The Socio-Economic and Cultural Aspects of Japan Assignment

The Socio-Economic and Cultural Aspects of Japan - Assignment Example Each member presented their findings to the group and in the end, we were able to integrate the entire information into a single presentation for the group project. The development of this presentation and the overall group project did not come easily without the challenges. Our main finding of the culture of the Japanese people was their evolution from a mix of cultures across the Asian continent. This evolution was evident from the different aspects of their rich culture which included literature, arts as well as the lifestyle of the population that is about 126 million. The task given was about working in groups to come up with a presentation on the cultural aspects of a developing nation. The key concept we were able to learn is related to the working in groups to deliver a project and the ability to conduct research on a specific topic area. Since the topic area was about the culture of Japan, the rich culture of the people of the East Asian country was also acquired in the learning process. All the group members undertook a presentation of the different areas that they worked on and apart from being an enjoyable process; we were able to develop research and presentation skills. Group work is supposed to generate a sense of togetherness even if opinions differed (Anning 2010). The capability of the members of the team is varied and diverse. The level of diversity creates an instance where the members have a varying position on the issues that are raised within a group (Bell, 2012) but still find common ground. This was evident even while we were choosing the topic to take the research on. The main learning objective here is the level of teamwork which is the cohesiveness of the team in their work.

What Is the Real Objective of Case Management Quality of Care vs Essay

What Is the Real Objective of Case Management Quality of Care vs. Reduced Costs - Essay Example However, it is questionable whether these systems can offer both quality and low costs. By coordinating the healthcare needs of a patient requiring multiple services from multiple providers, studies of disease management programs have shown that these programs do improve quality by offering interventions such as pre-recorded telephone reminders or home visits by medical professionals (Rand Corporation Study). According to the Rand study, conditions such as diabetes and congestive heart failure (CHF) benefited from case management and reduced costs by decreasing hospital admissions, while patients suffering from depression were more apt to use outpatient services and prescription drugs, increasing costs. Six chronic conditions were analyzed in the study: CHF, coronary artery disease (CAD), diabetes, asthma, depression, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Improved quality was found in four of the six illnesses, with inconclusive results for asthma and COPD. Long-term health outcomes have not been determined, however, because the study covered only one year. In a one-year study by Michael Long, professor at Wichita State University, geriatric patients who were at least 75 and functionally impaired were randomly assigned to a regular-care group or a case-managed group. The goal was to eliminate the fragmented care that often exists for these patients. Both benefits and costs must be taken into consideration before determining success or failure in such a patient advocacy program (Long). The goal should be set by a team and success determined by whether the goal is met. In Long's study, the case-managed group benefited more than the regular-care group, and improved quality was the result. Cost and quality are sometimes considered opposing factors, but Long considers this too simple an explanation. He recommends a formula: Quality=Benefits - (Risk and Cost), which takes into consideration all the factors involved in case management programs. Limitations of Case Management Programs In a more expanded study, consisting of 46 states examining HMOs and primary care case management (PCCM) programs, the reporting states tended to emphasize utilization results over quality-measure results. In states where many commercial health plans have recently abandoned Medicaid contracts and some rural areas of the United States have been unable to attract health plans, PCCM programs are distinct from capitated managed care plans in that the Medicaid agency purchases health care services as if it were a health plan (Schneider et al). A comparison of quality oversight PCCM programs and health plans serving Medicaid beneficiaries indicates that states with both have fewer expectations for PCCM programs and do not seem to have a distinct goal. At present, the study found that PCCM programs have not as a rule collected performance data, thereby lacking the means to improve quality care. Strengths of Case Management Programs One area in which healthcare costs are accelerated is with the high number of diabetics needing treatment, and case management is highly recommended for glycemic control in these patients. As noted by The Guide to Community Preventive Services online, "Diabetes management is complex and difficult for both patient and healthcare provider, and traditional healthcare delivery methods have not adequately met their needs" (Case Management Interventions). The Guide goes on to say that a systematic review shows case management delivered as part of disease management to be effective in adults with Type 2 diabetes. Managed care strategies for Medicaid populations in Florida, North Carolina, and