Irish journal of medical science
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The reconfiguration of many Irish stand-alone psychiatric units has led to many patients in acute mental health need now being assessed in emergency departments (EDs). This has implications for ED resources and raises questions about appropriate assessment location for this group. ⋯ Removing a direct community access point for this group resulted in a substantial increase in ED presentations, many of which did not have physical needs. This study has implications for future policy to address the needs of this group, especially in light of the pandemic.
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Postauricular steroid administration has been popular for treating sudden sensorineural hearing loss. However, there are few reports on its use in patients with refractory sudden sensorineural hearing loss (RSSNHL). ⋯ The present findings suggest that postauricular corticosteroid administration as a salvage treatment demonstrated better results than no treatment for RSSNHL patients. The time interval from onset to study entry was mainly the prognostic factor for RSSNHL patients. It is therefore considered that postauricular corticosteroid administration may be used as a salvage therapy for RSSNHL patients.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a significant disruption in the provision of healthcare globally. The aim of this study was to assess the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on the provision of neuro-oncology surgery and comparison with a similar 3-month period in 2019. ⋯ The provision of neuro-oncological surgery can be safely continued during respiratory illness epidemic or pandemic if a rigorous testing and staffing framework is implemented.
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We aim to determine the efficacy of an intensive week of large group tutorials in the teaching of neurology to medical students. We also look to compare teaching methods within our centre. ⋯ Large group tutorials are an effective way of delivering neurology teaching to undergraduate medical students.
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Internationally, the number of computerised tomographic pulmonary angiographies (CTPAs) being performed to rule out pulmonary embolism (PE) has caused some concern. ⋯ Application of the PERC rule, as per the ACP guidelines, would have reduced the number of CTPAs performed by 32 (6%) without missing any patient with a proven pulmonary embolus.