Racheli Magnezi

Bar Ilan University | BIU · Department of Management

Background Risk aversion due to depression is common among older adults, and social participation is associated with improved mental health and a lower risk of late-life depression. However, little is known about the connection between participation in social activities and risky financial decisions among adults with depression. Thus, we aim to exa...

Background Previous studies have documented changes in physical health, mental health and social parameters during COVID-19. At the same time, there are no comprehensive analyses of these parameters designed as longitudinal studies on large-scale older populations before and during the pandemic. Objective This longitudinal study aims to provide a...

Purpose. To examine attitudes regarding acute hospital at home (AHaH). Materials and Methods. A SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) questionnaire was developed to interview 14 managers from health management organizations (HMOs) and hospitals. A mixed-method (qualitative/quantitative) analysis was used. Results. AHaH was provid...

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as a global pandemic, leading millions of people to change their lifestyles, especially older individuals who are the most at-risk population. Social isolation, the main preventive action to slow the pandemic's spread, reduced and drastically limited social connections, increasing older individual...

Background: The wide implementation of sperm freezing presents a growing burden on sperm banks. Objectives: To evaluate sperm freezing and usage patterns over 30 years, according to demographic parameters of age at first cryopreservation and number of children, and indication for cryopreservation. Material and methods: This retrospective, popu...

Objectives: Failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) is a powerful tool for accessing potential failures, but the participants are limited. It has not been used in psychiatric hospitals. Objectives were to implement FMEA in a psychiatric hospital and determine whether the FMEA process can be expanded by including participants who are familiar with...

Background A surgical “Never Event” is a preventable error occurring immediately before, during or immediately following surgery. Various factors contribute to the occurrence of major Never Events, but little is known about their quantified risk in relation to a surgery’s characteristics. Our study uses machine learning to reveal and quantify risk...

Introduction: In recent years, the increasing prevalence of autism-spectrum disorder has resulted in an increased demand for therapies including occupational therapy. In this pilot trial, we aimed to compare the efficacy of group versus individual occupational therapy among toddlers with autism as a means to improve accessibility to care. Methods...

Objectives To predict the amount of teamwork that takes place throughout a surgery, based on performing a preoperative safety standards (surgical safety checklist and surgical count) and to explore factors affecting patient safety and staff psychological safety during a surgery, based on interprofessional teamwork. Methods This mixed methods study...

Background Patient activation refers to patients’ independence in daily activities, involvement in the therapeutic process, and ability to manage their health. This study examined the association between the activation of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and its effect on health indices. Objectives To evaluate the association between...

Background Never Events are serious, preventable, and clearly identifiable medical errors with the potential for causing patients significant morbidity and mortality. Despite extensive efforts to eliminate them, Never Events persist. Aim To assess whether interdisciplinary clinicians (nurses, surgeons, and anaesthesiologists) and risk managers hav...

Background The COVID-19 pandemic affected healthcare systems worldwide, leading to fewer admissions and raising concerns about quality-of-care. The objective of the study was to investigate the early effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on quality-of-care among stroke and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients, focusing on clinical outcome...

Background Telemedicine has become an integral part of health care delivery in recent years. One of the leading applications for this use is WhatsApp — a free smartphone application that allows instant messaging with pictures and videos. This study analyzed the emerging role of WhatsApp on reducing the need for referrals to medical specialists and...

Background and Aims Universal vaccination against hepatitis B virus (HBV) in infancy was implemented in Israel in 1992. This population-based study aimed to evaluate the coverage rate and cost-benefit of the HBV vaccination program among infants in Israel and the Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) status in their mothers. Methods Using the databa...

Background A Surgical “Never Event” (NE) is a preventable error. Various factors contribute to the occurrence of wrong site surgery and retained foreign item, but little is known about their quantified risk in relation to surgery's characteristics. Our study uses machine learning to reveal factors and quantify their risk to improve patient safety a...

Background and Purpose A growing body of evidence points to physiological and psychological gender differences in the manifestation and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study is part of a large-scale, prospective trial investigating the effects of Maccabi Telecare Center (MTC) interventions on self-efficacy. Here, we focus on the effects...

Background: Transferring medical information among professionals and between shifts is a crucial process, allowing continuity of care and safety, especially for complex patients in life-threatening situations. This process, Handover requires focusing on specific, essential medical information while filtering out redundant and unnecessary details....

Abstract Background This retrospective study compared perioperative measures, costs, quality of life and survival after open vs. robotic surgery, among obese women diagnosed with low-grade endometrial cancer. Methods Obese women (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30) who underwent open or robotic surgery for endometrial cancer, in one of two tertiary medical...

Risk and protective factors for breast cancer (BC) include lifestyle, diet, reproduction, and others. Increased risk for colon cancer was linked with low water intake. The link between water consumption and BC was scarcely studied. We investigated the association between water and fluid consumption and the occurrence of BC in a retrospective case–c...

PURPOSE A unique feature of immuno-oncology agents is the potential for durable survival for a subset of patients; however, this benefit usually cannot not be seen in the early published data used for regulatory approval. Value frameworks developed by ASCO and the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) assess the clinical benefit demonstrated...

Objectives: To examine the association between body mass index (BMI) and overuse injuries (OI) among Israel Defense Forces soldiers, in different corps. Methods: Conscripts between 2003 and 2012, infantry, armored corps and intelligence corps (controls) were studied. OI data were taken from computerized patient records. The BMI was classified as...

Objectives To evaluate the effect of monetary grants on young physicians’ choice of remote or rural hospital-based practice. Background In late 2011, The Israeli Ministry of Health attempted to address a severe physician maldistribution, which involved severe shortages in remotely-located institutions (RLI). The policy intervention included offeri...

Background The latest statistics on household size in the EU show that in 2017 around one third of households in the EU comprised single adults without children. The study documents a direct relationship between individuals’ health and patterns of healthcare expenditure by isolating single-person households and creating a new reference group in whi...

Introduction: Understanding the efficacy of treatments is crucial for patients, physicians, and policymakers. Median survival, the most common measure used in the outcome reporting of oncology clinical trials, is easy to understand; however, it describes only a single time point. The interpretation of the hazard ratio is difficult, and its underly...

BACKGROUND: To identify and minimize unnecessary calls to emergency numbers and to assess the effectiveness of call-tracking technology in addressing the problem. METHODS: A retrospective, interventional study was conducted of all emergency calls made to Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel's national Emergency Medicine Service (EMS) during years 2012-2...

Background Fecal occult blood tests are recommended for colorectal cancer screening, but are only effective if colonoscopy follows positive results. Patients with positive results often do not complete follow-up. This study examined the association between patient comprehension and adherence to colonoscopy after positive FIT (Fecal Immunochemical T...

Background The study documents a direct relationship between individuals’ health and patterns of healthcare expenditure by isolating single-person households and creating a new reference group in which household healthcare expenditure is based on one person’s expenditure patterns in accordance with his or her own state of health. Method The study...

Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, but these can be reduced significantly with population screening using annual fecal occult blood tests (FOBT)A positive FOBT requires timely follow-up with colonoscopy to maximize screening benefits.. Several barriers to follow-up have been identified, with pa...

Objectives: (1) To introduce the Methodical Hazard Identification Checklist (MHIC) for structured brainstorming and the four V&V categories on which it is based, and (2) to compare its efficacy with that of brainstorming (BS) in identifying hazards in healthcare. Design: Comparative analysis of MHIC and team BS results. Setting: Baruch Padeh M...

Introduction Attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) is prevalent in 5.9–7.1% of children and adolescents, and 5% of adults. It results in poor academic, occupational, and social functioning. Pharmacotherapy improves core symptoms; however, average adherence levels are low and decrease at 16–17 years of age, just before the recruitment age to...

BACKGROUND Fecal occult blood tests (FOBTs) are recommended by the US Preventive Services Task Force as a screening method for colorectal cancer (CRC), but they are only effective if positive results are followed by colonoscopy. Surprisingly, a large proportion of patients with a positive result do not follow this recommendation. OBJECTIVE The obj...

Background Fecal occult blood tests (FOBTs) are recommended by the US Preventive Services Task Force as a screening method for colorectal cancer (CRC), but they are only effective if positive results are followed by colonoscopy. Surprisingly, a large proportion of patients with a positive result do not follow this recommendation. Objective The obje...

Importance Modern immuno-oncology agents have generated great excitement because of their potential to provide durable survival for some patients. However, there is concern regarding the cost of cancer care, and multiple frameworks have been developed to assess value. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) framework awards bonus points if...

At times, leaping from one patient management routine to an alternative one may be required to mitigate medical errors. “Frozen patient management” is the resultant situation, when, in the face of an obvious gap between the expected and the actual phenomena, leaping from current patient management to an alternative one is not considered or done. Fr...

Background Increasing health costs in developed countries are a major concern for decision makers. A variety of cost containment tools are used to control this trend, including maximum price regulation and reimbursement methods for health technologies. Information regarding expenditure-related outcomes of these tools is not available. Objective To...

Background Current medical daily practice relies on guidelines, protocols and procedures (GPPs), which require exploitation. However, diagnosis, treatment, risk management and process improvements require exploration. Physician are often unable to switch between exploitation and exploration. This study tested a new approach to facilitate switching...

6601 Background: Modern immuno-oncologic agents may have the potential to provide durable survival for some patients. Simultaneously, there is growing concern regarding the cost of cancer care, and multiple frameworks have been developed to assess value. The points based framework created by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has a sp...

Background: In an attempt to address severe medical manpower shortages in several medical disciplines, the Israeli Ministry of Health offered grants to residents who chose one of these fields. Methods: A total of 220 residents from various disciplines were surveyed on demographic, academic, and professional data, and asked to rank considerations in...

Pain evaluation in large community studies is difficult. Analgesics can be a useful tool in estimating pain related conditions in which analgesic use is highly regulated. In this study we evaluated analgesics consumption patterns of regular Israel Defense Force soldiers. We have performed a historical cohort study of 665,137 young adults during act...

Hospital-acquired infections are the most common complication of treatment and the primary patient safety hazard. Hand hygiene (HH) is the most important tool for preventing these infections. Although thousands of research projects have been conducted, many articles written, and numerous therapeutic recommendations made, the goal has not yet been r...

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of two methods in encouraging the consideration of a leap from one patient management routine to another: (i) real-time review of the facts by an external medical team (ii) implementation of the 're-thinking-protocol' ('de-Freezing') by both treating and external medical teams. Design: Students accompanied...

Background Intravenous potassium chloride (IV KCl) solutions are widely used in hospitals for treatment of hypokalemia. As ampoules of concentrated KCL must be diluted before use, critical incidents have been associated with its preparation and administration. Currently, we have introduced ready-to-use diluted KCl infusion solutions to minimize the...

Background Risk management in health care systems applies to all hospital employees and directors as they deal with human life and emergency routines. There is a constant need to decrease risk and increase patient safety in the hospital environment. The purpose of this article is to review the laboratory testing procedures for parathyroid hormone a...

Background: The advent of the Internet has driven a technological revolution that has changed our lives. As part of this phenomenon, social networks have attained a prominent role in health care. A variety of medical services is provided over the Internet, including home monitoring, interactive communications between the patient and service provid...

Objectives Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common disorder, widely distributed in the population, and is often associated with severe symptoms and functional impairment. It has been estimated that 30% of MDD patients do not benefit adequately from therapeutic interventions, including pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. Treatment-resistant depre...

Leaping between possible action modes is a vital rescue move for patient care, R&D projects, etc. We define ‘frozen action mode’ as, when in the face of an obvious gap between the expected and the actual results, leaping from current action mode to a more appropriate one is not considered or done on time. Freezing within an action mode may kill eit...

Aim: To investigate the rate of and risk factors for perinatal depression in an Israeli ultra-orthodox Jewish community and assess the contribution of antenatal nursing intervention to reducing symptoms of postpartum depression. Background: Perinatal depression is recognized globally as a common complication of pregnancy and childbirth, with neg...

Objectives: To evaluate adherence among Israeli patients who are licensed to use medical cannabis and to identify factors associated with adherence to medical cannabis. Methods: Ninety-five novice licensed patients were interviewed for this cross-sectional study. The questionnaire measured demographics, the perceived patient–physician relationship...

Background: Energy drink consumption among youth is increasing despite recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics to eliminate consumption by youth. This study provides information on consumption of energy drinks and alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AmED) in a sample of Israeli youth and how consumer knowledge about the risks affects c...

Background: This study examines the contribution of the Health Management Bachelor's degree program at an Israeli university to the professional development of its graduates. The aims of this study were: To examine the perceived gaps between acquired knowledge and required knowledge within the workforce; To explore the potential changes in the gra...

Background: Cannabis has been used throughout history for different purposes but was outlawed in the United States in 1937; many countries followed suit. Although recently reintroduced as a medical treatment in several countries, the use of cannabis in Israel is permitted for some medical purposes but is still controversial, eliciting heated public...

"Patient activation" reflects involvement in managing ones health. This cross-sectional study assessed the psychometric properties of the Hebrew translation (PAM-H) of the PAM-13. A nationally representative sample of 203 Hebrew-speaking Israeli adults answered the PAM-H, PHQ-9 depression scale, SF-12, and Self-efficacy Scale via telephone. Mean PA...

Objectives: To understand how patient preferences and perceptions of their relationship with their doctor (as patient, friend, partner, client, consumer, or insured) affects confidence in care provided and participation in health care. Methods: Telephone questionnaire to 2,135 households, representative of the population in Israel. Results: A...

Off-label use of a drug not according to its regulatory labeling has become common in medicine, especially in the field of psychiatry. Mood stabilizers are intended to be used to attenuate mood fluctuations in bipolar disorder, but their use has spread to patients with schizophrenia, as it provides greater control of impulsivity and aggressiveness....

Background: Camoni.co.il, a Hebrew-language social health network offers advice, consultation, and connection to others with chronic illness. This study compared characteristics and objectives of Camoni.co.il users and individuals seeking medical information through general Internet sites. Methods: Similar questionnaires were sent to 1009 Intern...

The use of online health-related social networks for support, peer-to-peer connections, and obtaining health information has increased dramatically. Participation in an online health-related social network can enhance patients' self-efficacy and empowerment, as they are given knowledge and tools to manage their chronic health condition more effecti...

"Patient activation" describes the extent to which individuals manage their own healthcare. This study evaluated the association of patient activation, depressive symptoms and quality of life in a primary care setting. 278 patients who visited two primary care clinics were interviewed in the waiting room before their appointment or by telephone. St...

Objectives: The healthcare system in Israel faces difficulties similar to those of most industrialized countries, including limited resources, a growing chronically ill population, and demand for high quality care. Disease management programs (DMPs) for patients with a chronic illness aim to alleviate some of these problems, primarily by improving...

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common complication of childbirth with prevalence estimated at 10–20% reported in many countries, including Israel. However, no data has been reported for Israeli Bedouin women, whose lifestyle is significantly different from that of the general population. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of PPD among B...

Outsourcing (using external contractors to provide services) is an organizational approach that eliminates business barriers. In healthcare, outsourcing can enhance efficient, quality care. Our objective was to evaluate the use of outsourcing in Israeli hospitals. Factors that affect the decision to outsource, contracts, and funding allocated to ou...

Outsourcing is a method that enables an organization to focus on its expertise by transferring its other services to professionals who can fulfill them. In recent years, research has repeatedly shown that health services use a variety of outsourcing companies. To describe the experience acquired using outsourcing in public and private hospitals in...

Aim: Healthcare organisations are constantly faced with the need to contain medical costs. Healthcare institutions expect practitioners to keep costs low, while providing patients with the best possible medical care. This study examines the attitudes of doctors to considering costs, while prescribing medical tests and treatment. Methods: Investigat...

Introduction: Organizational, Economic and Social Factors in the Israeli Healthcare System As of the 1970s, the national healthcare costs have risen consistently at a rate higher than the national product of most western countries. An aging population, modern treatments using new and expensive technologies, the behavior of the patient as a consumer...

This study examines differences in knowledge of and the attitude toward anorexia nervosa among Israeli women. Methods: This study used data from a survey questionnaire answered by 360 Israeli women during the years 2007-2008. Data was split from two groups of 180 women, ages 45-65 and 15-25 years of age. Results: In contrast to the older age group...