Technology assessment applied: A comparison of ophthalmic diagnostic techniques to detect diabetic retinopathy among Aboriginal people in central Australia
Edwina A McConnell
Independent Nurse Consultant, Madison, Wisconsin; Visiting Professor, School of Nursing, University of South Australia, City Campus, Adelaide SA
Henry S Newland
Senior Consultant; Senior Lecturer in Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park SA
Judith Manning
Lecturer, School of Nursing, University of South Australia, City Campus, Adelaide SA
Merri Paech
Lecturer, School of Nursing, University of South Australia, City Campus, Adelaide SA
PP: 023 - 028
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 sequel of diabetic retinopathy. This paper describes the use of technology assessment as a frame for comparing two diagnostic technologies, fundal camera and ophthalmoscope, for use with Aboriginal people in central Australia.
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