Aims: To obtain preliminary data on the impact of motivational interviewing, a counselling approach to behaviour change, on glycaemic control, wellbeing, and self-care of adolescents with diabetes. Methods: Twenty two patients aged 14-18 years participated in motivational interviewing sessions during a six month intervention. The effects of the intervention on HbA1c and a range of psychological factors were assessed. Results: Mean HbA1c decreased from 10.8% to 9.7% during the study and remained significantly lower after the end of the study. Fear of hypoglycaemia was reduced and diabetes was perceived as easier to live with. There were no other significant changes in the psychological measures. By contrast no reduction in HbA1c values was observed in a comparison group who did not receive the motivational interviewing intervention. Conclusion: The findings of this pilot study indicate that motivational interviewing may be a useful intervention in helping adolescents improve their glycaemic control. A larger, longer term randomised controlled study is indicated to clarify the mechanisms and extent of these benefits.

Professional-identity and self-concept appear to have an impact on practice in a research delivery role. Further research should explore these issues further, to enlighten the basis on which such feelings are positioned and to work towards practical solutions.

This paper critically reviews and analyses the empirical and theoretical literature relating to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs and their impact on the attitudes and behaviours of consumers. Given the increasingly important and influential role that corporations are playing in society, this review considers the contrasting arguments surrounding the extent to which a well-designed and implemented CSR program will impact consumers. In doing so, this review improves our understanding of the importance of corporate socially responsible action and identifies gaps in the field of CSR research that need to be addressed in order to help organizations more effectively adopt CSR programs.

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Web exclusive ResearchEditor's key points  The Canadian Medical Association mandates that physicians accept new patients in a fair and equitable manner, yet some individuals seeking FPs have reported practices where providers meet with them to collect a thorough history, then appear to accept or decline them based on this "meet and greet." Previous research indicated that about half of FPs in Nova Scotia will accept new patients either unconditionally or with conditions or exceptions, and of those physicians, nearly half require meet and greets. This qualitative study aimed to enhance understanding of the purpose, goals, and outcomes of meet and greets from the perspective of FPs in Nova Scotia. While meet and greets are a common practice in Nova Scotia, and likely other jurisdictions, this initial investigation suggests that the motivation behind them is complex. Economic burden and professional burnout factor into the decision to tailor one's practice. However, meet and greets might have a disproportionately negative effect on patients who require the most care, potentially further disadvantaging vulnerable populations. Additionally, cherry picking patients shunts the burden of complex and time-consuming care to physicians who are not participating in screening processes.