Eye-controlled, power wheelchair performs well for ALS patients.

Background: Our pilot study tested the feasibility and performance of an eye-controlled power wheelchair for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients.

Methods: In this prospective pilot study, participants drove the wheelchair three times around an indoor course. We assessed the time to complete the course; starting and stopping on command; turning 90, 135, and 180 degrees; time to backup; and obstacle negotiation.

Development and evaluation of a Nursing Assistant Computerized Education Programme.

Aim: To describe the development and evaluation of the Nursing Assistant Computerized Education Programme (NA-CEP), a computer-based palliative care curriculum for nursing assistants.

Methods: Sixty-five nursing assistants working in various clinical settings completed measures to evaluate usability, clarity, and relevance of the programme to their work. Participants' end-of-life knowledge and confidence also was assessed before and after NA-CEP use.