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Dyduch W, Chudziński P, Cyfert S, Zastempowski M. Dynamic capabilities, value creation and value capture: Evidence from SMEs under Covid-19 lockdown in Poland. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252423. [PMID: 34129597 PMCID: PMC8205126 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Dynamic capabilities, resulting from activities that allow conscious and skillful modification of a firm's strategic potential, are seen as one of the key drivers of a firm's value creation, competitive advantage and above-average performance in changing environments. However, little is known about how dynamic capabilities can shape business survival and performance during crises. The research objective of this paper is twofold. First, through a literature review, we seek to identify which first-order dynamic capabilities-managerial decisions under uncertainty-are vital for rapid response to a crisis. Second, we present the results of research carried out among 151 small and medium-sized companies in Poland immediately after the beginning of the economic lockdown (April 2020). The survey that we developed identifies which dynamic capabilities were essential for businesses to survive during this unexpected black swan event. We also present dependence and regression analyses showing the links between the identified dynamic capabilities and value creation, understood as retaining employees and production levels, as well as value capture, understood as maintaining cash flow and current revenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Dyduch
- College of Management, University of Economics in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | | | - Szymon Cyfert
- Institute of Management, Poznań University of Economics and Business, Poznan, Poland
| | - Maciej Zastempowski
- Department of Enterprise Management, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland
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Jilcott Pitts SB, Wu Q, Truesdale KP, Rafferty AP, Haynes-Maslow L, Boys KA, McGuirt JT, Fleischhacker S, Johnson N, Kaur AP, Bell RA, Ammerman AS, Laska MN. A four-year observational study to examine the dietary impact of the North Carolina Healthy Food Small Retailer Program, 2017-2020. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2021; 18:44. [PMID: 33761952 PMCID: PMC7990380 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-021-01109-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The North Carolina (NC) Healthy Food Small Retailer Program (HFSRP) was passed into law with a $250,000 appropriation (2016-2018) providing up to $25,000 in funding to small food stores for equipment to stock healthier foods and beverages. This paper describes an observational natural experiment documenting the impact of the HFSRP on store food environments, customers' purchases and diets. METHODS Using store observations and intercept surveys from cross-sectional, convenience customer samples (1261 customers in 22 stores, 2017-2020; 499 customers in 7 HFSRP stores, and 762 customers in 15 Comparison stores), we examined differences between HFSRP and comparison stores regarding: (1) change in store-level availability, quality, and price of healthy foods/beverages; (2) change in healthfulness of observed food and beverage purchases ("bag checks"); and, (3) change in self-reported and objectively-measured (Veggie Meter®-assessed skin carotenoids) customer dietary behaviors. Differences (HFSRP vs. comparison stores) in store-level Healthy Food Supply (HFS) and Healthy Eating Index-2010 scores were assessed using repeated measure ANOVA. Intervention effects on diet were assessed using difference-in-difference models including propensity scores. RESULTS There were improvements in store-level supply of healthier foods/beverages within 1 year of program implementation (0 vs. 1-12 month HFS scores; p = 0.055) among HFSRP stores only. Comparing 2019 to 2017 (baseline), HFSRP stores' HFS increased, but decreased in comparison stores (p = 0.031). Findings indicated a borderline significant effect of the intervention on self-reported fruit and vegetable intake (servings/day), though in the opposite direction expected, such that fruit and vegetable intake increased more among comparison store than HFSRP store customers (p = 0.05). There was no significant change in Veggie Meter®-assessed fruit and vegetable intake by customers shopping at the intervention versus comparison stores. CONCLUSIONS Despite improvement in healthy food availability, there was a lack of apparent impact on dietary behaviors related to the HFSRP, which could be due to intervention dose or inadequate statistical power due to the serial cross-sectional study design. It may also be that individuals buy most of their food at larger stores; thus, small store interventions may have limited impact on overall eating patterns. Future healthy retail policies should consider how to increase intervention dose to include more product marketing, consumer messaging, and technical assistance for store owners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie B. Jilcott Pitts
- Department of Public Health, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834 USA
| | - Qiang Wu
- Department of Biostatistics, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834 USA
| | - Kimberly P. Truesdale
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
- Healthy Weight Research Center, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN 55454 USA
| | - Ann P. Rafferty
- Department of Public Health, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834 USA
| | - Lindsey Haynes-Maslow
- Department of Agricultural & Human Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, 27695 USA
| | - Kathryn A. Boys
- Department of Agricultural & Resource Economics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, 27695 USA
| | - Jared T. McGuirt
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, 27412 NC USA
| | | | - Nevin Johnson
- Department of Public Health, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834 USA
| | - Archana P. Kaur
- Department of Public Health, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834 USA
| | - Ronny A. Bell
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, 27157 USA
- Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston-Salem, NC 27157 USA
| | - Alice S. Ammerman
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Melissa N. Laska
- Healthy Weight Research Center, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN 55454 USA
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Park J, Kim B. Associations of Small Business Closure and Reduced Urban Mobility with Mental Health Problems in COVID-19 Pandemic: a National Representative Sample Study. J Urban Health 2021; 98:13-26. [PMID: 33420551 PMCID: PMC7792911 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-020-00511-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
It is suggested that the nationwide social distancing due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has adverse mental health consequences despite its necessity. We investigated the associations of social distancing measures with mental health problems. Using national representative sample of 509,062 adults in the USA, we examined the associations of small business closure and reduced urban mobility with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and major depression disorder (MDD). Multilevel regression models were fitted with individual, household, and state-level covariates, in addition to state and census-region-level random effects. Living in state with the highest quartile of small business closures was associated with increased prevalence of GAD (OR: 1.06; CI: 1.03-1.11) compared to lowest quartile, but had no association with MDD. Living in the highest quartile of urban mobility was associated with lower prevalence of both GAD (OR: 0.88; CI: 0.85-0.93) and MDD (OR: 0.90; CI: 0.86-0.95) relative to the lowest quartile. Our findings suggest that small business closures and reduced mobility during COVID-19 pandemic were negatively associated with the two mental health outcomes in the USA, despite their important roles in preventing the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- JungHo Park
- Sol Price School of Public Policy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Byoungjun Kim
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA.
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Moreno P, Cerón A, Sosa K, Morales M, Grajeda LM, Lopez MR, McCraken JP, Cordón-Rosales C, Palmer GH, Call DR, Ramay BM. Availability of over-the-counter antibiotics in Guatemalan corner stores. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0239873. [PMID: 32976542 PMCID: PMC7518585 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Widespread availability of antibiotics without prescription potentially facilitates overuse and contributes to selection pressure for antimicrobial resistant bacteria. Prior to this study, anecdotal observations in Guatemala identified corner stores as primary antibiotic dispensaries, where people purchase antibiotics without prescriptions. We carried out a cross sectional study to document the number and types of antibiotics available in corner stores, in four study areas in Guatemala. A total of 443 corner stores were surveyed, of which 295 (67%) sold antibiotics. The most commonly available antibiotics were amoxicillin, found in 246/295 (83%) stores, and tetracycline, found in 195/295 (66%) stores. Over the counter sales result from laissez-faire enforcement of antibiotic dispensing regulations in Guatemala combined with patient demand. This study serves as a baseline to document changes in the availability of antibiotics in informal establishments in light of new pharmacy regulations for antibiotic dispensing, which were adopted after this study was completed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Purificación Moreno
- Center for Health Studies, Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, Guatemala City, Guatemala
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Alejandro Cerón
- Center for Health Studies, Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, Guatemala City, Guatemala
- Department of Anthropology, University of Denver, Denver, CO, United States of America
| | - Karen Sosa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Marinees Morales
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Laura M. Grajeda
- Center for Health Studies, Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Maria Renee Lopez
- Center for Health Studies, Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - John P. McCraken
- Center for Health Studies, Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Celia Cordón-Rosales
- Center for Health Studies, Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Guy H. Palmer
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States of America
| | - Douglas R. Call
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States of America
| | - Brooke M. Ramay
- Center for Health Studies, Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, Guatemala City, Guatemala
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, Guatemala City, Guatemala
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Schwatka NV, Goldenhar LM, Johnson SK. Change in frontline supervisors' safety leadership practices after participating in a leadership training program: Does company size matter? J Safety Res 2020; 74:199-205. [PMID: 32951784 PMCID: PMC7780528 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2020.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The majority of construction companies are small businesses and small business often lack the resources needed to ensure that their supervisors have the safety leadership skills to build and maintain a strong jobsite safety climate. The Foundations for Safety Leadership (FSL) training program was designed to provide frontline leaders in all sized companies with safety leadership skills. This paper examines the impact of the FSL training by size of business. METHODS Leaders, defined as foremen or other frontline supervisors, from small, medium, and large construction companies were recruited to participate in a study to evaluate the degree to which the FSL changed their understanding and use of the leadership skills, safety practices and crew reporting of safety-related conditions. We used linear mixed modeling methods to analyze pre-post training survey data. RESULTS Prior to the training, leaders from small and medium sized companies reported using safety leadership skills less frequently than those from large ones. After the training, regardless of business size, we observed that the FSL training improved leaders understanding of safety leadership skills from immediately before to immediately after the training. Additionally, leaders reported greater use of safety leadership skills, safety practices, and crew reporting of safety-related conditions from before to two-weeks after the training. However, those from small and medium sized companies reported the greatest improvement in their use of safety leadership skills. CONCLUSIONS The FSL training improves safety leadership outcomes regardless of the size company for which the leader worked. However, the FSL may be even more effective at improving the safety leadership skills of leaders working for smaller sized construction companies or those with lower baseline levels of safety leadership skills. Practical applications: The majority of construction companies employ a small number of employees and therefore may not have the resources to provide their frontline leaders with the leadership training they need to be effective leaders who can create a strong jobsite safety climate. The Foundations for Safety Leadership (FSL) training can help fill this gap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie V Schwatka
- Center for Health, Work & Environment and Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E. 17th Pl., 3rd Floor Mail Stop B119 HSC, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
| | - Linda M Goldenhar
- CPWR - The Center for Construction Research and Training, 8484 Georgia Ave Suite 1000, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA.
| | - Stefanie K Johnson
- Leeds School of Business, University of Colorado Boulder, 995 Regent Drive 419UCB, Boulder, CO 80309, USA.
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Smiley SL, Soto C, Cruz TB, Kintz N, Rodriguez YL, Sussman S, Baezconde-Garbanati L. Point-of-sale marketing of little cigars and cigarillos on and near California Tribal lands. Tob Control 2020; 29:122-124. [PMID: 30385648 PMCID: PMC6690808 DOI: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2018-054558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION American Indians have the highest cigarette smoking prevalence of any racial/ethnic group in the USA. Tobacco marketing at point-of-sale is associated with smoking, possibly due to easy access to cheap tobacco products. The sale of novel tobacco products like little cigars/cigarillos (LCCs) has increased in recent years which may further increase combustible tobacco use among American Indians. METHODS Between October 2015 and February 2017, trained community health workers collected LCC product and price information by conducting audits of tobacco retailers on Tribal lands (n=53) and retailers within a 1-mile radius of Tribal lands (n=43) in California. Χ2 analyses were performed to examine associations among the availability and advertising of LCCs, including indoor price promotions and store location. RESULTS Overall, 85.4% of stores sold LCCs, 76.0% sold flavoured LCCs and 51.0% sold LCCs for less than $1. Indoor price promotions were displayed at 45 (46.9%) stores. Stores within a 1-mile radius of Tribal lands sold significantly more LCC (p<0.01) and flavoured LCCs (p=0.01) than stores on Tribal lands. Stores within a 1-mile radius of Tribal lands also displayed significantly more LCCs priced at less than $1 (p<0.01) than stores on Tribal lands. CONCLUSIONS LCCs are widely available in stores on and near California Tribal lands. Stores located a short distance away from Tribal lands were more likely to sell LCCs, including flavoured versions, more likely to sell LCCs priced below $1, and more likely to advertise little LCC price promotions than stores on Tribal lands. Policy-makers and Tribal leaders should consider regulations that would limit access to LCCs at point of sale to help prevent youth initiation and reduce smoking-related morbidity and mortality among American Indians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina L Smiley
- Tobacco Center of Regulatory Science for Vulnerable Populations, Institute for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research, Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Claradina Soto
- Tobacco Center of Regulatory Science for Vulnerable Populations, Institute for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research, Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Tess Boley Cruz
- Tobacco Center of Regulatory Science for Vulnerable Populations, Institute for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research, Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Natalie Kintz
- Tobacco Center of Regulatory Science for Vulnerable Populations, Institute for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research, Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Yaneth L Rodriguez
- Tobacco Center of Regulatory Science for Vulnerable Populations, Institute for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research, Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Steve Sussman
- Tobacco Center of Regulatory Science for Vulnerable Populations, Institute for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research, Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Lourdes Baezconde-Garbanati
- Tobacco Center of Regulatory Science for Vulnerable Populations, Institute for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research, Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Onken J, Aragon R, Calcagno AM. Geographically-related outcomes of U.S. funding for small business research and development: Results of the research grant programs of a component of the National Institutes of Health. Eval Program Plann 2019; 77:101696. [PMID: 31404866 PMCID: PMC6815264 DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2019.101696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This article examines the geographic distribution of funding for the U.S. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs sponsored by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS). Despite a significant investment in SBIR/STTR and an interest in increasing geographic diversity in the institute's research portfolio, there has not been an assessment of the distribution of NIGMS's SBIR/STTR funding, outcomes associated with that investment, and relationships between the two. The geographic distribution of NIGMS' SBIR/STTR funding was highly concentrated in a small number of states, with a high correlation between each state's funding and its number of small scientific research and development businesses. Affiliation with a major research university was correlated with several measures of innovation and firm success. Our findings are consistent with earlier research showing that economic activity in research and development and research output tend to cluster in geographic regions where knowledge can be generated and shared more efficiently. These findings lend support to an investment strategy for small business research and development that creates networks between major research universities and small businesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Onken
- Research Enterprise Analytics, LLC, Rockville, MD, 20850, United States
| | - Richard Aragon
- National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, United States
| | - Anna Maria Calcagno
- National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, United States.
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Onken J, Miklos AC, Dorsey TF, Aragon R, Calcagno AM. Using database linkages to measure innovation, commercialization, and survival of small businesses. Eval Program Plann 2019; 77:101710. [PMID: 31518846 PMCID: PMC6815254 DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2019.101710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Here, we report the results of an outcomes evaluation of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs at the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS). Since the programs' inception, assessments of the SBIR/STTR programs at several federal agencies have utilized surveys of former grantees as the primary source of data. Response rates have typically been low, making non-response bias a potential threat to the validity of some of these studies' results. Meanwhile, the availability of large publicly-available datasets continues to grow and methods of text mining and linking databases continue to improve. By linking NIGMS grant funding records, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office data, and business intelligence databases, we explored innovation, commercialization and survival for recipients of NIGMS SBIR/STTR funding. In doing so, we were able to more completely assess several key outcomes of the NIGMS SBIR/STTR program. Our evaluation demonstrated that the NIGMS program performed above baseline expectations along all dimensions, and comparably to other federal agency SBIR/STTR grant programs. In addition, we show that the use of extant data increasingly is a viable, less expensive, and more reliable approach to gathering data for evaluation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Onken
- Research Enterprise Analytics, LLC, 21 Hardwicke Place, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Andrew C Miklos
- National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Institutes of Health, MSC 6200, 45 Center Drive, Bethesda MD 20892-6200, USA
| | - Travis F Dorsey
- Medical Science & Computing, LLC, 11300 Rockville Pike #1100, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Richard Aragon
- National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Institutes of Health, MSC 6200, 45 Center Drive, Bethesda MD 20892-6200, USA
| | - Anna Maria Calcagno
- National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Institutes of Health, MSC 6200, 45 Center Drive, Bethesda MD 20892-6200, USA.
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Chase D, Arensmeyer J. The Affordable Care Act’s Impact on Small Business. Issue Brief (Commonw Fund) 2018; 2018:1-9. [PMID: 30280862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
ISSUE Small-business owners have seen significant gains in health care coverage for themselves and their employees thanks to the Affordable Care Act. Though efforts to repeal the law failed in 2017, the current administration continues to take steps that undermine the law’s progress. In recent months, new rules have been announced that allow more groups to establish association health plans and extend the length of short-term health insurance plans. These changes are likely to impact the stability of the marketplaces and coverage rates for the small-business community. GOAL Examine the Affordable Care Act’s impact on small businesses, solo entrepreneurs, and small-business employees. METHODS Analysis of ACA small-business enrollment data from established sources, including federal agencies and nonpartisan health care research foundations, supplemented by analysis of U.S. Census data. FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS Because of the creation of the individual marketplaces and the expansion of Medicaid, more entrepreneurs and small-business employees have health coverage than before the ACA was implemented. Indeed, the uninsured rate for small-business employees fell by almost 10 percentage points post-ACA. The ACA also has helped stabilize health costs for many small businesses that provide coverage, with the rate of small-business premium increases falling by half following implementation of the law.
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Hall MA, McCue MJ. The Health of the Small-Group Insurance Market. Issue Brief (Commonw Fund) 2018; 2018:1-9. [PMID: 30362699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
ISSUE There has been relatively little discussion about the small-group employer insurance market since the implementation of reforms under the Affordable Care Act. It is important to understand the condition of this market before the impact of recent regulatory changes from the Trump administration. GOAL To understand how the ACA’s market reforms have affected prices, enrollment, and competition in the small-group market. METHODS Analysis of financial data filed by small-group insurers with the federal government, along with relevant published literature. FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS Enrollment has declined in the small-group market, although this is largely a continuation of a trend in place prior to the ACA. Substantially more small-business owners and workers now have coverage than prior to the ACA because many have been able to take advantage of subsidized individual plans through the marketplaces. For those who remain in the small-group market, price increases have been similar to those in the large-group market. The ACA has not reduced the cost of small-group insurance, but has made it more accessible and comprehensive without harming the market. It will be important to continue monitoring the small-group market to ensure that recent regulatory changes do not worsen market conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael J McCue
- School of Allied Health Professions, Virginia Commonwealth University
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Levine N. The location of late night bars and alcohol-related crashes in Houston, Texas. Accid Anal Prev 2017; 107:152-163. [PMID: 28863362 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2017.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Revised: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/13/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A study in the City of Houston, Texas, related the location of establishments primarily serving alcohol ("bars") after midnight to late night alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes. There were three data sets for 2007-09: 1) 764bars that were open after midnight; 2) 1660 alcohol-related crashes that occurred within the City of Houston between midnight and 6 am; and 3) 4689 modeling network road segments to which bars and alcohol-related crashes were assigned. Forty-five percent of the late night alcohol-related crashes were within a quarter mile of a late night bar. The bars were highly concentrated in 17 small bar clusters. Using the modeling network, Poisson-Gamma-CAR and Poisson-Lognormal-CAR spatial regression models showed a positive exponential relationship between late night alcohol-related crashes and the number of late nights bars and bar clusters, and a negative exponential relationship to distance to the nearest late night bar controlling for the type of road segment (freeway, principal arterial, minor arterial). A more general model dropped the bar cluster variable. Further, the Poisson-Gamma-CAR model appeared to produce a better representation than the Poisson-Lognormal-CAR model though the errors were different. The general Poisson-Gamma-CAR model showed that each late night bar increased the frequency of alcohol-related crashes on a segment by approximately 190%. For each mile closer a segment was to a late night bar, the likelihood increased by 42%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ned Levine
- Ned Levine & Associates, Houston, TX, USA.
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Newman LS, Stinson KE, Metcalf D, Fang H, Brockbank CVS, Jinnett K, Reynolds S, Trotter M, Witter R, Tenney L, Atherly A, Goetzel RZ. Implementation of a worksite wellness program targeting small businesses: the Pinnacol Assurance health risk management study. J Occup Environ Med 2015; 57:14-21. [PMID: 25563536 PMCID: PMC4274320 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000000279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess small business adoption and need for a worksite wellness program in a longitudinal study of health risks, productivity, workers' compensation rates, and claims costs. METHODS Health risk assessment data from 6507 employees in 260 companies were examined. Employer and employee data are reported as frequencies, with means and standard deviations reported when applicable. RESULTS Of the 260 companies enrolled in the health risk management program, 71% continued more than 1 year, with 97% reporting that worker wellness improves worker safety. Of 6507 participating employees, 34.3% were overweight and 25.6% obese. Approximately one in five participants reported depression. Potentially modifiable conditions affecting 15% or more of enrollees include chronic fatigue, sleeping problems, headaches, arthritis, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension. CONCLUSIONS Small businesses are a suitable target for the introduction of health promotion programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee S. Newman
- From the Colorado School of Public Health, Center for Worker Health and Environment and Department of Environmental and Occupational Health (Drs Newman, Metcalf, and Witter, Ms Tenney), Aurora; Tri-County Health Department (Ms Stinson), Greenwood Village, Colo; Health Science Center, Peking University (Dr Fang) Beijing, China; Segue Consulting (Ms Brockbank), Denver, Colo; Integrated Benefits Institute (Dr Jinnett), San Francisco, Calif; Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences (Dr Reynolds), Colorado State University, Fort Collins; Trotter Wellness (Ms Trotter), Sheboygan, Wisc; Department of Health Systems, Management & Policy (Dr Atherly), Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora; and Truven Health Analytics and Institute for Health and Productivity Studies, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health (Dr Goetzel), Bethesda, Md
| | - Kaylan E. Stinson
- From the Colorado School of Public Health, Center for Worker Health and Environment and Department of Environmental and Occupational Health (Drs Newman, Metcalf, and Witter, Ms Tenney), Aurora; Tri-County Health Department (Ms Stinson), Greenwood Village, Colo; Health Science Center, Peking University (Dr Fang) Beijing, China; Segue Consulting (Ms Brockbank), Denver, Colo; Integrated Benefits Institute (Dr Jinnett), San Francisco, Calif; Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences (Dr Reynolds), Colorado State University, Fort Collins; Trotter Wellness (Ms Trotter), Sheboygan, Wisc; Department of Health Systems, Management & Policy (Dr Atherly), Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora; and Truven Health Analytics and Institute for Health and Productivity Studies, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health (Dr Goetzel), Bethesda, Md
| | - Dianne Metcalf
- From the Colorado School of Public Health, Center for Worker Health and Environment and Department of Environmental and Occupational Health (Drs Newman, Metcalf, and Witter, Ms Tenney), Aurora; Tri-County Health Department (Ms Stinson), Greenwood Village, Colo; Health Science Center, Peking University (Dr Fang) Beijing, China; Segue Consulting (Ms Brockbank), Denver, Colo; Integrated Benefits Institute (Dr Jinnett), San Francisco, Calif; Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences (Dr Reynolds), Colorado State University, Fort Collins; Trotter Wellness (Ms Trotter), Sheboygan, Wisc; Department of Health Systems, Management & Policy (Dr Atherly), Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora; and Truven Health Analytics and Institute for Health and Productivity Studies, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health (Dr Goetzel), Bethesda, Md
| | - Hai Fang
- From the Colorado School of Public Health, Center for Worker Health and Environment and Department of Environmental and Occupational Health (Drs Newman, Metcalf, and Witter, Ms Tenney), Aurora; Tri-County Health Department (Ms Stinson), Greenwood Village, Colo; Health Science Center, Peking University (Dr Fang) Beijing, China; Segue Consulting (Ms Brockbank), Denver, Colo; Integrated Benefits Institute (Dr Jinnett), San Francisco, Calif; Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences (Dr Reynolds), Colorado State University, Fort Collins; Trotter Wellness (Ms Trotter), Sheboygan, Wisc; Department of Health Systems, Management & Policy (Dr Atherly), Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora; and Truven Health Analytics and Institute for Health and Productivity Studies, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health (Dr Goetzel), Bethesda, Md
| | - Claire vS. Brockbank
- From the Colorado School of Public Health, Center for Worker Health and Environment and Department of Environmental and Occupational Health (Drs Newman, Metcalf, and Witter, Ms Tenney), Aurora; Tri-County Health Department (Ms Stinson), Greenwood Village, Colo; Health Science Center, Peking University (Dr Fang) Beijing, China; Segue Consulting (Ms Brockbank), Denver, Colo; Integrated Benefits Institute (Dr Jinnett), San Francisco, Calif; Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences (Dr Reynolds), Colorado State University, Fort Collins; Trotter Wellness (Ms Trotter), Sheboygan, Wisc; Department of Health Systems, Management & Policy (Dr Atherly), Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora; and Truven Health Analytics and Institute for Health and Productivity Studies, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health (Dr Goetzel), Bethesda, Md
| | - Kimberly Jinnett
- From the Colorado School of Public Health, Center for Worker Health and Environment and Department of Environmental and Occupational Health (Drs Newman, Metcalf, and Witter, Ms Tenney), Aurora; Tri-County Health Department (Ms Stinson), Greenwood Village, Colo; Health Science Center, Peking University (Dr Fang) Beijing, China; Segue Consulting (Ms Brockbank), Denver, Colo; Integrated Benefits Institute (Dr Jinnett), San Francisco, Calif; Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences (Dr Reynolds), Colorado State University, Fort Collins; Trotter Wellness (Ms Trotter), Sheboygan, Wisc; Department of Health Systems, Management & Policy (Dr Atherly), Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora; and Truven Health Analytics and Institute for Health and Productivity Studies, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health (Dr Goetzel), Bethesda, Md
| | - Stephen Reynolds
- From the Colorado School of Public Health, Center for Worker Health and Environment and Department of Environmental and Occupational Health (Drs Newman, Metcalf, and Witter, Ms Tenney), Aurora; Tri-County Health Department (Ms Stinson), Greenwood Village, Colo; Health Science Center, Peking University (Dr Fang) Beijing, China; Segue Consulting (Ms Brockbank), Denver, Colo; Integrated Benefits Institute (Dr Jinnett), San Francisco, Calif; Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences (Dr Reynolds), Colorado State University, Fort Collins; Trotter Wellness (Ms Trotter), Sheboygan, Wisc; Department of Health Systems, Management & Policy (Dr Atherly), Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora; and Truven Health Analytics and Institute for Health and Productivity Studies, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health (Dr Goetzel), Bethesda, Md
| | - Margo Trotter
- From the Colorado School of Public Health, Center for Worker Health and Environment and Department of Environmental and Occupational Health (Drs Newman, Metcalf, and Witter, Ms Tenney), Aurora; Tri-County Health Department (Ms Stinson), Greenwood Village, Colo; Health Science Center, Peking University (Dr Fang) Beijing, China; Segue Consulting (Ms Brockbank), Denver, Colo; Integrated Benefits Institute (Dr Jinnett), San Francisco, Calif; Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences (Dr Reynolds), Colorado State University, Fort Collins; Trotter Wellness (Ms Trotter), Sheboygan, Wisc; Department of Health Systems, Management & Policy (Dr Atherly), Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora; and Truven Health Analytics and Institute for Health and Productivity Studies, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health (Dr Goetzel), Bethesda, Md
| | - Roxana Witter
- From the Colorado School of Public Health, Center for Worker Health and Environment and Department of Environmental and Occupational Health (Drs Newman, Metcalf, and Witter, Ms Tenney), Aurora; Tri-County Health Department (Ms Stinson), Greenwood Village, Colo; Health Science Center, Peking University (Dr Fang) Beijing, China; Segue Consulting (Ms Brockbank), Denver, Colo; Integrated Benefits Institute (Dr Jinnett), San Francisco, Calif; Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences (Dr Reynolds), Colorado State University, Fort Collins; Trotter Wellness (Ms Trotter), Sheboygan, Wisc; Department of Health Systems, Management & Policy (Dr Atherly), Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora; and Truven Health Analytics and Institute for Health and Productivity Studies, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health (Dr Goetzel), Bethesda, Md
| | - Liliana Tenney
- From the Colorado School of Public Health, Center for Worker Health and Environment and Department of Environmental and Occupational Health (Drs Newman, Metcalf, and Witter, Ms Tenney), Aurora; Tri-County Health Department (Ms Stinson), Greenwood Village, Colo; Health Science Center, Peking University (Dr Fang) Beijing, China; Segue Consulting (Ms Brockbank), Denver, Colo; Integrated Benefits Institute (Dr Jinnett), San Francisco, Calif; Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences (Dr Reynolds), Colorado State University, Fort Collins; Trotter Wellness (Ms Trotter), Sheboygan, Wisc; Department of Health Systems, Management & Policy (Dr Atherly), Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora; and Truven Health Analytics and Institute for Health and Productivity Studies, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health (Dr Goetzel), Bethesda, Md
| | - Adam Atherly
- From the Colorado School of Public Health, Center for Worker Health and Environment and Department of Environmental and Occupational Health (Drs Newman, Metcalf, and Witter, Ms Tenney), Aurora; Tri-County Health Department (Ms Stinson), Greenwood Village, Colo; Health Science Center, Peking University (Dr Fang) Beijing, China; Segue Consulting (Ms Brockbank), Denver, Colo; Integrated Benefits Institute (Dr Jinnett), San Francisco, Calif; Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences (Dr Reynolds), Colorado State University, Fort Collins; Trotter Wellness (Ms Trotter), Sheboygan, Wisc; Department of Health Systems, Management & Policy (Dr Atherly), Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora; and Truven Health Analytics and Institute for Health and Productivity Studies, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health (Dr Goetzel), Bethesda, Md
| | - Ron Z. Goetzel
- From the Colorado School of Public Health, Center for Worker Health and Environment and Department of Environmental and Occupational Health (Drs Newman, Metcalf, and Witter, Ms Tenney), Aurora; Tri-County Health Department (Ms Stinson), Greenwood Village, Colo; Health Science Center, Peking University (Dr Fang) Beijing, China; Segue Consulting (Ms Brockbank), Denver, Colo; Integrated Benefits Institute (Dr Jinnett), San Francisco, Calif; Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences (Dr Reynolds), Colorado State University, Fort Collins; Trotter Wellness (Ms Trotter), Sheboygan, Wisc; Department of Health Systems, Management & Policy (Dr Atherly), Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora; and Truven Health Analytics and Institute for Health and Productivity Studies, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health (Dr Goetzel), Bethesda, Md
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13
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Autenrieth DA, Brazile WJ, Gilkey DP, Reynolds SJ, June C, Sandfort D. Client Perceptions of Occupational Health and Safety Management System Assistance Provided by OSHA On-Site Consultation: Results of a Survey of Colorado Small Business Consultation Clients. J Occup Environ Hyg 2015; 12:804-817. [PMID: 26010810 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2015.1049270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) On-Site Consultation Service provides assistance establishing occupational health and safety management systems (OHSMS) to small businesses. The Safety and Health Program Assessment Worksheet (Revised OSHA Form 33) is the instrument used by consultants to assess an organization's OHSMS and provide feedback on how to improve a system. A survey was developed to determine the usefulness of the Revised OSHA Form 33 from the perspective of Colorado OSHA consultation clients. One hundred and seven clients who had received consultation services within a six-year period responded to the survey. The vast majority of respondents indicated that the Revised OSHA Form 33 accurately reflected their OHSMS and that information provided on the Revised OSHA Form 33 was helpful for improving their systems. Specific outcomes reported by the respondents included increased safety awareness, reduced injuries, and improved morale. The results indicate that the OHSMS assistance provided by OSHA consultation is beneficial for clients and that the Revised OSHA Form 33 can be an effective tool for assessing and communicating OHSMS results to business management. Detailed comments and suggestions provided on the Revised OSHA Form 33 are helpful for clients to improve their OHSMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Autenrieth
- a Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University , Fort Collins , Colorado
| | - William J Brazile
- a Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University , Fort Collins , Colorado
| | - David P Gilkey
- a Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University , Fort Collins , Colorado
| | - Stephen J Reynolds
- a Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University , Fort Collins , Colorado
| | - Cathy June
- a Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University , Fort Collins , Colorado
| | - Del Sandfort
- a Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University , Fort Collins , Colorado
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14
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Ha-Vinh P, Régnard P, Huiart L, Sauze L, Eisinger F. [Self-employed and small business owners diagnosed with cancer: effect on entrepreneurial survival]. Sante Publique 2015; 27:S145-S154. [PMID: 26168628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
AIM When self-employed andsmall business owners are diagnosed with cancer what is the effect on their small-firm survival duration? METHODS Data Sources: secondary data for 3,587 subjects, 18-65 years, working when diagnosed with cancer in 1995-2009 and a comparison group of 27,688 subjects matched for gender, age and occupation. Study design: a comprehensive population-based longitudinal study. A Cox model described time to failures of small businesses and terminations ofself-employment. Data Collection Methods: extraction from the statutory mandatory self-employed social security scheme database. RESULTS Findings were that age, cancer prognosis and very intense physical workload occupation were independent predictors of enterprise failure for cancer-exposed subjects. Compared with unexposed subjects, their global hazard ratio was 1.59 (95% CI = 1.50 - 1.70). However, the difference atfiveyears after cancer diagnosis became non-significant: hazard ratio 1.11 (95% CI = 0.95 - 1.30). CONCLUSION These findings demonstrate that beyond 5 years of maintenance of activity, the economic cost of cancer supported by very small businesses and self-employed is not important. However, support is required to pass through these first 5 years. The authors describe the various possible aids that could be implemented.
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15
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Hermawati S, Lawson G, Sutarto AP. Mapping ergonomics application to improve SMEs working condition in industrially developing countries: a critical review. Ergonomics 2014; 57:1771-1794. [PMID: 25216158 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2014.953213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
In industrially developing countries (IDC), small and medium enterprises (SMEs) account for the highest proprotion of employment. Unfortunately, the working conditions in SMEs are often very poor and expose employees to a potentially wide range of health and safety risks. This paper presents a comprehensive review of 161 articles related to ergonomics application in SMEs, using Indonesia as a case study. The aim of this paper is to investigate the extent of ergonomics application and identify areas that can be improved to promote effective ergonomics for SMEs in IDC. The most urgent issue found is the need for adopting participatory approach in contrast to the commonly implemented top-down approach. Some good practices in ergonomics application were also revealed from the review, e.g. a multidisciplinary approach, unsophisticated and low-cost solutions, and recognising the importance of productivity. The review also found that more work is still required to achieve appropriate cross-cultural adaptation of ergonomics application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Setia Hermawati
- a Human Factors Research Group , University of Nottingham , Nottingham , UK
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16
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Demko P. Enrollment on small-business exchanges runs far behind expectations. Mod Healthc 2014; 44:9. [PMID: 24730147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
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17
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Audet AM, Squires D, Doty MM. Where are we on the diffusion curve? Trends and drivers of primary care physicians' use of health information technology. Health Serv Res 2014; 49:347-60. [PMID: 24358958 PMCID: PMC3925406 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.12139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe trends in primary care physicians' use of health information technology (HIT) between 2009 and 2012, examine practice characteristics associated with greater HIT capacity in 2012, and explore factors such as delivery system and payment reforms that may affect adoption and functionality. DATA We used data from the 2012 and 2009 Commonwealth Fund International Health Policy Surveys of Primary Care Physicians. The data were collected in both years by postal mail between March and July among a nationally representative sample of primary care physicians in the United States. STUDY DESIGN We compared primary care physicians' HIT capacity in 2009 and 2012. We employed multivariable logistic regression to analyze whether participating in an integrated delivery system, sharing resources and support with other practices, and being eligible for financial incentives were associated with greater HIT capacity in 2012. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Primary care physicians' HIT capacity has significantly expanded since 2009, although solo practices continue to lag. Practices that are part of an integrated delivery system or share resources with other practices have higher rates of electronic medical record (EMR) adoption, multifunctional HIT, electronic information exchange, and electronic access for patients. Receiving or being eligible for financial incentives is associated with greater adoption of EMRs and information exchange. CONCLUSIONS Federal efforts to increase adoption have coincided with a rapid increase in HIT capacity. Delivery system and payment reforms and federally funded extension programs could offer promising pathways for further diffusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Marie Audet
- Delivery System Reform & Breakthrough Opportunities, The Commonwealth FundNew York, NY
| | - David Squires
- International Program in Health Policy and Practice Innovations, The Commonwealth FundNew York, NY
| | - Michelle M Doty
- Survey Research and Evaluation, The Commonwealth FundNew York, NY
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18
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Cansino JM, Lopez-Melendo J, Pablo-Romero MDP, Sánchez-Braza A. An economic evaluation of public programs for internationalization: the case of the Diagnostic Program in Spain. Eval Program Plann 2013; 41:38-46. [PMID: 23920021 DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2013.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2013] [Revised: 06/04/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
This paper evaluates the Diagnostic Program in Spain which is a publicly funded program to promote internationalization of companies located in Andalusia (south of Spain). The methodology used is the propensity score-matching. The treatment group consists of companies which participated in the Program until 2008. The control group has companies which planned to participate in the Program but had not done so up to that date. The response variable measures the ratio of export to total sales for each company. Four covariates have been taken into account: activity, location, sales and number of employees. The analysis leads to the conclusion that the companies that participated in the Program improved their ratio of exports to total sales by about 10 percentage points.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M Cansino
- Department of Economic Analysis and Political Economy, Facultad de CC, Economicas y Empresariales, Universidad de Sevilla, Ramon y Cajal, 1, 41018 Sevilla, Spain.
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19
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HASEGAWA T, MURATA C, NINOMIYA T, TAKABAYASHI T, NODA T, HAYASAKA S, NAKAMURA M, OJIMA T. Occupational factors and problem drinking among a Japanese working population. Ind Health 2013; 51:490-500. [PMID: 23912205 PMCID: PMC4202734 DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.2013-0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2013] [Accepted: 07/23/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Problem drinking is a serious public health problem in the workplace. However, few Japanese epidemiological studies have investigated the occupational characteristics of problem drinking. The purpose of this study is to clarify the occupational risk factors for problem drinking among a Japanese working population. We used data from a random-sampling survey about mental health and suicide, conducted among Hamamatsu City residents aged 15 to 79 yr old during May and June in 2008. The relation between occupational factors and problem drinking was analyzed with multiple logistic regression models stratified by gender. CAGE questionnaire was used to assess problem drinking. With regard to employment types, problem drinkers were more prevalent among self-employed women. With regard to occupational types, clerical and service professions had more problem drinkers of either sex, while administrative/managerial and sales professions had more women with such problem. With regard to company size, male problem drinkers were more prevalent in smaller companies than in larger ones. These results indicate that the prevalence of problem drinkers in the workplace depends on where one works. It is necessary to consider these characteristics to provide effective measures to address problem drinking in the workplace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya HASEGAWA
- Department of Community Health and Preventive Medicine,
Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Chiyoe MURATA
- Section of Social Participation and Support, Department of
Social Science, Center for Gerontology and Social Science, National Center for Geriatrics
and Gerontology, Japan
| | | | | | - Tatsuya NODA
- Department of Community Health and Preventive Medicine,
Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Shinya HAYASAKA
- Department of Community Health and Preventive Medicine,
Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Mieko NAKAMURA
- Department of Community Health and Preventive Medicine,
Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki OJIMA
- Department of Community Health and Preventive Medicine,
Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Japan
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20
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Whittaker SG, Johanson CA. A health and environmental profile of the dry cleaning industry in King County, Washington. J Environ Health 2013; 75:14-22. [PMID: 23858662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Workers in the dry cleaning industry are exposed to a variety of harmful solvents, and poor work practices can result in extensive environmental contamination. Of particular concern is perchloroethylene (PERC), which is the most commonly used cleaning solvent. This chlorinated hydrocarbon is a pervasive environmental contaminant and a probable human carcinogen. PERC is also a neurotoxin and is toxic to the liver and kidneys. The study described here was comprised of key informant interviews, site visits, and a countywide business survey. The 64% response rate to the survey suggests that the results are likely representative of King County's dry cleaning industry. Dry cleaning was determined to be dominated by small, Korean-owned, family-run businesses. Although the use of PERC as the primary dry cleaning agent has decreased in recent years, this solvent is still used by the majority of businesses. This industry would benefit from regulatory intervention in concert with an educational campaign and enhanced technical and financial assistance. For any intervention to be effective, however, it must account for the unique financial and demographic characteristics of this industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen G Whittaker
- Local Hazardous Waste Management Program Public Health-Seattle & King County, Seatle, WA 98104-1818, USA.
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Robertson R, Stremikis K, Collins SR, Doty MM, Davis K. Jobs without benefits: the health insurance crisis faced by small businesses and their workers. Issue Brief (Commonw Fund) 2012; 28:1-24. [PMID: 23214180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The share of U.S. workers in small firms who were offered, eligible for, and covered by health insurance through their jobs has declined over the past decade. Less than half of workers in companies with fewer than 50 employees were both offered and eligible for health insurance through their jobs in 2010, down from 58 percent in 2003. In contrast, about 90 percent of workers in companies with 100 or more employees were offered and eligible for their employer's health plans in both 2003 and 2010. Workers in the smallest firms--and those with the lowest wages--continue to be less likely to get coverage from their employers and more likely to be uninsured than workers in larger firms or with higher wages. The Affordable Care Act includes new subsidies that will lower the cost of health insurance for small businesses and workers who must purchase coverage on their own.
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22
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Kalogredis VJ. Nine practice sale pitfalls to avoid. Fam Pract Manag 2012; 19:22-25. [PMID: 22612213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
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23
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Juszczyk G, Pergoł M, Olejniczak D, Walewska-Zielecka B, Slusarczyk J. [Study on engagement in health promotion at the workplace of non-public health providers in Poland]. Przegl Epidemiol 2012; 66:547-554. [PMID: 23230729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Increasing life expectancy in Europe impose a necessity to extend a work ability span. Appropriate health status of working population requires not merely curative care in case of diagnosed diseases but also comprehensive preventive care. AIM The article provides results of a study on engagement of the Polish companies that are covered by a private employee health plans in certain workplace health promotion activities. MATERIAL AND METHODS [corrected] 411 companies out of invited 3512 (11,7% participation rate) took part in the study performed in 2011. The majority of study group were large companies (over 50 employees--74%), and smaller, privately owned (less than 50 employees--77%). Companies were asked questions using ENWHP checklist tool on supporting employees in physical activity, smoking cessation, healthy diet and coping with stress. RESULTS In general, 44% of the companies declared any engagement in employee health promotion. Results showed that companies support mainly physical activity (27% of a study group) and quitting smoking (19%). Researched employers rarely offered support in healthy diet (8%) or stress reduction (5%). There is also a significant relation between higher engagement rate in health promotion among companies that have implemented a special health policy and detailed action plans. However, small enterprises were less likely to provide any preventive action to employees. Even if small enterprises decide to implement any health promotion they usually were based on a single action without broader planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Juszczyk
- Katedra i Zakład Zdrowia Publicznego Warszawskiego Uniwersytetu Medycznego.
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Abstract
The aim of this study is to develop a practicable worksite physical fitness program for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Community-based intervention consisting of a three-month exercise course was conducted, and its benefits evaluated. A self-administrated structured questionnaire and physical fitness examination were designed to compare the difference between pre and post intervention. A total of 133 SME workers completed the lifestyle/exercise course and filled out the questionnaire, but 16 were excluded from the exercise group due to health reasons. After the intervention, health indicators such as weight, blood pressure, resting heart rate, waistline, BMI, front and back trunk flexibility, abdominal muscle durability and back muscle strength were significantly improved, and improvements in musculoskeletal disorders were seen in reduced neck pain (18.8%), wrist pain (17.4%), and upper/lower back pain (8.7% and 21.7%, respectively). Cardiovascular risk factors (BMI and resting heart rate) showed a significant improvement related to frequent participation in the program (p=0.02), and the exercise group reported a significant difference in overall health (p=0.02). This study has demonstrated an effective approach to community-based fitness intervention through SMEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Hui Tsai
- School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taiwan
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