from 18,340 in 2010 to 9534 in 2023 (P < 0.001). Despite the decline in cases, the average NHI payment per patient increased by 135.5%, and patient out-of-pocket expenses rose by 127.5% (P < 0.01). Strong negative correlations were found between patient numbers and per-patient costs for both NHI payments (r = -0.933) and patient expenses (r = -0.929). The Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average model forecasts suggest that case numbers may stabilize, but health care costs will continue to rise through 2028. The declining trend in blowout fracture cases poses challenges to the sustainability of this subspecialty in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Concurrently, the increasing financial burden on patients highlights limitations in the current health care coverage. Plastic and reconstructive surgeons must adapt by diversifying skills and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Policy reforms are necessary to reduce the financial burden on patients and ensure equitable access to care.

Technical assessment combined with an extended cost–benefit analysis for the restoration of groundwater and forest ecosystem services – an application for Grand Bahama

Abstract. A large storm surge caused by Hurricane Dorian in 2019 resulted in extensive flooding and saltwater intrusion into the aquifers of the island of Grand Bahama. This caused about 40 % of the island's water supply to become brackish with no or slow recovery to date and damage to more than 70 % of mangroves and forests on Grand Bahama. Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) and reforestation were considered nature-based solutions (NBS) to mitigate the impacts of Hurricane Dorian. First, a technical assessment of MAR investigated (hydro)geological aspects. As a result, potential locations for a MAR scheme are proposed. Further, a financial and an extended cost–benefit analysis (CBA) integrating ecosystem service (ES) assessments are conducted for proposed MAR and reforestation measures. Based on the current data availability, results indicate that the MAR scheme of rooftop rainwater harvesting is technically feasible. However, based on our first estimate with limited data, this MAR scheme will be able to provide only about 10 % of the water demand in the study area and thus would not be favorable from a financial perspective. Since MAR has a range of positive aspects (including potential reduction of desalinization efforts and improvement freshwater-dependent ecosystems), we recommend reassessment with more detailed hydrogeological data. On the other hand, reforestation measures are assessed to be financially profitable. The results of this study not only prove the technical feasibility and the added value of restoring groundwater and the forest ecosystem on Grand Bahama, but also highlight the associated high costs. The developed methods for investigating ecosystem services from an economic perspective was proven to allow for a systematic comparison of NBSs and reverse osmosis costs and benefits helping, e.g., policy- and decision-makers and to justify their implementation.

Evolving trends of hand injuries in Korea (2010-2023): a comprehensive analysis and implications for hand surgeons

Purpose: Recent changes in industrial safety, technology, and demographics have raised questions about the evolving landscape of hand injuries in Korea. This study analyzed trends in hand injuries from 2010 to 2023 and assessed their implications for hand surgery.Methods: Data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service Big Data Open Portal were analyzed. Trends in crush injuries (S67), amputations (S68), fractures (S62), and lacerations (S61) were examined using descriptive statistics, time series decomposition, linear regression, and the chi-square test.Results: Crush injuries and amputations exhibited significant decreases (54.95% and 24.18% respectively, p&lt;0.0001). Fractures increased by 16.19% (p=0.0228), while lacerations decreased by 6.73% (p&lt;0.0001). The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic temporarily altered these trends, particularly for fractures.Conclusion: While severe industrial hand injuries have declined, likely due to improved safety measures and automation, the rise in fractures suggests a shift towards age-related and lifestyle injuries. This evolving pattern indicates a continuing need for hand surgery expertise, albeit with a changing focus. Future research should investigate the long-term impacts of societal changes, including the COVID-19 pandemic, on hand injury patterns.

Ecosystem services assessment of Beledanga oxbow lake in the Gangetic plains: pathways to sustainable conservation

Oxbow lakes, formed from abandoned river meanders, are unique wetlands that play a crucial role in supporting aquatic biodiversity and sustaining local communities through their ecosystem services. This study focuses on the Beledanga oxbow lake, highlighting its ecosystem services and the critical role of hydrological connectivity with the adjacent river for maintaining ecological functionality and sustainability. Using the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment framework, the study assessed provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services through field surveys, stakeholder consultations, and secondary data analysis. Results show that the lake provides essential provisioning services, such as fisheries and irrigation, which support local food security and income generation. It also plays a role in regulating services like water management and carbon sequestration, while its biodiversity underpins vital ecological functions, including nutrient cycling and habitat provision. However, challenges such as seasonal water scarcity and macrophyte infestation threaten the lake's productivity and connectivity with the river. The study emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts involving local stakeholders to devise water management strategies and remove macrophytes, utilizing government initiatives like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) for funding. Additionally, the establishment of robust monitoring systems for sustainable fisheries management and incentive programs for conservation efforts are recommended. The research highlights the importance of hydrological connectivity in sustaining the lake's ecosystem services and enhancing biodiversity. By integrating local knowledge and stakeholder engagement, this study provides valuable insights into the sustainable management of oxbow lakes and highlights the broader significance of river-oxbow lake connectivity in wetland conservation efforts. The findings also have implications for broader wetland conservation policies in similar ecosystems.

Assessment of immunization and growth monitoring services provided during outreach sessions in selected urban health centers of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

Background: Immunization is the great investment as it is a cost effective and successful health intervention, which prevents suffering through sickness, disability and death.The present study was conducted with an objective to assess the effectiveness of Immunization and Growth Monitoring Services delivered during Outreach Sessions.Methods: A cross-sectional observational study design was used, with one UHC randomly selected from each of seven zones. Two outreach sessions per UHC were purposively sampled. Data was collected using a pretested proforma and analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2019.Results: It was found that 8(57.14%) sites were not having separate area for vaccination. Shakir tape was not available at 10(71.42%) of sites. Overall Cold chain maintenance was satisfactory at all sites. At some sites, Vaccinators were not writing time of reconstitution on BCG &amp;Measles Vials (21.43%), not giving 4 key messages (71.42%), were not informing about other services (78.57%), were not asking beneficiaries to wait for half hour after vaccination (71.42%) and were not knowing Open Vial Policy (35.71%). Growth chart Plotting was satisfactory in 75% ofsessions, only 64 % of them knew how to interpretate it. Conclusion: The vaccine, logistics, and cold chain maintenance were deemed satisfactory. However, despite accurate weighing of children, a subset of Healthcare Providers (HCPs) experienced challenges in accurately plotting and interpreting growth charts. While immunization quality was consistently high across all centers, opportunities for improvement and refinement were identified. To address these gaps, periodic training sessions for HCPs are recommended, focusing on immunization techniques, growth chart plotting, and interpretation to enhance their skills. Key words: Growth monitoring, Outreach sessions, Routine immunization

A survey of academic library public service policies, training and assessment practices

PurposeThis study seeks to better understand if academic libraries are generating service policies broadly and if they differentiate between a customer service focus and research assistance perspective. It also examines the level of training and assessment conducted to maintain and update service policies.Design/methodology/approachResearchers developed an online survey collecting data on demographic, policy development, training and assessment practices.FindingsOnly a very small number of respondents reported having any kind of policy, regardless if it was a customer service or reference/research policy. Within the small number of libraries that reported having any sort of policy, an even smaller number perform any type of assessment on these policies. Furthermore, between the 2021 and 2023 deployments of the surveys, there was an obvious decrease in many areas surveyed.Originality/valueThe implications of this study can inform the development, implementation and assessment of library service policies at academic libraries.

Continuous Improvement in State Vocational Rehabilitation: A Demonstration and Call to Action

Background State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies (SVRAs) are the leading provider of employment services for disabled adults in the United States, with achievement of competitive integrated employment as their main outcome. Objective Current data collection policies and practices require counselors to record extensive information for case documentation purposes, however, these data offer limited utility for service planning or for determinations of whether services are having the intended impact. Available data is not structured to support continuous improvement for individual providers or to establish evidence of best practices in day-to-day service provision. Method In this article, we present the many potential benefits of including pre-post assessment of services in measuring the impact of SVRA services. Results The Transition Readiness Toolkit offers a concrete example of the advantages associated with pre-post assessment and continuous use of data to guide services and quality improvement in SVRAs. Conclusion Recommendations and implications for implementing pre-post assessment for other SVRA services are provided.

Mapping the Unseen: Integrating Hiking Activities Into Spatially Explicit Cultural Ecosystem Service Assessment Through Agent‐Based Modeling

Mapping the Unseen: Integrating Hiking Activities Into Spatially Explicit Cultural Ecosystem Service Assessment Through Agent‐Based Modeling

ENHANCEMENT OF PRIMARY CARE ASSESSMENT TOOL (PCAT): A SCOPING REVIEW

Background: Strengthening the quality of primary health care is one way to improve public health. For this reason, an appropriate primary care assessment tool (PCAT) is necessary to evaluate and improve primary health care. Objective: This study aims to provide an overview of the development of primary care assessment tools. Methods: The study was conducted through a scoping review of articles written in English that were published in the PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Semantic Scholar databases from 2010 to 2023. Results: A total of 10 selected articles describe the development of primary care assessment tools, namely PCAT Malawi, Vietnam PCAT-PE, Vietnam PCAT-AE, CR-PCAT (China), PCAT-TI (Tibet), UG-PCAT (Uganda), PCAT-C (China), PCAT-Facility (Spain), KS-PCAT (Standard Korean), PCAT-10 (Spain), and Colombia PCAT. Each tool has a different development focus according to the context of each country. Conclusion: This study provides an overview of the development of PCAT. In general, the development of PCAT in each country demonstrates different characteristics. The selection of a health service assessment tool must align with the needs of the element or aspect to develop. Keywords: primary care assessment tool, PCAT development, primary health care assessment, PCAT modification.

Assessment of Administrative Services in State Mental Health Hospitals Among Muslim Patients in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A Descriptive Study

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) leads mental health research in the Arabic world, addressing challenges for Muslim patients seeking treatment at hospitals. This study aims to evaluate the quality of administrative services at public mental health hospitals, as perceived by Muslim recipients in the KSA. This descriptive quantitative study used a self-reported questionnaire to collect data from 200 public mental health service recipients in the KSA from 4 January 2022 to 4 March 2022. More than 95% of participants were optimistic about the entry process procedures. Approximately 88% of the participants accepted the policies for booking an appointment with a doctor. The study’s findings highlight the need to streamline and improve the communication of administrative procedures to provide recipients with optimal clarity and convenience. By addressing the moderately reported issues with policy transparency related to visit cancellations, referrals, and treatment completion, patient satisfaction and compliance could be improved, leading to a more efficient and patient-centred healthcare experience. These findings underscore the importance of streamlining administrative procedures to enhance clarity and convenience for Muslim patients, ultimately contributing to a more patient-centred healthcare experience in mental health hospitals in the KSA.

Assessment of services provided by urban ASHAs to mothers of urban slums in Lucknow district – A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Context: Maternal and child health is an important public health issue which indicates the level of socioeconomic development in any country. Urban accredited social health activist (U-ASHA) workers in India are the main front-line urban health workers in primary health care delivery for slum and urban poor. Aims: To assess the services provided by U-ASHA workers to mothers of urban slums for antenatal and postnatal care. Settings and Design: Cross-sectional study in urban slums of Lucknow where recently delivered women (up to 2 years) were selected. Methods and Material: To include the desired sample size of 320 recently delivered women (RDW), the U-ASHAs of the selected slums were contacted and a list of RDWs was made for each slum. By simple random sampling, 20 RDWs were selected from each slum. A predesigned and pretested interview schedule was used for data collection. Statistical Analysis Used: SPSS-version-26 was used. P &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The registered pregnancies were 95%. Only 43.1% of RDW had at least four ANC visits. The institutional delivery was 84.7%. Only 27.7% of RDW visited health facilities for PNC services. About 39.4% received Janani Suraksha Yojana incentives. Contraceptive users were only 41.9%. Counseling by U-ASHA workers regarding all the ANC and PNC services had better utilization among counseled RDW except for child-care counseling. Conclusions: Counseling services regarding ANC and PNC services have a significant impact on their utilization. Better results can be achieved if the counseling by U-ASHA is enhanced to reach out more beneficiaries.

The transition of assessing health technologies to social interventions in Sweden.

Since the 1970s the Swedish government has been promoting social work based on research into methods which work in practice for practitioners and patients. In 2015, the Swedish Agency for Health Technology Assessment (SBU), a government agency instigated in 1987, was commissioned to expand its remit, to review empirical research on social work interventions and to disseminate the results to stakeholders. SBU was then renamed The Swedish Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Assessment of Social Services (SBU). This article describes the fusion of health technology assessment (HTA) and Social Intervention Assessment (SIA), including advantages and challenges.

Free Speech and the Case for Regulating Online Reviews of Professional Services in the United States

The relevance of online reviews to businesses is increasing exponentially. Firms have been forced to recognise that online reviews have become a necessary method of attracting new consumers. In contrast to traditional advertising, however, businesses do not control online reviews; instead, individual consumers control them. The involuntary relinquishment of this control is especially problematic to providers of professional services simply because the assessment of professional services is complicated. The primary issues stem from the inherent characteristics of services – intangibility, variability, perishability and inseparability – combined with the asymmetry in the review process. These factors contribute to a significant imbalance, where negative reviews disproportionately impact businesses, often with minimal accountability for the reviewer. This disparity is exacerbated by the permanence and widespread dissemination of online reviews, which can continue to affect a business long after the initial issue has been resolved. Notwithstanding their defective nature and their very significant negative impact on individuals and markets, online reviews are afforded the status of protected free speech. This article argues that the traits of reviews of professional service specifically resemble those of the non-rebuttable type of speech included in the categories of unprotected speech. As such, this article argues that online reviews of professional services should be regulated to safeguard the reputation and livelihood of professionals from unscrupulous, undiscerning reviewers.

Assessment of tourism development services in peri-urban villages using the VIKOR model and spatial statistics algorithms in GIS for mapping spatial interactions

Assessment of tourism development services in peri-urban villages using the VIKOR model and spatial statistics algorithms in GIS for mapping spatial interactions

Leveraging open source land use and land cover data for urban and regional planning in transforming areas

ABSTRACT A steadily growing repository of publicly available land use and land cover (LULC) data holds great potential for addressing pressing challenges, e.g., associated with climate change or profound societal and economic transformations. However, significant portions of this data remain underutilised. This article exemplifies the practical applicability of harnessing such data for advancing spatial planning within the Rhineland mining area, Germany – a region currently undergoing significant structural shifts induced by the upcoming coal phase-out. The study features a three-pronged approach, integrating and overlaying numerous diverse datasets. First, we conduct a comprehensive assessment of ecosystem services (ES) in the region (1). Moreover, we present an evaluation of areas (un)suitable for future settlement development based on multiple constraints (2). Finally, we offer community-level analyses assessing the most suitable future land use focus, considering current LULC and ES information presenting three primary options: settlement, agriculture and natural/recreation (3). Findings are conveyed at various levels of spatial and informational granularity. We show spatially differentiated patterns of combined ES pronunciation, constraints for settlement development, and the suitability for the mentioned land use categories being meaningful in both the detailed and the reduced representation. This accommodates distinct planning requirements and audiences, spanning from regional to urban land use planning and from informing laypersons to providing knowledge to planning professionals. The approach possesses wide-ranging applicability and adaptability. It should encourage practitioners/planners to explore untapped potentials within open data for shaping planning processes and informing stakeholders. Primary benefits include objectifying and optimising planning processes while promoting their acceptance.

Barriers and solutions to equitable funeral care in the U.S. for the LGBTQIA+ community

Research on the funeral industry in the United States is limited by privatization and the dearth of publicly available data, making assessment of equitable services a challenge. The goal of this study was to explore the experiences of LGBTQIA+ deathcare providers and consumers to understand barriers to equitable services. We interviewed 23 funeral providers (N = 17) and consumers (N = 6) using a phenomenological approach and employed grounded theory to develop a deeper understanding from different perspectives that could inform more equitable practices. Results suggested that fear of religious rejection, LGBTQIA+ consumer preferences, and traditional funeral practice should be evaluated and addressed. Potential solutions may be explicit marketing and safety signaling, deathcare provider involvement in LGBTQIA+ communities, and sweeping equality legislation.

Reconceptualizing E‐Logistics Service Quality (E‐LSQ) in Emerging Contexts: The Case of Crowdsourced Delivery

ABSTRACTE‐logistics service quality (e‐LSQ) has been one of the primary constructs used in the logistics literature to capture customers' appraisals of delivery service performance in the business‐to‐consumer (B2C) context. While e‐LSQ comprises key operational aspects of delivery performance, we posit that it overlooks other elements that are now present in emerging delivery models, such as crowdsourced delivery (CD). In this study, we follow a middle‐range theory approach to capture the facets of delivery performance that are considered by customers in their assessments of e‐LSQ during CD encounters. Using a large dataset consisting of customers' reviews of their delivery service experiences with Amazon Prime Now prior to and post‐CD incorporation, we find that customers value a more nuanced operational dimension as well as relational and societal dimensions in their assessments of the delivery service. The findings of our qualitative analyses enrich the current understanding of customers' appraisals of delivery service encounters and lay the groundwork for reassessing e‐LSQ, particularly in light of emerging delivery models like CD in online retailing.

A new model for the diagnostic assessment services trajectory for neurodevelopmental conditions.

The Canadian province of Québec faces several issues regarding the accessibility and quality of diagnostic assessment and the efficiency and continuity of evaluation, support, and intervention services for children with neurodevelopmental conditions (NDCs). To address these issues, the Ministry of Health and Social Services mandated a research team to initiate the development of a reference trajectory, i.e., a proposed model pathway based on national and international best practices and research, for the diagnostic assessment of NDCs in children aged 0-7 years. The present study focused on the development of a logic model to operationalize the diagnostic services trajectory using a community-based participatory research approach and informed by implementation science. This involved representatives from multiple stakeholder groups (e.g., parents, professionals, physicians, administrators, researchers). Project steps included an analysis of best practices from a literature review on diagnostic trajectories, focus groups and interviews with stakeholders, and a validation process to ensure the appropriateness of the final model. The integration of existing research and stakeholder input resulted in a logic model for a new diagnostic services trajectory for children aged 0-7 years suspected of NDCs and identified key ingredients that should be present in its future implementation. The proposed model for a diagnostic services trajectory is expected to address several systemic issues identified previously. Its implementation will need to be evaluated to ensure its sustained focus on the needs of families and its ability to promote their quality of life, well-being, and involvement.

Analysis of characteristics of patients whose sugammadex claims were denied by the Auto Insurance Claims Review Department of Korean Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service: a retrospective single-center review.

Recently, there have been many cases where sugammadex used in traffic accident patients has been deducted from auto insurance claims. This study aims to investigate the characteristics of sugammadex deductions through retrospective analysis. We included patients who underwent general anesthesia after traffic accidents at our institution between January 2019 and December 2023. Data for patients for whom sugammadex payments were deducted from the Auto Insurance Claims Review Department of the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service were obtained from the hospital's insurance department, and electronic medical records were analyzed. The characteristics of neuromuscular blockade (NMB) and its reversal, including administration time and dosage of neuromuscular blockading agent (NMBA) and reversal agent, intraoperative neuromuscular transmission (NMT) monitoring results, and reasons for sugammadex use, were assessed and analyzed. A total of 251 patients deducted sugammadex payments during the study period. The deduction rate significantly decreased from 88-100% in previous years to 43.4% in 2023. Sugammadex was used to reverse deep NMB (55.1%) and in high-risk patients (23.1%). Sugammadex was mostly used to reverse deep NMB (55.1%) and in high-risk patients (23.1%). NMT monitoring was documented in 81.3% of cases, with 38.9% showing deep NMB and 33.3% showing moderate NMB. Despite improved NMT documentation after 2021, sugammadex payment deductions persisted. Sugammadex payment deductions occur despite clinical necessity, particularly in deep and moderate NMB cases. Thorough documentation may help reduce these deductions. Collaboration between healthcare providers and policymakers is required to use reversal agents guided by clinical evidence.

‘Optimal’ vs. ‘Suboptimal’ Haemodialysis Start with Central Venous Catheter—A Better Way to Assess a Vascular Access Service?

Background: Whether patients commence haemodialysis with a central venous catheter (CVC), or an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is used to audit the quality of a vascular access service. However, this crude metric of measurement can miss the increasing nuance and complexity of vascular access planning. We aimed to understand whether commencing haemodialysis with a CVC represented an ‘optimal’ or ‘suboptimal’ outcome and how this could influence the assessment of a vascular access service. Methods: From a prospective clinical database, patients known to nephrology &gt;90 days prior to initiating haemodialysis as first-ever renal replacement therapy (2011–2020) from a single centre were included. Results: A total of 158/254 patients started haemodialysis with a CVC, and 96 with arteriovenous fistula. For 91 patients, the CVC was deemed ‘optimal’ care due to factors such as unpredictable deterioration in renal function (n = 41) and inadequate veins for AVF creation (n = 24). For 67 patients, the CVC was ‘suboptimal’ due to factors such as no/late referral to access assessment (n = 25) and delays in the AVF creation pathway (n = 13). There was no difference in mean survival between the AVF and ‘suboptimal’ groups (2.53 vs. 2.21 years, p = 0.31). There was a survival difference between AVF versus CVC (2.53 vs. 1.97 years, p = 0.002) and ‘suboptimal’ versus ‘optimal’ CVC cohorts (2.21 vs. 1.40 years, p = 0.16). Conclusions: Understanding whether a CVC is ‘optimal’ or ‘suboptimal’ allows a more nuanced analysis of service provision. High mortality in the ‘optimal’ group suggests a frailer cohort where CVC is potentially the best care. Studying ‘suboptimal’ CVC starts helps identify practice and system issues preventing ‘optimal’ care.