The association between quality of life, diabetes, comorbidities and physical limitations
Exchange scientist
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Julie Aoudé, PhD student
Supervisor at Swiss institution
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HES-SO, Haute école de santé Vaud, Lausanne: Nancy Helou
Supervisor at MENA institution
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Centre hospitalier du Nord, Zgharta, Liban: May Saydé
Presentation of the projet
Research: The exchange scientist carried out secondary analysis of data aiming at identifying the most affected domains of Quality of Life (QoL) in diabetic kidney disease and exploring the relationship between QoL, type, and number of comorbidities. She participated in the literature review of this project, revisited the initial research questions based on the literature and a thorough examination of the available data. Then, she conducted the statistical analysis using STATA given that a statistician at HESAV provided support for this software. Therefore, she has acquired basic skills for handling data using this software. She gained advanced knowledge related to descriptive statistics depending on types of variables (continuous or categorical) and performed linear regression to explore the relationsh ip between the study variables, including participants' characteristics (age, education). She learned data management principals, and handling of missing data. The exchange scientist received a 12 hours research course and a 4 hours workshop on statistical analysis, in a reversed one to one teaching approach, involving meetings with the statistician and using specific assignments developed by the Swiss main applicant. Furthermore, she participated in an ongoing qualitative study entitled "Undergraduates students' experience of nursing theories". She performed the full data entry and coding using MAXQDA and thus, contributed to the initial interpretation of the results. In order to guarantee her participation in all the steps of applied research, the exchange scientist was involved in data collection of a research project at the CHUV entitled SWIDINEP, aiming to identify the characteristics leading to renal function decline in diabetic kidney disease.
Teaching: The exchange scientist worked on the revision of reading grids for critical analysis of scientific articles used as a teaching tool at HESAV. Consequently, she presented a draft of new grids that will be based on Consort and Strobe statement to a group of four faculty members.
Clinical practice: Through her collaboration with La Source and the CHUV nephrology department, the Swiss main applicant enrolled the exchange scientist in clinical practice observations. The exchange scientist had the opportunity to attend the outpatient consultation of the nephrology department, observing diabetes foot and wound care. She spent another clinical day at Clinique La Source diabetes clinic reviewing and implementing continuous blood glucose monitoring based on patients' feedback with a focus on Eversense, a connected under-the-skin sensor. Two training days were also scheduled within the Summer University program focusing on cultural differences in clinical experience. The first day took place at Clinique d'alcoologie du CTA where the exchange scientist took part in a non-pharmacological intervention (the auriculotherapy). The second day was held at the Service de medecine intensive adulte et centre des grands brutes at the CHUV. Summer University: For the purpose of the intercultural and international experience, the exchange scientist joined the Summer University with Swiss and exchange students from Korea, Chili, India, and USA. She attended seminars on interventions for families of patients with neurological conditions, mindfulness and eating, nursing care and immigration, integration of serious games in first aid services, conditions and decision to access assisted suicide.