Irish journal of medical science
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To explore the value of the right hemi-diaphragmatic excursion (DE) and its variation in predicting extubation outcome in mechanically ventilated patients with COPD. ⋯ The combination of DE30 and ∆DE30-5 could improve the predictive value and could be used as the predictor of extubation outcome in mechanically ventilated patients with COPD.
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The main somatic symptoms of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) are chronic musculoskeletal pain, stiffness, and fatigue, all of which are related to the muscle system and its functioning. ⋯ Whether in newly diagnosed or established disease, muscle measurement values and quality of life parameters were significantly decreased in patients with FMS compared with healthy controls.
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There is an increasing body of research demonstrating stress, burnout, and compassion fatigue among those working in obstetrics and gynaecology. The literature is lacking with respect to targeted interventions aimed at improving staff wellbeing. ⋯ DITs and midwives of this sample are experiencing high levels of burnout and compassion fatigue. End of shift meetings for midwives and team bonding sessions for DITs may positively impact on wellbeing, but in current format, they are not feasible for long-term implementation. The low level of participation highlights a challenge in implementing institution-wide support interventions.
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The Acute Surgical Assessment Unit (ASAU) in University Hospital Limerick (UHL) has provided a solution to overcrowding and long waiting times since centralization of emergency services to UHL. Recognising the importance of its evolving role, the ASAU in UHL has recently undergone a major revamp to ease the pressure in the overcrowded emergency department (ED). This included a new purpose state-of-the-art-built unit and equipment, improved staffing levels and use of a Kaizen Lean system to identify key area of delays and inefficiency with subsequent implementation of suggestions derived after Kaizen Lean. Patient satisfaction reporting was analysed in the older building and subsequently in the new site post Kaizen Lean to complete a closed-loop audit. The aim of the study was to examine patient satisfaction response rates with the ASAU prior to and following Kaizen Lean implementation and transfer to a new purpose-built unit. ⋯ A Kaizen Lean approach improved the transition of an ASAU to a new purpose-built unit and further improved overall patient satisfaction with services of the ASAU.