Prediction of diabetic adherence using the BASIS-A inventory.

Medical and mental health professionals continue to strive for more effective ways of encouraging patients to adhere to suggested treatment plans. The purpose of this research was to explore the relationship between personality and adherence dynamics within a diabetic population. Specifically, we examined the relationship between Adlerian life style personality factors with 14 adherence behaviors in 38 patients with type I diabetes. Several statistically significant correlations showed that specific personality variables are associated with particular elements of the adherence regimen. The results indicate that strategies to increase adherence among patients should be individualized, and recommendations for how to increase adherence in patients with diabetes are given.

Frequency requirements for zeroing transducers in hemodynamic monitoring.

BACKGROUND: Accurate hemodynamic monitoring information can be obtained only if the transducer/amplifier system is used correctly. One major component of correct use is zeroing the transducer to provide a relative reference point on which to measure hemodynamic pressures. However, nursing requirements for frequency of zeroing are inconsistent. In addition, the concepts of leveling and zeroing are frequently confused. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether transducers drift from zero (+/- 2 mm Hg), and if they do not drift from zero, how long they hold a zero value. METHODS: The study, conducted in four midwestern hospitals, was carried out in two parts: an initial 10-day bench test of 50 transducers and an evaluation of 388 transducers attached to patients for 1 to 5 days. Transducers were monitored over time after being consistently leveled. RESULTS: Bench testing indicated that 100% of transducers did not drift +/- 2 mm Hg from zero during the study period. In the clinical study, only 1.3% of transducers drifted from zero. Five transducers drifted +/- 2 mm Hg from zero, with a range of -5 to 3 mm Hg. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that transducers used for hemodynamic monitoring require zeroing only on initial setup and disconnection from the amplifier.