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Abstract: The 1980 Census data provide a valuable resource for health services research on Hispanics. Hispanics are the fastest growing minority group in the United States and yet there is a paucity of large-scale empirical research on their health care and access needs. This paper describes how the census can assist in: 1) estimating the overall health care needs of this group. 2) identifying target groups within the Hispanic population who may have special health care problems (e.g., children, elderly, pregnant women. etc.); and 3) using other data sources to improve the quality of studies carried out on Hispanics. It also discusses problems in using the census for Hispanic health services research and some strategies for dealing with these problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To explore whether an emergency preparedness structure is a feasible, efficient, and sustainable way for health care organizations to manage mass vaccination events. Methods. We used the Hospital Incident Command System to conduct a 1-day annual mass influenza vaccination event at Vanderbilt University Medical Center over 5 successive years (2011–2015). Using continuous quality improvement principles, we assessed whether changes in layout, supply management, staffing, and documentation systems improved efficiency. Results. A total of 66 591 influenza vaccines were administered at 5 annual Flulapalooza events; 13 318 vaccines per event on average. Changes to the physical layout, staffing mix, and documentation processes improved vaccination efficiency 74%, from approximately 38 to 67 vaccines per hour per vaccinator, while reducing overall staffing needs by 38%. An unexpected finding was the role of social media in facilitating active engagement. Conclusions. Health care organizations can use a closed point-of-dispensing model and Hospital Incident Command System to conduct mass vaccination events, and can adopt the “Flulapalooza method” as a best practice model to enhance efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Fewer than 20% of the 30,000 anti-rabies treatments administered in the United States each year arc necessary. New Mexico established a comprehensive consultation-biologics program to assist physicians in making appropriate and systematic rabies treatment decisions. In 1978. 32 individuals received anti-rabies treatments as the result of 144 physician consultation requests. Dog and cut exposures accounted for 70 per ¢ of consultations and 63 per ¢ of the treatments. A seasonal peak of both consultations and treatments was observed in the summer and early autumn. The cost of' biologics was $212 per treatment. Coordinated use of laboratory diagnostic services and animal control resources obviated the need for treatment in over 60 per ¢ of the 112 consultations not resulting in treatment. Experience in 1978 suggested that the system was probably responsible lot a > five-fold reduction in the annual rate of anti-rabies treatments in New Mexico. Efficient physician utilization and high acceptability of the program may be attributed to maximization of private sector input into design and implementation of this public health program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]