Evaluation of telehealth support in an integrated respiratory clinic.

Supporting self-management is key in improving disease control, with technology increasingly utilised. We hypothesised the addition of telehealth support following assessment in an integrated respiratory clinic could reduce unscheduled healthcare visits in patients with asthma and COPD. Following treatment optimisation, exacerbation-prone participants or those with difficulty in self-management were offered telehealth support.

Deaf and Mute Patient Developing Recurrent Idiopathic Bilateral Optic Neuritis: A Case for Early Treatment With Plasmapheresis?

Bilateral idiopathic optic neuritis is an uncommon presentation of optic neuritis, and the initial treatment options are limited to corticosteroids with consideration for plasma exchange therapy as second-line therapy. We present the case of a 43-year-old deaf and mute patient whose ability to communicate via American Sign Language was severely impaired by her recurrent idiopathic bilateral optic neuritis. She was treated early and aggressively with both plasma exchange and corticosteroids within days of presentation and experienced rapid improvement in her vision.

Cool? Young people investigate living in cold housing and fuel poverty. A mixed methods action research study.

Background: Living in cold housing conditions and risk of fuel poverty presents a range of physiological and psychosocial health risks. Limited research has specifically investigated the effects of fuel poverty on children and young people, and even less has been conducted with youth input into the research process.

Methods: The Cool? Study used mixed methods, participatory action research carried out with youth researchers involved at all stages through questionnaire design, analysis, qualitative design, e-interviewing and dissemination of results.