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Biomedical subjects

D M Hall

Publications and source records attributed to D M Hall.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1988

Early detection of visual defects in infancy.

To determine the part played by screening in detecting visual defects questionnaires were sent to 240 families with blind or partially sighted children identified from the Family Fund's database. Questions were asked on social and family background, the visual disorder and its severity, any other disability, and how and when the disabilities were discovered and subsequently managed. Data from 189 families were analysed, constituting all those with children with major visual defects from the 219 families who replied. The visual defect was first discovered in 111 children by parents, friends, and neighbours, and in 36 by a doctor at the neonatal examination. In only three children who did not have a family history of visual impairment was the defect discovered during a formal screening examination at a child health clinic. Dissatisfaction about medical services was expressed by about a third of the parents, particularly a lack of provision of information and consideration of their worries and a failure to refer the child promptly to educational and treatment services. Visual defects in children under 5 are generally detected by family and friends, not by screening, but detection by the medical profession could be improved by increased awareness and observation and quick referral.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed1988

Clumsy children.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Child↗
PubMed1988

Feasibility of screening all neonates for hearing loss.

We investigated the feasibility and cost of screening all neonates for hearing loss using the auditory response cradle (ARC). At least three full time staff are needed to screen 95% of the 3000 infants delivered each year including those in intensive care. Estimated costs per case detected are between pounds 3000 and pounds 6000 but true costs may be higher.

Costs and Cost Analysis↗
PubMed1986

Respite care on a children's ward.

In March 1984 a short term respite care facility for handicapped children was opened in a children's ward catering primarily for acute medical and surgical problems. The facility was based on a four bedded room designed so that if beds became short in the main ward it could revert immediately to the care of acutely sick children. Three nurses were appointed specifically to staff the facility, the nursing budget for the rest of the ward being reduced proportionately. Conversions were funded by charities and some of the conversion work done by volunteers. The main users were totally dependent children aged under 5 with severe mental and physical handicaps. Parents found the service invaluable, and in addition to planned admissions it was usually possible to accept a child at short notice--for example, when some domestic crisis occurred. Only very rarely was admission impossible because of the needs of acutely ill children. A short term respite care facility not only helps parents cope and may provide beneficial experience for a handicapped child but is also a useful training ground for medical students and junior staff.

Child↗
PubMed1986

When does secretory otitis media affect language development?

Secretory otitis media is a very common disorder in early childhood, but its effects on language development are still uncertain. We describe 10 children with secretory otitis media and illustrate the wide range of disability attributable to this. It is suggested that the impact of secretory otitis media on language development depends on at least five factors: age of onset, duration of the episode(s), severity of the hearing loss, intrinsic qualities in the child, and the linguistic environment. The implications of this hypothesis for clinical practice and research are discussed.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1986

Neuropathy in a petrol sniffer.

A 4 year old boy developed a profound motor neuropathy after repeated deliberate inhalation of petroleum vapour. The condition was characterised by extreme slowing of the nerve conduction velocity. He made a gradual recovery over six months. The neuropathy was attributed to the N-hexane component of petroleum.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed1985

Developmental paediatrics in primary care: what should we teach?

There is little agreement about what constitutes good developmental paediatric practice at the level of primary care. Many of the available screening tests are intrinsically unsatisfactory or badly performed, but screening is only a small part of developmental paediatrics. Every primary care doctor should be familiar with the scientific basis of the subject even if a decision is made not to embark on a formal screening programme.

Child↗