Technology assessment applied: a comparison of ophthalmic diagnostic techniques to detect diabetic retinopathy among Aboriginal people in central Australia
Technology assessment applied: a comparison of ophthalmic diagnostic techniques to detect diabetic retinopathy among Aboriginal people in central Australia
Contemporary Nurse
- Author(s): McConnell, Edwina A., Newland, Henry S., Manning, Judith, Paech, Merri
- Published: 1993
- Publisher: Routledge
- Volume: 2
- ISBN: 1037-6178
Abstract: Diabetes mellitus is one of the non-communicable diseases that has accompanied Aboriginal exposure to Western life style. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is higher in the Aboriginal population than in non-Aboriginal Australians (Holding, 1985) and many Aboriginals who have diabetes mellitus develop diabetic retinopathy. Early detection facilitates treatment and prevention of blindness, a sequela of diabetic retinopathy. This paper describes the use of technology assessment as a framework for comparing two diagnostic technologies, fundal camera and ophthalmoscope, for use with Aboriginal people in central Australia.