Orientador: Fábio Luiz Mialhe / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-24T14:39:32Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Amarante_LidianeCintiadeSouza_M.pdf: 710997 bytes, checksum: 6706195aa45d18e11c3bc8c3ff01a655 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014 / Resumo: Este estudo é composto por três artigos, cujo objetivo principal foi caracterizar o perfil dos usuários nos serviços de saúde em Unidade de Pronto Atendimento (UPA) em um município de médio porte no Estado de São Paulo, baseado nos critérios de classificação de risco, e em seus contextos sociodemográficos, socioeconômicos, geográficos e de superutilização do serviço. O Estudo 1 foi realizado em duas Unidades de Pronto Atendimento e teve como objetivo investigar as características de usuários que foram classificados com critérios de risco urgente e não urgente, por meio de entrevistas individuais com uma amostra representativa de 756 usuários. Além disso, buscou-se investigar se houve associações entre as características sociodemográficas, autopercepção da saúde, doença crônica, acesso a Unidade de Saúde da Família (USF) e Unidade Básica de Saúde (UBS), barreiras de acesso, meio de transporte, entre outros (variáveis independentes), com a procura pelo atendimento se apresentava risco urgente ou não urgente. Os resultados mostraram que os indivíduos classificados como não urgentes possuíam os seguintes fatores associados: eram aposentados, foram até o serviço de urgência caminhando ou de Serviço de Atendimento Móvel de Urgência (SAMU), portadores de doenças crônicas, tinham autopercepção de que seu estado de saúde era urgente, foi encaminhado por conta própria/familiar. O estudo 2 foi realizado a partir de dados secundários coletados em uma UPA entre os anos de 2011 a 2012. A partir dos dados coletados, foi realizada inicialmente uma análise descritiva, apresentando a frequência dos usuários segundo sexo, idade, bairro onde reside e seu índice de exclusão social, horário em que procurou atendimento (manhã, tarde, noite) e a classificação de risco individual se urgente ou não urgente. Em um segundo momento, foi empregado teste estatístico para se avaliar as características associadas aos usuários que procuram pelos serviços da UPA com maior frequência (> 4 consultas). A variável desfecho "superutilização do serviço" foi associada ao grupo de indivíduos gestantes, crianças, idosos, deficientes físicos e mentais. No artigo 3 foi realizado um estudo qualitativo, utilizando-se a técnica de análise de conteúdo com objetivo de apresentar as motivações de usuários classificados com necessidade de atendimento não urgente. Dentre as motivações para a busca de atendimento nas UPA, foram detectadas seis categorias principais: falta de infraestrutura do posto de saúde mais próximo; percepção de dor e sintomas de emergência; proximidade casa/trabalho; demora de agendamento e atendimento na Atenção Primária a Saúde (APS); qualidade do atendimento na UPA; hábito de utilização da UPA. Desta forma pretendeu-se contribuir para o aperfeiçoamento do processo de trabalho em saúde e qualificação dos serviços de urgência e emergência / Abstract: This study consists of three articles whose main objective was to characterize the profile of users in health services in Emergency Unit in a medium-sized municipality in the State of São Paulo, based on the classification criteria of risk, and their contexts demographic, socioeconomic, geographic and overutilization. Study 1 was conducted in two Emergency Care Units and aimed to investigate the characteristics of a sample of users that were ranked with criteria for urgent and non-urgent risk, through individual interviews with a representative sample of 756 users. Furthermore, we sought to investigate whether there were associations between sociodemographic characteristics, self-perceived health, chronic disease, access to USF/UBS, access barriers, transportation, among others (independent variables), with demand for care is presented risk urgent or not urgent. The results showed that individuals classified as non-urgent had the following associated factors: retired, went to the emergency department or walking SAMU, patients with chronic diseases, self-perception that their health condition was urgent referral for own/family account. Study 2 was conducted using secondary data collected in the Emergency Unit "Alfredo José de Castro" between the years 2011-2012. From the data collected, was initially performed a descriptive analysis showing the frequency of users by gender, age, neighborhood where he resides and its index of social exclusion, a time when tried to call (morning, afternoon, night) and the classification of individual risk is urgent or not urgent. In a second step, statistical test was used to assess the characteristics associated with users looking for UPA services more frequently (> 4 visits). The outcome variable" overutilization of service" was associated with the group of pregnant individuals, children, elderly, the physically and mentally disabled. In Article 3: A qualitative study was conducted, we used the technique of content analysis in order to test the motivations of users ranked in need of non-urgent care. Among the motivations for seeking care in the Emergency Care Units, were detected six major categories: lack of infrastructure of the nearest health post, perception of pain and symptoms of emergency, home / work proximity; takes care of scheduling and PHC, quality of care in the UPA; habit. In this way it was intended to contribute to the improvement of the work process in health and qualification of urgent and emergency services / Mestrado / Saude Coletiva / Mestra em Odontologia

Electronic networking is becoming a familiar tool in higher education and research. Because the cost of telecommunications is decreasing, while the power of electronic networks and related computing resources is increasing, the resources and systems of electronic networks can now be used more easily. Access to the new global system of electronic networking has a great potential for the development of information services in South Korea. The principal aim of the research presented here is to determine what campus-wide and nation-wide information system will enable academic and research institutions in South Korea to share their information resources in an effective and efficient way via high-speed networks. The situation in South Korea has been modelled using Checkland's soft systems methodology. Data have been collected via both questionnaires and interviews, using a stratified sample of six South Korean universities as the main source. The factors at work have been examined, and the implications for the university system and for electronic networking in South Korea are considered.

The evolution of e-health has the potential to assist in the management of scarce resources and the shortage of skills, enhance efficiencies, improve quality and increase work productivity within the healthcare sector. As a result, an increase is seen in e-health solutions developments with the aim to improve healthcare services, hospital information systems, health decision support, telemedicine and other technical systems that have the potential to reduce cost, improve quality, and enhance the accessibility and delivery of healthcare. However, unfortunately their implementation contiues to fail. Although there are several reasons for this, in this study a lack of project quality management is viewed as a key contributor to the failure of e-health solutions implementation projects in rural hospitals. This results in neglected aspects of quality assurance (QA), which forms an integral part of project quality management. The purpose of this study is to develop a Genertic Quality Assurance Model (GQAM) for the successful acquisition (i.e. development and implementation) of e-health solutions in rural hospitals in the Eastern Cape Province to enable improved quality of care and service delivery. In order to develop and test this model it was necessary to identify the QA methodologies that are currently used in rural hospitals and to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses, as well as their impact on project success. The study is divided into four phases; in each phase different study designs were followed. The study used triangulation of qualitative and some elements of quantitative research approaches, in terms of which a case study approach was adpoted to answer the research questions. This study did indeed develop a GQAM that can be used to ensure e-health solution success in rural hospitals. Furthermore, to aid in the implementation of this model, a set of QA value chain implementation guidelines were developed, as a framework, to inject the nodel into typical (SDLC) phases.

D.Litt. et Phil. / In this study the term "information user education" applies to educating students to enable them to retrieve and utilise information sources and the library's services, facilities and sources effectively. In agreement with modern practice this includes learning library and information skills. Literature has shown that information user education must take place in order to render users library and information literate. Various writers have pointed out that distance education students also have a specific need for information user education, but that there is very little information on decentralised information user education. In Library and Information practice it has also been found that information on decentralised information user education is not readily available and that there is a need to educate students. In order to be able to develop decentralised information user education for Technikon SA, it was therefore necessary to undertake research on the design thereof. A literature study was indispensable in investigating information user education in general. Information user education was also explored in the context of distance education (national and international), technikon education, the education model of Technikon SA and the library and information services of Technikon SA. The status of information user education at some distance education institutions was also investigated. Based on the research undertaken by Technikon SA on international distance education trends, it was found that three basic principles form the nucleus of a well-organised distance education institution. These principles are student support of a high standard, learner-centred course material and quality administrative systems. The education model of Technikon SA, that is the Integrated Learner-Centred Distance Education model, is based on these principles. To support this education model, the library and information services of Technikon SA concluded co-operation agreements with public libraries throughout South Africa in order to offer these services to students. Technikon SA purchases duplicate copies of recommended books, processes, issues and dispatch them to the public libraries. At present approximately 270 libraries house these collections. Postal loans and article services are also available for students to supplement these services. For the purposes of this study the library and information services were evaluated according to the guidelines laid down for distance education libraries and for technikon libraries. Based on these guidelines it was found that Technikon SA library generally met the criteria stipulated, but that the library and information services did not offer decentralised information user education. To supplement the literature study, an empirical study was undertaken to determine how essential information user education was for Technikon SA students. In addition it had to be established what aspects had to be offered, at what levels these aspects had to be offered and who had to present the training.

M.Bibl. (Information Studies) / Traditionally it is part of the library or information service to provide clients with access to current and relevant information through current awareness services. It is part of the information professional's task to apply new technology and necessary services to the advantage of the clients. The purpose of this study was to establish, by means of empirical research, the effectiveness of CoMIC - an abstracting journal service currently provided to the mining industry. Other institutions providing a similar abstracting journal service should be able to use this methodology as a basis when evaluating their own service. Both a literature survey (to gain basic information about current awareness services in general and more specifically abstracting journals) and a postal questionnaire (to establish clients' opinions about the CoMIC service) were used during the study. From the literature survey it was established that the use of an effective current awareness service holds a variety of advantages. There are however also a few problems associated with the provision of current awareness services. These problems are surpassable providing the necessary precautions are taken in time. The criteria to which abstracting journals are to adhere were established. The purpose of the questionnaire was to give clients the oportunity to express their personal views with regard to the CoMIC service. The most important information extrapolated from the questionnaire was that respondents were satisfied with most aspects of the service. Recommendations with regard to alleviating a few minor problems were provided. After an analysis of the research results, it was concluded that CoMIC should be classified as an effective abstracting journal service.

M.Inf. / Belbin's team role theory is a popular team building tool. This study aims to establish whether Belbin's theory can be meaningfully applied to an information service enterprise. Belbin's team role theory is explained and its uniqueness, when compared with similar theories such as Margerison and McCann's team role theory and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, is highlighted. Belbin's theory is then applied to a team in the Unisa Library to evaluate how the 'end-user', the trainee, views the value of this team role theory. Their views are then evaluated using a research/evaluation questionnaire. The findings are discussed and the conclusion is reached that Belbin's team role theory can be meaningfully applied in an information service enterprise. The feedback of the respondents indicates that they were satisfied with the accuracy and truthfulness of the results and that they were of the opinion that their team roles reflected their personalities rather than their values and culture. For them the main value lies in the renewed self-insight and increased self-confidence gained from the exercise. They also indicated its potential for improved cooperation and problem solving within team context. Furthermore they were confident that the team roles could be used when the reengineering plan is implemented in the Unisa Library. Finally it is recommended that team building needs to form an integral part of the reengineering implementation process. With regard to team development the need to focus on the 'task', 'team', 'individual' and the 'organisational context' is emphasised.

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / The existing District Health Information System in South Africa can be described as a facility based Information System, focusing on the clinics and hospitals and not on the community. Consequently, only those who access health services through these facilities are included in the system. Many children do not have access to basic health and social services and consequently, are denied their right to good health. Additionally, they are excluded from the routine Health Information System. Policy and resource decisions made by the District Managers, based on the current health facility information, reinforces the exclusion of these already marginalised children. The premise behind this research is that vulnerability of children can be tackled using two interconnected strategies. The first is through the creation of awareness of the situation of children and the second through mobilising the commitment and action of government and society to address this situation. These strategies can be supported by designing an Information System for action; an Information System that can be used to advocate and influence decisions and policies for the rights of these children; an Information System that includes all children. An interpretive participatory action research approach, using a case study in a rural municipality in South Africa, was adopted for the study of a child-health Community-Based Information System. The context in which the community is placed, as well as the structures which are embedded in it, was examined using Structuration Theory. This theory also influenced the design of the Information System. As the aim of the research is to change the Information System to include vulnerable children, a Critical Social Theoretical and longitudinal perspective was adopted. In particular, concepts from Habermas, such as the creation of a public sphere and the ’Ideal Speech Situation’, informed the methodology chosen and were used to analyse the research undertaken. Based on the research conducted in this municipality, four main changes to the Health Information System were made. These were: • determination of the community’s own indicators; • changes in data collection forms; • creation of forums for analysis and reflection, and; • changes in the information flows for improved feedback. Other practical contributions of the research are the development of local capacities in data collection and analysis, the development of practical guidelines on the design of a child-health Community-Based Information System, and the development of strategies for enabling participation and communication. In line with the action research approach adopted, and the desire to link theory and practice, the research also contributed on a theoretical level. These contributions include extending the use of Structuration Theory, in conjunction with Habermas’ Critical Social Theory, to the empirical context of South Africa; addressing the gap of Community-Based Information Systems in Information System design; extending the debate on participation and communication in Information Systems to ’developing’ countries, and developing generalisations from a qualitative case study. / South Africa

Dissertation (MA (Development Communication))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Information Science / unrestricted

This research is concerned with some aspects of the retrieval of information from database systems by casual, naive computer users. A "casual user" is defined as an individual who only wishes to execute queries perhaps once or twice a month, and a "naive user" is someone who has little or no expertise in operating a computer and, more specifically for the purposes of this study, is not practiced at querying a database. The research initially focuses on a specific group of casual, naive users, namely a group of clinicians, and analyzes their characteristics as they pertain to the retrieval of information from a computer database. The characteristics thus elicited are then used to create the requirements for a database interface that would, potentially, be acceptable to this group. An interface having the desired requirements is then proposed. This interface consists, from a user's perspective, of three basic components. A graphical model gives a picture of the database structure. Windows give the ability to view different areas of the database, physically group together items that come under one logical heading and provide the user with immediate access to the data item names used by the system. Finally, a natural language query language provides a means of entering a query in a syntax (that of ordinary English) which is familiar to the user. The graphical model is a logical abstraction of the database. Unlike other database interfaces, it is not constrained by the model (relational, hierarchical, network) underlying the database management system, with the one caveat that the graphical model should not imply any connections which cannot be supported by the management system. Versions of the interface are implemented on both eight-bit and sixteen-bit microcomputers, and testing is conducted in order to validate the acceptability of the interface and to discover the level of graphical model which the users find most acceptable. The results of this testing are reported and further areas for research suggested.

Knowledge economy management literature is prolific but very little of the retrieved literature relates to the application of these management philosophies within the library and information services industry. The assumptions that underlie this research are in the first instance that, if it is not reported in the literature, it is questionable whether library and information services are implementing the new management practices. Secondly, a perception exists that knowledge economy management philosophies are only truly applicable when managing knowledge workers. Although the traditional 'administrative' or back office library environment is not seen as a knowledge worker domain, for the purpose of this study it was presumed that the advantages of these knowledge economy management philosophies are such that they should also be applicable within the back office environment. The purpose of the study was therefore to test the applicability of knowledge era management practice within an environment not associated with typical knowledge workers. Intellectual capital management was chosen as the core management philosophy to apply but the knowledge management as well as learning organization philosophies were also briefly reviewed. To measure success, a variety of measuring methodologies were investigated. Within the context of the research the most suitable methodology was identified as a hybrid version of Kaplan and Norton's balanced scorecard, based on the philosophy of the intangible asset monitor and including aspects of the value chain scoreboard. An opinion was expressed that the monitoring of intellectual capital growth needs to take place at both the individual and the organizational level if monitoring is to be of real objective value. Implementation of the management practice (intellectual capital management) occurred in two phases and stretched over a period close on 18 months. A situation analysis was done at the start of the research period. Kaplan and Norton's adapted scorecard framework was then utilized to set objectives for each of the two implementation phases. An adapted version of Sveiby's Affärsvärlden model was utilized to identify specific implementation actions and initiatives to be taken. All activities were structured into human, structural, customer and financial capital related issues. This was done to ensure that all capitals were addressed and to be able to measure growth in all of these areas. Measurement results were reported in an intellectual capital report, which was prepared at the end of the study period. The report identified both strengths and weaknesses in the intellectual capital of the service section. From the weaknesses, a number of priority actions were identified while the strengths provided a good lead as to what could be considered the good practice that should be continued. Stakeholders were asked to make use of a list of priority actions and to assist in identifying only those items that should be addressed after the completion of the research. The last chapter of this report was used to: · report and reflect on the results achieved; · identify the lessons learnt in the process of implementing intellectual capital management; · to make recommendations for the service unit; and · to provide recommendations for further study. In brief it is possible to say that intellectual capital management has been an appropriate management philosophy to use within the chosen service environment. It was therefore seen as appropriate to recommend that the principles and practices of intellectual capital management be rolled out to the rest of the service unit. / Dissertation (DPhil (Information Science))--University of Pretoria, 2004. / Information Science / unrestricted