Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “IRELAND”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 433 records · Page 24Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Research priorities of oncology nurses in the Republic of Ireland.

To determine the research priorities of oncology nurses in the Republic of Ireland, a descriptive survey study was undertaken at a national oncology specialist center. The center's nurses (N = 119) were invited to participate in the study, and a 66% (n = 79) response rate was obtained. The research priority areas identified were concentrated around nurse-led care and the effectiveness of nurse-led services in areas such as pain management. Communication, information, and continuity of care issues and stress and burnout in oncology nursing were also among the top priorities selected. Quality of life and radiotherapy were the most important themes that emerged in the open-question section of the questionnaire. The result of this study provides important insights and direction for the development of oncology nursing research in the Republic of Ireland. It also adds to the international literature on research priorities across different jurisdictions.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Severe head injury in the United Kingdom and Ireland: a survey of practice and implications for management.

OBJECTIVE: To study the current intensive care management of patients with severe head injury (defined as a Glasgow Coma Scale score of < or = 8) in neurosurgical referral centers in the United Kingdom (UK) and ireland. DATA COLLECTION: A questionnaire was sent to the directors of the 44 neurosurgical referral units identified from the UK Medical Directory. After 4 wks, a copy of the questionnaire was sent to all nonresponders, with a cover letter urging them to respond. The aim was to collect data regarding the characteristics of the intensive care units (ICU), sedation, monitoring modalities used, the treatment of intracranial hypertension, and general care of severely head-injured patients. DATA EXTRACTION: Forty completed questionnaires were returned. Only 35 (88%) centers provided care for the severely head-injured as defined in the questionnaire. Patients were managed in specialized neurosurgical ICUs in 66% of centers and in general ICUs in the remainder of the centers. The ICUs were coordinated by an anesthesiologist in 66% of instances and by a neurosurgeon in 23%. The mean number of beds per units was 7.9 (range 4 to 16), with 1:1 nurse/bed ratio and 5.5 nurses per bed (total number of nursing staff per bed) (range 2.75 to 8). Annual caseload varied between units with the majority of units (49%) receiving between 25 and 50 patients with severe head injury, 23% receiving between 50 and 100 patients with severe head injury, and 29% receiving > 100 patients with severe head injury. There was considerable variability in both the nature of monitoring and therapy between centers. Although blood and central venous pressures were invasively monitored in > 50% of the patients in 94% and 77% of the centers, respectively, intracranial pressure was only monitored routinely in 57% of the centers. Jugular venous bulb oximetry, transcranial Doppler ultrasonography, electroencephalography, and near-infrared spectroscopy were rarely used. Nearly all centers used propofol and midazolam for sedation, with morphine, fentanyl, and alfentanil as the main analgesics. Muscle relaxation was commonly used, with 40% of the centers employing it in 100% of their patients. Atracurium and vecuronium were the most commonly used agents. Only 68% of the centers had a protocol for the treatment of intracranial hypertension. Although hyperventilation to a Paco2 of 26 to 30 torr (3.5 to 4.0 kPa) was the norm in the majority of centers (56%), two centers aimed for Paco2 values < 26 torr (< 3.5 kPa). A quarter of the units did not aim for a cerebral perfusion pressure of > 60 mm Hg. Mild hypothermia was rarely used and 14% of the centers continued to use corticosteroids for the treatment of intracranial hypertension as a result of head trauma. CONCLUSION: We conclude that there are wide variations in the management of the severely head-injured patient in the UK and Ireland. Some of the therapies employed are not supported by available research findings. Rationalization (using rational management, i.e., based on good evidence) of the intensive care management of severe head injury with the development of widely accepted guidelines may result in an improvement in the quality of care of the head-injured patient.

Brain Injuries↗
PubMed2004

Natural radioactivity in building materials in the Republic of Ireland.

This paper presents the findings of a study undertaken to determine the natural radioactivity present in building materials in the Republic of Ireland. A total of 70 samples of commonly used building materials were collected from various manufacturers and suppliers throughout the country and analyzed using a HPGe gamma ray spectrometer. The specific activities of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were measured in all samples, and results ranged from minimum values of <1, <1, and 4 Bq kg(-1) to maximum values of 139, 57, and 1,977 Bq kg(-1), with mean values of 32, 18, and 353 Bq kg(-1), respectively. Results obtained were compared with relevant national, EU, and international legislation and guidance, and with the results of similar studies undertaken in other countries. These activities would suggest that the use of such building materials in the construction of domestic dwellings or workplaces in Ireland is unlikely to give rise to any significant radiation exposure to the occupants. In general, these activities were comparable to the results of similar studies undertaken in other countries. 137Cs activity was also detected in some samples.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗
PubMed2001

Rotavirus in Ireland: national estimates of disease burden, 1997 to 1998.

BACKGROUND: We estimated the disease burden caused by rotavirus hospitalizations in the Republic of Ireland by using national data on the number of hospitalizations for diarrhea in children and laboratory surveillance of confirmed rotavirus detections. METHODS: We examined trends in diarrheal hospitalizations among children <5 years old as coded by ICD-9-CM for the period January, 1997, to December, 1998. We collated data on laboratory-confirmed rotavirus detections nationally for the same period among children <2 years old. We calculated the overall contribution of rotavirus to laboratory-confirmed intestinal disease in children <5 years old from INFOSCAN, a disease bulletin for one-third of the population. We compared data from all sources and estimated the proportion of diarrheal hospitalizations that are likely the result of rotavirus in children <5 years old. RESULTS: In children <5 years old, 9% of all hospitalizations are for diarrheal illness. In this age group 1 in 8 are hospitalized for a diarrheal illness, and 1 in 17 are hospitalized for rotavirus by 5 years of age. In hospitalized children <2 years old, 1 in 38 have a laboratory confirmed rotavirus infection. CONCLUSIONS: The disease burden of rotavirus hospitalizations is higher than in other industrialized countries. Access to comprehensive national databases may have contributed to the high hospitalization rates, as well as a greater tendency to hospitalize children with diarrhea in Ireland.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed1999

Management of nonspecific low back pain by physiotherapists in Britain and Ireland. A descriptive questionnaire of current clinical practice.

STUDY DESIGN: A descriptive questionnaire of chartered physiotherapists. OBJECTIVE: To investigate current physiotherapeutic management of low back pain throughout Britain and Ireland. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Physiotherapists play a key role in low back pain management. Although clinical guidelines for best practice have been developed recently, there has been no large-scale attempt to describe current physiotherapeutic treatment approaches within Britain or Ireland. METHODS: After semi-structured interviews (n = 6) and two pilot studies (n = 77) were done, postal questionnaires were distributed to four regional cluster samples of the membership of two physiotherapy professional organizations (n = 2654). After two mailings, a random sample of 90 nonresponders were followed up. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS Ltd., Woking, Surrey, UK), and precision of the survey estimates was assessed by calculation of sampling errors and intraclass correlation coefficients for cluster sampling. RESULTS: Results were received from 1548 therapists (total response rate, 58.3%); of these, 813 reported that they were practicing in settings in which they treated patients with low back pain. Analysis of the results indicated the overall popularity of the Maitland mobilization and McKenzie approaches among physiotherapists. Although exercise per se was mentioned frequently by respondents, a marked difference in opinion among therapists regarding the optimal type of exercise for low back pain was obvious. Little evidence was demonstrated of the use of manipulation, fitness programs, or multidisciplinary efforts involving behavioral and physical aspects of treatment. Commonly used methods of electrotherapy were interferential therapy, ultrasound, pulsed short-wave diathermy, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study emphasize the need to evaluate further and improve the dissemination of findings regarding the effectiveness of specific physiotherapy approaches for low back pain management.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Resurgence in infectious syphilis in Ireland: an epidemiological study.

INTRODUCTION: In 2000, a syphilis outbreak was identified in Ireland. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective enhanced database was established in 2000. Crude incidence rates for the general population, men who have sex with men (MSM), and HIV-positive MSM were calculated. RESULTS: Three hundred fifty-six cases of infectious syphilis were diagnosed at 1 center. Eighty-five percent of cases were identified as MSM. Crude incidence rates in MSM, ranging in age between 20 and 44 years, peaked in 2001 at 719 cases per 100000 of the MSM population. A total of 17.4% of cases occurred in HIV-infected individuals. Crude incidence rates of syphilis in HIV-positive MSM in the center increased to 7280 per 100000. Similar percentages of MSM with and without HIV infection had unprotected anal intercourse (37% and 41%, respectively). CONCLUSION: High-risk sexual behavior continues among HIV-infected and -noninfected MSM. Crude incidence rates among MSM in Ireland are alarming when compared with other outbreaks.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Developing constraints on the relative sea-level curve for the northeast of Ireland from the mid-Holocene to the present day.

Tide-gauge records from the north of Ireland have been digitized to generate annual estimates of both mean-sea-level (MSL) position from Malin Head (1958-1998), and mean tidal level (MTL) from Belfast Harbour (1918-2002). Both sites exhibit substantial annual variation, but show overall long-term shallow rates of falling relative sea-level change (RSLC) that are very similar at -0.2 mma(-1) (+/-0.37 mma(-1)) for Belfast and -0.16 mma(-1) (+/-0.17 mma(-1)) for Malin. Using these rates as constraints, plus other constraints of inferred RSLC rates from the mid-Holocene, an approximation of the likely profile of RSLC rates for the northeast of Ireland since 6 ka ago is presented.

Databases, Factual↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Public health nursing in Ireland: a critical overview.

The World Health Organization have stressed the importance of nurses and midwives as a "force for health" in society's efforts to tackle the public health challenges of our time. The public health challenges are both diverse and complex. Principally, they emanate from a social model of health that takes cognizance of our behavior, our environment, and the historical, political, and cultural structures that facilitate health or militate against it. This paper provides a critical overview of public health nursing in Ireland, toward situating both our contribution to public health and some of the challenges that lie ahead of us. Specifically, it looks at nonquantifiable practice, where, through the presentation of stories, the wealth of public health nursing work is demonstrated in the ordinary voices of public health nurses. The potential risk of ignoring and minimizing the contribution of public health nursing in future developments in primary care in Ireland is discussed. Finally, it is proposed that public health nurses need to get political.

Humans↗
PubMed1989

Alcoholic beverages in Ireland: market forces and government policy.

The changing pattern of consumption of alcoholic beverages in Ireland and the association between this and the trend in alcohol-related problems are examined. As a result of a relatively low price and high income elasticities of demand for alcoholic beverages, the high level of taxation of alcohol in Ireland has resulted in an exceptionally large proportion of income being devoted to purchasing them rather than to a fall in their consumption. During the 1980's it became apparent that any major divergence between Irish and U.K. liquor prices generated a large cross-border trade and was counter-productive from a revenue perspective. Further pressure to reduce the level of taxation is coming from the move to harmonize taxes across EC member states. The limitations of taxation policy as a means of controlling the consumption of demerit goods in a small economy are clearly illustrated by the Irish experience.

Alcoholic Beverages↗
PubMed2006

Specialist services and transitional care in paediatric endocrinology in the UK and Ireland.

OBJECTIVE: To assess current provision of specialist and transitional paediatric endocrine services in the UK and Ireland. DESIGN: A questionnaire was sent to paediatric endocrinologists requesting details of patients receiving GH and also details of specialist and transitional services. RESULTS: Of 72 questionnaires received, 56 [21 from historical growth centres (group 1), 10 from other teaching hospitals (group 2) and 25 from district general hospitals (DGHs) (group 3)] were analysed. A total of 4758 children [3709 (78%) in group 1] currently receive GH in the UK. Fifty-six per cent of units (90% in groups 1 and 2) provide transfer clinics: transition (N = 27), adolescent (10), young adult (11) and adult (3). In 90% of the paediatric units, the paediatric and adult endocrinologist sit together, and 58% of clinics are held in the paediatric unit. Clinic entry is based on final height (33%), age (51%), both (14%), and other (2%). Fifty-five per cent of units transfer all GH-treated patients, the remainder transfer only those non-GH-deficient on retesting. Eighty per cent retest prior to transfer using the insulin tolerance test (ITT) [N = 27 (including three DGHs)], glucagon (22), arginine (4), clonidine (2) and other (5). Apart from intersex clinics (13), there are few specialist clinics for other paediatric endocrine patients, including only three for Turner syndrome (TS). Adult TS transfer is to multidisciplinary clinics (N = 11), adult endocrinology (27), gynaecology (14), cardiology (5) and general practitioner (GP) (1). CONCLUSIONS: We have confirmed more GH-treated patients than before; many remain within historic growth centres. Although in the UK and Ireland transition services are established in many larger units, current guidelines are not always adhered to. Provision of specialist paediatric endocrine clinics for all groups remains variable.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Towards a nursing minimum data set for Ireland: making Irish nursing visible.

AIM: The aim of this study was to identify patient problems, nursing interventions and nursing outcomes to be included in a nursing minimum data set for Ireland. BACKGROUND: In 2002, a research programme funded by the Irish Health Research Board, was established to develop and test a nursing minimum data set to capture the nursing contribution to patient care in Ireland. A nursing minimum data set is comprised of the smallest number of information items required to capture the range of patient problems, nursing interventions and nursing outcomes recorded by nurses on a regular basis. Nursing minimum data sets have been developed in several countries for a range of applications such as workforce planning, financing nursing care, examining patient profiles and forecasting trends in nursing diagnoses. METHOD: Eleven focus groups were conducted with 59 registered general nurses to explore their conceptualizations of patient problems, nursing interventions and nursing outcomes. In addition, data relating to nurses' recordings of patient problems, nursing interventions and nursing outcomes were collected from a sample of 45 sets nursing records. The research took place between January 2003 and April 2004. FINDINGS: A range of patient problems, nursing interventions and outcomes were identified that were similar to those found in existing nursing minimum data sets. However, several new items and categories of items were also identified, justifying the empirical approach taken to generate the initial list of items. Data from nursing records supported several points raised in focus groups and also highlighted some inconsistencies between nurses' perceptions and recordings of what they do. CONCLUSION: Our research identified several new types of indirect interventions and managing/organizing activities in addition to items found in existing nursing minimum data sets. The importance of these aspects of the nursing contribution to patient care will be tested further in the development of the Irish nursing minimum data set.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

The cost-effectiveness of community care for adults with learning disabilities leaving long-stay hospital in Northern Ireland.

Among the many questions concerning the replacement of long-stay hospital services with community-based care are those of cost and cost-effectiveness. Is community care more expensive than hospital care? Are levels of expenditure associated with clients' needs and changes in their well-being? By following a cohort of people discharged from seven long-stay hospitals in Northern Ireland, this wide-ranging evaluation was able to address such cost-related questions. Although nearly three-quarters of the sample were living in private sector residential or nursing homes, a six-fold variation in the total costs of support was found. However, at the mean, community care was less expensive than hospital care. For only ten people in our sample of 192 clients did the costs of community care exceed the average cost of long-stay inpatient care. Multivariate analysis revealed that the costs of community care 'packages' were linked to some client needs, but higher spending was not unequivocally associated with better client outcomes. Care in the community is reasonably cost-effective in Northern Ireland when compared with long-term hospital care. However, there is a case for increasing expenditure on community care for people with learning difficulties, to increase use of services provided outside the accommodation and enhance staffing arrangements within the accommodation facilities. Distributing resources appropriately and targeting resources on priority needs through coordination will hep to continue to improve clients' quality of life.

Community Health Services↗
PubMed2005

Quality of communication between dental practitioners and dental technicians for fixed prosthodontics in Ireland.

The aim of this investigation was to examine the quality of communication between dental practitioners and dental technicians for fixed prosthodontics in Ireland. A pre-piloted questionnaire was distributed to large commercial laboratories in Ireland. Information was sought relating to the quality of written instructions and use of impression trays and materials for two forms of fixed prosthodontics--full veneer porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns (PFMs), and conventional fixed partial dentures (FPDs). Information was received relating to 241 items (145 PFMs, 96 FPDs). All items were funded privately. Using pre-determined grading criteria, poor or no written instructions were provided in 55% of cases examined (n=128). Fifty-four per cent of master impressions were (n=129) made using a plastic stock tray. Three-quarters of written instructions for FPDs (n=73) did not specify the number of pontics to be included in its design. Despite the existence of various legal and ethical guidelines relating to the prescription and fabrication of fixed prostheses, more than one-half of the written instructions and master impressions examined in this study were inadequate.

Crowns↗
PubMed2006

Undergraduate psychiatric nursing education at the crossroads in Ireland. The generalist vs. specialist approach: towards a common foundation.

This paper provides a critical overview of undergraduate educational preparation for psychiatric nursing and proposes the use of a model, which may equip psychiatric nurses to adapt to current and future directions in psychiatric nursing practice. It contends that mental health nursing is a distinct scope of practice and as such requires specialty undergraduate education. A major difference between educational preparation for psychiatric nursing in the Republic of Ireland and the UK, and distinct from most other developed countries, is the existence of separate, specialized pre-registration programmes that, upon graduation, allow the nurse to register as a psychiatric nurse. In other countries such as, Australia, the integration of pre-registration nurse education into the university sector resulted in the wide-scale adoption of a generalist approach to nurse education. In light of the recent changes in pre-registration nursing education in Ireland, and the integration of nursing into higher-level education, this paper examines the generalist vs. specialist approach to nurse education. It contends that neither the generalist nor the specialist model best serve the nursing profession in preparing safe and competent practitioners. Rather, it argues that the use of a model which incorporates both generalist and specialist perspectives will help to redress the imbalance inherent in both of the existing approaches and promote a sense of unity in the profession without sacrificing the real strengths of specialization. Such a model will also facilitate psychiatric nurses to adapt to current and future directions in psychiatric nursing practice.

Curriculum↗
PubMed2005

Health care assistants: the views and perceptions of course co-ordinators in the Republic of Ireland.

AIM: A research study was undertaken in Ireland to evaluate a pilot Healthcare Support course. One aim of the study was to obtain the views and perceptions of the course coordinators on a range of issues relating to the training programme. BACKGROUND: From the beginning of formal UK health care, there have always been unqualified or untrained assistants working within hospital and community settings. The provision of relevant training for these staff members has a number of benefits not just to registered nurses but also to patients, managers and health care assistants (HCAs) themselves. METHODS: Semistructured interviews were undertaken with course coordinators in 14 pilot sites across Ireland. RESULTS: The coordinators maintained that the course was too short but acknowledged that this was a pilot programme. The course structure was perceived to be appropriate and with the content relevant to the skills and knowledge required by HCAs. Selection criteria were varied across the pilot sites which led to some difficulties for coordinators. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, coordinators felt that the trainees on the programme were committed and motivated and that the course increased their knowledge and skills and was a rewarding experience.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed2006

Mortality predictions for colon and anorectal cancer for Ireland, 2003-17.

OBJECTIVE: Colorectal cancer mortality predictions for Ireland are presented for all ages and for the age group 0-64 years. METHODS: Log and log-linear Poisson regression modelling was fitted to colorectal cancer mortality data for each year between 1950 and 2002 to predict average European age standardized mortality rates (EASMRs) per 100,000 person years (100,000 PY(-1)) and average numbers of deaths. RESULTS: EASMRs for colon cancer are predicted to fall to 17.3 100,000 PY(-1) (95%PI 14.4, 20.2) in men and to 8.4 100,000 PY(-1) (95%PI 6.9, 10.2) in women by 2013-17. EASMRs for anorectal cancer are also predicted to fall to 8.0 100,000 PY(-1) (95%PI 6.6, 9.5) in men and to 3.0 100,000 PY(-1) (95%PI 2.3, 3.8) in women by this time. Truncated EASMRs for colon cancer for those aged between 0 and 64 years are predicted over the next 15 years to fall from their current levels to 4.4 100,000 PY(-1) (95%PI 3.0, 5.8) in men and to 2.3 100,000 PY(-1) (95%PI 1.5, 3.2) in women. For anorectal cancer, truncated EASMRs for those aged between 0 and 64 years are also predicted over the next 15 years to fall from their current levels to 2.9 100,000 PY(-1) (95%PI 2.0, 3.8) in men and to 0.9 100,000 PY(-1) (95%PI 0.4, 1.3) in women. CONCLUSIONS: Ireland currently has one of the highest colorectal mortality rates in the developed world but recent downward trends, the advent of new screening tests and well targeted public health promotion programmes may lead to further reductions.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2007

Indwelling trans-anastomotic rectal tubes in colorectal surgery: a survey of usage in UK and Ireland.

BACKGROUND: The use of rectal tubes in colorectal surgery appears to be a matter of individual choice, with little documented evidence to support their use. This study assesses the current practice of rectal tubes amongst consultant members of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain & Ireland (ACPGBI). METHODS: A piloted questionnaire was sent to practising ACPGBI consultant members listed in the 2003-04 directory. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software and Fishers exact test. RESULTS: Three hundred and thirty-nine replies were received from 579 posted questionnaires (response rate = 58.5%). Rectal tubes were used by 116 (35%) of responding surgeons. Rectal tubes were more commonly used by surgeons with less than 10 years practice as a consultant (P < 0.005). The main indications for tube placement were following ileo-anal or colonic pouch surgery (73%), after any anterior resection (36%) (rectal tubes were reserved for only low anterior resections by 16% of surgeons) and in the rectal stump after total or subtotal colectomy for acute colitis (11%). Twenty-three percent of these practising surgeons would use a rectal tube as an alternative to a diverting stoma, predominantly in selected patients following ileo-anal pouch surgery. A Foley catheter was the commonest type of tube used (70%) and this was usually placed above the anastomosis (80%). Rectal tubes were left in situ for a median of 5 days (range = 1-13 days). Three surgeons (2.6%) reported serious complications including tube perforation of the bowel or anastomosis. Several different mechanisms were suggested for the purpose and functioning of the rectal tube, the commonest being to decompress the rectum and/or pouch. CONCLUSION: Rectal tube placement is simple and safe and is used by a third of colorectal surgeons in UK and Ireland. Given their simplicity, the efficacy of rectal tubes in reducing local anastomotic complications requires further evaluation within the confines of a randomised controlled trial.

Catheterization↗
PubMed2004

An audit over 2 years' practice of open and laparoscopic live-donor nephrectomy at renal transplant centres in the UK and Ireland.

OBJECTIVE: To collate information on the practice of live-donor nephrectomy and compare this with the published British Transplantation Society (BTS) guidelines for best practice, using two questionnaires sent to all renal transplant centres in the UK and Ireland to cover practice for the years 2000 and 2002. METHODS: A postal questionnaire was sent to all surgical kidney transplant consultants in the UK and Ireland, including questions on the practice of live-donor nephrectomy in the year 2000 (the questionnaire was sent in 2001) and 2002 (questionnaire sent in 2003). RESULTS: All 28 centres responded fully for both years; 27 centres used live kidney donation in 2000, decreasing to 24 in 2002. Consultants reported 356 operations in 2000, representing 19% of all kidney transplants, and 403 in 2002, representing 23% of all kidney transplants. Three centres offered laparoscopic donor nephrectomy in 2000, and five did so in 2002. Most centres organize donor and recipient operations synchronously, and most have a consultant anaesthetist present for the donor procedure. There were variations in the use of analgesia and thromboprophylaxis, and in donor follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: There is widespread application of live-donor nephrectomy in the UK but BTS guidelines are not closely followed. Minimal access donor nephrectomy is offered at a few centres but many have plans to introduce this into their practice.

Analgesics↗