Browsing by Author "Taylor, Heather"

Now showing 1 - 10 of 10
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    The economic burden of untreated mental illness in Indiana
    (2023-06-16) Taylor, Heather
    Objective: We sought to estimate the economic burden of untreated mental illness at the societal level. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross-sectional study used multiple data sources to tabulate the annual cost of untreated mental illness among residents ages 5 and older in Indiana in 2019. Data sources included: 1) the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2) the National Survey of Children’s Health, 3) Indiana government sources, and 4) Indiana Medicaid enrollment and claims data. Analysis of these data occurred between January and May of 2022. Main Outcomes and Measures: Outcomes included: 1) direct non-healthcare costs (costs incurred by the criminal justice system and homeless shelters), 2) indirect costs (costs incurred by unemployment, workplace productivity losses through absenteeism and presenteeism, all-cause mortality, suicide, caregivers’ direct healthcare, caregivers’ productivity losses, and missed primary education), and 3) direct healthcare costs (disease-related healthcare expenditures) Results: We estimated the number individuals in Indiana with untreated MI in 2019 to be 429,407 (95% CI: 349,526 to 528,171). The economic burden of untreated mental illness in Indiana was estimated at $4.2 billion annually (Range of uncertainty (RoU): $2.1 billion, $7.0 billion).. The cost of untreated mental illness includes $3.3 billion (RoU: $1.7 billion, $5.3 billion) for indirect costs, $708.5 million (RoU: $335 million, $1.2 billion) for direct healthcare costs, and $116.4 million for non-health care costs. Conclusion and Relevance: In this cross-sectional study, untreated mental illness was found to have significant financial consequences for society. These findings put into perspective the case for action and should be considered by policymakers, clinicians, and employers when allocating societal resources and funding. States can replicate this comprehensive framework as they prioritize key areas for action regarding mental health services and treatments.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    The economic burden of untreated mental illness in Indiana
    (2022-11-28) Taylor, Heather; Blackburn, Justin; Menachemi, Nir
    We use a prevalence-based approach to estimate annual costs, in a wide-range of categories, associated with untreated mental illness (MI) in Indiana. Economic burden of untreated MI in Indiana is estimated at $4.2 billion annually representing 1.2% of the state’s gross domestic product. Considering average Indiana wages, $4.2 billion is equivalent to approximately 100,000 jobs. Cost of untreated MI includes $3.3 billion for indirect costs such as premature mortality, $708.5 million for direct healthcare costs, and $116.4 million for non-health care costs including incarceration. On average, each individual experiencing untreated MI incurs $18,940 of societal costs; much of which is borne by employers in the form of premature mortality, unemployment, absenteeism and presenteeism.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Expanding Access to Dental Care through Dental Hygienists
    (Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, 2014-04-11) Maxey, Hannah; Taylor, Heather
    Introduction: An estimated 64.7 million Americans suffer with dental conditions such as tooth decay and gum disease, diseases that is entirely preventable with adequate oral care [1, 2]. Access to preventive dental care continues to be an issue for vulnerable populations seeking care in Indiana. Currently, dental hygienists, clinicians who offer preventive dental services, are reporting significant challenges finding adequate employment. These clinicians have the potential to address some of Indiana’s access to dental care issues, yet there are labor market imbalances within the profession. Methods: The workforce and labor market of dental hygienists was analyzed on a national and state level. In addition, qualitative data were collected from key-informant interviews with leaders within Indiana’s dental hygiene educational programs. Through the use of a non-probability survey, graduates of dental hygiene programs were questioned on employment factors and key barriers within the labor market. Indiana’s oral health delivery system was analyzed for key opportunities to address access to care issues. Policy on dental hygiene scope of practice within Indiana is also presented. Results: The dental hygiene labor market is experiencing market saturation. Indiana has restrictive policies on dental hygienist’s scope of practice. Leaders in the profession suggest policy changes and less restrictions on the practice of dental hygiene in order to address the current access to dental care issues. Conclusion: Hoosier children are experiencing preventable disease burden, while at the same time Indiana’s workforce trained in dental disease prevention is experiencing market saturation. Recommendations to address labor market imbalances among dental hygienists are suggested as well as methods to promote preventive oral health care access.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Health information exchange use during dental visits
    (American Medical Informatics Association, 2020) Taylor, Heather; Apathy, Nate; Vest, Joshua R.
    Dental and medical providers require similar patient demographic and clinical information for the management of a mutual patient. Despite an overlap in information needs, medical and dental data are created and stored in multiple records and locations. Electronic health information exchange (HIE) bridge gaps in health data spread across various providers. Enabling exchange via query-based HIE may provide critical information at the point of care during a dental visit. The purpose of this study is to characterize query-based HIE use during dental visits at two Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) that provided on-site dental services. First, we determine the proportion of dental visits for which providers accessed the HIE. Next, site, patient and visit characteristics associated with query-based HIE use during dental visits are examined. Last, among dental visits with HIE use, the aspects of the HIE that are accessed most frequently are described. HIE use was low (0.17%) during dental visits, however our findings from this study extend the body of research examining HIE use by studying a less explored area of the care continuum.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Parallels between the Development of the Nurse Practitioner and the Advancement of the Dental Hygienist
    (American Dental Hygienists' Association, 2016-02) Taylor, Heather
    Dental hygienists have often been described as the registered nurses of the dental field. Similar parallels also exist between the development of the nurse practitioner from the nursing profession and the evolution of the dental hygiene practice and profession. This article explores three major similarities between the two professions of nurse practitioners and dental hygienists. Public health issues, educational constructs, and the social and political environments shaping each profession are discussed to inform dental hygienists of their potential career options for future expanded therapeutic care roles.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Pediatric dental care utilization and parent/caregiver-rated oral health among Medicaid enrollees in Alabama
    (American Dental Association, 2020-06) Blackburn, Justin; Bennett, Aleena; Fifolt, Matt; Rucks, Andrew; Taylor, Heather; Wolff, Paul; Sen, Bisakha
    Background: Reducing caries and improving access to dental care is a public health challenge. Understanding low use of dental care is of critical importance. This study estimated parent- or caregiver-reported prevalence and identified factors associated with children's dental care use, including the association with children's oral health. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of children enrolled in Medicaid in Alabama, using data from the 2017 statewide Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Health Plan Survey, was conducted. Associations were measured using adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from logit regression and generalized linear model postestimation of least-squares means. Results: The 6-month prevalence of children receiving dental care was 70.4%. Children aged 0 through 3 years (aPR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.91) had lower prevalence of care than other age groups. The prevalence of low-rated oral health was 9.2%. Low-rated oral health was associated with not receiving dental care (aPR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.12 to 1.87) and parental education of 8th grade or less (aPR, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.20 to 3.98). Falsification tests determined that dental care use was not associated with ratings for overall health (aPR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.83 to 1.52) or emotional health (aPR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.79 to 1.33). Conclusions: It was observed that children not receiving dental care had low-rated oral health; however, as a cross-sectional study, it was not possible to assess the temporality of this relationship. Practical implications: Oral health care providers should continue to recognize their role in educating parents and providing anticipatory guidance on children's oral health.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Prevalence of and factors associated with unmet dental need among the U.S. adult population in 2016
    (2021-08) Taylor, Heather; Holmes, Ann M.; Blackburn, Justin
    Objectives: Understanding and addressing contributing factors to unmet dental need is an important public health challenge. This study investigated the prevalence of, and factors associated with, self-reported unmet dental need using a nationally representative sample of US adults. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using the Medical Expenditures Panel Survey (MEPS) from 2016. The weighted prevalence of unmet dental need was estimated among individuals aged 18 years or older. Chi-squared and multivariate logit regression with marginal effects (ie absolute risk differences) were used to measure the association of unmet dental need with respondent characteristics. Results: The prevalence of adults reporting unmet dental need was 6% (95% CI: 5.5 to 6.5). Adults with dental insurance were 1.7 percentage points (95% CI: -2.8 to -0.6) less likely to report unmet dental needs than adults without dental insurance. Those with middle income were 2.3 percentage points (95% CI: 1.2 to 3.4), those with low income were 3.3 percentage points (95% CI: 1.7 to 5.0), and those with poor/negative/near-poor income were 4.2 percentage points (95% CI: 2.7 to 5.7) more likely to report an unmet dental need than adults with high income. Both Hispanics (-1.7 percentage points [95% CI: -2.8 to -0.6]) and non-Hispanic Blacks (-1.1 percentage points [95% CI: -2.1 to -0.1]) were less likely to report an unmet dental need than whites. Smoking, education, general health status, chronic disease and marital status were also significantly associated with reporting an unmet dental need. Conclusions: Future policies should continue to address cost and coverage barriers to adult dental care, as these remain significant barriers to access, particularly for low-income adults. Future research should evaluate the reasons adults report unmet dental need and explore how adults' judgment of dental need compares to providers' clinical judgment. Additionally, research that explores how race and ethnicity affect perceptions of unmet dental need is warranted.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Providing Adapted Care for Patients with Immune-mediated Mucous Membrane Conditions.
    (4/13/2015) Bailey, Scheri; Taylor, Heather; Bailey, Scheri; Taylor, Heather; Dental Hygiene
    Background: Immune-mediated diseases frequently manifest in the oral mucosa, which may be the first clinical sign for many patients. Some of these diseases present in ways that are pathognomonic (specific) for the condition; however, others have signs and symptoms that may appear very similar to systemic conditions unrelated to immune-mediated diseases. Thus, differential diagnosis can prove difficult. This case study examines a 50-year-old African-American female with co-diagnoses of Lichen Planus and Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid. These immune-mediated diseases affect the oral mucosa, causing the patient pain and burning sensations within the mouth. The symptoms associated with these conditions make maintenance of good oral hygiene difficult for the patient. Objectives: The objective of this case study was to explore Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid and Lichen Planus: the clinical and histological presentations, the implications for dental treatment, and the best proven therapies for management. Methods utilized during treatment will be presented. Methods: The patient presented to the IU School of Dentistry Dental Hygiene Clinic for routine periodontal maintenance and examination. The sensitive nature of the patient’s oral mucosa due to Lichen Planus and Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid required employment of alternative methods to routine dental care. Modifications to the patient’s diet and home oral care routines were suggested. Conclusion: Oral health providers should be conscious of the clinical manifestations of Lichen Planus and Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid, in addition to and differentiated from other oral conditions. Likewise, providers should be adept at altering routine dental care methods to accommodate patients with these and other immune-mediated conditions. If clinical treatment and oral care are administered properly, the patient should experience alleviated symptoms and suffer less discomfort and sensitivity on a day-to-day basis and during dental assessment and treatment.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    The economic burden of untreated mental illness in Indiana
    (2023-08-02) Taylor, Heather; Blackburn, Justin; Menachemi, Nir
    Objective: We sought to estimate the economic burden of untreated mental illness at the societal level. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross-sectional study used multiple data sources to tabulate the annual cost of untreated mental illness among residents ages 5 and older in Indiana in 2019. Data sources included: 1) the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2) the National Survey of Children’s Health, 3) Indiana government sources, and 4) Indiana Medicaid enrollment and claims data. Analysis of these data occurred between January and May of 2022. Main Outcomes and Measures: Outcomes included: 1) direct non-healthcare costs (costs incurred by the criminal justice system and homeless shelters), 2) indirect costs (costs incurred by unemployment, workplace productivity losses through absenteeism and presenteeism, all-cause mortality, suicide, caregivers’ direct healthcare, caregivers’ productivity losses, and missed primary education), and 3) direct healthcare costs (disease-related healthcare expenditures) Results: We estimated 429,407 (95% CI: 349,526 to 528,171) Indiana residents had untreated mental illness in 2019. The economic burden of untreated mental illness in Indiana was estimated at $4.2 billion annually (range of uncertainty (RoU): $2.1 billion, $7.0 billion).. The cost of untreated mental illness includes $3.3 billion (RoU: $1.7 billion, $5.43 billion) for indirect costs, $708.5 million (RoU: $335 million, $1.2 billion) for direct healthcare costs, and $185.4 million (RoU: $29.9 million, $471.5 million) for non-health care costs. Conclusion and Relevance: In this cross-sectional study, untreated mental illness was found to have significant financial consequences for society. These findings put into perspective the case for action and should be considered by policymakers, clinicians, and employers when allocating societal resources and funding. States can replicate this comprehensive framework as they prioritize key areas for action regarding mental health services and treatments.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Workplace incivility experienced by Health Administration faculty
    (Ingentaconnect, 2019-03-01) Taylor, Heather; Harle, Christopher A; Johnson, Sarah M; Menachemi, Nir; Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health
    Workplace incivility is low-intensity, nonspecific, discourteous behavior towards others and may negatively affect employee and organizational outcomes. This exploratory study sought to examine the prevalence of and factors related to experiencing several different types of workplace incivility using a national sample of Health Administration full-time faculty members in the United States. We found that 27–36% of respondents have experienced at least one type of uncivil behavior from students, coworkers, or supervisors. Further, 4–9% of faculty respondents experience such incidents frequently. Faculty respondents who experienced workplace incivility were significantly more likely to report lower job satisfaction and indicated an intention to leave their position within the next three years. Academic leaders should work to foster an environment where incivility towards others is actively discouraged, as it may contribute to dissatisfaction and turnover.