Patient Education (patient + education)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Distribution within Medical Sciences

Terms modified by Patient Education

  • patient education material
  • patient education programme

  • Selected Abstracts


    A Representational Approach to Patient Education

    JOURNAL OF NURSING SCHOLARSHIP, Issue 3 2001
    Heidi Scharf Donovan
    Purpose: To describe the theoretical basis for a representational approach to patient education and the application of this approach to the development, implementation, and preliminary evaluation of a representational intervention for pain management. Organizing Construct: Leventhal's common sense model (CSM) was a guide for this approach to patient education. The CSM is based on the idea that people have common sense beliefs, or representations, that guide how they cope with health problems. Theoretically based interventions derived from the CSM have not been reported. Methods: Steps included: (a) designing a general approach to educational interventions, centered on illness representations; (b) specifying an intervention (RIDPAIN) to facilitate coping with cancer pain; (c) pilot-testing and revising the intervention; and (d) testing feasibility and acceptability of the intervention with 61 patients in a Midwestern American city. Findings: The RIDPAIN intervention was useful in eliciting misconceptions of pain and pain management from patients experiencing cancer pain. Many patients found RIDPAIN to be meaningful and useful, and they perceived it to have an effect on pain-related beliefs and behaviors. Conclusions: This theory-driven approach should be effective and widely applicable because it includes patients as active participants in all phases of the learning continuum, from information acquisition to behavior change. [source]


    Perinatal Patient Education: A Practical Guide with Education Handouts for Patients

    BIRTH, Issue 4 2003
    Barbara A. Hotelling BSN, CD(DONA)
    First page of article [source]


    Treatment of symptomatic diabetic neuropathy

    DIABETES/METABOLISM: RESEARCH AND REVIEWS, Issue S1 2003
    Andrew J. M. Boulton
    Abstract Painful diabetic neuropathy is a common and particularly unpleasant long-term complication of diabetes that affects a significant minority of patients with distal polyneuropathy. After exclusion of other causes of neuropathic pain, attention should be focused on achieving optimal and stable glycaemic control avoiding flux of blood glucose levels, which have been shown to aggravate pain. Most patients will require pain control therapy and whilst the tricyclic drugs remain a first-line approach, their use is often hampered by predictable but troublesome side effects. Gabapentin, the only agent specifically licensed for the treatment of neuropathic pain in the United Kingdom, is useful in diabetic neuropathy and is generally better tolerated than the tricyclics. Additionally, other pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain management approaches may be useful. Patient education has a significant role to play in the avoidance of late neurological complications. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


    Correlation between coping style and quality of life among hemodialysis patients from a low-income area in Brazil

    HEMODIALYSIS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 3 2010
    Paulo Roberto SANTOS
    Abstract Quality of life (QOL) is an important outcome among end-stage renal disease patients and can be associated with modifiable behaviors. We analyzed the correlation between coping style and QOL among hemodialysis patients. We studied 166 end-stage renal disease patients undergoing hemodialysis. They were older than 18 years, under hemodialysis for at least 3 months, and had never received a transplant. Quality of life was assessed by SF-36 and coping style was scored by the Jalowiec Coping Scale. Emotion-oriented coping and problem-oriented coping scores were compared according to sex, comorbidity, and socioeconomic status by the Mann-Whitney test. Correlations between QOL and 2 coping styles (emotion-oriented coping and problem-oriented coping) were adjusted for age, time on dialysis, hemoglobin, creatinine, albumin, calcium,phosphorus product, and Kt/V by backward stepwise linear regression. There was no difference between coping scores according to sex, comorbidity, and socioeconomic status. Emotion-oriented coping was independently and negatively associated with 4 QOL dimensions: physical functioning, role-physical, role-emotional, and mental health. Our results indicate that patients with high emotion-oriented coping scores should be seen at risk for poor QOL. Patient education in coping skills may be used to change the risk of poor QOL. [source]


    Internet use by patients in an inflammatory bowel disease specialty clinic

    INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES, Issue 10 2007
    Robert R. Cima MD
    Abstract Background: Patient education is known to improve satisfaction in and participation with treatment. A careful assessment of internet use by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients to gather information has not been reported. Our aim was to evaluate internet use to gather general health- and disease-specific information in patients presenting to an IBD clinic. Methods: A cross-sectional anonymous survey using a convenience sample of patients (N = 175) at a tertiary-care institution's IBD clinic was performed. Results: In all, 169 surveys (97%) were returned for analysis. The median age was 46 (17,84), 83 men and 81 women (5 missing). In known IBD patients (87%), 85 (50%) had Crohn's disease and 62 (37%) ulcerative colitis; 81% of patients had home internet access. The most common information sources were: gastroenterologists (59%), internet (54%), and primary-care physicians (54%). Ninety-two patients (54%) used the internet to gather IBD-specific information. Age-specific use (<40, 40,65, >65) was 73%, 48%, 37.5%, respectively. There was a significant positive association between level of education and internet use (P < 0.0001), but not with income. Internet sites most commonly visited were organization- or institution-specific. Factors that most influenced a user's choice of an internet site were noncommercial status (59%) and ease of use (53%). The majority of patients (57%) rated internet information "trustworthy" to "very trustworthy." Conclusions: Over half of patients in an IBD clinic used the internet to gather IBD-specific information. Use was inversely associated with age and positively correlated with education level. There was no income association. These findings suggest web-based IBD information may become increasingly important in the future. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2007) [source]


    Why do diabetic patients not attend appointments with their dietitian?

    JOURNAL OF HUMAN NUTRITION & DIETETICS, Issue 3 2003
    F. J. M. Spikmans
    Abstract Purpose Determining the prevalence of and possible reasons for nonattendance of diabetic nutritional care clinics. Methods Data were collected by means of a telephone survey and a review of patient records among 293 (166 attendees and 127 nonattendees) patients undergoing outpatient treatment at a university hospital. The t -tests, chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis were used to identify potential determinants of nonattendance. The theoretical framework was primarily based on the Health Belief Model. Results In univariate analysis, nonattendance at the clinic was associated with a number of factors such as not visiting other care givers, risk perceptions, body-mass index, self-rated health, health locus of control, satisfaction with the dietitian, feelings of obligation to attend, and beliefs about the effectiveness of the treatment. In multivariate analysis only health locus of control and obligation to attend the visit were significant predictors of attendance. A significant number of respondents further reported that they perceived their visits to the dietitian to be of little use. Conclusion One in three diabetic patients undergoing outpatient treatment skipped one or more visits to their dietitian. Patient education to improve attendance should focus primarily on convincing patients that they can contribute to their own health, and may stress the obligation the patients have when making an appointment with the dietitian. [source]


    Patient education in arthritis: helping people change

    MUSCULOSKELETAL CARE, Issue 2 2003
    Alison Hammond PhD, BSc(Hons), DipCOTArticle first published online: 16 FEB 200
    Abstract Systematic reviews of education for arthritis patients have emphasized behavioural approaches are effective in facilitating behaviour change and improving psychological and health status. This article discusses how a range of patient education and motivational approaches could be integrated into clinical practice to help people make behavioural changes to benefit their health. These include information giving, counselling, motivational interviewing, behaviour-orientated self-management therapy and cognitive,behavioural approaches. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd. [source]


    Auditory Brainstem Implantation in Patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 2,

    THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 12 2004
    Seth J. Kanowitz MD
    Abstract Objectives: Multichannel auditory brainstem implants (ABI) are currently indicated for patients with neurofibromatosis type II (NF2) and schwannomas involving the internal auditory canal (IAC) or cerebellopontine angle (CPA), regardless of hearing loss (HL). The implant is usually placed in the lateral recess of the fourth ventricle at the time of tumor resection to stimulate the cochlear nucleus. This study aims to review the surgical and audiologic outcomes in 18 patients implanted by our Skull Base Surgery Team from 1994 through 2003. Study Design: A retrospective chart review of 18 patients with ABIs. Methods: We evaluated demographic data including age at implantation, number of tumor resections before implantation, tumor size, surgical approach, and postoperative surgical complications. The ABI auditory results at 1 year were then evaluated for number of functioning electrodes and channels, hours per day of use, nonauditory side effect profile and hearing results. Audiologic data including Monosyllable, Spondee, Trochee test (MTS) Word and Stress scores, Northwestern University Children's Perception of Speech (NU-CHIPS), and auditory sensitivity are reported. Results: No surgical complications caused by ABI implantation were revealed. A probe for lateral recess and cochlear nucleus localization was helpful in several patients. A range of auditory performance is reported, and two patients had no auditory perceptions. Electrode paddle migration occurred in two patients. Patient education and encouragement is very important to obtain maximum benefit. Conclusions: ABIs are safe, do not increase surgical morbidity, and allow most patients to experience improved communication as well as access to environmental sounds. Nonauditory side effects can be minimized by selecting proper stimulation patterns. The ABI continues to be an emerging field for hearing rehabilitation in patients who are deafened by NF2. [source]


    The Assessment of Emergency Physicians by a Regulatory Authority

    ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 12 2006
    Jocelyn M. Lockyer PhD
    Abstract Objectives To determine whether it is possible to develop a feasible, valid, and reliable multisource feedback program (360° evaluation) for emergency physicians. Methods Surveys with 16, 20, 30, and 31 items were developed to assess emergency physicians by 25 patients, eight coworkers, eight medical colleagues, and self, respectively, using five-point scales along with an "unable to assess" category. Items addressed key competencies related to communication skills, professionalism, collegiality, and self-management. Results Data from 187 physicians who identified themselves as emergency physicians were available. The mean number of respondents per physician was 21.6 (SD ± 3.87) (93%) for patients, 7.6 (SD ± 0.89) (96%) for coworkers, and 7.7 (SD ± 0.61) (95%) for medical colleagues, suggesting it was a feasible tool. Only the patient survey had four items with "unable to assess" percentages ,15%. The factor analysis indicated there were two factors on the patient questionnaire (communication/professionalism and patient education), two on the coworker survey (communication/collegiality and professionalism), and four on the medical colleague questionnaire (clinical performance, professionalism, self-management, and record management) that accounted for 80.0%, 62.5%, and 71.9% of the variance on the surveys, respectively. The factors were consistent with the intent of the instruments, providing empirical evidence of validity for the instruments. Reliability was established for the instruments (Cronbach's , > 0.94) and for each physician (generalizability coefficients were 0.68 for patients, 0.85 for coworkers, and 0.84 for medical colleagues). Conclusions The psychometric examination of the data suggests that the instruments developed to assess emergency physicians were feasible and provide evidence for validity and reliability. [source]


    Management of skin cancer in solid organ transplant recipients

    DERMATOLOGIC THERAPY, Issue 1 2005
    Carmen Traywick
    ABSTRACT:, The incidence of catastrophic skin cancer in the solid organ transplant population continues to rise. As transplant patients are living longer, it is likely that dermatologists will be looking after an increasing number of organ transplant recipients. The key to managing this patient population lies in a multidisciplinary approach encompassing patient education, skin screening in the immediate post-transplant period, regular follow-up, and rapid referral to a dermatologist once skin lesions suspicious for skin cancer are diagnosed. Of paramount importance is discussion with transplant physicians to negotiate reduction of immunosuppression in the setting of catastrophic skin cancer. This article defines the scope of the problem of skin cancer in the solid organ transplant population, defines the nature of the lesions commonly presented, and reinforces the benefit of a multidisciplinary approach in the management of these patients. [source]


    Medical and surgical therapies for alopecias in black women

    DERMATOLOGIC THERAPY, Issue 2 2004
    Valerie D. Callender
    ABSTRACT:, Hair loss is a common problem that challenges the patient and clinician with a host of cosmetic, psychological and medical issues. Alopecia occurs in both men and women, and in all racial and ethnic populations, but the etiology varies considerably from group to group. In black women, many forms of alopecia are associated with hair-care practices (e.g., traction alopecia, trichorrhexis nodosa, and central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia). The use of thermal or chemical hair straightening, and hair braiding or weaving are examples of styling techniques that place African American women at high risk for various "traumatic" alopecias. Although the exact cause of these alopecias is unknown, a multifactorial etiology including both genetic and environmental factors is suspected. A careful history and physical examination, together with an acute sensitivity to the patient's perceptions (e.g., self-esteem and social problems), are critical in determining the best therapy course. Therapeutic options for these patients range from alteration of current hair grooming practices or products, to use of specific medical treatments, to hair replacement surgery. Since early intervention is often a key to preventing irreversible alopecia, the purpose of the present article is to educate the dermatologist on all aspects of therapy for hair loss in black women,including not only a discussion of the main medical and surgical therapies but also an overview of ethnic hair cosmetics, specific suggestions for alterations of hair-care practices, and recommendations for patient education and compliance. [source]


    Glycaemic goals in patients with type 2 diabetes: current status, challenges and recent advances

    DIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM, Issue 6 2010
    K. Khunti
    Recommendations for the management of type 2 diabetes include rigorous control of blood glucose levels and other risk factors, such as hypertension and dyslipidaemia. In clinical practice, many patients do not reach goals for glycaemic control. Causes of failure to control blood glucose include progression of underlying pancreatic , -cell dysfunction, incomplete adherence to treatment (often because of adverse effects of weight gain and hypoglycaemia) and reluctance of clinicians to intensify therapy. There is increasing focus on strategies that offer potential to improve glycaemic control. Structured patient education has been shown to improve glycaemic control and other cardiovascular risk factors in people with type 2 diabetes. Payment of general practitioners by results has been shown to improve glycaemic control. New classes of glucose-lowering agents have expanded the treatment options available to clinicians and patients and include the dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. These new classes of therapy and other strategies outlined above could help clinicians to individualize treatment and help a greater proportion of patients to achieve long-term control of blood glucose. [source]


    How can structured self-management patient education improve outcomes in people with type 2 diabetes?

    DIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM, Issue 1 2010
    J. Jarvis
    Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a long-term chronic condition that is complex to manage, with the majority of management being done by the person with diabetes outside of the clinical setting. Because of its complexities, effective self-management requires skills, confidence and the ability to make decisions and choices about treatments and lifestyle on a day-to-day basis. Equipping a person with these self-management skills is in itself challenging and it is now widely accepted that structured education is an integral part of the management of T2DM. This paper explores whether structured self-management education can improve outcomes in people with diabetes. The authors explore what self-management education is, why it is needed and then go on to examine the recent evidence from clinical trials from 2006 onwards. [source]


    Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) 30 years later: still the best option for insulin therapy

    DIABETES/METABOLISM: RESEARCH AND REVIEWS, Issue 2 2009
    Daniela Bruttomesso
    Abstract Thirty years after its introduction, the use of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) keeps increasing, especially among children and adolescents. The technique, when used properly, is safe and effective. Compared with traditional NPH-based multiple daily injections (MDI), CSII provides a small but clinically important reduction of HbA1c levels, diminishes blood glucose variability, decreases severe hypoglycaemic episodes and offers a better way to cope with the dawn phenomenon. Insulin analogues have improved the treatment of diabetes, eroding part of the place previously occupied by CSII, but CSII still remains the first option for patients experiencing severe hypoglycaemic episodes, high HbA1c values or marked glucose variability while being treated with optimized MDI. Furthermore CSII is better than MDI considering the effects on quality of life and the possibility to adjust insulin administration according to physical activity or food intake. CSII may be limited by cost. Present estimates suggest that CSII may be cost-effective just for patients experiencing a marked improvement in HbA1c or a decrease in severe hypoglycaemic episodes, but the effects on quality of life are difficult to measure. CSII does not merely imply wearing an external device; it requires a multidisciplinary team, intensive patient education and continuous follow up. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


    Some historical aspects of diabetic foot disease

    DIABETES/METABOLISM: RESEARCH AND REVIEWS, Issue S1 2008
    Henry Connor
    Abstract During the 19th century and for much of the 20th century, disease of the lower limb in diabetic patients was conceptualized not, as it is now, as ,the diabetic foot' or as ,a diabetic foot ulcer' but as ,gangrene in the diabetic foot' or as ,diabetic gangrene'. The prognostically and therapeutically important distinction between gangrene due to vascular insufficiency and gangrene due to infection in a limb with a normal or near normal blood supply was not made until about 1893. The advent of aseptic surgery improved the survival of amputation flaps, but surgery remained a hazardous undertaking until the discovery of insulin. Although insulin therapy reduced the risk of surgical intervention, diabetic foot disease now replaced hyperglycaemic coma as the major cause of diabetic mortality. The increasing workload attributable to diabetic foot disease after the introduction of insulin is reflected in the publications on diabetes in the 1920s. In some hospitals in North America this led to initiatives in prophylactic care and patient education, the importance of which were only more widely appreciated some 60 years later. A continuing emphasis on ischemia and infection as the major causes of diabetic foot disease led to a neglect of the role of neuropathy. In consequence, the management of diabetic neuropathic ulceration entered a prolonged period of therapeutic stagnation at a time when significant advances were being made in the management of lepromatous neuropathic ulceration. Reasons for the revival of progress in the management of diabetic neuropathic ulceration in the 1980s will be discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


    Self-monitoring of blood glucose in type-2 diabetes: what is the evidence?

    DIABETES/METABOLISM: RESEARCH AND REVIEWS, Issue 6 2007
    Grace McGeoch
    Abstract Background There is a controversy about self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) in patients with type 2 diabetes who are not using insulin. Randomized trials are limited in duration, size, and validity. Methods Systematic search for randomized trials and observational studies published since 1990. For inclusion studies had to report on SMBG in type 2 diabetes managed with oral hypoglycaemic agents and/or diet alone, HbA1c or clinical outcome, have at least 50 patients and be of at least 6 months' duration. Results Three randomized trials with 1000 patients were included, though all had interventions differing in the amount of education on SMBG, and in the population studied. The two larger studies had statistically significantly lower HbA1c levels with SMBG. Thirteen observational studies had information on over 60 000 patients. Smaller studies had lower initial HbA1c and showed no association between SMBG and laboratory or clinical improvement. Larger studies tended to have higher initial HbA1c and did show an association between SMBG and laboratory or clinical improvement. Overall, improvement in glycaemic control with SMBG tended to be seen in studies with initial HbA1c above 8%. Conclusions It is likely that SMBG is beneficial in some circumstances, for example as an educational tool, for patients with type 2 diabetes not using insulin who have poor glycaemic control. More information is needed at the level of the individual patient, rather than group means, and about timing and frequency of monitoring, response to those results, what constitutes effective patient education, and long-term clinical outcomes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


    Diabetes management in the new millennium using insulin pump therapy

    DIABETES/METABOLISM: RESEARCH AND REVIEWS, Issue S1 2002
    Bruce W. Bode
    Abstract Current goals of therapy of type 1 and 2 diabetes are to achieve near normal glycemia, minimize the risk of severe hypoglycemia, limit excessive weight gain, improve quality of life and delay or prevent late vascular complications. As discussed in this review, insulin pump or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy provides a treatment option that can dramatically aid in achieving all of these goals. In comparison to multiple daily injections (MDI), CSII uses only rapid-acting insulin, provides greater flexibility in timing of meals and snacks, has programmable basal rates to optimize overnight glycemic control, can reduce the risk of exercise-induced hypoglycemia, and enhances patients' ability to control their own diabetes. Most important, in adults and adolescents with type 1 diabetes, CSII has been shown to lower HbA1c levels, reduce the frequency of severe hypoglycemia and limit excessive weight gain versus MDI without increasing the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis. Similarly positive results are being seen with CSII in adults with type 2 diabetes. The effectiveness of CSII and improvements in pump technology have fueled a dramatic increase in the use of this therapy. Practical guidelines are presented for selection of patients, initiation of treatment, patient education, follow-up assessments and troubleshooting. The recent introduction of methods for continuous glucose monitoring provides a new means to optimize the basal and bolus capabilities of CSII and offers the hope of the development of a feedback-controlled artificial pancreas. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


    Hub-and-spoke model for a 5-day structured patient education programme for people with Type 1 diabetes

    DIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 9 2009
    H. Rogers
    Abstract Aims, Structured education programmes for people with Type 1 diabetes can deliver improved diabetes control (including reduced severe hypoglycaemia) and quality of life. They can be cost-effective but are resource intensive. We tested the ability to deliver an evidence-based 5-day programme in diabetes centres too small to deliver the courses. Methods, Specialist medical and nursing staff from three district general hospital diabetes services (the ,spokes') were trained in all aspects of the education programme, except those directly related to course delivery, by a larger centre (the ,hub'). The hub staff delivered the 5-day patient education courses, but all other patient education and management was managed locally. Diabetes control and quality of life were assessed at 1 year post-course. Results, In 63 patients with follow-up data, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) fell by 0.42 ± 1.0% (P = 0.001), with a greater fall in those with high HbA1c at baseline, and no mean weight gain. Emergency call-out for severe hypoglycaemia fell from 10 episodes in seven patients the year before to one episode in one patient (P = 0.03). Quality-of-life measures improved, with reduced negative impact of diabetes on diabetes-related quality of life (P < 0.00004) and ,present quality of life' improving (P < 0.001). Conclusions, The benefits of a 5-day structured education programme can be provided to patients with Type 1 diabetes attending centres without the resources to provide the teaching course itself, by a ,hub-and-spoke' methodology. [source]


    Diabetes patient education: time for a new era

    DIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 6 2005
    G. Rutten
    No abstract is available for this article. [source]


    European comparison of costs and quality in the prevention of secondary complications in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (2000,2001)

    DIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 7 2002
    A. Gandjour
    Abstract Aims To compare the out-patient costs and process quality of preventing secondary complications in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus in France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK. Methods A total of 188 European physician practices assessed annual services for one hypothetical average patient (cost evaluation) and 178 practices reported retrospective data on one or two real patients (quality evaluation) in 2000/2001. In countries with a detailed fee-for-service schedule (Germany, Italy, and Switzerland) reimbursement fees were used to approximate costs. These fee-for-service schedules were also used to develop index (average) fees for all countries, in order to measure resource utilization. The following process quality indicators were evaluated: control of HbA1c; control of lipids; urine test for (micro)albuminuria; control of blood pressure; foot examination; neurological examination; eye examination; and patient education. For each country an average quality rating was calculated by weighting the response to each quality indicator with the level of scientific evidence. Results Average quality ratings ranged from 0.40 in The Netherlands to 0.62 in the UK (0 = lowest rating; 1 = highest rating). Total annual costs for secondary prevention were higher in Switzerland than in Germany and Italy (EUR475, EUR381, and EUR283, respectively). Resource utilization was highest in Germany and lowest in the UK. Conclusions The overall quality of preventive services documented was found to be poor in the seven European countries studied. The UK rated as both the most effective and the most efficient country in providing secondary prevention in Type 2 diabetes. [source]


    Preservation of sight in diabetes: developing a national risk reduction programme

    DIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 9 2000
    L. Garvican
    SUMMARY Background Early treatment for diabetic retinopathy is effective at saving sight, but dependent on pre-symptomatic detection. Although 60% of people with diabetes have their eyes examined annually, few UK health authorities have systematic programmes that meet the British Diabetic Association's standards for sensitivity (> 80%) and specificity (> 95%). Screening is generally performed by general practitioners and optometrists, with some camera-based schemes, operated by dedicated staff. The National Screening Committee commissioned a group to develop a model and cost estimates for a comprehensive national risk-reduction programme. Ophthalmoscopy Evidence indicates that direct ophthalmoscopy using a hand-held ophthalmoscope does not give adequate specificity and sensitivity, and should be abandoned as a systematic screening technique. Indirect ophthalmoscopy using a slit lamp is sensitive and specific enough to be viable, and widespread availability in high street optometrists is an advantage, but the method requires considerable skill. Photographic schemes The principal advantage of camera-based screening is the capturing of an image, for patient education, review of disease progression, and quality assurance. Digital cameras are becoming cheaper, and are now the preferred option. The image is satisfactory for screening and may be transmitted electronically. With appropriate training and equipment, different professional groups might participate in programme delivery, based on local decisions. Cost issues Considerable resources are already invested in ad hoc screening, with inevitable high referral rates incurring heavy outpatient costs. Treatment for advanced disease is expensive, but less likely to be effective. The costs of a new systematic screening and treatment programme appear similar to current expenditure, as a result of savings in treatment of late-presenting advanced retinopathy. Conclusion A systematic national programme based on digital photography is proposed. [source]


    Long-term effectiveness of computer-generated tailored patient education on benzodiazepines: a randomized controlled trial

    ADDICTION, Issue 4 2008
    Geeske Brecht Ten Wolde
    ABSTRACT Aims Chronic benzodiazepine use is highly prevalent and is associated with a variety of negative health consequences. The present study examined the long-term effectiveness of a tailored patient education intervention on benzodiazepine use. Design A randomized controlled trial was conducted comprising three arms, comparing (i) a single tailored intervention; (ii) a multiple tailored intervention and (iii) a general practitioner letter. The post-test took place after 12 months. Participants Five hundred and eight patients using benzodiazepines were recruited by their general practitioners and assigned randomly to one of the three groups. Intervention Two tailored interventions, the single tailored intervention (patients received one tailored letter) and the multiple tailored intervention (patients received three sequential tailored letters at intervals of 1 month), were compared to a short general practitioner letter that modelled usual care. The tailored interventions not only provided different and more information than the general practitioner letter; they were also personalized and adapted to individual baseline characteristics. The information in both tailored interventions was the same, but in the multiple tailored intervention the information was provided to the participants spread over three occasions. In the multiple tailored intervention, the second and the third tailored letters were based on short and standardized telephone interviews. Measurements Benzodiazepine cessation at post-test was the outcome measure. Findings The results showed that participants receiving the tailored interventions were twice as likely to have quit benzodiazepine use compared to the general practitioner letter. Particularly among participants with the intention to discontinue usage at baseline, both tailored interventions led to high percentages of those who actually discontinued usage (single tailored intervention 51.7%; multiple tailored intervention 35.6%; general practitioner letter 14.5%). Conclusions It was concluded that tailored patient education can be an effective tool for reducing benzodiazepine use, and can be implemented easily. [source]


    ,I'm the Boss': testing the feasibility of an evidence-based patient education programme using problem-based learning

    EUROPEAN DIABETES NURSING, Issue 1 2004
    K Wikblad FEND Professor in Diabetes Nursing
    Abstract Patient education programmes have shown only small to modest effects on diabetes self-care and metabolic control. Despite that, almost all diabetes teams agree that patient education is an extremely important part of the treatment of diabetes. It is, therefore, important to identify components of successful patient education as a basis for creating and testing an evidence-based education programme. In a review of controlled studies evaluating patient education such components were identified and these were then used in building up the new programme. This programme, called ,I'm the Boss', is based on the notion that the patient is an active care participant, setting his own self-care goals, and is the one responsible for his own life. The content of the programme did not, therefore, focus on diabetes as such, but on life with diabetes. Six themes were explored during six three-hour weekly sessions. The educational method used was problem-based learning. This method is founded in cognitive theory and views the learner as active in seeking knowledge and able to solve the self-care problems identified. The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of the programme which was tested in four small groups (five to eight participants) of diabetic patients together with two facilitators. After completing the programme, the patients participated in focus group interviews to evaluate the programme. They identified both positive and negative factors. After each session the two facilitators reflected upon the group dynamics. In particular, problems with allowing patients to be the experts should be highlighted. This programme has been modified according to the evaluation and it is now being tested in a randomised, controlled, multicentre study. Copyright © 2004 FEND. [source]


    Effective management of adverse effects while on oral chemotherapy: implications for nursing practice

    EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CANCER CARE, Issue 2010
    K. HARROLD rn, bsc ( hons ), chemotherapy, iv access clinical nurse specialist
    HARROLD K. (2010) European Journal of Cancer Care19, 12,20 Effective management of adverse effects while on oral chemotherapy: implications for nursing practice The publication of guidelines by the United Kingdom National Patient Safety Agency and the National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death which looked into deaths within 30 days of systemic anticancer therapy and the more recent position statement from the United Kingdom Oncology Nursing Society have all highlighted the need for an improvement in the care and management of patients receiving oral chemotherapy. While it is essential that patients are aware of the rationale behind dose interruption and modification if they are to effectively deal with toxicities and complications that may arise, they also require access to a clear line of communication in order to facilitate early intervention. The value of pre treatment patient education and ongoing support for these patients has already been extensively documented and while a multidisciplinary team approach in this is vital, nurses are ideally placed to take a leading role in these two aspects of treatment management. This article aims to detail and review current best management practices for the most commonly reported toxicities associated with capecitabine, an oral chemotherapeutic agent used in the management of patients with colorectal cancer. Only if both the patient and the health care professional supporting them are aware of best management practices will the impact of toxicities be minimised and treatment outcomes optimised. [source]


    ,I'm living with a chronic illness, not . . . dying with cancer': a qualitative study of Australian women's self-identified concerns and needs following primary treatment for breast cancer

    EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CANCER CARE, Issue 2 2008
    M. OXLAD m.psych, research assistant
    This study aimed to identify the current concerns and needs of Australian women who had recently completed primary treatment for breast cancer in order to develop a workbook-journal for this population. Focus groups were utilized to allow women to use their own frames of reference, and to identify and verbalize the topics that were important to them following treatment. All focus groups were conducted in a patient education and relaxation room, familiar to the women to assist them to feel more at ease. Ten women aged 36,68 years who had recently completed treatment for early-stage breast cancer at a South Australian public hospital took part in one of three focus groups. Topics covered included current physical, emotional and social needs. Participants reported a sense of apprehension about the future at the completion of primary treatment. In addition to this, five specific areas of concern were identified including physical sequelae of treatment, intimacy issues, fear of recurrence, benefit finding, and optimism versus pessimism about the future. Means of addressing post-treatment concerns were also discussed. Following the presentation of these findings, suggestions to aid health-care professionals in their clinical practice are provided. [source]


    Survey of computer use for health topics by patients with head and neck cancer

    HEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 1 2005
    Jane Lea BSc
    Abstract Background. Computers are potentially powerful tools for patient education. E-health, which refers to health services and information delivered through the Internet, is a growing phenomenon within the health-care field. We sought to describe computer use and interest in e-health resources among patients with head and neck cancer. Methods. A questionnaire was administered to 207 patients with head and neck cancer attending oncology follow-up clinics at a single comprehensive cancer center. Results. Forty-eight percent had never used a computer; 43% used one more than once a week. E-health information had been sought by 31%. Likelihood to access e-health information increased with education and income but decreased with age (p , .05). Conclusions. Many patients with head and neck cancer welcome information technology, but most prefer more traditional sources of information. Interventions to improve computer access and/or skills are largely undesired. Individuals seem to either embrace technology or not. In this respect, patients with head and neck cancer are similar to, rather than unique from, other patients with cancer. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck27: 8,14, 2005 [source]


    Behavioral Facilitation of Medical Treatment for Headache,Part II: Theoretical Models and Behavioral Strategies for Improving Adherence

    HEADACHE, Issue 9 2006
    Jeanetta C. Rains PhD
    This is the second of 2 articles addressing the problem of noncompliance in medical practice and, more specifically, compliance with headache treatment. The companion paper describes the problem of noncompliance in medical practice and reviews literature addressing compliance in headache care (Behavioral Facilitation of Medical Treatment for Headache,Part I: Review of Headache Treatment Compliance). The present paper first summarizes relevant health behavior theory to help account for the myriad biopsychosocial determinants of adherence, as well as patient's shifting responsiveness or "readiness for change" over time. Appreciation of health behavior models may assist in optimally tailoring interventions to patient needs through instructional, motivational, and behavioral treatment strategies. A wide range of specific cognitive and behavioral compliance-enhancing interventions are described, which may facilitate treatment adherence among headache patients. Strategies address patient education, patient/provider interaction, dosing regimens, psychiatric comorbidities, self-efficacy enhancement, and other behavioral interventions. [source]


    Healthcare in a land called PeoplePower: nothing about me without me

    HEALTH EXPECTATIONS, Issue 3 2001
    Tom Delbanco MD
    In a 5-day retreat at a Salzburg Seminar attended by 64 individuals from 29 countries, teams of health professionals, patient advocates, artists, reporters and social scientists adopted the guiding principle of ,nothing about me without me' and created the country of PeoplePower. Designed to shift health care from ,biomedicine' to ,infomedicine', patients and health workers throughout PeoplePower join in informed, shared decision-making and governance. Drawing, where possible, on computer-based guidance and communication technologies, patients and clinicians contribute actively to the patient record, transcripts of clinical encounters are shared, and patient education occurs primarily in the home, school and community-based organizations. Patients and clinicians jointly develop individual ,quality contracts', serving as building blocks for quality measurement and improvement systems that aggregate data, while reflecting unique attributes of individual patients and clinicians. Patients donate process and outcome data to national data banks that fuel epidemiological research and evidence-based improvement systems. In PeoplePower hospitals, constant patient and employee feedback informs quality improvement work teams of patients and health professionals. Volunteers work actively in all units, patient rooms are information centres that transform their shape and decor as needs and individual preferences dictate, and arts and humanities programmes nourish the spirit. In the community, from the earliest school days the citizenry works with health professionals to adopt responsible health behaviours. Communities join in selecting and educating health professionals and barter systems improve access to care. Finally, lay individuals partner with professionals on all local, regional and national governmental and private health agencies. [source]


    Collective AIDS activism and individuals' perceived self-advocacy in physician-patient communication

    HUMAN COMMUNICATION RESEARCH, Issue 3 2000
    E Brashers
    In a study of AIDS activism and communication patterns between people with HIV or AIDS and health care personnel, parallel persuasive processes are described between social or political activism and personal self-advocacy. The analysis of public and private discourse leads to 3 interrelated conclusions about AIDS activist behaviours at the collective and individual levels: (a) greater patient education about the illness and treatment options is encouraged, (b) a more assertive stance toward health care is promoted, and mindful nonadherence is considered. Activists perceived that their self-advocacy behaviors, in turn, impact the physician-patient interaction. In communicative interactions, education allows patients to challenge the expertise of the physician, assertiveness allows them to confront paternalistic or authoritarian interactional styles, and mindful nonadherence allows them to reject treatment recommendations and offer reasons for doing so. Participants reported that physicians had mixed reactions to their self-advocacy attempts. [source]


    What is the role of patient education in the care of IBD?

    INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES, Issue S2 2008
    MSc (HSR), R.C. Rakshit MD
    No abstract is available for this article. [source]