Race and obesity disparities among adults living in gentrifying neighborhoods.

There is a paucity of research seeking to understand race disparities in obesity among individuals living in a gentrifying neighborhood. American Community Survey data were used to identify gentrifying neighborhoods. In a cross-sectional analysis, these data were then linked to the 2014 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, yielding an analytic sample of 887 Black and White adults. Obesity was based on body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2. After controlling for potential confounders, Black adults living in gentrifying neighborhoods had a higher prevalence of obesity (PR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.88) than White adults living in gentrifying neighborhoods. Gentrification may have no impact on reducing Black-White obesity disparities in the US.

Capacity and competence: nurse credentialing and privileging.

Ideally, patient needs are carefully matched with nursing skills, but despite the use of tools such as patient classification systems, matching needs with capabilities remains problematic. To effectively confront this problem, hospitals have a model to manage professionals with disparate education, training and experience--the medical staff credentialing and privileging program. Although adaptation of this model requires a significant cultural change for most nursing departments, it offers the benefits of fostering professionalism and increasing accountability in addition to better meeting patient care needs. In return for their initial investment, nurse executives may see results that include a more responsive, professional staff and increased customer satisfaction, both internal and external.