Maximizing the healthcare environment: a systematic review exploring the potential of computer technology to promote self-management of chronic illness in healthcare settings

Objective The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the effectiveness of using computers to deliver patient self-management programs (PSMPs) to patients with chronic illness in health supported settings. Methods We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), where the experimental intervention was compared either with an equivalent \u27standard\u27 PSMP delivered by staff, usual care or no intervention and reported data either on clinical or behavioral outcomes. We conducted a narrative synthesis, incorporating a small quantitative analysis to enable comparisons across studies. Results A total of 11 studies met the inclusion criteria. There was insufficient evidence to determine whether computer-based PSMPs were superior to standard programs. However, it appeared that these interventions were effective when compared to no intervention. Interventions incorporating behavior change techniques beyond the provision of information appeared more effective than those that did not. Conclusion Evidence from the current review, whilst limited, suggests that computer-based PSMPs, delivered in health-supported settings, show potential for changing health behaviors and improving clinical outcomes in patients with chronic illness. Practice Implications: Although the approach shows promise, it is premature to recommend the integration of these interventions into clinical practice. However, more well designed trials are warranted to test their efficacy and cost-benefit

Meeting the needs of vulnerable patients:The need for team working across general practice and community nursing services

General practitioners and district nurses have a long history of providing care outside the hospital setting. With health care increasingly moving out of the hospital setting, there are more opportunities for general practitioners and district nurses to work together to meet the health needs of the local population. However, the reduction in qualified specialist practitioner district nurses over the last decade is concerning. The need for an effective district nursing service has been recognised by the Department of Health in their own model – the nature of district nursing work, often over a long period, enables relationships to develop with the patient, family and informal carers as a basis for anticipatory care to manage long-term conditions. Communication and understanding of the role are central to enhance effective working between general practitioners and district nurses, which can be fostered by engagement in community-oriented integrated care and case management

Older people living alone in Shanghai:A questionnaire survey of their life experience

U ovome je radu obrađena tema pametnih materijala, s naglaskom na njihove reverzibilne mehanizme pretvorbe iz jednog stanja u drugo, te područja njihove primjene. Piezoelektrični materijali stvaraju električnu energiju uslijed djelovanja mehaničkog naprezanja, i obrnuto. Slitine s efektom prisjetljivosti oblika se vraćaju u svoj prvotni oblik nakon što su plastične deformirane, zagrijavanjem na određenu temperaturu. Magnetostriktivni materijali mijenjaju svoj oblik ili dimenzije pod utjecajem magnetnog polja. Magnetoreološke tekućine mjenjaju svoju viskoznost pod utjecajem magnetnog polja, pošto sadrže magnetne čestice. Kromatskim se materijalima promijeni boja uslijed neke promjene u njihovu okruženju.The subject of this bachelor’s thesis are smart materials, with emphasis on their reversible conversion mechanisms from one state to another, and their areas of application. Piezoelectric materials generate electrical energy due to mechanical stress, and vice versa. Shape memory alloys return to their original shape after being plastically deformed, by heating at a certain temperature. Magnetostrictive materials change their shape or dimensions under the influence of a magnetic field. Magnetorheological fluids change their viscosity under the influence of a magnetic field, due to them containing magnetic particles. Chromatic materials change colors following some changes in their environment

Health Professionals' Alcohol-Related Professional Practices and the Relationship between Their Personal Alcohol Attitudes and Behavior and Professional Practices:A Systematic Review

Health professionals’ personal health behaviors have been found to be associated with their practices with patients in areas such as smoking, physical activity and weight management, but little is known in relation to alcohol use. This review has two related strands and aims to: (1) examine health professionals’ alcohol-related health promotion practices; and (2) explore the relationship between health professionals’ personal alcohol attitudes and behaviors, and their professional alcohol-related health promotion practices. A comprehensive literature search of the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, British Nursing Index, Web of Science, Scopus and Science Direct (2007–2013) identified 26 studies that met the inclusion criteria for Strand 1, out of which six were analyzed for Strand 2. The findings indicate that health professionals use a range of methods to aid patients who are high-risk alcohol users. Positive associations were reported between health professionals’ alcohol-related health promotion activities and their personal attitudes towards alcohol (n = 2), and their personal alcohol use (n = 2). The findings have some important implications for professional education. Future research should focus on conducting well-designed studies with larger samples to enable us to draw firm conclusions and develop the evidence base