Angrist Chiropractic Health

Management Information System (I.T) is the study, interaction and application of knowledge between people, data, processes and technology. That is, it interprets decision making and coordination in organizations for different levels. Its purpose is to build better relationships by achieving human objectives, organizational objectives, and social objectives. To implement Information Systems in a practical way in an organization, this report has been summarized by researching and putting together a proposal for a Wellness center in New York City targeting obese children and how Information Technology is applied in the organization and automate the solutions.

The information gathered on the problems, focuses on the opportunities to develop and implement strategies to improve the situations. This report is dedicated to Angrist Chiropractic and Wellness Center where the wellness team, consisting of Chiropractic Services, Acupuncturists, Massage Therapists, and a Nutritional Consultant, not only strives to focus on their patients immediate needs but also educate them on how to maintain their wellness balance for a lifetime.

ANGRIST CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTER ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Childhood Obesity is a condition where excess body fat negatively affects a child's health or wellbeing. As methods to determine body fat directly are difficult, the diagnosis of obesity is often based on BMI (Body Mass Index at or above 95th percentile). Healthy weight: BMI is 5th percentile to less than 85th percentile. (Wikipedia; en.wikipedia.org).

Business Concept

The Angris Chiropractic and Wellness Care has conducted research into the rise of childhood obesity in New York City, and its progression. The organization is uniquely positioned to service obese children throughout the Tri-State area. In July, 2010 the Health & Wellness Group formed a center that catered to the needs of obese children.

Physical, mental and emotional components were incited in this intervention of health for children. The center was formed as a partnership. The company is currently in the start-up stage and expects to move higher in the market towards further growth and profitability throughout the five boroughs.

Background and History

Angrist Chiropractic & Wellness Care is an established wellness center in New York City since 1979 (and more recently has expanded to New Jersey). Dr. Arnold Angrist, D.C., has led this center to fulfill the different wellness needs and goals of thousands of patients throughout the years.

This center is also dedicated to the improvement and quality assessment in the lives of obesity sufferers in New York City and now in New Jersey too. ACWC serves as a place of comfort and eminent care.The Board of Directors who are the leaders in obesity outcomes research collaboratively conducted studies in the methodology of outcomes assessment and quality improvement. ACWC was determined to have New Yorkers educated on healthy eating habits and a place to go to seek help for their weight.

Being a member of this group, the mission is to dedicate and motivate to conquer the reduction of obesity in children by 25% within the next five years.Our central site enrolled 57 patients in its premier year to determine the minimal clinically needed members to prospectively track the outcomes (including health status) of patients suffering from obesity, or who were unhealthily overweight. ACWC's membership is free and open to all at www.angristchiro.com or by calling toll free 1-866-healthy.  There is no age limit on membership.  Parents can enroll their minor children.  No one is excluded due to any pre-existing medical condition.  We welcome everyone. 

Current Situation

1/3 of children and adolescents are either obese or at risk of becoming obese.Fast food consumption increases 5 times more.20-25% eats five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day.Outdoor playtime replaced by, television, video games, internet.According to CDC for the past 3 yrs. childhood obesity rate:Doubled for preschool children (2-5 yrs)Doubled for Adolescents (12-19 yrs)Tripled for children (6-11 yrs)60% obese children (5-10 yrs) had at least one cardiovascular disease (diabetes, hypertension)25% had 2 or more risk factorsHighest prevalence rates in developing countries: Iran, Saudi ArabiaMany states limit the portion sizes and improve the nutritional quality of food and beverages available in schools.4 states prohibit vending machines in schools (Alabama, Maine, New Mexico and Louisiana); 1 state banned advertising candy, soft drinks and fast foods (New York).Physical education: 8% elementary school, 6.4% middle/junior high schools, 5.8% senior high schools provide daily PE or its equivalent.According to the International Journal of Pediatric Obesity by 2010 it is projected that:20% of children and adolescents in the USA will be obesenearly half will be overweight

Key Success Factors

Activities that concentrate on the people as a whole (such as mass-media-based education promotions and adjustments to the built location) rather than on individuals (such as one-to-one counseling) are more likely to be prosperous in the prevention of obesity.Responses that are organized, long term, supportable and sufficiently sourced are more likely to prosper.Ensure that gender, cultural and developmental variances are accepted and policies are designed to match the group's needs.Obesity management entails a complex response than dieting alone; a balanced life style is the key.Increase television viewing, sedentary behavior, cause increase childhood obesity. Television viewing is a target for obesity control efforts.Physical activity is influenced by environmental, socio-economic and cultural factors.

They are Accessibility of open space, public transportation, buildings; design of suburbs; provision of lighting and access to proper, affordable and accessible sport, recreation and other physical activities.Family, Peer group environment is central. International experience is the key to reducing childhood obesity.Cultural values, access to food outlets, contact with advertising messages, school food policies, nutrition information, labeling and food regulations influence daily food behaviors.Improvement of vital "movement skills"; Children with poor essential movement skills are less likely to join active quests.Use active transport (walking, cycling and public transport) increases the level of physical activity.

VISION STATEMENT

Strategy Alignment

The Vision of the Angrist Chiropractic & Wellness Care is to promote good nutrition maintenance through healthy dieting, exercise programs, counseling, education, and provide information for the morbidly obese for surgeries such as lap band, liposuction and gastric bypass.

Mission Statement

The Angrist Chiropractic & Wellness Care focuses on the fight against childhood obesity which is one of the most prevalent factors of death in the Unites States today. This is a unique facility that is designed to reduce obesity from infants' to 18 years.

PROBLEM SCOPE

This study is designed to reduce the rising problem of childhood obesity by 25 percent in New York City within the next 5 years. Obesity and sedentary lifestyles are escalating to epidemic proportions with an estimated 64% of U.S. adults who are currently either overweight or obese according to the Centers for Disease Control. The percentages of children and adolescents who are defined as overweight have more than doubled since the early 1970's.

Currently about 15% of children and teens are overweight and the numbers are steadily climbing. Obesity creates an enormous threat to many chronic diseases including cardio vascular disease, cancer, diabetes and hypertension to name a few. Obesity contributes to 300,000 premature deaths and at least $90 billion in direct annual health care costs in the United States.The Angrist Chiropractic & Wellness Care mission focuses on the fight against childhood obesity which is one of the most prevalent factors of death in the United States today.  This is a unique facility that is designed to reduce obesity in children from infants' to18 years.

The vision of the Angels Health & Wellness Center is to promote good nutrition maintenance through healthy dieting, exercise programs, counseling, education, and provide information for the morbidly obese for surgeries, such as, lap band, liposuction, and gastric bypass.The Angrist Chiropractic & Wellness Care is an integrated curriculum that brings nutritional education and physical fitness education together to elementary youth. Children can benefit tremendously from learning accurate food, nutrition, and fitness information as well as learning how to use this knowledge. Using this information will improve their overall health and fitness level and may reduce their risks of developing life-threatening illnesses later in life. This program also has a component that enhances the learning of the youth by having the learning in the lessons brought home to the family.

Dietitians agree children are what their parents eat, for they are the nutritional role models. Parents determine the availability and composition of the child's diet provide a model of eating behavior, and guide the child's eating through feeding practices. So, when the learning is reinforced within the family, the messages get more engrained in the children's habits which will be with them for their lifetime. This process is accomplished by a Family newsletter and a Family Mealtime interactive placemat sent home with the children in the "Balanced for Life" fitness, Education, Nutrition, Surgery, and Counseling programs.

We are planning to run this program in area communities as an after school enrichment offering.

Goals and Objectives

Identify that being healthy involves eating a variety of healthy foods and being physical active.Become familiar with the food pyramid and its importance.Describe the connections among grain group foods, physical activity and energy.Identify safe food handling practices in the kitchen.Learn that eating fruits and vegetables helps to keep us healthy.Learn that strong bones and muscles result from eating foods from the milk and meat groups.Learn that eating breakfast and beginning their day with physical activity will give their day a bright start.Identify snack foods from all of the food groups.Become aware that they can make decisions to be healthy through their food and activity choices.

Target Market and Customers

The five boroughs; Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island.Obese children ages from infants to 18 years old.Elementary, Junior/Middle and High school children.Children from low income families, homeless, and less fortunate.

SOLUTION DESCRIPTION

Through this Request for Proposals (RFP), the centre wishes to identify eligible contractors to reach the following goals:NYC residents, in particular children, their parents and caregivers, will be aware of the prevalence and negative impact of childhood obesity. This includes the impact that co morbidities associated with obesity have on their health and ways to prevent it.NYC residents, in particular children, their parents and caregivers, will gain knowledge and experience in preventing childhood obesity, including good nutritional eating habits and physical activity.Children who are overweight and/or obese will have access to intervention programs including physician interaction that will help them reach and maintain the proper weight. The key approaches of the Children Health Initiative in addressing childhood obesity are to promote healthy nutrition and increase age-appropriate physical activity.

Strategies and Expected Outcomes

Individual Education Change in individual knowledge or behavior which leads to adoption of healthy behaviors and reduction/maintenance in BMI.Community Education Change in knowledge and awareness of targeted groups.Provider Education Change in provider knowledge and behavior likely to improve efforts to reduce obesity and the risk of co-morbidities associated with obesity.Partnership Development Increased involvement of the community, including increased access to places for physical activity. Change in organization level policies that support positive health behaviors. (Adapted from the Spectrum of Prevention, www.preventioninstitute.org)Applicants should propose programs that are evidence-based or promising prevention strategies.This makes the educational interactions of ACWC very important. Children learn about making healthy choices about eating in a fun way and learn that physical activity can be a variety of things that are fun to do.

While these things are happening many other benefits for children are happening too. They are learning in a structured, safe environment with all of these important life skills being incorporated like teamwork, leadership, decision-making, and self-esteem. Food consumption by school-age children (Gleason and Suitor, 2001) found that only 2 percent of children are meeting the recommended minimum number of servings for all five major food groups in the Food Guide Pyramid.

35 percent of children are getting their fruit intake, and only 46 percent are getting their meat intake, 45 percent their vegetable intake, 65 percent their grains, and only 60 percent their milk intake each day.

Kangaroo Jumps:

Background Basics - Research based background information about the unit's content.Icebreakers or Attention Getters - 5 minute introductory activities are designed to focus the children's attention and introduce the lesson topic.Learning Activities - 15 to 20 minute activities which include movement activities and/or nutrition activities.Focus on Food Safety - Brief information and activities on preparing, serving and storing food safely.Snack Suggestions - Suggestions and recipes for healthy snacks from the various food groups."Take Home News" Family Letter - A reproducible newsletter designed to inform and involve parents and other family members in the Grey Hat Health and Wellness Center nutrition and physical exercise program.

Fitness Program

People in general were more active while performing everyday tasks. Today everything has become so generic, with the use of remote controls and other enhanced technology, but by all means this has made society lazier than ever.Obesity has become a prevalent challenge across the U.S. today.Routine concentration in this program consists of strength training, cardio exercises and flexibility enhancement.We are a family here at the Health and Wellness Care and a family that exercises together, stays healthy together.We care about our patient's well being, and invite all to join.

Weight Loss Surgery

Weight loss surgery is usually the last resort for those who are considered morbidly obese.Morbid obesity can affect the quality of health and can shorten your life span.It is also the second leading cause of preventable death in the United States.

Obesity and Nutrition

Having poor nutrition and physical inactivity are related to an increased risk of a number of chronic health conditions.These conditions include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, some cancers, high blood pressure, over weight and obesity

Sedentary Life Styles

Different Life Events: Marriage, Pregnancy, College, Illness, Loneliness, Depression, Stress, Genetic, weight gaining medications.Poor Dietary Life Style: High Consumption of Fast Food, Snacks(chocolate, sweets, chips) and eating out regularly; Consumption of Frozen Food; Excessive Intake of High Level of Fatty/Cholesterol Food; Insufficient Consumption of Vegetables or Organic Food; Excess Intake of Red Meat; Intake of Excessive Calories of Food or Supersized meal.Physical Activities: Lack of Aerobic Exercises, Such as Running, Walking or Working Out; Lack of Movements or Activities Such as Sports; Unavailability of Adequate Parks and Playground for Both Adults and Children; Sedentary Habits, such as Watching TV, Excessive Use of Computers and Other Games.Behavioral Activities: Drinking, Smoking, Lack of Self-Esteem, Lack of Education, Bad Eating Habit Influenced by Family Habits.Environmental Factors: Pollution, TV, Urbanization (Lack of Fresh Food, Fatty Food, Lack of Movement), Culture, Climate, Geography, Infra-structure ( Such as Long Walk vs. Short Walk to Commute)Complications of Obesity: High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Cancer, Stroke, Sleep Apnea, Fatty Liver Disease, Osteoarthritis, Coronary Artery Disease, Social and Emotional Consequences.

Educational Programs

Monthly Workshop: Menu Planning, Food and Activity Journal, Creating food shopping list, Blood pressure and glucose testing.Education Intervention: Guide to behavioral change; Support groups; Guide to physical activities; Guide to accepting physical changes.Kids on the block: Encourage children to set personal goals; encourage children to express their feelings; encourage children to increase daily activities; Promote sensitivity and acceptance.Monthly Newsletter: Publish recipes; Publish success stories; Publish upcoming events; Tips on how to keep focus.Social Group work for Teens: After school counseling; Helping teens resist negative peer pressure

Obesity Counseling

Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is an arduous process.It can be a lifelong task for numerous adults.Many adults should feel the freedom, ease, comfort, and confidence in which to speak with someone.A support unit is highly recommended.Yet if one does not have a close nit unit of family or friends, this is where skills of professionals should be implemented.

Obesity and Stigma

Bias in employmentWeight bias in healthcareBias in educationPerceived unintelligence

Competition

The Gray Hat Health and Wellness Center faces competition from centers such as The New York Bariatric Group and the Obesity Surgery Center. What makes us stand out is that we cater to all aspects, not just surgery, and our motto is family orientated. Not many organizations would go to that extent of care for its clientele.

TECHNOLOGY APPLICATION

Since it is going to be a health and wellness centre, starting from our own personalized website www.angristchiro.com one of the main technological applications will be the Electronic health records which are part of the healthcare Information System. These computerized records can be stored, retrieved or manipulated within any given time from the database. Since the membership of the ACWC is going to be free, we are expecting huge amount of enrollment and the medical records for these children need to be stored in a database of our website. This will help our staff monitor the kids by updating their weight on a regular time frame.Another technological application is the electronic prescribing where software is used as an online tool to sign off prescription between the physician's workstation and retail pharmacies. This will help in the case of mistaken error of drug prescription for the children which will be linked with their medical record.

For example if the kid is allergic to some medication, if that medication is prescribed , a pop-up window will open mentioning that the child is allergic to that.One application which would automate one of our main departments would be the electronic billing system where the financial statements, bills, invoice and related information of ACWC is sent from the company to its customers. These IT innovations will help the facility function in a better and improved way making the communication between staff and customers more user-friendly.Future services would be touch screen stations at certain points of the facility where children can get information relating to healthy eating, healthy lifestyle and information relating to obesity.

OPERATION WORKFLOW DESCRIPTION

When these technological applications are applied, healthcare centre administrators who initially faced so many challenges due to lack of Information Technology are able to work more efficiently. Before the application of the above mentioned technological applications, it was costly to keep getting new medical charts and very time consuming to search for the medical record. However after the applying Information Technology the solution work flow has increased as the expenses are covered and this can increase the profit. Also there is no need to look at the chart and the children or patients can go home early. One main advantage is that records can be accessed from anywhere in the facility.

Even the storage solution can be streamlined.In terms of E-prescribing, before this technology was introduced, due to illegible hand writing or missed drug or drug allergy these used to always be a problem. But after the introduction of e-prescribing, risk of medication errors and liabilities risk have been reduced. Also this has improved the safety of patient (children) and overall quality of care of the patients. Also this eliminated call-backs to pharmacies.

Also financial books which play a very crucial role had to be maintained regularly and make it transparent for the patient. This used to be a problem and time consuming initially, after the introduction of the electronic billing system; it has made the interaction between the customer and the healthcare centre more convenient. The invoices can be emailed to the parents of the kids.The benefit of the IT solution is that medical data of the kid converted into useful information and delivered to the concerned staff who can act upon it before it is too late.

It would be adaptable tool that you progress as the business progresses.

MARKET ANALYSIS

Overall market

The ACWC has conducted an in-depth research analysis and has concluded that the problem of childhood obesity within the State of New York his reaching a pandemic size for adolescences. In 2007, The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Data Survey which is distributed by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and pertaining to New York, noted that "New York State estimated 2007 total population was 19 million with a portion of 15 million who were adults. Of the 15 million adults, 36% could be classified as overweight and 26% would be placed in the category of obese" (Prevention, 2009). In a 2007 Youth Risk Behavior Survey provided data that, "New York's 9th -12th graders 16% were overweight and 11% were classified as obese (Prevention, 2009)".

The ACWC vision will be to enter in to this under marketed area and our niche will be to provide a comprehensive program that will use technology to combat this problem that is plaguing our youth.

Changes in the market

The ACWC has made the determination that market changes will be slow in this market. In the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention- New York, "Obesity is affecting the state's economy in the amount of $ 6.1 billion in 2003 towards medical cost associated to adult obesity" (Prevention, 2009). The ACWC believes that with an allocation of funds towards medical and a continuing increase of youth, who are overweight and obese the market is open for a possible better alternative to battle the problem.

Market Segmentation and Target Marketing

The ACWC target market will be adolescences that fall into the category of overweight or obese. Determination of overweight or obesity is determined through the (BMI) Body Mass Index. (BMI) determines by calculation of height to weight the portion weight an individual should be at. Individual(s) who fall into this category will be provided information and counseling from our organization.The ACWC recognizes the significant cultural diversity located in New York and takes into consideration age, race, family and other factors that can be mitigating causes behind the health issues.

Our organization quest to follow our mission to provide a service to The Bronx community that will make an impact on issue of major concern that is presenting major health and economic concerns for the State of New York and the nation as a whole. Individuals who find a need for our services are able to access us through via numerous modes, walk-ins, internet, video conferencing, e-mail, phone and fax.

Market Demographics

Geographic:

Article name: Angrist Chiropractic Health essay, research paper, dissertation