Abstract This paper takes a look at the problem of overbilling by physicians and how managed care organizations aim to lower the cost of providing health care to the general public. Explaining the origins of managed care the paper describes the adverse effects that this well-meaning system has on patients - physicians are now spending less time with their patients not only due to confusing financial incentives, but also because they feel that care quality was being compromised with the now limited number of tests and referrals that can be made. A literature review that explores the ethical issues of cost-cutting based behavior of physicians,is included in the paper to provide insight on how financial incentives affect physician behavior.
Outline:
Chapter One - Introduction
Background of the Concern
Statement of the Problem
Conflicts and Capitation
Purpose of the Study
Delimitations of the Study
Limitations of the Study
Assumptions
Hypothesis
Chapter Two - Literature Review
Care Quality Components
Payment Methods
Physician Behavior Kaiser Family Study Theoretical Implications
Financial Incentives
Theoretical Implications
Ethics
Project Objectives
Methodology
Population
Importance of Study
Data Analysis and Findings
Analysis
Conclusion
From the Paper "In order to understand the current problem faced by physicians regarding Managed Care Organizations (MCOs), it is important to take a look into the background of the concern. Before managed care came about, indemnity plans and fee-for-service plans were dominant in the area of physician reimbursement. Payment for the services rendered by a physician was made regardless of the diagnosis made or the number of tests run. Individuals expected to pay the physician when their appointment was over, or they expected to make their co-payment and let their standard insurance company pick up the rest of the bill."
Abstract This assignment reviews chapter 19 of NAFTA, placing special emphasis on Article 1904 discussing the controversial topic of dumping. The paper reviews the general structure and shares criticism of this chapter.
From the Paper "One of the negative trade practices that NAFTA was designed to deal with is dumping. Michael J. Trebilcock and Robert Howse in "The Evolution of International Trade Theory, Policy and Institutions" explain, Dumping occurs in its most typical form where foreign producers are selling goods into another country's market at prices below those which they would normally charge in their home market (Trebilcock and Howse 32). Dumping can be seen as a trading strategy designed to harm the domestic market of the importing country. The idea is for the exporting country to take a short term economic hit in order to permanently cripple domestic markets in the receiving country."
Abstract The primary focus of this paper is an examination of aggression related to behavioral types in order to determine the extent to which aggression relates to behavior. Three separate aggression analysis scales are used to survey undergraduate students to determine what behavior types and other aggression patterns could be distinguished between men and women. In addition, a comprehensive literature review is presented that examined prior research conducted with regard to aggression and behavior. The paper contends that the results suggest that men are more likely to demonstrate aggression associated with behaviors related to their perceptions of self-esteem and peer pressure and other behavioral dysfunctions or discomfort. Women are more likely to be the victims of aggression, but will act out when provoked. These ideas are explored in the paper in greater detail.
From the Paper "From a behavioral standpoint aggression exhibited in males has been linked with behavioral patterns including a concern with honor and face-saving mechanisms, particularly in certain subcultures including the southern U.S. (Graham & Wells, 2001: 595). In other studies male aggression is considered a more 'normative' behavior pattern and among males generally considered more acceptable and pleasurable as an activity (Graham & Wells, 2001). The primary behavior associated with aggression in females that is suggested by studies is jealousy, though aggression in women has also been linked with previous aggression or misbehavior from another person that incites aggressive activities in the female aggressor (Graham & Wells, 2001). This behavioral trait may be linked to insecurities or peer pressure that causes females to feel the need to compete. Females are more likely to demonstrate female to female aggression rather than aggressive tendencies toward a member of the opposite sex as well (Bateman et. al, 1998)."
Abstract This paper reviews and analyzes Gestalt and behavior therapy. According to the paper, Gestalt therapy is a psychological system that stresses integration of body and mind factors by developing self-awareness and personal responsibility. The paper goes on to discuss behavior therapy, stating that there are several approaches to cognitive-behavioral therapy, including rational emotive behavior therapy, rational behavior therapy, rational living therapy, cognitive therapy and dialectic behavior therapy.
From the Paper "Therefore, the therapeutic process encourages the client to interact with the environment, as a group, as an individual, and on many different levels, with different techniques, from using battacca bats to whack furniture, to imaging and interacting with the image in their mind by conversing with it out loud. The techniques used in therapy vary as widely as the therapists and clients, from principles based on Holism, Field theory, figure formation, organismic, the concept of the Now and "unfinished business." The therapist dialogues with warmth and caring, yet remains "invisible," as the client is encouraged to interact with the field (environment). The client must think of him- or herself as an abstract area in a limitless "field," thus, therapy is "unpredictable," or follows moment to moment dictum. (Doermann, 2002)"
Abstract This paper discusses applied behavior analysis (ABA) and explains that it follows accepted theory that autism is neurologically based and affects a variety of behaviors. An attempt is made in the paper to differentiate between applied behavior analysis (ABA) and any of the myriad programs of behavioral modification which rely on it as a basis for their work. The paper also relates the seven essential elements that make up the ABA approach and provides general recommendations as to what constitutes a good program. The paper contends that parents' first priority must be to have their child evaluated with an acceptable assessment test. The paper then discusses how the goal of applied behavior analysis may be achieved when the child can be satisfactorily mainstreamed.
From the Paper "Today it is in the news for its use with children, particularly those children diagnosed with autism. But it is important to make the differentiation between ABA and any of the myriad programs of behavioral modification which rely on it as a basis for their work. ABA is not a program in itself. It is a framework for a scientific approach to the problem. It is, rather, an umbrella under which many different systems and theories can operate. It may seem to be splitting hairs, but ABA is not synonymous with any of the various programs which may claim it as their own private domain."
Abstract This paper details a study conducted to examine the effects of religion on behavior in elementary students to see if any correlation is evident. The study was conducted under the assumption that religion does, in fact, have an influence on the behaviors of young subjects. The primary hypothesis of the study is that subjects are more likely to show positive behaviors if they participate in religious activities. The results reported indicate that there is a significant statistical correlation between religious activity and positive behavior in females, but not in males.
From the Paper "The results suggested that there was a significant relationship between previous religious activity and classroom behavior. The hypothesis was that previous religious activity would lead to a better rating of behavior in the classroom setting. In the study, 85% of the subjects reported having previously had religious activities (17 subjects), whereas 15% (3 subjects) had not. Of the sample of 12 girls and 8 boys, 10 females had obtained religious instruction or participated in religious activity, as had 7 boys. Two females and 1 male had not previously received religious instruction or had not participated in religious activities. When corresponded with the instructor's evaluation of behaviors, it was concluded that the females who had received previous religious instruction or had participated in religious activities were more like to show more positive behaviors, whereas the males showed no difference in behaviors between the two groups."
Abstract This paper explains the basic assumptions underlying Ajzen's theory of planned behavior and its objectives. The paper asserts that, while the theory is a well-constructed explanation of human behavior with significant strengths, it also has weaknesses, beginning with the premise upon which it is based. Finally, the paper looks at how the theory of planned behavior can be used successfully in the nursing profession.
From the Paper "The theory of planned behavior (TPB) rests on two assumptions: that humans are rational beings and as such make use of information to guide their actions and; that individuals determine the implications of future actions before engaging in them. The objectives of TPB are not only to explain behavior but also to predict and modify it. It states that intent is the most important determinant of one's actions. Intention is comprised of an individual's attitude toward a particular situation and its corresponding environmental pressures, called subjective norms. A third antecedent to action, labeled perceived behavioral control, is one's estimation of the ease or difficulty involved in carrying out a particular task. TPB claims that positive attitudes and subjective norms along with greater perceived control increase the likelihood of one's intention to act."
Abstract This paper studies the application of behavior modification therapy. The paper begins by defining behavioral modification and its theoretical premises. Next the paper discusses the theories and practices of major theorists such as Thorndike, Watson and Skinner. The paper examines the application of behavior modification in marriage and family therapy, as well as its integration into behavior-oriented therapy.
From the Paper "Based on the theoretical premise that human behavior precedes thoughts, feelings and actions, acts in the future..."
An overview of cognitive behavior therapy, focusing on the roles of the therapist and patient and how it compares to other therapies used in psychology.
3,720 words (approx. 14.9 pages), 6 sources, 2006, $ 133.95
Abstract This paper discusses cognitive behavioral therapy and the elements of its practice. It also explores the therapist and patient roles of cognitive behavioral therapy, and how it relates to other therapies currently used in psychology. Adlerian therapy, person centered therapy, existential therapy, Gestalt therapy, reality therapy, solution oriented brief therapy, multi-modal therapy, feminist therapy, and rational emotion behavior therapy are discussed and contrasted to traditional cognitive behavioral therapy. Through these comparisons a focus on the central characteristics of these therapies is evident, providing a framework for patients and professionals to determine which therapy would be most effective for the needs of particular patients.
Abstract The following paper examines how agitation, which is broadly characterized by anxiety accompanied by restlessness, is by far the most common cause for psychiatric consultation for the aged. The writer discusses how attempts to meaningfully categorize different agitated behaviors are in their infancy. The writer discusses why it is essential to distinguish truly problematic behaviors that dictate immediate intervention from "nuisance" behaviors or symptoms, such as repetitive questioning or non-upsetting visual hallucinations, which are probably better managed through caregiver education.
From the Paper "Cognitive-behavioral therapy for the elderly aims to change the way patients behave by focusing on the actual behavior rather than basing the solution on the emotions of the individual being treated and the associative causes. These include behavioral disorders of elderly patients which may result from emotional reactions to the hardships or crises of life such as psychoses, which is characterized by deranged thinking and behavior and often require hospitalization; psychoneuroses, which are chronic disorders that affect a person's ability to function and that may be accompanied by bodily symptoms and psychosomatic disorders, such as gastric or duodenal ulcer, certain skin diseases and stress."
Abstract This paper summarizes a research proposal to determine what links exist between alcoholism as a learned behavior (rather than as a condition arising from any genetic predisposition) and self-esteem. This research is based upon the assumption that there is a direct connection between self-esteem and learned behaviors. Drawing from the recent work of a number of other researchers, this research argues that because alcoholism is, in large measure, a learned behavior it has a substantial negative effect upon the self-esteem of alcoholics who blame themselves for their drinking and, understanding the harm that they are doing to themselves and to those around them, suffer from lowered self-esteem.
From the Paper "Our attitudes about alcoholism have changed dramatically over the last fifty years as our conception of the condition ? which causes so much harm and so much grief to so many people, including both the alcoholics themselves and to others ? as one that was a matter of complete free will to a question of genetics. That pendulum is slowly swinging back now to viewing alcoholism as a learned behavior, although there is little doubt that there is some element of genetic predisposition to the condition. This research proposes to answer the question of whether the learned aspects of alcoholism are more significant than the genetic elements of it and, if so, how this fact should affect the way in which social workers treat alcoholics and their families."
Abstract The paper is an attempt to define ethical behavior. It looks at how it is it created and preserved in an organization. The paper examines how can ethical behavior be fostered and what are the causes of unethical behaviors.
Tags: ethics, unethical behavior, code of conduct, system of inquiry
Abstract This paper examines the effects of four diverse sociological constructs and assesses their influence on behavior. The constructs chosen are gender, ethnicity, personality traits and religion. It also examines four personality types and the behaviors associated with them, the effects of religion on adolescents, the effects of Asian belief and culture on sexuality and sexual knowledge and finally gender based conversation practices and their implications for behavioral influences.
From the Paper "This paper presents a brief exploration into how significant various diverse sociological concepts are on behavior. Four separate issues were examined: personality traits, gender, religion and ethnicity. Research results for all areas were significant; leading to the conclusion that these sociological diverse categories do influence behavior. Whether a parent instills strong religious values in their child, pays more attention and display more emotion toward their infant daughters as opposed to their infant sons, raises their children in a rural vs. an urban setting or whether the individual is raised as a member of a culturally strict country, influences on behavior are an important construct that we must recognize and account for in all areas, from our business dealings (especially with the growing global economic market) to our daily interpersonal activities, like going to Starbucks and meeting the new barista. "
Abstract The paper discusses how psychologists contend that behavior is directly affected by a variety of factors in an individual existence. The paper explains that while many people believe that there can be only one psychological method that can be applied to treatment of an individual, it is evident that behavioral patterns are dependent on the person in question and that environment will play a significant role in determining a single behavioral perspective that can be applied to the individual.
From the Paper "Psychologists contend that behavior is directly affected by a variety of factors in an individual's existence. While many people believe that there can be only one psychological method that can be applied to treatment of an individual, it is evident that behavioral patterns are dependent on the person in question and that environment will play a significant role in determining a single behavioral perspective that can be applied to the individual. The six major perspectives on human behavior include the biological, sociocultural, humanistic, cognitive, psychodynamic and behavioral perspectives. These perspectives are translated into categories of theory that function to focus on human behavior, with the nature of individuals considered in each perspective. Biological perspectives have traditionally been concerned with the functions of the body and mind working in conjunction with one another to promote human behavior in a natural manner."
Abstract The paper looks at the study of Porter and Alison that focused on group rape and the hostility behaviors that are evident by the offenders. In this study, the investigation attempted to prove the hypothesis that in gang rape situations there is not a group aggressive behavioral pattern but that each individual will be affected differently during the course of the rape. Therefore, there is no one measurement of behavior, aggression or hostility that can define offenders in gang rape situations.
From the Paper "The authors found, however, that in gang rape situations, the findings indicate that there is a "uniform" behavioral pattern that emerges among the offenders. This pattern of behavior has a foundation in the behavioral patterns of the leader of the group that sets the emotional context of the offense, leading all other members of the group to follow this behavioral pattern."
