Publications by authors named "M Heffernan"
Forecast of total health expenditure on China's ageing population: a system dynamics model.
BMC Health Serv Res
December 2024
Background: China is currently at a turning point as its total population has started to decline, and therefore faces issues related to caring for an ageing population, which will require an increase in Total Health Expenditure (THE). Therefore, the ability to forecast China's future THE is essential.
Methods: We developed two THE System Dynamics (SD) models using Stella Architect 3.
Article Synopsis
- The study aimed to understand parents' views on using home monitoring technologies for early childhood research, focusing on their concerns and enthusiasm.
- Participants included new and expecting parents who took part in interviews about hypothetical studies involving wearable devices, audio monitoring, and environmental sampling.
- Themes from the interviews indicated that while parents were generally positive about participation, they raised concerns about safety, data privacy, and the logistical challenges of involvement, highlighting the need for trust and transparency from researchers.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the LIV selection in 'tweener' patients treated with MCGR or PSF.
Methods: A multicenter pediatric spine database was queried for ambulatory patients ages 8-11 years treated by MCGR or PSF with at least 2-year follow-up. The relationship between the LIV and preoperative spinal height, curve magnitude, and implant type were assessed.
Article Synopsis
- The study investigates the division of responsibilities between mothers and fathers for healthcare-related tasks involving their children, revealing significant gender differences in these roles.
- Data was collected from over 1,100 parents, showing that mothers are primarily responsible for scheduling appointments and taking children to healthcare visits, often more than twice as likely as fathers.
- The findings suggest that pediatricians can encourage greater involvement from fathers in these tasks, potentially helping to shift societal norms regarding healthcare responsibilities in families.
Community-Level Strategies for Addressing Disparities in Healthy People 2030 Leading Health Indicators.
J Public Health Manag Pract
December 2024
Article Synopsis
- The Healthy People 2030 Leading Health Indicators (LHIs) focus on measurable objectives to help organizations tackle health disparities like infant and maternal mortality and food insecurity.
- This study investigates what programs organizations are using to address these LHIs and how they decide on those programs.
- Common strategies identified include wraparound services, doula programs, and food pharmacies, with organizations emphasizing community needs assessment and partnerships for effective program implementation.