The merits of systematic planning and the implementation and evaluation of a staff health education program are discussd. Health education programs for such target populations as the university staff are advocated. (JN)

Practical and heuristic reasons for evaluating the quality of mental health care on a college campus are given, an example of such an evaluation is presented, and difficulties in arriving at a valid assessment are discussed. (JD)

Characteristics of institutions participating in the Mental Health Annual Program Survey are reported. (JD)

This article describes a cyclic process of patient care evaluation especially suited for use in ambulatory care settings such as a university campus. (JD)

The new quality assurance system for nursing homes implemented by the New York State Department of Health in 1981 was compared to the previous system. The new system devoted more resources to on-site activities and identified more patient-care deficiencies and more repeat deficiencies. (SLD)

Explores the nature of meta-analysis by placing it in the context of research synthesis. Methods of meta-analysis are described and compared with other forms of research integration, and findings for several meta-analyses are provided to show advantages of quantitative review methods. (SLD)

Factors that might bias outcomes of meta-analytic reviews are discussed. The role of meta-analysis in theory development is considered, describing three types of meta-analytic tests of theory. A final section discusses the applicability of meta-analysis in the assessment of convergent and discriminant construct validity. (SLD)

Some guidelines are offered for interpreting and evaluating meta-analytic reviews of research. The choice of unit of analysis, the issue of fixed versus random effects, the meaning of heterogeneity, the determination of appropriate contrasts, and the choice of measures of central tendency are discussed. (SLD)

A study in a medical center investigated the feasibility of primary care practices combining internal medicine and pediatrics residencies. Equally divided among children and adults, the patients had sought specialists and were highly satisfied. The physicians had appeal particularly to young upper-middle class patients. (Author/MSE)

Data from 2,226 patients were used to determine dimensions of satisfaction with medical care, the relationship between direct and indirect methods of assessing care, and the extent to which visit-specific and global satisfaction with care covary. Results support the multidimensionality of satisfaction ratings but show some covariation. (SLD)

Exercise can help decrease pain and improve function in people with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. Physicians must provide individualized, realistic, enjoyable exercise programs that help affected joints, build fitness, and maximize patient compliance. Physicians must also provide appropriate follow-up care, adjusting the exercise program…

Examines effectiveness of public information officers transmitting policy actors' frames through the media (six major newspapers) to the public during the 1991-92 silicone breast implant controversy that involved a major corporation, the medical community, and citizens' activist groups. Finds that the medical community's frame occurred most…

Examines feasibility and effectiveness of implementing a directive education program called "Let Me Decide" to veterans living in Ontario. Discusses two methods used to evaluate implementation of the program. Reports that 97% of the veterans found the education process beneficial whether or not they completed the directives. (Author/JDM)

Purpose: Our objective in this study was to compare the quality of care provided under the Minnesota Senior Health Options (MSHO), a special program designed to serve dually eligible older persons, to care provided to controls who received fee-for-service Medicare and Medicaid managed care. Design and Methods: Two control groups were used; one was…