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Background Research into the use of digital technology for weight loss maintenance (intentionally losing at least 10% of initial body weight and actively maintaining it) is limited. The aim of this article was to systematically review randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting on the use of digital technologies for communicating on weight loss maintenance to determine its' effectiveness, and identify gaps and areas for further research. Methods A systematic literature review was conducted by searching electronic databases to locate publications dated between 2006 and February 2018. Criteria were applied, and RCTs using digital technologies for weight loss maintenance were selected. Results Seven RCTs were selected from a total of 6541 hits after de-duplication and criteria applied. Three trials used text messaging, one used e-mail, one used a web-based system and two compared such a system with face-to-face contact. From the seven RCTs, one included children (n = 141) and reported no difference in BMI Standard Deviation between groups. From the seven trials, four reported that technology is effective for significantly aiding weight loss maintenance compared with control (no contact) or face-to face-contact in the short term (between 3 and 24 months). Conclusions It was concluded that digital technologies have the potential to be effective communication tools for significantly aiding weight loss maintenance, especially in the short term (from 3 to 24 months). Further research is required into the long-term effectiveness of contemporary technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glucose derangement is commonly observed among adults admitted to hospital with acute stroke. This paper presents the findings from a descriptive cohort study that investigated the glucose monitoring practices of nurses caring for adults admitted to hospital with stroke or transient ischaemic attack. We found that a history of diabetes mellitus was strongly associated with initiation of glucose monitoring and higher frequency of that monitoring. Glucose monitoring was continued for a significantly longer duration of days for adults with a history of diabetes mellitus, when compared to the remainder of the cohort. As glucose monitoring was not routine practice for adults with no history of diabetes mellitus, the detection and treatment of hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia events could be delayed. There was a significant positive association between the admission hospital that is most likely to offer stroke unit care and the opportunity for glucose monitoring. We concluded that adults with acute stroke, irrespective of their diabetes mellitus status prior to admission to hospital, are vulnerable to both hyperglycaemic and hypoglycaemic events. This study suggests that the full potential of nurses in the monitoring of glucose among hospitalised adults with stroke has yet to be realised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in healthcare provision introduced in the early 1990s raised awareness of the issue of quality in health care. Quality, currently a fashionable topic, is an abstract concept and attempts to define and measure its properties have proved controversial and challenging. An equally challenging aspect of nursing care is the satisfactory delivery of health education to patients. This paper focuses on patient education and quality assurance in nursing. The results of a study concerning 20 young adults with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) are reported. The findings indicate deficiencies in their experiences of patient education at initial diagnosis, discharge home after first hospital admission and when needing further information. It is contended that patient education is an area which requires qualitative as well as quantitative measurements of quality in order to capture the unique experience of information needs. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]