Physicians and medical neglect: Variables that affect reporting

Variables that affect the propensity to report medical neglect were surveyed among 52 physicians on the staff of a pediatric hospital. Death was one of the 52 potential consequences of neglect listed for 7 of the 46 diseases analyzed. The time allotted before neglect would be considered varied with the stage and seriousness of the disease. Caretakers were less likely to be considered neglectful if the symptoms of the disease were minor, not obvious, or required technical sophistication for recognition. The number of acceptable reasons for missing appointments varied. The natural course of the disease process, efficacy and safety of treatment, parents' religion, intellectual level, and economic situation affected neglect reporting propensity. Definitions of medical neglect for common diseases must be standardized. Training of lay caretakers of ill children and communication of clear and reasonable expectations are necessary to help prevent medical neglect.     

New technology products: How to separate opportunities from potential disasters

In few areas are the risks and opportunities for publishers as great as they are in new technology products. Richard Johnson discusses the opportunities publishers have in expanding into software, audiotapes, online databases, CD-ROM, and video. He reviews the history of publishers’ involvement in these fields, what has not worked and why, what has worked, and the costs. He also offers rules of thumb for each product and outlines what is needed to succeed in any new technology venture. Richard O. Johnson’s consulting practice provides advice, problem solving, and implementation in the areas of technology, strategy, and business development. His background includes VP-Corporate Development at John Wiley & Sons, VP-Planning and Business Development for two subsidiaries of Allied-Signal Corp. and several years of venture capital startups for Exxon Enterprises.