Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: A fiscal federalism approach to understanding local policymaking predicts little to no role for local governments in social welfare policy: the incentives are to avoid redistributive programs because of their negative impact on the local tax base. Yet Census data indicate that the local role is greater than expected in such social policy arenas as housing, health and public welfare. I explain this outcome in terms of variation between communities in level of interjurisdictional competition and variations in political demand for redistributive programs. I argue that level of competition and demand make their impact on policy not only through the budgetary process, but also in local decisions on whether to begin a social welfare-oriented program and on whether to seek funding for social welfare from state and federal government. I test this model using data from the 1997 and 2002 Census of Governments and find support for the model.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: This study explores the role of social service providers in providing basic policing and security functions to residents of a marginalized community in Edinburgh. Through analysis of interview data, social service providers are revealed as routinely engaging in a variety of activities traditionally associated with public policing, such as crime prevention activities, peacekeeping and order maintenance tasks, receiving complaints regarding criminal and disorderly activities, surveillance of suspect identities, as well as informal information sharing with the public police on crime and security issues within the community. The hitherto informal policing functions of service providers have recently begun to change with the implementation of a Remote Reporting program that formalizes the crime reporting functions of service providers, linking voluntary service agencies more closely to the criminal justice system. Both formal and informal policing activities are explored within an analysis that draws on a conceptualization of contemporary security governance as ‘networked’.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: A prevention program was undertaken as a consequence of bioterrorist attacks involving the distribution of Bacillus anthracis in mailed packages and letters in the fall of 2001. As of December 5, 2001, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified a total of 22 cases of anthrax that were presumed to result from workplace exposures related to these acts of bioterrorism. Post-exposure prophylaxis for approximately 10,000 persons was undertaken.

The CDC has contracted with RTI International to conduct telephone interviews and medical record follow-up of all persons for whom post-exposure antibiotic prophylaxis was recommended. RTI obtains consent from respondents who report potential possible severe adverse events (PSAEs) to the antibiotics and/or vaccination for the purpose of obtaining medical records from their providers for analysis. The evaluation consists of four longitudinal follow-ups conducted at the following four intervals after the initial receipt of the post-exposure prophylaxis: 60 days, 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months.

On April 14, 2003, new Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations were put into effect, limiting the release of medical records by health care providers. CDC and RTI were concerned that these HIPAA revisions would adversely impact medical record collection activities resulting in lower response rates from medical providers.

RTI faced this challenge by changing procedures to specifically allay concerns about the applicability of HIPAA regulations in obtaining records from medical providers. RTI achieved a 56 percent response rate in the initial 60-Day Program Evaluation, a 74 percent response rate in the 6-Month Follow-up, and an 86 percent response rate in the 12-Month Follow-up. Preliminary results indicate that the medical providers were more willing to cooperate if the applicability of HIPAA was clarified, even though the new HIPAA regulations required more stringent procedures to obtain medical records.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: The focus of the paper it to present a training and capacity-building model designed around research-based practices to build teachers' capacity for teaching and learning so that they are able to successfully instruct students with special and/or additional needs in their classrooms.

Publication Type: School Poster
Abstract: Objective: To provide a description of an advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) that enhances quality education and patient care by utilizing:
• transplant patient-centered care models;
• interdisciplinary education;
• evidence-based practice and research; and
• informatics (specifically utilizing OTTR© and Drug Assistant©).

Methods: Pharmacy students spend 5 weeks performing pharmaceutical care activities for transplant patients (TPs) with an interdisciplinary team of medical residents/fellows, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, nurses, physician assistants, social workers, and physicians. During the APPE, students learn how to increase medication access and improve TPs’ health outcomes. Each student obtains over 200 direct patient care hours, performs pharmaceutical activities for over 400 TPs, learns the importance of using informatics to facilitate patient care activities, and participates in one research project. Over the last 6 years of the APPE, 17 students were given a pre- and post-APPE test concerning their knowledge of transplant medicine. To improve the quality of the APPE, standardized evaluations were used. Reports from the Medication Access Program (MAP) were used to document medications obtained for TPs.

Results: Post scores were statistically higher than pre-test scores (88.24 versus. 55.88; p<0.001). Students found this APPE enjoyable and believed it increased their knowledge concerning transplant medicine and patient care. MAP, along with pharmacy students, has provided over 550 TPs with over $12 million of medications.

Implications: APPEs should be designed to give pharmacy students experience with patient-centered care models, interdisciplinary education, activities related to evidence-based practice and research, and informatics.