Reflections and Perspectives on Pediatric Psychology: Editor's Vale Dictum

Reviews major activities of the Editor and changes in the Journalof Pediatric Psychology (JPP) for issues published in 1993 through1997. Significant trends and accomplishments are reviewed, includingthe increased use of Special Issues and Special Sections tohighlight current pediatric psychological research. Articlespublished during the term are analyzed interms of article typeand population type Comarisons are made to earlier trends inJPP publication as reported by Roberts (1 992).     

FEASIBILITY OF CONDUCTING CARDIOVASCULAR OUTCOME RESEARCH IN AUSTRALIAN GENERAL PRACTICE: RESULTS FROM THE ANBP2 PILOT STUDY

1. The present study aimed to determine the feasibility of conducting a 5 year cardiovascular outcome trial of the treatment of 6000 elderly hypertensive patients in Australian general practices. 2. General practitioners (GPs) were invited to participate by mail and personal follow-up. Patient records were reviewed to identify subjects for a blood pressure (BP) screening programme. Blood pressure was measured on three occasions and eligible subjects were included if the average BP was 160 mmHg systolic or 90 mmHg diastolic if systolic BP was 140 mmHg. 3. Seven hundred and forty-one GPs were approached and 89 were enrolled in the study (12% of mail invites and 75% of those receiving a personal contact). In 16 practices where screening was completed, 82 000 records were reviewed to identify 4% patients eligible for screening. Twenty-two per cent of eligible subjects attended screening. Of 1938 subjects screened, 180 (9%) had BP 5=160/90 mmHg. Forty-seven percent of subjects (n = 916) were receiving antihypertensive therapy and 184 (20%) were withdrawn from therapy. One hundred and sixteen (63%) of these subjects had BP return to study entry levels within 6 weeks. Fifty-seven newly diagnosed and 81 previously treated subjects were randomized (7% of the screened population). 4. Based on the high participation rate of GPs, the response rate of patients to attend a BP screening programme and the 7% randomization to screening ratio for entry into the study, the ANBP2 pilot study has demonstrated that it is feasible to recruit subjects from Australian general practices to a cardiovascular outcome trial.     

Using a supervisory framework to support and evaluate a multiproject practice development programme

? The paper describes a multiproject practice development programme undertaken over a period of 1 year. ? The background and development of the programme are outlined, whilst attention is paid to the innovatory nature of the work, particularly the use of inductive, deductive and integrated approaches to both change implementation and project supervision. ? The programme was monitored throughout using different data sources and the paper uses evaluative material retrospectively to provide answers to organizational and professional difficulties which arose during the course of the programme. ? The authors conclude that the use of combinations of different models for practice development has potential, but requires careful supervision. ? They also recommend that those involved in practice development are made fully aware of its local or micropolitics, and develop strategies to deal with change before it occurs, not after it has taken place.     

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.     

地膜覆盖条件下红花生长发育规律及其与产量关系的研究

对地膜覆盖条件下红花生长发育规律及其与产量的关系进行了研究。结果表明,地膜红花与露地红花生长发育规律基本一致,但地膜红花生育进程明显提前,各个阶段的生长量明显增多,花的产量及籽粒产量极显著提高。     

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.