Biomedical subjects

D K Davis

Publications and source records attributed to D K Davis.

13 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2000

Provision of ERCP services and training in the United Kingdom.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: A rising demand for hands-on training in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has coincided with a need for increased scrutiny of outcomes (clinical governance) and the development of less invasive methods of pancreaticobiliary imaging. We surveyed the current provision of ERCP facilities and training throughout the United Kingdom. METHODS: Questionnaires were sent to senior endoscopists in 252 acute hospitals and to 500 trainees in gastroenterology. RESULTS: Completed forms were returned from 180 hospitals (a 71% response rate) and from 233 trainees (a 47% response rate). A median of 210 ERCPs per year are carried out at each centre (range 40-1000), under the supervision of 345 senior endoscopists. ERCP training had been started by 163 trainees (70%), of whom 42 (26%) had been given one or fewer procedures to start per week. Trainees rated their training as excellent (25%), good (28%), adequate (24%) or inadequate (22%); 193 (83%) perceived that they needed training in ERCP to ensure that future career opportunities were not denied to them. CONCLUSIONS: Some centres have insufficient capacity for training in ERCP. Some form of preselection for both trainers and trainees may be required to ensure that quality is maintained. Gastroenterology training programmes should move away from encouraging all trainees to learn ERCP, and should promote the acquisition of alternative skills.

Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde↗

PubMed1997

Cytoplasmic pH and human erythrocyte shape.

Altered external pH transforms human erythrocytes from discocytes to stomatocytes (low pH) or echinocytes (high pH). The mechanism of this transformation is unknown. The preceding companion study (Gedde and Huestis) demonstrated that these shape changes are not mediated by changes in membrane potential, as has been reported. The aim of this study was to identify the physiological properties that mediate this shape change. Red cells were placed in a wide range of physiological states by manipulation of buffer pH, chloride concentration, and osmolality. Morphology and four potential predictor properties (cell pH, membrane potential, cell water, and cell chloride concentration) were assayed. Analysis of the data set by stratification and nonlinear multivariate modeling showed that change in neither cell water nor cell chloride altered the morphology of normal pH cells. In contrast, change in cell pH caused shape change in normal-range membrane potential and cell water cells. The results show that change in cytoplasmic pH is both necessary and sufficient for the shape changes of human erythrocytes equilibrated in altered pH environments.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

The meaning of retirement for communally-living retired performing artists.

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive transcultural study was to explore the meaning of retirement for those older people who have lived as performing artists and who are presently sharing communal living at the Casa Verdi di Riposo, Milan, Italy. Parse's nursing theory was the conceptual framework utilized to structure objectives and interview questions. Findings showed that the meaning of retirement for these communally-living retired performing artists is the emerging of an unburdening lightness as esthetic interconnections surface the was and will-be in the now moment as the diversity of everydayness enlivens through communion-solitude while anticipating the transposing vistas of the inevitable prompts treasuring the now in confirming a perpetual artistic legacy. Findings were congruent with Parse's three major themes (meaning, rhythmicity, and transcendence) and support Parse's theory of human becoming, as well as expanding the body of nursing knowledge on the phenomenon of retirement.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed1992

Elements of transcultural and translinguistic research: a personal experience.

Prior to undertaking the exploration of phenomena in a research study with people from different cultures, certain elements must be addressed in order to bridge cultural and linguistic differences. In this article, the authors explore some of these elements, with specific reference to personal experiences in a research study done in Italy, the results of which will not be presented here. Elements discussed include: transcultural/translinguistic literature review, protection of human subjects, translinguistics, maintaining necessary and appropriate contact with persons at the research site, presentation of research to participants, structuring interviews, and post-session amenities.

Humans↗

PubMed1991

The lived experience of health in the oldest old: a phenomenological study.

In the United States and in many other parts of the world, the fastest growing age group is 80 years and over. It is precisely in this oldest old age cohort that very little is known about the experience of health. The purpose of this study was to investigate the lived experience of health for the oldest old within the community through the use of the phenomenological method. While there has been some research on the personal experience of health, the meaning of these experiences has not been studied in the oldest old, community dwelling elderly. Findings reveal that for this age group, health is an abiding vitality emanating through moments of rhapsodic reverie in generating fulfillment. There are many implications for further research and practice based on the meaning of health as described by the oldest old.

Aged↗

PubMed1988