The Savant Syndrome – Company Size as a Possible Determinant for Occupational Integrability
Markus Postulka,
Steffen Flessa
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 3, September 2020
Pages:
49-53
Received:
6 July 2020
Accepted:
31 July 2020
Published:
10 August 2020
Abstract: The savant syndrome is linked to specific cognitive disorders as well as being characterised by certain limitations but also by extraordinary abilities. Nature and extent of these are very heterogeneous and many aspects of the syndrome remain unresearched. The objective of the investigation described in the following was to approach especially the research gap "work and employment". In order to do so, we investigated the influence the size of the company has on its ability to employ savants. Correlations between the size of the company and other coefficients, e.g. the implementation of workplace health management or the employment of individuals who are disabled in general, could already be shown in other previously conducted studies. The investigation was performed as a quantitative survey among 465 employees. Our aim was to evaluate the specific workplace as to whether it fulfils the previously determined criteria for employment of a savant. This enabled us to measure the integrability of the workplace for savants and then to assess the dependence on the size of the company. Integrability was assessed with a general score consisting of the dimensions "strengths", "weaknesses" and "working conditions". With regard to the dimensions "strengths" and "working conditions", those working in micro companies with less than 10 employees showed significantly higher values and thus better integrability than those from small, medium-sized and large companies.
Abstract: The savant syndrome is linked to specific cognitive disorders as well as being characterised by certain limitations but also by extraordinary abilities. Nature and extent of these are very heterogeneous and many aspects of the syndrome remain unresearched. The objective of the investigation described in the following was to approach especially the ...
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Sectoral Effects of Public Policy Reforms in Benin: Case of the Health System
Prince Comlan Eugene Adjovi,
Ibrahima Thiam,
Fabienne Fecher
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 3, September 2020
Pages:
54-62
Received:
10 August 2020
Accepted:
31 August 2020
Published:
10 September 2020
Abstract: The closure of illegal health facilities and the elimination of dual membership of health professionals have been part of health reforms since 2016 in Benin. This research was intended to deeply analyze the immediate effects of new reforms in hospitals and assess governance implications. Methods: The research was a retrospective analysis conducted by a mixed method, using both qualitative and quantitative primary data from three public hospitals and one confessional, from the national public health office and of administration and finances office. Health human resources and their complaints, attendance at health care units, monthly hospital revenues and corrupt practices were used as variables. The research covered the first semesters of 2018 and 2019. The sample was made by reasoned choice. Results: Attendance increased at public hospitals from 12% to 80% and their monthly revenues up to 200% in 2019 and hospitals staffs were present with overload of work. The private hospital suffered a drop of-33% in attendance and-5% in monthly revenues, followed by a staff shortage. Discussion: The reforms have given confidence to public health facilities users and revealed the weak hospitals capacity and difficulties in managing patient flows and staff. Conclusion: There’s a start in improving practices for better hospital performance. Government involvement and technical platforms strengthening are crucial for sustainable results and private hospitals must recruit their own staff.
Abstract: The closure of illegal health facilities and the elimination of dual membership of health professionals have been part of health reforms since 2016 in Benin. This research was intended to deeply analyze the immediate effects of new reforms in hospitals and assess governance implications. Methods: The research was a retrospective analysis conducted ...
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Economic Evaluation of Ticagrelor in Treating Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome in Hong Kong: A Cost-Utility Analysis
David Bin-Chia Wu,
June Wai Yee Choon,
Chun Wie Chong,
Benjamin Shing Cheung Lee,
Kenneth Kwing Chin Lee
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 3, September 2020
Pages:
63-71
Received:
8 September 2020
Accepted:
6 October 2020
Published:
17 October 2020
Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the long-term cost-effectiveness of ticagrelor plus aspirin versus generic clopidogrel plus aspirin in acute coronary syndrome patients in Hong Kong (HK) from a public hospital’s perspective. The study has adapted a previously developed two-component prediction model. The first component is a simple decision tree corresponding to the first year. Afterwards events in the second year onwards were estimated using a state-transition Markov model incorporating the potential of recurrent events such as myocardial infarction and strokes that could lead to death for estimating the long-term economic and health outcomes measured as cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALYs). Kaplan Meier survival analysis was employed to determine the risk of events. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis was used to estimate the probability of ticagrelor being cost-effective. A cost-effectiveness acceptability curve was used to estimate the willingness-to-pay of patients. The use of ticagrelor led to improved clinical outcomes by gaining additional life-years and QALYS over 5-year and lifetime time horizons. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was above 1 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita only for the 1-year results. By replacing clopidogrel with ticagrelor for life-time, the incremental drug costs were offset by the substantial reduction in other direct costs, leading to an overall cost-savings of HK 2,878 per patient. The probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that ticagrelor has 53.5% chance of being dominant and 34.7% being cost-effective at a threshold of 1 GDP per capita for Hong Kong. A cost-effectiveness acceptability curve also showed that the willingness-to-pay for ticagrelor was 90% at 1 GDP per capita. Ticagrelor plus aspirin appeared to be cost-effective over 5-year and life-time projection periods compared to clopidogrel plus aspirin.
Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the long-term cost-effectiveness of ticagrelor plus aspirin versus generic clopidogrel plus aspirin in acute coronary syndrome patients in Hong Kong (HK) from a public hospital’s perspective. The study has adapted a previously developed two-component prediction model. The first component is a simple decision tree corres...
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