The aim of this article is to explore the experiences of young people living with cystic fibrosis and the impact of these experiences on their compliance to treatment regimen. Thirty-one young adults participated in semi-structured interviews which were transcribed and the data collected analysed using interpretative phenomenology. Emerging themes underlined just how complex it is to manage life with a chronic illness as demanding as cystic fibrosis. A strong emphasis emerged from the participants about their desire to integrate into society and to be seen to be normal and this was seen as in conflict with some aspects of their recommended ongoing treatment. The findings suggested that complete compliance is rare and is affected by a multitude of factors, set within the context of each individual's unique life experience. Healthcare professionals need to understand, not just the objective medical condition in delivering care, but they also need to develop an insight into the subjective experience of living with illnesses such as cystic fibrosis. Their central concern should not be to maximise compliance but rather to support the making of informed decisions about broader lifestyles and health behaviours.

Aim: To identify patient needs following discharge from hospital after an exacerbation of COPD.Methods: Qualitative and semi-quantitative study using home-based structured interviews and focus groups involving 25 COPD patients after hospital discharge. Interviews were performed seven days and three months post-discharge. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and were triangulated with the qualitative data from interviews and the focus groups.Results: There were high levels of depression (64%) and anxiety (40%). Feelings of anxiety after discharge were associated with the fear of another "attack" and with uncertainties about social and medical care provision, especially the provision of oxygen.Conclusions: Interventions to reduce readmission for COPD exacerbations need to consider the psychosocial as well as the medical needs of patients. There appears to be a need for improved hospital discharge procedures and community follow-up -including the provision of pulmonary rehabilitation and encouragement of self-management strategies.

The findings indicate that evaluating TENS using a unidimensional pain scale is likely to overlook potential benefits. The complex pattern of TENS usage, as well as multiple direct and indirect outcomes, indicates that TENS could be considered as a complex intervention.

The findings indicated that a pragmatic TENS evaluation may need to incorporate a learning phase to allow patients to optimize this complex pattern of TENS usage, and evaluation may need to be sensitive to the outcomes of strategic use. These findings also have implications for clinical practice.

were in WHO functional class 1 or 2 and there was a reduction in the mean mPAP to 27 ± 9 mmHg and PVR to 286 ± 198 dynes/ sec/cm 5 by 12 months (p). Conclusion There was prolonged haemodynamic improvement but targeted therapy was used in 23% of patients with a mean follow-up of 4.3 years. The 10-year survival was 72% with mortality predominantly in the peri-operative period and later due to causes unrelated to CTEPH.