Combining Face-to-face Therapy with Computerized Techniques: A therapists' Attitudes Survey.

Therapists' attitudes towards the use of computerized therapies have been the focus of numerous studies. Nevertheless, little is known about therapists' perception of a combined model that uses computerized methods as adjuncts to face-to-face (FTF) therapy. Current study surveyed 87 Israeli therapists' attitudes towards such combined model. Results show that more than half of therapists find it as potentially more effective than regular therapy, better for providing feedback and maintaining continuity of care. More than a third of the therapists found it may elicit better patient satisfaction and engagement. With respect to different modalities, therapists indicated that e-mail correspondence are better suited for combining with FTF treatments. Theoretical orientation had little effect on practitioners' attitudes. Finally, more than half of the therapists showed willingness to undergo training for a combined model. Compared to previously researched computerized interventions, current study indicates more positive attitudes and acceptability among therapists towards an integrative model.

An internet-based simulation system for training and development of regional-healthcare-centers managers.

RHCMS (Regional Healthcare Center Management System) is an Internet-based simulation training system for Regional Healthcare-Centers (RHCs) managers. The system is based on an integrative model, designed and developed by an interdisciplinary team of experts, for the purpose of training and developing RHCs' managers. This model involves the study of the following fields: healthcare management, business administration, organizational behavior, health economics, management science, and information technologies. The simulation system enables the operation of a management decision-making game. In the game, teams of trainees, playing management teams of RHCs, within one specific community, compete among themselves. The simulation focuses on managerial performance, based on periodic team-decisions, within the internal and external environmental context. The simulation game has a major potential contribution in enabling management trainees to transfer theoretical knowledge into managerial practical tools, capabilities and skills.

Physicians' and nurses' reactions to electronic medical records. Managerial and occupational implications.

Aims to understand the managerial implications of the perceptions hospital physicians and nurses hold toward the introduction of electronic medical records (EMRS). In-depth interviews were used with 18 hospital physicians and eight nurses from several different hospital wards at a large government-run, university-affiliated hospital in Israel, where EMRs were gradually introduced over the last 20 years. Physicians identified six different domains of impact. Senior physicians, most of whom held managerial roles, tended to emphasise managerial outcomes and to view these as positively affecting their organisations. Junior doctors emphasised mostly negative occupational effects of the EMR on their work--including limits to professional autonomy, heavier administrative burdens, and reinforcement of existing professional hierarchies. Nurses identified different domains and saw benefits for quality and administration of patient care.