Smart tattoo: technology for monitoring blood glucose in the future

The file attached to this record is the author's final peer reviewed version. The Publisher's final version can be found by following the DOI link.New ways of measuring blood glucose bring hope of easing the burden of diabetes management for patients living with the conditions. The smart tattoo is an innovation that represents a nascent nanotechnology, which is designed to be implanted within the skin to provide continuous and reliable glucose detection for individuals diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. The potential benefits of the smart tatto are compelling not only due to the potential of these nanodevices to prevent diabetic complications and decrease the related social costs, but also due to ease of use and relative user comfort. However, despite the advantages of the smart tattoo, it is important that health professionals, in embracing nanotechnology, understand the ethical implications of using these innovative devices

Sexual health beliefs among minority ethnic families in the north of England

The purpose of this study was to explore beliefs and attitudes regarding sexual health among minority ethnic families. Focus group discussions with a convenience sample from a black African community comprising 32 adults (38–58 years of age) were undertaken. The group discussions were recorded, transcribed and analysed for themes. The findings were analysed using descriptive analysis and a variation of the constant comparative method. Primary themes included the participants’ understanding of the concept of sexual health; an insight into sexual health discourse in the home; and the need for culturally appropriate sexual health promotion. This study contributes to our knowledge of black African parents’ views on sexual health. It adds to previous literature on sexual health, gives voice to minority parents and their adolescent children, and highlights the importance of social norms, family and cultural values on sexual health

Patients' experiences and perceived causes of persisting discomfort following day surgery

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The aim of this study was to describe patients' experiences and perceived causes of persisting discomfort following day surgery. Earlier research has mainly covered symptoms and signs during a recovery period of up to one month, and not dealt with patients' perceptions of what causes persisting, longer-term discomfort.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This study is a part from a study carried out during the period May 2006 to May 2007 with a total of 298 day surgery patients. Answers were completed by 118 patients at 48 hours, 110 at seven days and 46 at three months to one open-ended question related to discomfort after day surgery constructed as follows: <it>If you are still experiencing discomfort related to the surgery, what is the reason, in your opinion</it>? Data was processed, quantitatively and qualitatively. Descriptive, inferential, correlation and content analyses were performed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The results suggest that patients suffer from remaining discomfort e.g. pain and wound problem, with effects on daily life following day surgery up to three months. Among patients' perceptions of <it>factors leading to discomfort </it>may be <it>wrongful or suboptimal treatment</it>, <it>type of surgery </it>or <it>insufficient access to provider/information.</it></p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The results have important implications for preventing and managing discomfort at home following day surgery, and for nursing interventions to help patients handle the recovery period better.</p

Explanatory models of diabetes among Asian and Caucasian participants

Difference in explanatory models (EMs) between the person and the healthcare professional has been suggested as one reason for non-adherence to a recommended treatment regimen. The aim of this study was to explore the EMsof diabetes by a group of Asian and Caucasian participants. A total of 25 Asians and 24 Caucasians were recruited from a local diabetic clinic and subsequently interviewed about their personal EMs of diabetes. Responses to the tape-recorded semistructured interview questions about the perceived cause, time and mode of symptom onset, pathophysiology, course of illness and treatment were analysed and categories of response established and compared across the two groups. Although the results indicated some similarities of EMs of diabetes between the groups, certain differences were identified. It is suggested that nurses who include EMs in their care planning are more likely to enhance adherence among people with diabetes

Diabetes : complications and the economic burden

Diabetes mellitus (DM), a chronic metabolic disorder, has been recognised as a major public health problem with far-reaching consequences not just for its adverse impact on the health of people affected by this condition, but also for the economic burden it places on the healthcare system. To reduce cost, it is imperative that diabetes management aims to achieve optimal glucose control to minimise the risk of long-term complications and to enable the person with diabetes to lead a good quality of life. This is often achieved through the use of a vast array of lifestyle and pharmaceutical interventions designed to prevent and control hyperglycaemia. However, evidence asserts not maintaining blood glucose within a normal range can result in chronic hyperglycaemia. This in turn leads to the development of micro and macrovascular complications. Such complications incur additional indirect costs to patients, employers and society due to absence from work caused by sickness and early retirement