Publication Type: Abstract
Abstract: Objectives: Develop a system to capture, organize, archive and retrieve PEPSIG questions and responses; create a mentor program to link novice experiential personnel with expertise among PEPSIG members.

Methods: A committee of experiential program directors was convened to strategize on methods to develop a web-based “Ask the Expert” resource and a Mentor Program. To create the “Ask the Expert” resource, a process will be developed to capture, archive and retrieve PEPSIG questions. A form will be developed to categorize questions, capture contact information, response date, response and any attachments. To create the Mentor Program, methods to identify mentors, methods to specify mentor qualifications and disseminate information to PEPSIG members will be developed. Committee members will create a mentor signup form and determine mentor criteria such as providing a brief biosketch, indicating years of experience, highlighting accomplishments/areas of expertise, describing reasons for wanting to be a mentor, and providing preferred method of contact. Using web-based technology, the Mentor Program would provide access to the mentor’s information to facilitate appropriate alignment with the mentee’s developmental needs. Mentors and mentees will be surveyed in one year to assess effectiveness of the program.

Results: The complete processes for the “Ask the Expert” resource and the Mentor Program will be described.

Implications: These programs should facilitate novice transitions, improve communication, promote collaboration, foster innovation, facilitate program development and advancements in experiential education, and increase professional satisfaction.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: Andreski (1954) assessed the impact of military power on social structure, introducing the concept of the Military Participation Ratio (MPR), or the proportion of the general population in military service. In the transition from labor-intensive to capital-intensive military operations, researchers tend to overlook the continuing significance of the MPR, arguing that the mobilization of human resources is no longer an adequate measure to evaluate the military power of a state. In the age of a small professional force, we argue that the MPR specifies the extent of the institutional presence of the military in society, capturing the dynamics between the military and the labor market. In order to adequately capture the military’s institutional presence, we contend that it is necessary to distinguish among the shifting roles of active as well as reserve components, civilian employees of the armed forces, and defense contractors. Having done so, we can offer a more complete and telling story of the transformation of the American military over the last century. What stands out in this story of change then is the tremendous increase in importance of the reserve components since the end of the Cold War.

Publication Type: Abstract
Abstract: INTRODUCTION
Cricoid pressure (CP) is an important maneuver used during rapid sequence intubation to prevent regurgitation of gastric and esophageal contents into the pharynx and their subsequent pulmonary aspiration.1 Ostensibly a simple technique, it is regarded by most clinicians as a standard of care for patients at risk for aspiration.1 This survey assesses the theoretical knowledge, attitude and practice of emergency department (ED) personnel about CP at a US teaching hospital.
METHODS
This questionnaire-based survey was carried out at the ED of the University of Michigan Hospital. We asked 10 multiple choice questions. The ED physicians are responsible for most emergency intubations. We distributed questionnaires to faculty, residents and nurses at the monthly morbidity and mortality meeting. Annonymously completed questionnaires were returned to the investigators at the end of the meeting.
RESULTS
Eighty three completed questionnaires were returned: 38 residents, 25 Attendings and 20 nurses. Sixty two (75%) of the respondents were from the adult ED while 21 (25%) were from the pediatric ED. Most of the respondents knew the anatomical structure to which pressure is applied. However 24 respondents (14 nurses and 10 residents) thought that CP is applied to both the cricoid and thyroid cartilage. Interestingly, 70% of the nurses in this survey gave an incorrect response to the question on the anatomical localization of cricoid pressure. Majority of respondents rated their training in CP application as either poor or non-existent. Most were able to name two contraindications to the application of CP. Most respondents were either unsure of the recommended amount of cricoid force in the asleep patient or quoted values that were too low (Fig.1).
DISCUSSION
The theoretical knowledge about cricoid pressure is poor in this survey from a major US teaching hospital emergency department. More specific education and training is needed to improve the clinical use of cricoid pressure and possibly increase patient safety.
REFERENCES:
1. Schmidt A, Akeson J. Practice and knowledge of cricoid pressure in southern Sweden. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 2001; 45: 1210-1214

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: Based on the views of many hundreds of managers in 10 states surveyed in 1982 and 2000, this paper explores the severity of a range of personnel-related impediments to effective state management. Certain of these problems were considered to be quite serious. These include adequately rewarding outstanding employees, difficulty filling key staff vacancies, retaining experienced staff, disciplining low performing employees and (in 2000) uncompetitive pay. Moreover, these problems also ranked among the most serious of a much larger set of potential impediments to effective management. Little change in the absolute or the relative severity of these problems occurred between 1982 and 2000, however. Despite the criticism often leveled at both civil service provisions and public sector collective bargaining, at least in these 10 states variation in civil service coverage or extent of collective bargaining were typically only modestly related to the severity of most of the potential personnel-related problems. Moreover, various personnel problems were often less serious in those states in the study with more extensive civil service coverage or more widespread collective bargaining—states such as California, Michigan or Vermont—than they were in states with less extensive civil service coverage and/or minimal collective bargaining—states such as South Dakota, Tennessee or Texas. There also was little evidence that efforts to “deregulate” state personnel systems in various ways were related to a reduction in the severity of various personnel-related impediments.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: This paper will present the results of a survey of police agencies in five different countries with regard to the level of leadership training and development offered during the various career stages of police officers. The first round of surveys was distributed to police agencies in the United States and responses from 100 police departments will be compared and contrasted with responses received from police agencies in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Turkey, Ireland, and Poland. Suggestions for the operationalization of the term "police leadership training" will be presented together with the recommendations for the implementation of systematic and long term in-service professional development in the area leadership theories and skills enhancement.