Objective: To identify instruments used to measure health literacy and numeracy in people with diabetes; evaluate their use, measurement scope, and properties; discuss their strengths and weaknesses; and propose the most useful, reliable, and applicable measure for use in research and practice settings. Methods" A systematic literature review…

Background: Melanoma is a serious skin cancer that has been on the rise in the United States. Some genetic component is apparent. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify demographic, clinical, attitudinal, and health belief factors associated with intention to obtain genetic testing for hereditary melanoma among unaffected first-degree…

A description is provided of "Patient Education for Nurses," a required course for second-year nursing students which focuses on the assessment of the learning needs of adults, and the planning and and implemention of formal patient education. First, general information on the significance of the course and its place in the School of Nursing…

Cystic Fibrosis and its effects on children are described as well as one child's means of coping with a chronic illness such as this in a school setting. (JMF)

Focusing on innovative and cost-effective alternatives to traditional, custodial, and institutional health care systems, the papers in these proceedings identify the contributions of nursing and the benefits for patients of the new national emphasis on cost-effective health care. The proceedings contain: (1) "Trends in Health Promotion:…

A course format is described in which fifth-year students were taught a consumer-oriented, problem-solving approach to the patient assessment and communication aspects of providing technical advice on nonprescription drugs in a community pharmacy setting. Assignments consisted of role-playing and writing patient-oriented information sheets.…

A nurse educator specializing in diabetes recounts her own experience with vision loss resulting from diabetic retinopathy, considers the roles of rehabilitation specialists and diabetes educators, and urges the two professional groups to work together more closely. (DB)

This thesaurus was compiled to make the materials in the Patient Education Room of the Donald J. Vincent Medical Library at Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, more accessible to patients. Subjects are grouped in fairly broad categories (e.g., Aging & Problems of Aging; Alcohol & Alcohol Abuse; Careers in the Medical Field; Childhood and…

This manual was developed to help Peace Corps volunteers who are serving as community health workers in developing nations to teach expectant mothers about pregnancy and childbirth. The material is organized in four sections corresponding to four prenatal classes plus a section on labor and delivery information for health care workers. Some of the…

Reviews the positive effects of patient education, including the physician patient relationship, improvements in health status, and cost effectiveness. The status of hospital libraries in Nigeria is described, and suggestions for the implementation of patient education programs are made. (5 references) (CLB)

This book, on the nature and problems of inappropriate drug use by older adults, provides researchers and health practitioners with an up-to-date survey and overview of the literature on drug use, misuse, and abuse among the elderly. The volume provides abstracts of 100 selected scientific articles on the major topic areas in the field. The…

Classroom teachers of terminally ill children face potentially difficult, challenging, rewarding and professionally expanding experiences which require an understanding of the basic needs of the dying. Strategies for teaching such children include literature, writing, role playing, magic circle discussions, play therapy, art therapy, counseling,…

Designed to help health center administrators and providers deliver health care services within the broad context of disease prevention, health promotion, and health education, this guide serves as a companion document to "Promoting Health and Preventing Disease: Objectives for the Nation" (ED 209 206). Its purpose is to help in program…

Reviews the development of bibliotherapy as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool and discusses specific techniques for the selection of appropriate reading materials for both children and their parents. (16 references) (CLB)

This guide presents materials to improve understanding and communication between health care practitioners and patients or between teachers and learners. It contains descriptions of health education materials addressing issues of culture and low-literacy and has information written in languages other than English. It includes materials not found…