Technology continues to benefit different aspects of our society. As such, the health and social care field has begun to utilise these advantages towards improvements in health informatics and healthcare applications. Information Systems and Technologies for Enhancing Health and Social Care provides the latest and most relevant research on the understanding, expansion, and solutions on technologies used for improvements in the health and social care field. This book is useful for academics, industry leaders, and professionals interested in the latest advancements in technology and its impact on health care.

Once a wealthy and sophisticated European dancer, Elizabeth 'Betty Bromley is now spiraling downward into the abyss that is Alzheimer's disease-a world that relentlessly tightens its grip on the woman's sanity. At one time rich and powerful, Lolita Rimblas is on the brink of losing everything. Fate brings the two women together, and while they fight to hold on to Mrs. Bromley's memories, Lolita struggles to forget her own. Both Mrs. Bromley and Lolita are caught in a vortex of emotional turmoil that fills each day with despair, embarrassment, laughter, and eventually, acceptance. Lolita never imagined herself to be chasing after a dog and cataloguing its feces, preparing a dinner party for a ghost, fending off flashlight attacks in the middle of the night, or defending herself from affronts to her morality and self-esteem. But as days and nights fuse together, the two women develop a bond wrought from need, pity, loyalty, and a love that even Alzheimer's can't break. As Lolita helps Mrs. herself having to choose between following her lifelong dream or listening to the dictates of her unrelenting conscience.

A diagnosis of cancer in adolescence occurs at a critical time of social and interpersonal development. Adolescents are encountering rapid physical growth, hormonal changes, and a shift from dependence on parents with associated reliance upon close peer and dating relationships. These close relationships often involve increased levels of intimacy and sexuality, and it is in the context of these relationships that adolescents are developing important competencies for later relationships in their adult years. A diagnosis of cancer in adolescence is likely to impact close relationships, although research in this area is scarce. We know little about how close relationships may impact critical aspects of adolescents' lives, such as quality of life, psychological distress, and health behaviors. The current study was designed to address these gaps in the literature by providing an examination of how dimensions of close peer and dating relationships correspond with ratings of quality of life, psychological distress, and health-related behaviors among a sample of adolescents currently on treatment for cancer. In this first critical study of close peer and dating relationships among adolescents on active treatment for cancer, Drs. Carpentier and Mullins examine specific, discrete dimensions of close relationships (i.e., social support, negative interactions, dating anxiety, fear of intimacy) that are thought to relate to quality of life, psychological distress, and health-related behaviors (i.e., tobacco, alcohol, and other drug use; sexual risk-taking; nutrition/physical activity; overweight and dietary behaviors; sun safety). Results of this study provide an understanding of the importance ofclose relationships to adolescents' adaptation to cancer and highlight the need for continued examination of discrete aspects of close relationships among this presumably vulnerable population. Adolescents with Cancer is an important book for collections in adolescent studies, pediatric cancer, and psychology.

While there are a number of clinical practices for treating a variety of diseases, there is an urgent need to integrate bio-psychosocial perspectives and practices in order to promote comprehensive healthcare. Current research reports that diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and heart diseases are a growing threat to the heath and quality of life of individuals across the globe. Considering that nearly all these diseases are directly related to the lifestyle of an individual, prevention and intervention should be devised to address psychological, emotional, social, and spiritual factors. Biopsychosocial Perspectives and Practices for Addressing Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases is a collection of theoretical research that promotes good health and quality of life through psychosocial interventions to address psychosocial problems facing individuals such as discrimination and stigma, stress, depression, alcohol and drug abuse, smoking, lack of physical activity, and many other socio-economic factors. While highlighting topics including mental health, traditional healthcare, and global health, this book is ideally designed for therapists, counselors, psychologists, medical professionals, hospital administrators, researchers, academicians, and students in fields that include public health, nursing, community-based healthcare, health psychology, HIV/AIDS education, human movement education, and sport psychology.

With obesity rising at alarming rates in the U.S., UK, and developed countries around the world--so much that the U.S. Department of Health has officially classified obesity as an "illness" and the World Health Organization has dubbed it a "pandemic"--weight-loss surgery is also on the rise. Traditional weight-loss programs such as diet, exercise, and pharmaceuticals, are only effective for significant and sustained weight loss for about 10 percent of all people who try. The results are even more dismal for the obese aiming to lose not just a few pounds, but 50, 75, or more. Yet, the health of these individuals lies in the balance, because obesity or morbid obesity (100 pounds or more overweight by medical standards) increases by 50 to 100 percent their risk of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and certain cancers. Weight-loss surgery, however, is effective in bringing 80 percent of obese people to or close to average weight for their height, explains Dr. Hamilton, an Instructor at Harvard Medical School. Even more impressive, most sustain that weight loss for at least 10 years. Hamilton doesn't perform such surgeries, but this Tufts-educated doctor has more than general medical insight. She had the surgery herself six years ago, reducing from the size 20 she was then to the size 8 she is now. "Surgical weight loss is unequivocally more effective than any other method," she says. Certainly there are complexities, risks, and some "grueling decisions" involved. But life as an obese person can be more risky to health and more grueling to mental health, she adds. The National Institutes of Health apparently agree, as NIH has issued recommendations for morbidly obesepeople to have weight-loss surgery. In the United States alone weight-loss surgeries have risen from 12,700 in 1988 to more than 78,000 in 2005. "Still, fewer than one percent of the patients who fit the requirements for weight-loss surgery are ever referred to such a specialist," says Hamilton. "And in blacks, where the prevalence of obesity is even higher, the referral rates are even lower," she adds. Hamilton makes clear the rewards, and the risks, of surgery that reduces stomach size or removes a piece of the intestine so calories cannot be absorbed. This book includes interviews with previously obese males and females who've had the surgery, as well as descriptions of the procedures, recovery times, costs, and insurance issues.

Due to massive technological and medical advances in the life sciences (molecular genetics, biology, biochemistry, etc.), modern medicine is increasingly effective in treating individual patients, but little technological advancement has focused on advancing the healthcare infrastructure. Management Engineering for Effective Healthcare Delivery: Principles and Applications illustrates the power of management engineering for quantitative managerial decision-making in healthcare settings. This understanding makes it possible, in turn, to predict performance and/or real resource requirements, allowing decision-makers to be truly proactive rather than reactive. The distinct feature of this book is that it provides international exposure to this challenging area.

* Fully updated to match the new specification, changes to legislation and the sector. * Now covers management in adult and children's services. * Contains a topic-based structure that shows clear mapping to the units of the new qualification. * Contains enough mandatory and optional units to cover a route through the full qualification for all four management pathways. * Features a new chapter, 'Risk and health and safety'. * Includes new case studies and questions throughout to highlight issues around real workplace practice. * Also covers the Welsh specifications for Level 5 Management qualifications for adults' and children's services.

At present we are looking at increased life expectancies and prolonged periods of employment. The aged workforce as a natural result of this phenomenon presents society with great challenges.
At the 2nd International Symposium on Work Ability held in Verona, Italy between 18 and 20 October 2004 this problem was scientifically addressed. This book "Assessment and Promotion of Work Ability, Health and Well-being of Ageing Workers" contains the majority of papers presented here.
The book reflects the major themes of the meeting which are factors affecting work ability and employability of ageing workers, assessment of work ability in different occupations, Evaluation of work-related problems of ageing workers and promotion of health and work ability.
You will find very useful information and examples of methods, research and ongoing interventions.

Ethical medical treatment is an important aspect of healthcare that is affected by multiple influencing factors in, both private and public, medical organizations. By understanding and adapting the components of the health system to these influencing factors, healthcare can have better outcomes for patients and practitioners. Healthcare Administration for Patient Safety and Engagement provides emerging research on the theoretical and practical aspects of healthcare management for optimal patient care and communication. While highlighting topics, such as clinical communication, ethical dilemmas, and preventive medicine, this book will teach readers about the tools and applications of ethical treatment and hospital behavior in both private and public medical organizations. This book is an important resource for managers and employees of health units, physicians, medical students, psychology and sociology professionals, and researchers seeking current research on healthcare organization and patient satisfaction.

This book explores the ongoing transition of China's economy by examining how its healthcare industry is growing and changing. The coronavirus pandemic has reinforced one of the authors' key points: in our complex, fragile, and interconnected societies, the production of health is a vital strategic 'industry'. The case of China is particularly salient, because of its economic and geopolitical significance, and the scale of the healthcare challenge it has faced. Adopting a multi-level perspective, the authors examine the entrepreneurial role of the Chinese government as it seeks to strengthen the competitiveness of domestic firms. They analyze the strategies employed to improve China's technology and capacity for innovation, and discuss China's strategies and policies to ensure knowledge acquisition and creation in the long-term, with particular reference to international scientific collaborations. This book is a must-read for students, researchers, and policymakers interested in the prospects and challenges posed by the growth of the Chinese healthcare industry and its global impact.

Presenting a brief analysis of health care systems in industrialized nations, the author includes the history, current realities, financing and delivery of services, as well as the impact of the systems on the core sociological variables--age, sex, social class, and race and ethnicity. The systems spotlighted are those in the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Germany, Sweden, and Japan. The author's study of these varied health care systems shows two models are significantly more comprehensive, regardless of country, and that health outcomes are differentiated on the basis of sociological variables, regardless of health care systems.

This book explores Ireland's Marriage Bar, examining its impact on women's lives and the predominantly feminised nursing profession. Information on the history of nursing and the evolution of the nursing profession tends to focus on critical events or key persons who shaped the profession. What is less known and explored is the women nurses' work experiences or how the world outside the ward affected the nurse and the nursing profession at moments in time. This book takes one of these moments in time, the period of the Marriage Bar, and examines the women nurses' lives and the nursing profession during this period of Ireland's history. It does so by adopting a historical perspective and a lived experience perspective of women who had to negotiate this practice. Fifty years on from the Bar removal, as remnants of this time in Ireland's history remain, legislative and constitutional change are required to right the wrongs of the past.

This issue of Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice, guest edited by Dr. Diane M. Harper, is devoted to Women's Health. Articles in this issue include: Social Constructs of How Women View and Obtain Their Healthcare; Becoming Reproductive; Family Planning and Contraception; Termination of Pregnancy; Female Athlete Triad; Menopause; Bone Health in Women; Cancers in Women; Cancer Survivor Health Needs for Women; Women's Health and the Military; Transgendered Women: Female to Male and Male to Female; Plastic Surgery for Women; Integrative Health for Women; Geriatric Medicine and Palliative Care for Women; and Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Considerations for Women with Opiate Addiction Disorders.

For more than 30 years, health care providers have turned to The Only EKG Book You'll Ever Need for Dr. Malcolm S. Thaler's clear and concise guidance on EKG use in everyday practice. Ideal for readers at all levels of experience, the tenth edition of this straightforward, highly visual resource presents must-know information on using an EKG to diagnose cardiac and non-cardiac conditions, with numerous EKG strips, clear illustrations, clinical examples, and case studies throughout. From cover to cover, Dr. Thaler's commitment to "keeping simple things simple and making complicated things easy to understand" helps you learn and understand how to best use an EKG in actual clinical settings. Provides more than 200 EKG strips, including many new to this edition Includes updated clinical scenarios and case studies, step-by-step instructions, newly clarified concepts, and high-quality illustrations throughout Uses a lighthearted, lively writing style designed to be compelling and minimize confusion of principles discussed Outlines processes for identifying and interpreting arrhythmias, myocardial infarctions, hypertrophy, atrial fibrillation, and other disorders Advises on the dangers of over-reliance on computer interpretations and includes many other practical considerations that other books leave out Enrich Your eBook Reading Experience Read directly on your preferred device(s),such as computer, tablet, or smartphone. Easily convert to audiobook,powering your content with natural language text-to-speech.

Medical breakthroughs and adult literacy have made it easier than ever before to acquire the knowledge, skills, and values needed to lead a productive and satisfying life, yet many Americans have difficulty understanding and acting upon the health information they acquire. The Handbook of Research on Adult and Community Health Education: Tools, Trends, and Methodologies presents educational and social science perspectives on the state of the healthcare industry and the information technologies surrounding it. It presents a collection of the latest research on methods, programs, and procedures practiced by health literate societies. This groundbreaking compilation provides cutting-edge content for researchers, social scientists, academicians, and adult educators and learners interested in how available technologies affect our health today.

Although often depicted as aggressive and unpredictable in movies, people with schizophrenia are actually far more likely to be the victims of violence than perpetrators of it. This book sheds light on the realities of this often misunderstood mental illness. Schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by delusions, hallucinations, and disordered thoughts and behaviors. Although schizophrenia requires lifelong treatment, early intervention can help individuals effectively manage their symptoms. Even so, it can be a challenging condition to navigate for both the patient and their loved ones. What You Need to Know about Schizophrenia is part of Greenwood's Inside Diseases and Disorders series. This series profiles a variety of physical and psychological conditions, distilling and consolidating vast collections of scientific knowledge into concise, readable volumes. A list of "top 10" essential questions begins each book, providing quick-access answers to readers' most pressing concerns. The text follows a standardized, easy-to-navigate structure, with each chapter exploring a particular facet of the topic. In addition to covering such basics as causes, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options, books in this series delve into issues that are less commonly addressed but still critically important, such as effects on loved ones and caregivers. Case illustrations highlight key themes discussed in the book and are accompanied by insightful analyses and recommendations. Approaches the subject in a holistic manner, covering such often-overlooked areas as societal perceptions and impact on family and friends An Essential Questions section provides quick answers to the questions readers are most likely to have and serves as a springboard to explore the content of the book in more detail Case Illustrations provide relatable, real-world examples of concepts discussed in the text An annotated Directory of Resources points readers toward useful books, organizations, and websites, acting as a gateway to further study and research

This book critiques the current approach to the self-management of persistent pain. The drive towards self-management of chronic pain is flourishing as healthcare systems struggle to facilitate the care of those with long term health conditions. In this book Karen Rodham argues that albeit an empowering idea, self-management has not yet been fully translated from idea to practice and as such, runs the risk of blaming and shaming the person living with a chronic condition for failing to manage their condition effectively. She contends that the additional stress of this tension may in fact worsen their condition. Drawing from the research evidence as well as her practice experience, she advocates a move away from the terms 'self' and 'management' towards a more collaborative approach. One which takes account of the life-context of the person who is living with persistent pain. This book explores the shortcomings of the tendency to focus on self-management without taking into account life context and considers how we got here and what can be done. It will be a valuable resource to researchers and practitioners, especially in the field of health psychology.

Interest in Information and Communication Technologies for human monitoring, smart health and assisted living is growing due to the significant impact that these technologies are expected to have on improving the quality of life of ageing populations around the world. This book brings together chapters written by a range of researchers working in these topics, providing an overview of the areas and covering current research, developments and applications for a readership of researchers and research-led engineering practitioners. It discusses the promises and the possible advantages of these technologies, and also indicates the challenges for the future. Topics covered include: personal monitoring and health data acquisition in smart homes; contactless monitoring of respiratory activity; technology-based assistance of people with dementia; wearable sensors for gesture analysis; design and prototyping of home automation systems for the monitoring of elderly people; multi-sensor platform for circadian rhythm analysis; smart multi-sensor solutions for activity detection; human monitoring based on heterogeneous sensor networks; mobile health for vital signs and gait monitoring systems; and smartphone-based blood pressure monitoring for falls risk assessment.