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Introduction The role of the DSN is described as advanced, multifaceted and flexible. It has been clearly established in the UK and plays a vital role in diabetes care. However, [...]

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]

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]