Use of key performance indicators in histological dissection.

Aims: Reports into standards in the National Health Service and quality in pathology have focused on the way we work in pathology and how to provide assurance that this is of a high standard. There are a number of external quality assurance schemes covering pathology and histopathology specifically; however, there is no scheme covering the process of histological surgical dissection. This is an area undergoing development, emerging from the sole preserve of medically qualified pathologists to a field populated by a number of highly trained biomedical scientists, but remains without any formal quality assurance.

The role of partner relationships in the young person's adherence to the diabetes self-care regime.

Background: This study investigated the role of partner relationships in the young person's experience of diabetes. It was predicted that those people reporting a better quality relationship would report greater social support and better diabetes management.

Method: Fifty young adults with diabetes and their spouse/partner completed web-based questionnaires.

The extended health belief model applied to the experience of diabetes in young people.

Objectives: The experience of diabetes in young people was investigated within the theoretical framework of the extended health belief model (EHBM). It was anticipated that participant reports of high internal locus of control, high diabetes related empowerment, coping with hypoglycaemia, and diabetes related social support would be associated with good patient adherence to the self-care regime.

Method: 118 participants aged 16-25 years with Type 1 diabetes mellitus were sent a set of questionnaires incorporating previously published scales measuring all variables of the EHBM.