Irish journal of medical science
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Studies have suggested that the undergraduate clinical clerkship improves medical students' attitudes to psychiatry and career interest in the specialty, but few studies have explored the sustainability of these changes. ⋯ Our findings suggest that an enriched undergraduate clinical clerkship experience can help to sustain improved attitudes to psychiatry into the final medical year. However, declining interest in the specialty a career choice prior to graduation presents an enduring challenge.
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Rheumatic disease (RD) patients when family planning must consider fertility, disease activity, and management from preconception to lactation. A clear understanding is necessary, especially for those receiving disease-modifying antirheumatic medications. Previous studies have highlighted unmet needs in the care of women with RDs with reproductive healthcare needs. This study describes the first published standardized reproductive care pathway for women with RDs and the outcomes of this approach. ⋯ We describe the first published evidence-based integrated multidisciplinary reproductive care pathway for women with RDs and the results of this approach. Seventy percent of women successful in trying to conceive delivered a healthy baby, and 90% of patients were 'very satisfied' with the service.
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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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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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Various types of ureteric stents are used in the management of ureteric stones. Stents on strings (SOS) are an attractive option as they may be removed without the need for instrumentation. There is some hesitation using SOS due to perceived complications and the risk of premature dislodgement. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of SOS compared with the conventional stent (CS). ⋯ The SOS appeared to be well tolerated and showed similar complication rates as the CS. The use of SOS resulted in a significant cost saving and increased the availability of cystoscopy for other indications.