This study had a research purpose and a pedagogical purpose. Research disclosed the dynamic, changing nature of (learner-internal and learner- external) variables that influence strategic competence ...for developing EFL/ESL writers. This competence was found necessary for international graduate students to move from writer-centered learning to reader-centered communication. The research instruments proved to be practical tools for guiding learners' processes of learning and writing a scholarly paper or article and avoiding plagiarism. The implication for teachers and program administrators is a systematic approach for developing self-regulation (control) in EFL/ESL writing. The first part of the book reports on the mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative) research. The second part gives an in- depth report of the 6 cases used in the research. The third part presents tools for systematically developing self-regulation in scholarly (and academic) writing with (a) student and teacher checklists for formative assessment that are valid and reliable; and (b) a model syllabus for teachers that can be adapted across disciplines and genres. These tools deal with learning strategies and their applications to writing and writing instruction.
Work-related injuries result in considerable morbidity, as well as social and economic costs. Pain associated with these injuries is a complex, contested topic, and narcotic analgesics (NA) remain ...important treatment options. Factors contributing to NA utilization patterns are poorly understood. This qualitative study sought to characterize the factors contributing to NA utilization amongst injured workers from the perspectives of physicians and pharmacists.
The study employed concept mapping methodology, a structured process yielding a conceptual framework of participants' views on a particular topic. A visual display of the ideas/concepts generated is produced. Eligible physicians and pharmacists (n = 22) serving injured workers in the province of Ontario (Canada) were recruited via purposive sampling, and participated in concept mapping activities (consisting of brainstorming, sorting, rating, and map exploration). Participants identified factors influencing NA utilization, and sorted these factors into categories (clusters). Next, they rated the factors on two scales: 'strength of influence on NA over-utilization' and 'amenability to intervention'. During follow-up focus groups, participants refined the maps and discussed the findings and their implications.
82 factors were sorted into 7 clusters: addiction risks, psychosocial issues, social/work environment factors, systemic-third party factors, pharmacy-related factors, treatment problems, and physician factors. These clusters were grouped into 2 overarching categories/regions on the map: patient-level factors, and healthcare/compensation system-level factors. Participants rated NA over-utilization as most influenced by patient-level factors, while system-level factors were rated as most amenable to intervention. One system-level cluster was rated highly on both scales (treatment problems - e.g. poor continuity of care, poor interprofessional communication, lack of education/support for physicians regarding pain management, unavailability of multidisciplinary team-based care, prolonged wait times to see specialists).
Participants depicted factors driving NA utilization among injured workers as complex. Patient-level factors were perceived as most influential on over-utilization, while system-level factors were considered most amenable to intervention. This has implications for intervention design, suggesting that systemic/structural factors should be taken into account in order to address this important health issue.
OBJECTIVE:The aim of this study was to explore the impact of the Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Boardʼs (WSIBʼs) graduated approach to opioid management on opioid prescribing and disability ...claim duration.
METHODS:We studied patterns of opioid use and disability claim duration among Ontarians who received benefits through the WSIB between 2002 and 2013. We used interventional time series analysis to assess the impact of the WSIB graduated formulary on these trends.
RESULTS:After the introduction of the graduated formulary, initiation of short- and long-acting opioids fell significantly (P < 0.0001). We also observed a shift toward the use of short-acting opioids alone (P < 0.0001). Although disability claim duration declined, this could not be ascribed to the intervention (P = 0.18).
CONCLUSION:A graduated opioid formulary may be an effective tool for providers to promote more appropriate opioid prescribing.
OBJECTIVE:The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a new workers’ compensation medical assessment model on loss of earnings (LOE) benefits duration.
METHODS:A medical assessment model was ...introduced incorporating return to work planning and inclusion of the workerʼs treating physician. Impact of the program on LOE benefit duration was assessed using a quasi-experimental pre–post study design. Cox PH multivariable regression was adjusted for age, gender, injury severity, time to referral, and industry.
RESULTS:The study population comprised 3146 workers1794 assessed pre-intervention and 1574 assessed after introduction of the new model. There was a significant reduction in LOE benefit duration for workers assessed in the new model (hazard ratio 1.33, 95% confidence interval 1.23–1.43).
CONCLUSIONS:The probability of being off LOE benefits for workers assessed in the new program was 33% greater than for workers assessed in the prior program.
Communications bridge Bain, Donna
Canadian Underwriter,
12/2022, Letnik:
89, Številka:
8
Trade Publication Article
Bain discusses how the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) changed the way it interacts with auto insurance claimants. Proactive outreach to injured customers to help them recover, while ...also communicating about insurance benefits and processes, is a hallmark of the new Enhanced Care model put in place by ICBC in spring 2021. Enhanced Care changes many things about ICBC's claims service delivery, including how the provincial insurer communicates and builds relationships with injured customers -- and aligns both parties around the mutual goal of injury recovery.
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