Video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in Asia - its impact and implications

Abstract Background: Within a short period of time, video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has revolutionised the practice of thoracic surgery. Most of the existing literature, however, is concentrated on the technical aspects.
Aims: We examined the impact of VATS on our practice and its implications.
Methods: We reviewed our thoracic case load two years before and two years after the introduction of VATS in our hospital.
Results: We have witnessed a rapid and progressive increase in our thoracic case load since the introduction of VATS. With increased experience, proportionally more cases were performed using VATS compared to conventional surgical access. The increased case load covered a wide range of thoracic diseases with the majority for spontaneous pneumothorax and pleural diseases.
Conclusion: The higher case load is due to increased referrals which at least partly reflect earlier acceptance by both the patients and their physicians for surgical intervention. The changing indications for surgery and the high cost associated with VATS, however, could place extra demand on the healthcare, especially for some countries in Asia. Cost containment is therefore a high priority here. More research is greatly needed in this area.     

Measuring clinical outcome

At the present time, there are many fundamental issues coming from the Department of Health or from other national organizations, which will have an effect on the future development of the dietetic profession. The British Diatetic Association (BDA) Professional Development Committee will consider these issues, as and when appropriate, and will publish the information in the form of Briefing Papers.
The first Briefing Paper on 'Quality Assurance' was published by the BDA in November 1989. The second on 'Measuring clinical outcome' is published below. In each case the opinion of BDA members and specialist groups has been sought and the Professional Development Committee wishes to thank individuals and the specialist groups for their comments.
The Briefing Papers are intended to provide information and promote discussion among the membership. I would welcome further comments from readers, which may be directed to the British Dietetic Association Office.     

我国社区护士培养现状及对策

对社区护士应具备的素质及其培养方法、培养内容及培养方式等进行综述,并对目前我国社区护士培养方面存在的问题进行分析,提出应重视、加强社区护士的培养和教育,建立健全多层次培养途径,优化课程体系,完善培养模式,加大培养力度,大力发展社区护理事业。     

开放实验室的初步探讨

开放实验室是近年来高校实验教学改革的新举措,本文从管理的角度阐述了开放实验室在实验教学改革中对培养学生的实践能力、创新意识、个性化发展等方面发挥的重要作用。从实验时间、实验内容以及仪器设备共享等方面进行了重点讨论。     

护理干预对社区老年骨质疏松症病人生活质量的影响

[目的 ]探讨护理干预对社区老年骨质疏松症病人生活质量的影响。 [方法 ]评估15 2例老年骨质疏松症病人护理干预前后骨质疏松相关知识掌握情况 ,血钙、血磷、骨密度测定值以及疼痛程度、生活质量的变化。[结果 ]护理干预 1a后病人相关知识 ,血钙、血磷、骨密度测定值及疼痛程度、生活质量评分与干预前比较有统计学意义 (P <0 .0 1,P <0 .0 5 )。 [结论 ]针对性进行社区护理干预能有效促进骨质疏松症病人病情的良性转归 ,可明显提高生活质量。     

The development and evaluation of Student Training, Education and Practice for Dietetics CD-ROM: a computer-assisted instruction programme for dietetic students

The Student Training, Education and Practice for Dietetics (STEP‐DIET) CD‐ROM was developed at the University of Surrey to prepare dietetic students for the practical dietetic training component of their Nutrition/Dietetics degree. This study aimed to evaluate student response to the programme and its effectiveness as a teaching tool, based on the evaluation framework of D.L. Kirkpatrick (Evaluating a Course, 2nd edn. London, Kogan Page). Quantitative and qualitative methodologies were employed, with 41 dietetic students, separated by year group, completing questionnaires and taking part in six focus groups, at the University of Surrey. Student attitudes towards the instruction method and the STEP‐DIET programme itself were investigated, in conjunction with their perceived learning achievements. Students rated the programme highly in terms of design and content, however, there was a reluctance to accept computer‐assisted instruction (CAI) as a sole teaching method. A number of learning achievements relevant to dietetic practice were reported including a perceived increase in ability to conduct a dietetic interview and an increased understanding of the management of Type 2 diabetes. In general students reacted positively to the STEP‐DIET programme and it was perceived by students to be effective in preparing them for the practical component of their dietetic training.