The Role of Social Network Technologies in Online Health Promotion: A Narrative Review of Theoretical and Empirical Factors Influencing Intervention Effectiveness.

Background: Social network technologies have become part of health education and wider health promotion—either by design or happenstance. Social support, peer pressure, and information sharing in online communities may affect health behaviors. If there are positive and sustained effects, then social network technologies could increase the effectiveness and efficiency of many public health campaigns.

Qualitative meta-synthesis of user experience of computerised therapy for depression and anxiety.

Objective: Computerised therapies play an integral role in efforts to improve access to psychological treatment for patients with depression and anxiety. However, despite recognised problems with uptake, there has been a lack of investigation into the barriers and facilitators of engagement. We aimed to systematically review and synthesise findings from qualitative studies of computerised therapies, in order to identify factors impacting on engagement.

Active assistance technology for health-related behavior change: an interdisciplinary review.

Background: Information technology can help individuals to change their health behaviors. This is due to its potential for dynamic and unbiased information processing enabling users to monitor their own progress and be informed about risks and opportunities specific to evolving contexts and motivations. However, in many behavior change interventions, information technology is underused by treating it as a passive medium focused on efficient transmission of information and a positive user experience.

Metastatic spinal cord compression: a review of practice and care.

Aim And Objectives: The aim of this review was to address: (1) How is spinal stability assessed? (2) What is the role of bracing/should braces be used? (3) When is it safe to mobilise the patient? (4) What position should the patient be nursed in?

Background: Controversy surrounds the care for patients with metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC). There is some evidence to indicate that care for patients with MSCC is based on individual clinician preference rather than evidence-based guidelines which has been shown to cause delays and discrepancies in patient treatment.

Design: A structured literature review to synthesise the available evidence about the management of MSCC.

A typology of knowledge for district nursing assessment practice.

Background: This paper reports on part of a larger study, the aim of which was to explore the nature of knowledge required by district nurses (DNs) to carry out first assessment visits, and the relationship of this to the decisions they make. Assessment of need is a key and complex component of the DN role. To date, there has been limited exploration of the knowledge underpinning needs assessment in district nursing practice.

The work of district nurses: first assessment visits.

Background: District nurses are the largest group of community nurses in the United Kingdom and overall responsibility for assessing and planning how patients' and families' needs are met remains an essential element of their role.

Aim: To explore the nature of the knowledge required by district nurses to carry out first assessment visits and the relationship of this to the decisions they make.

Methods: An ethnographic design was used.