ERIC Number: ED426325
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1998-Nov-7
Pages: 16
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Hindering Health? The Influence of Health Service Organization on the Delivery of Care for Eating Disorders in a University Setting.
McKinney, Kristen J.
A case study is presented which seeks to understand the provision of health services to university students, specifically in situations that require an integration of treatment. The relationship of the effects of traditional bureaucratic structures on quality of services provided for students is explored by looking at the relationship between organizational structure, individual practitioner ideas, and the larger societal context in the provision of health care services for students with eating disorders. The complex nature of eating disorders requires treatment from a variety of sources including medical, psychological, dental, nutritional, and fitness assistance; these services need to be integrated. The positioning of health services under student affairs is discussed. In the study, semistructured interviews were conducted with six staff members involved in the treatment of eating disorders. Data were coded and a matrix of typologies was developed. Findings are presented and discussed in terms of "tensions between organizational structure and the goals of treatment,""the development of strategies to overcome limitations," and "the importance of motivated individuals." This case study serves as an example of how organizational factors can paralyze otherwise intelligent and motivated individuals and prevent them from working toward their goals. (EMK)
Publication Type: Reports - Research; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A
Note: Paper presented at the Association for the Study of Higher Education Conference (Miami, FL, November 5-8, 1998).