In this webinar, Dr. Charles Basch, Richard March Hoe Professor of Health and Education at Teachers College, Columbia University, presented the causal connections between health factors and the motivation and ability to learn. This Q&A addressed the questions participants had for Dr. Basch following the webinar. The webinar recording and…

Where mental health administrators used to rely on subjective judgments of senior clinicians to evaluate the effectiveness of mental health services, they now rely more on a quality assurance (QA) plan. The primary motive for undertaking a QA program should be better service. QA may start out being very expensive in terms of personnel and…

On the basis of information obtained from a study of former mental patients (which was conducted under a research grant from the state of Florida), the authors point out the critical need for more comprehensive management information systems. Twelve specific steps for designing such a system are outlined. (Author/JH)

The decade ahead will probably see dramatic role changes in health services: (1) higher degree of public accountability, (2) a better definition of human rights to health services, (3) new career opportunities institutionalized into broad community health programs, and (4) increased importance of health program administrators. (MW)

This paper summarizes results of telephone interviews with key personnel at 19 (out of 22) agencies receiving grants under the Center for Mental Health Services program, one part of a 5-year evaluation study examining the impact that utilizing measurable outcomes has on service systems. This component focused on the conceptualization and…

Analyzes why the current complex of social institutions and systems does not effectively serve poor children, highlighting the lack of early or preventative help for families and inappropriate organizational structure. Offers a series of five principles for a new foundation based on prevention, comprehensiveness, continuity, and accountability.…

Major contents of this report are the four major presentations made at a workshop designed to give 200 nursing service chiefs a uniform approach for upgrading and expanding skills and knowledge relevant to achieving the mission of the Veterans Administration (VA) Nursing Service. "Facing the Future" focuses on the VA Nursing Service as…