Irish journal of medical science
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Following oesophagectomy, the most concerning complication is that of anastomotic leak (AL). Prompt diagnosis and intervention are crucial to facilitate an optimal outcome. Other complications, particularly respiratory, are not infrequent. Early identification of AL versus other sources of the inflammatory response can be problematic. ⋯ Elevated CRP may be a useful marker in facilitating the prompt diagnosis of AL following oesophagectomy. Serial CRP may not contribute to identifying lower respiratory tract infections, partly as a result of the pro-inflammatory response following surgery.
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Doctors' continuing medical educational and professional development (CME and CPD) needs are known to be strongly influenced by national and local contextual characteristics. A crucial step in the development of effective education and training programmes is the assessment of learner needs. ⋯ Our findings identified priority areas where CME and CPD for GPs in Ireland should focus. The topics selected may reflect the changing nature of general practice, which increasingly requires delivery of care to an ageing population with more multi-morbidity and chronic disease management, while trying to apply evidence-based medicine and consider patient safety issues. CME/CPD programmes need to adapt accordingly.
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To compare patients with active and inactive fibromyalgia to better understand the impact of physical inactivity on quality of life and symptoms in these patients. ⋯ Our results reinforce the understanding that exercise can reduce symptoms of fibromyalgia and suggests that patients who practice physical exercise have a better quality of life, with fewer depressive symptoms and absences from work, and better sense of well-being.
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Integrating theoretical and practical knowledge and stimulating students' active learning is the most important task of modern and high-quality healthcare education. By analyzing clinical cases, undergraduate medical students are trained to make accurate diagnoses, to choose appropriate therapy based on laboratory results and on adequate diagnostic tests. ⋯ Clinical case presentation has a learning potential and facilitates positive interaction between instructors and students and supporting students to become reflective and competent physicians.
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Communication difficulties are associated with oppositional symptoms in young people. We hypothesise that a communication group intervention will reduce oppositional symptoms in young people. Previous research on communication and social skills training in young people with externalising disorders is limited. ⋯ Our pilot study data suggest that further research is needed to study the effects of a communication group intervention on oppositional symptoms in a larger number of adolescents.