Comparison of Two Diverse Measurement Methods by Graphical Agreement

Biological processes are complex, and several methods are often used to measure them. However, different methods could determine diverse parts of a single biological process. To date, there are no widely accepted and convenient methods for comparison between the results, so we consider graphical analysis with the ability to demonstrate the pattern of distribution of findings from one method across another. It appears that a two-series area plot is the most appropriate. After using normal values and a coding reference and examining the variables, unnecessary information is diminished and the graphics become more obvious. Three possibilities may be found: agreement or disagreement between variables or disagreement from normal values. Therefore, the graph may also be used to determine the corresponding normal values between variables. The association between variables may be tested using kappa coefficients, although graphical analysis remains more informative. Therefore, graphical analysis could compare two completely different variables that measure the same biological process or determine the range of normal values.     

全国医疗器械检测机构 pH 值测定比对试验小结简

对参加全国医疗器械检测机构pH值测定比对试验进行总结。并对此试验过程、影响因素进行论述。     

Teachers’ perceptions of early math concepts learned from unit blocks: A cross-cultural comparison

ABSTRACT

This article reports and compares results from an interview study of early childhood teachers in the U.S. and Hong Kong, with a focus on the math outcomes that children may gain from play with unit blocks. Teachers were interviewed to obtain their ideas of the benefits of unit block play in three focal areas: geometry, measurement, and numeracy. Hong Kong teachers contributed significantly more unique ideas than did U.S. teachers in both numeracy and in general math processes, and in the overall number of different math-related ideas. No significant differences between teachers were found in ideas about the benefits of unit blocks for learning in geometry or measurement. Cultural comparisons of teacher knowledge with respect to a wider array of the mathematical concepts that children learn from unit block play may increase our understanding of math knowledge that teachers need in order to facilitate math learning from block play.     

Time matters

The chronically ill patient must adjust to new life circumstances and manage ongoing threats to personal health. Patients often make comparisons with each other, which can have effects on their psychological and physical well-being. One question is whether health psychologists can develop interventions to strategically facilitate the use of such comparisons to optimise adjustment. This paper critically reviews evidence on patients' comparisons in studies using selection, narration and reaction methods. Discussion focuses on gaps in the empirical literature and describes some new basic concepts in social comparison, which may advance knowledge about the process in medical patients. Recommendations also are provided about the kinds of studies needed to inform the future design of effective social comparison interventions.     

Side‐by‐side comparison of an open‐chamber (TM 300) and a closed‐chamber (Vapometer™) transepidermal water loss meter

Background: The measurement of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) is used to monitor changes in the stratum corneum's permeability to water vapor. This measurement is widely used in the cosmetics industry and in dermatology research. However, only limited work has been undertaken to assess the comparability of results from different TEWL meters over an extended range of measurements. Methods: This study compared the results of TEWL measurements between two commonly used open‐chamber and closed‐chamber TEWL devices. Five hundred and forty measurements were taken in 17 participants on the dorsum and palm of both hands on two different days and the order of the devices was randomized. Results: The results showed that the open TEWL meter's capacity for measuring high values of TEWL was restricted, and that the closed‐chamber TEWL meter was less sensitive to differences in the lower range of measurements. Conclusion: Both devices have their strengths for different applications, but their results cannot be directly compared. We were unable to find a statistical model that would allow us to transform the measurements made on one device for a comparison with the results generated by the other device.     

A comparison of family care infrastructure for demented elderly in inner cities and regional areas in Japan

Background: Family members' observations of daily life are important for the diagnosis and treatment of dementia. However, elderly people are increasingly living alone, and family structures tend to differ between inner‐city areas and regional areas. We aimed to compare the family caregiving infrastructure of demented elderly visiting a memory clinic. Methods: Subjects were consecutive outpatients with dementia at the memory clinic at a university hospital in two different areas. We compared subjects' demographic data, residency status, housemates and companion status at the time of their initial visit. Results: Patients in the inner‐city area (n= 99) had more education and higher Mini‐Mental State Examination scores than those in the regional area (n= 172). In both areas, the highest proportion of patients lived with their spouse. In the inner city, patients' housemates were either their spouse (34%) or their child (13%); 22% lived alone. In regional areas, patients lived with their spouse only (39%) or in their child's household (23%); 14% lived alone. At their initial consultation, inner‐city patients were accompanied by a family member other than their spouse (49%), a spouse (27%), or they were alone (7%). In the regional area, patients' companions were their spouse (35%) or their spouse and other family members (18%); patients rarely arrived alone. Regression analysis showed that education, diagnosis, housemate state (child only), and companion state (alone) significantly influenced the living area. Conclusion: Our results suggest family caregiving infrastructure of demented elderly differ between the two areas. This may reflect changes in social structure and increased awareness regarding dementia in inner‐city areas.     

Patient–patient interaction – caring and sharing

Aim: The aim of this study is to provide an understanding of the significance of hospitalized patients’ interpersonal interaction with fellow patients in an infectious disease ward in a large Danish hospital. Method: A qualitative approach was selected using participant observation and semi‐structured qualitative interviews. Six female participants at the age of 32–81 years with different types of infectious diseases accepted to participate in interviews. The analysis was carried out using Kvales’ three levels of qualitative data analysis. Data were catalogued into two main categories with several subcategories representing significance of patients’ interaction with fellow patients. Results: The qualitative analysis resulted in two main categories: (i) Caring for fellow patients and (ii) Sharing illness information with fellow patients. Each of the main categories was elucidated through several subcategories. Our findings clearly showed that interpersonal interaction with fellow patients was of utmost importance when it came to care and support and when they needed information about their illness. Typically, the interpersonal interaction was experienced as giving and referred to in positive terms, but occasionally, the opposite was experienced too. Less typically, the patients experienced interaction with fellow patients as a burden and referred to it in negative terms. Conclusions: Patients’ interaction resembled care as well as self‐care. Patient–patient interaction was an important part of the social support system during hospitalization.     

An ambiguous relationship – a qualitative meta‐synthesis of hospitalized somatic patients’ experience of interaction with fellow patients

Aim: The aim of this study was to provide a clear view of the existing knowledge regarding patients’ significance to fellow patients during hospitalization. Method: Sandelowski and Barroso’s approach to qualitative meta‐synthesis was selected and systematically used for collecting and assessing findings from qualitative studies. Data consisted of seven qualitative studies published as one book, four scientific articles and two doctoral theses from Scotland, UK, Norway and Denmark. The analysis and synthesis were conducted with inspiration from both Sandelowski and Barroso and Ian Dey’s approach to qualitative data analysis. Results: The qualitative meta‐synthesis resulted in the heading An Ambiguous Relationship under which three core categories illustrate the hospitalized patients’ different interaction roles. The core categories were as follows: (i) the fellow patient experienced as an enforced companion, (ii) the fellow patient experienced as an expert on illness and hospital life and (iii) the fellow patient experienced as a care provider. Each core category was elaborated through several subcategories. Social interaction among hospitalized patients embedded elements of both enforced and volunteered participation. Typically, the social interaction was experienced as giving and was referred to in positive terms but recurrently, the opposite was experienced too. The ambiguity of the relationship clearly emerged in all of the synthesized themes presented in this article. Implications for practice: Hospitalized patients experienced interaction with fellow patients to be of great significance. We suggest that knowledge of patients’ interaction is to be included in the nursing education and that nurses reflect on how this knowledge may be implemented as a part of caring in nursing.     

Validation of the Hemo_Control instrument for determination of B-haemoglobin concentration in primary health care

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the analytical performance of a new portable haemoglobinometer, Hemo_Control (EKF-diagnostic, GmbH, Germany), which measures haemoglobin concentration in venous and capillary samples. Method: The within series and between series imprecision of the Hemo_Control instrument were calculated after measuring the concentration of venous samples under standardized conditions; by experienced laboratory technicians in a hospital laboratory, and venous and capillary samples under conditions similar to where the instrument is intended for use; by personnel at two primary health care centres. The bias of the Hemo_Control instrument was calculated as the difference between its results and results obtained with a Coulter LH 750 instrument traceable to the ICSH reference method. Results: The uncertainty of the Hemo_Control instrument for venous samples was lower than the quality goal of ± 5% considered acceptable for patient care. High within series imprecision (5.5%) was observed for measurements of capillary blood samples in one of the primary care centres, whereas adequate analytical performance was obtained at the other centre. The Hemo_Control instrument showed negligible bias of +0.8 g/L for both venous and capillary samples in primary health care. Conclusion: The observed uncertainty indicates that Hemo_Control is appropriate for near patient testing using venous samples. Capillary samples may be used if sampling skills are adequate.