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Biomedical subjects

G R Watson

Publications and source records attributed to G R Watson.

9 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Low vision in the geriatric population: rehabilitation and management.

Older persons represent the fastest growing segment of individuals with visual impairments in industrialized countries. This population is expected to grow dramatically in the coming years. This article discusses the common age-related changes in vision and the most prevalent visual impairments associated with aging, and the resulting functional implications. It includes information for health care professionals about preparing an older person to benefit from low-vision rehabilitation services, environmental evaluations and modifications, and orientation to the environment. The importance of functional assessment and instruction in the use of visual skills and vision devices is stressed. The article also emphasizes the need for teamwork to provide a full scope of rehabilitation services to older adults with low vision, and the importance of support by family members and caregivers to maximize coping, adjustment, independence and quality of life.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2000

Medical student appraisal of interactive computer-assisted learning programs embedded in a general pathology course.

Computer-assisted learning programs (CALs) were embedded in a course on general pathology for medical students at the University of Edinburgh Medical School. Students' reactions to the programs were evaluated. Students completed written questionnaires and were interviewed and observed as they used the CALs. Students liked the CALs and felt that they were integrated with other parts of their teaching and aided them in understanding the subject material. Different question styles were variably appreciated. The most useful aspects of the CALs were the interactive parts (questions and answers), summaries, pictures, learning at the individual's own pace, and question practice, especially with MCQs. Students found the CALs an effective learning tool, particularly when linked with other course components as a complement to, rather than a replacement for, other learning methods.

Computer-Assisted Instruction↗
PubMed1997

Carcinoid disease: review of the literature.

Carcinoid syndrome is the product of a rare but fascinating malignant neoplasm. Carcinoid syndrome was described more than 100 years ago, and recent advances in diagnostic localization, elucidation of the mechanisms of oncogenesis, treatment options, and, consequently, patient prognosis have been made. Current modalities of treatment, possible therapeutic implications of new avenues of research, and current literature on the chemotherapeutic combinations used are reviewed.

Carcinoid Tumor↗
PubMed1997

National survey of the impact of low vision device use among veterans.

BACKGROUND: This report presents the results of a 2-year study of veterans' use of low vision devices (LVDs) which were prescribed and dispensed through he Blind Rehabilitation Centers (BRCs) and Visual Impairment Centers to Optimize Remaining Sight (VICTORS) of the Department of Veterans Affairs. METHODS: Two-hundred veterans using 740 LVDs were surveyed by telephone 12 to 24 months after the prescription/dispensing of the devices. Reliability (test-retest) and validity (content, criterion-related, and construct) were established for the survey. Primary analysis of the data was accomplished through tabular presentations. Factor analyses were used to describe prescription and use patterns. RESULTS: Most (85.4%) of the devices were still in use. Having a helper in the home was a demographic variable related to continued use. Neither age, acuity, nor etiology were related to continued use. Strong prescription and use patterns emerged. Most veterans reported receiving > 20 h of training and > 20 h of practice in the use of their LVDs. CONCLUSIONS: Most veterans who receive LVDs through the service delivery system of the Department of Veterans Affairs appear to use them for a wide variety of daily tasks and reported that they obtain a great deal of benefit from their use.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Veterans' use of low vision devices for reading.

BACKGROUND: This report presents the results of a 2-year study of veterans' use of low vision devices (LVDs) which were prescribed and dispensed through the Blind Rehabilitation Centers (BRCs) and Visual Impairment Centers to Optimize Remaining Sight (VICTORS) of the Department of Veterans Affairs. METHODS: Two-hundred veterans using 740 LVDs were surveyed by telephone 12 to 24 months after the prescription/dispensing of the devices. Reliability (test-retest) and validity (content, criterion-related, and construct) were established for the survey. Primary analysis of the data was accomplished through tabular presentations. Because most devices were used for reading, an exploratory data analysis was completed to further investigate successful use of LVDs for this task. Relationships of 21 variables with a definition of highly successful use, use and nonuse of LVDs for reading were evaluated. RESULTS: Only visual acuity provided a statistically significant predictor of use of LVDs for reading. LVDs in the lowest visual acuity grouping tend to be used either highly successfully, or fall into the nonuse category. The highly successful LVDs are primarily video magnifiers; the nonused LVDs tended to be spectacle magnifiers. CONCLUSIONS: This population is using devices extensively for reading, reporting frequencies of use of several times per day.

Health Surveys↗
PubMed1985

Scanning characters and reading with a central scotoma.

Among the patients we tested, most of those who had lost normal macular function developed extrafoveal retinal loci which resulted in strongly preferred viewing angles for steady fixation. These patients used these extrafoveal retinal loci to scan lines of characters in patterns similar to patients with normal macular function. Although the scanning speed of these patients was adversely affected by their large size scotomas, their reading accuracy was not necessarily reduced. The assessment of scanning and reading performance in this population requires careful measurement of the visual skills involved in reading.

Eye Movements↗