Abstract
This paper evaluates hospital discharge procedures. The author cites a number of empirical research studies which look at caregiver and patient attitudes toward discharge practices. The author also discusses the legal, moral and procedural considerations a hospital must take in determining its discharge plan. The paper concludes that while systematization is important, flexibility is also crucial to ensure that the individual patient's needs are met.

From the Paper
"There have been a number of studies concerned with the issue of patient discharge practices. Studies on decision making in discharge planning have investigated patient participation (Coulton, Dunkle, Chow, Haug, & Vielhaber, 1988; Coulton, Dunkle, Goode, & MacKintosh, 1982) and social workers' perceptions of patient participation (Abrahamson, 1988). To date, no studies have conceptualized discharge planning as a social process of small-group decision-making by elderly patients, family caregivers, and discharge planners. Participants' perceptions of the process are unknown."

Tags:patient, doctor, nurse, administration, nursing, home, ill, treatment

Abstract
Discharge planning is a process of assessing a hospital patient's need for care or other services once he or she is discharged from the hospital. The paper shows that the trend toward early discharge of newborns and their mothers grew at such a rate and was accompanied by such serious consequences for some, that the American Congress took note, passing the Newborns' and Mothers' Health Protection' Act of 1996 which allows mothers the option of requesting a longer stay if she feels she and/or her child require it. Despite this act, most women elect the shorter hospital stay. The paper shows that the problem that needs to be addressed, however, is to determine, as precisely as possible, what constitutes effective early discharge planning for newborns and their mothers. The paper delineates effective practices and then applies the obtained information to midwifery concerns and practice.

From the Paper
"One of the more interesting findings regarding early discharge planning is that there are some indications that certain factors allow for earlier release than others, and one of these is delivery by a midwife. In this regard, Margolis, Kotelchuck and Chang (1997) examined if mothers discharged from the hospital and one night's stay differed in any ways from mothers discharged after two or three nights stay. Specifically, it was found that mothers whose babies were delivered by midwives were more fit for early discharge than mothers whose babies were not delivered by midwives."

Tags:postpartum, pediatrician, childbirth

Abstract
This paper presents a teaching plan for a patient that is being discharged after dealing with problems regarding the maintenance of skin integrity. A plan of action with expected outcomes is developed for the patient and primary caregivers to follow after being discharged. The plans and expected outcomes are based upon the issues that have caused or may cause impaired skin integrity in the home environment. The paper also includes a hypothetical visit to the home a few weeks following the discharge date. The paper determines whether the patient and caregivers complied with the teaching instructions while adapting back into the home environment.
Outline
Abstract
Introduction
Patient Profile
Development of Problem List
Plan of Action
Identification of Outcomes
Method of Evaluation
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Discharge for the care of a patient with the risk for impaired skin integrity is an important aspect. The skin functions by protecting the body from injury, regulating body temperature, noted sensation, metabolism, and provides a use for communication. However, when becoming an older adult the skin ages, losing thickness, elasticity, becomes drier, and has decreased circulation. All of which allow the skin to be at risk for impairment or damage. (Craven & Hirnle, 2003) Patient's at high risk for impaired skin integrity include but are not limited to the elderly, diabetics, poor nutrition, paralysis or impaired mobility. (Thompson, 2003) When planning discharge for the risk of skin impairment, factors that contributing to the risk and optimizing the patient's condition should be taken into consideration. "

Tags:health, patient, impairment

Abstract
Inmates in penal systems live in a world quite separated from that of the free public. Their access to services is, in many ways, quite simplified in that there is often only one provider of a particular type or range of services (i.e. one doctor for the prison) and, as no insurance policy covers expenses of health care for inmates, all costs for treatment come out of the governmental till (our only real form of socialized medicine). But, that till is limited and does not extend itself to heroic measures to preserve the lives of inmates. Some systems, however, do employ a variety of new and innovative techniques to bring a greater level of quality health-care to prisons while reducing costs. In this paper, a simulated inmate of the Maryland prison system will be created who will be the subject of a medical history, treatment plan and recovery prognosis. This simulation will take into consideration known elements of the health-care system and practices known to be in place within the Maryland penal system. The contraction, diagnosis, treatment, discharge planning and prisoner's view on his condition (high blood pressure) will be included. It is the purpose then, to paint an accurate picture of the Maryland penal system's health-care apparatus through a fictional patient.

Abstract
In this article, the writer explains that the Health Insurance for the Aged and Disabled Act (Title XVII of the Social Security Act"), also known as Medicare, was enacted to provide Americans aged 65 or older, or the disabled under the age of 65, with a comprehensive, affordable medical insurance program. In addition, the writer notes that eligibility is based on having a certain amount of past employment earnings that contributed to the Federal Insurance Contribution Act tax. The writer discusses Medicare's two separate insurance packages: coverage for hospital insurance, Part A, and coverage for supplementary medical insurance, Part B.

Outline:
Analysis of Insurance Structure and Rationale
Considerations for Goal Setting/Treatment Interventions/Discharge Planning
Reflection on Documentation Requirements/Scope of Practice/Guide to PT Practice
Moral Decision Making/Clinical Decision Making/PT Education

From the Paper
"Treatment interventions must be described in the Intervention section of the notes, and must be appropriate to the patient's purpose of care. Successful interventions will usually demonstrate changes in the patient's condition and achievement of goals, and should be modified if they prove otherwise. Reimbursable treatment interventions must be specific to the scope of physical therapy practice, and require a qualified physical therapist to perform or guide them. Certain treatment interventions are listed as billable physical therapy interventions in the Medicare manuals, but other physical therapy related interventions would not be reimbursable if Medicare believes alternative health care professionals can execute them. Medicare also imposes limits on length of stay and number of treatment episodes, which can conflict with our ability to achieve set goals. This could conflict with our Code of Ethics, and beckons us to defend our clinical decisions and lobby for fewer restrictions (e.g. direct access)."

Tags:treatment, eligibility, Social, Security, Act, health, care

Abstract
This paper discusses schizoaffective disorder, its major signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and some of the medications used to control the illness. In defining the condition, the paper distinguishes schizoaffective disorder from other mental illnesses with similar symptoms. The paper concludes by reviewing the importance of patient education and discharge planning by nurses.

From the Paper
"Schizoaffective disorder includes elements of mood disorder as well as psychosis. Symptoms resembling mood disorder include a very low or a very high mood, sleep disturbances, changes in energy level, changes in appetite, difficulty concentrating and..."

Tags:schizoaffective disorder, psychosis, mood disorder

Abstract
The paper relates that the Hillsdale Hernia Clinic intends to have an electronic health record in operation over the next five years and they plan to implement new systems associated with their existing Central Registration and Admitting System and Appointment Scheduling system. The paper discusses the new security program and includes Order Entry and Reporting, a Pharmacy System, and Online Dictated Reporting for such maters as operative reports and discharge summaries. The paper explains that security and control standards are intended to ensure security, confidentiality, and protection from any form of unauthorized disclosure, changes or from destruction of data. The paper posits that the electronic health record will be effective when patients and health care providers feel confident about the security of personal records being maintained on the computer (Gaunt & Roger-France, 2007).

From the Paper
"The Hillsdale Hernia Clinic intends to have an electronic health record in operation over the next five years. They plan to implement new systems associated with their existing Central Registration and Admitting System and Appointment Scheduling system. The new security program will be discussed and will include Order Entry and Reporting, a Pharmacy System, and Online Dictated Reporting for such maters as operative reports and discharge summaries. Security and control standards are intended to ensure security, confidentiality, and protection from any form of unauthorized..."

Tags:security, controls, policies

Abstract
Bankruptcy is not an easy process, and the average individual does not possess the knowledge to enter into proceedings on his or her own. The paper argues that professionals should always be consulted as they can determine which bankruptcy is appropriate or whether bankruptcy is necessary at all. The paper also looks at the bankruptcy court, which has been established to protect and assist individuals, companies, and corporations in their proceedings.

Paper Outline
A. Federal Bankruptcy Code
a. Explanation of the Origin
b. Federal Bankruptcy Law
c. Jurisdiction of Courts
B. Chapter 7 Liquidation Bankruptcy
a. Procedure
i. Filing a Petition
ii. Meeting of Creditors
iii. Appointment of Trustee
iv. Proof of Claims
b. Automatic Stay
c. Case Dismissal
d. Alternatives to Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
e. Discharge
C. Chapter 11 Reorganization Bankruptcy
a. Why choose Chapter 11
b. Plan of Reorganization
i. Who develops the Plan
ii. Steps in the Plan
c. Discharge
D. Chapter 13 Consumer Debt Adjustment
a. Chapter 13 Eligibility
b. Important Features
c. Filing
d. Automatic Stay
e. Plan of Payment
f. Confirmation of the Plan
g. Discharge
E. Chapter 13 or Chapter 7
F. Rights of Creditors
G. Conclusion

From the Paper
"If you are living with little income and property you may be "judgment proof". Basically creditors cannot collect because you have nothing for them to legally take. Taking advantage of federal and state debt collection laws that protect a debtor from abusive conduct may stop harassment from creditors. Possibly, a debtor may negotiate with creditors and buy enough time to get back on his or her feet. Creditors may also agree to settle debts for less than is owed. Debtors may seek help from outside sources such as Consumer Credit Counseling Service. Finally, a debtor may pay over time with a Chapter 13 proceeding, which will be discussed in a later section."

Tags:creditor, petition, SEC

Abstract
In this patient care study, the author looks at a 62-year-old female with complaints of lower abdominal pain, with hematuria and dysuria. The patient lives at home with her husband. She has seven grown children as well as grandchildren and admits to financial concerns. The author describes the patient's full medical history and all the medical tests and treatments she has undergone prior to this study. The paper gives the results of an intravenous pyelogram, cystoscopy, and biopsy as reported in patient history and gives a full summary of all of the laboratory results. Based on the information given in the tests and the patient's history, the author concludes that the patient has type II diabetes. He suggests that she needs to work on her lifestyle in order for recurring problems not to happen.

Table of Contents
Patient History
Laboratory Tests
Other Nursing Measures
Nursing Process and Care Plan
Nursing Diagnoses
Discharge Summary
Summary

From the Paper
"An intravenous pyelogram produces an image of the kidneys, ureter, and bladder by administering a radiopaque contrast medium that is cleared from the bloodstream and concentrated by the kidneys. This part of the initial assessment of a suspected urologic problem provides a rough estimate of kidney infection. Pre-procedure nursing considerations include: assessment of patient for allergies, the use of laxatives for the elimination of feces and gases from the intestinal tract, liquid restriction 8 to 10 hours before test, and instructions concerning the procedure itself and sensations felt during the procedure. A cystoscopy is the direct visualization of the urethra and bladder using a cystoscope. Sedatives may be used prior to the procedure. A brush biopsy may be performed after a cystoscopic examination in order to obtain cells and surface tissue fragments for histologic analysis."

Tags:urine, pain, examination, arthritis, blood, diet, treatment, condition

Abstract
This paper first explains that Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Reform Act allows the petitioning corporation a chance to negotiate its debts with its creditors and to formulate a plan for reorganization that will allow it to fulfill its obligations. Next, the author relates the way that Enron used Chapter 11. In a credit nation, such as the United States, the paper concludes that it is very important to protect creditors' claims as well as debtors' rights to maintain the agreements and transactions, which make up the economy.

From the Paper
"The findings of the Enron scandal were extremely complex, to the point that it is difficult to discern their legality. In 1992, president of Enron's trading operations Jeff Skilling managed to persuade federal regulators to permit the company to make use of "mark to market" accounting methods, a technique that is usually exclusive to trading and brokerage firms. This method allowed the company to figure the value of contracts yet to be collected into its profits, thus inflating the books."

Tags:referee mismanagement reorganization, relief procedures, discharge clauses