The utility of a point-of-care sural nerve conduction device for detection of diabetic polyneuropathy: A cross-sectional study

2018 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 187-193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mustafa A. Kural ◽  
Signe T. Andersen ◽  
Niels T. Andersen ◽  
Henning Andersen ◽  
Morten Charles ◽  
...  
2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kate Goddard ◽  
Prashanth Vas ◽  
Alistair Purves ◽  
Viktoria McMillan ◽  
Thomas Langford ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Various tests are used to detect diabetic peripheral neuropathy by assessing sense perception in the feet. Tests vary in terms of time and resources required. Simple tests are those that can be conducted quickly and easily in primary care without laboratory equipment. There are some limitations to these simple tests, an example being the variable amplitude of the 128 Hz tuning fork. A new test, VibraTip (McCallan Medical, UK), might be a valuable alternative as it emits a consistent amplitude and may offer improved diagnostic accuracy. OBJECTIVE The aims of this study are to estimate the diagnostic accuracy of the VibraTip device for diabetic peripheral neuropathy against the reference standard of sural nerve conduction velocity measurement, and to assess whether the VibraTip offers superior diagnostic accuracy to other routine tests based on vibration or touch. METHODS The study will prospectively recruit adults with type 2 diabetes who are due to attend a routine follow-up clinic. A cross-sectional study design will be employed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of 5 standard index tests for peripheral neuropathy, including VibraTip. The reference test will be sural nerve conduction velocity measurement. RESULTS Funding is being sought to conduct this research. The outcomes assessed will be the diagnostic accuracy of the 5 index tests against sural nerve conduction velocity measurement, including sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio. Receiver operating characteristic curves will be constructed and compared for each test. CONCLUSIONS This study will be the first within-study comparison of 5 simple tests for screening diabetic peripheral neuropathy and will address uncertainties in the potential benefits of using VibraTip in comparison with the other tests.


2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Frese ◽  
Kathleen Steger ◽  
Tobias Deutsch ◽  
Gordian Schmid ◽  
Hagen Sandholzer

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. e213-e213
Author(s):  
Amna Al Harrasi ◽  
Laila Mohammed Al Mbeihsi ◽  
Abdulhakeem Al Rawahi ◽  
Mohammed Al Shafaee

Objectives: The use of mobile technologies and handheld computers by physicians has increased worldwide. However, there are limited studies globally regarding training physicians on the use of such devices in clinical practice. In addition, no studies have been conducted previously in Oman addressing this issue among postgraduate medical trainees and trainers. The present study explores the practice and perception of resident doctors and trainers towards the use of mobile technologies and handheld devices in healthcare settings in Oman. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated questionnaire disseminated via email to all residents and trainers in five major training programs of the Oman Medical Specialty Board (OMSB). The questionnaire explored three main areas; perception, usage, and perceived barriers of handheld devices. Results: Overall, 61.4% of the residents and 28.3% of the trainers responded to the questionnaire. Both types of participants agreed that the use of such devices positively affects clinical decision-making. In total, 98.8% of the participating residents and 86.7% of the trainers frequently used handheld devices. Both OMSB residents and trainers agreed that lack of time, training, and applications were the most common factors limiting the use of these devices. Participants emphasized the need for constructive training regarding the use of handheld devices as healthcare resources. Conclusions: Point-of-care devices are positively perceived and frequently used by OMSB trainees and trainers. However, constructive training on the effective usage of these devices in clinical decision-making is needed. Further future studies to evaluate the impact of using such devices in patient care should be conducted.


Author(s):  
Giancarlo Pontoni ◽  
Stefano Caiolo ◽  
Alessandro Miola ◽  
Chiara Moriglia ◽  
Tommaso Lunardi ◽  
...  

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