The number of overweight and obese children and adolescents has reached epidemic proportions, and recent federal surveys show that most school meals do not meet federal nutrition guidelines. Accordingly, there is growing interest in the nutritional quality of foods available in U.S. schools--and in the role of the government in helping to make…

Context and Purpose: Rural and suburban populations remain underserved in terms of psychiatric services but have not been compared directly in terms of using telepsychiatry. Methods: Patient demographics, reasons for consultation, diagnosis, and alternatives to telepsychiatric consultation were collected for 200 consecutive, first-time…

Presents results of a 2-year study of Michigan's recipient rights protection system. Found weaknesses in the use of the system and its integration into agency operations, but overall effectiveness. Discusses implications of the system for other states. (Author/MCF)

The decision to mass immunize the public against Swine Flu was based on odds that had been calculated from variables of unknown magnitude. (JD)

An innovative approach to delivering health care is being developed in several Ontario (Canada) communities. This report describes the initial framework for quality and evaluation for a comprehensive health organization (CHO). As CHOs become operational, there is great opportunity to develop a comprehensive approach to quality and evaluation. (SLD)

Notes that, despite changed goals of mental health treatment for inmates, some prison treatment programs still evaluate effects in terms of adjustment indicators. Discusses and critiques proposals in Ohio to use adjustment indicators as outcome measures for new treatment program for mentally ill inmates. Discusses proper outcome measures for…

Examines how student health care in a K-8 Title I district functioned overall and how school administrators interacted with on-campus health care providers. Minorities received inadequate care. Administrators did not routinely associate students' health with their school performance and were not adept at assisting providers. (Contains 65…

The Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS) was developed for use by school-based mental health professionals for any student with symptoms of distress following exposure to trauma. The Supporting Students Exposed to Trauma (SSET) was adapted from CBITS for use by any school personnel with the time and interest to work with…

This paper presents an evaluation model for a partial hospitalization program. The evaluation instrument, the Functional Baseline System (FBS), is presented with its use in assessing program effectiveness and efficiency. (Author)

The challenges of educational accountability and the National Consumer Health and Promotion Act of 1976 make clear the present need for systematic action in evaluating the value and effectiveness of school health education programs. (MB)

Investigated the efficacy of bibliotherapy with mildly to moderately depressed older adults (N=29). Observed significant treatment effects with cognitive bibliotherapy superior to the attention control on all measures. Suggests self-help programs may be a viable alternative or adjunct to meeting the mental health needs of the older adult.…

Evaluates the impact of two health services projects for high-risk mothers and infants in two counties of northwest Mississippi which had shown high infant mortality and morbidity. Reports that one of the ICHP projects did improve prenatal care, but neither program significantly influenced pregnancy outcomes (as measured by low birth weights). (KH)

Examined the effectiveness of a new orientation program designed to prepare low-income White and ethnic minority outpatients (N=173) for psychotherapy. Results indicated that patients who were oriented were more knowledgeable about psychotherapy and more positive in their attitudes toward psychotherapy than were patients who had not been oriented.…

In recent years, the mental health community has made great strides in understanding more about the delivery of mental health services, improving efficiency and quality in services, and also about how to build strengths and resilience in the face of lifes stresses. This volume adds to the knowledge base so that the important task of system change…

Author discusses one promising approach to gathering useful management information. (Author/CB)