Irish journal of medical science
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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.
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Ireland has the highest rates of overnight hospitalisations for COPD in the OECD, yet lacks estimates of the prevalence of this disease or its pharmacological management. We aimed to estimate the age and sex-specific prevalence of symptomatic COPD and to identify patterns of respiratory medication use to inform interventions to improve pharmacotherapy in this condition. ⋯ The prevalence of medication use consistent with the management of symptomatic COPD mirrors international prevalence estimates. Several patterns raise concern: high ICS use in older adults, under use of LAMA therapy and poor persistence of those newly initiated. We recommend the development of an intervention to assist in the implementation of new national prescribing guidelines for the management of COPD.
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Modern medical and surgical training pathways have developed globally in response to changing expectations and requirements for trainees. ⋯ This study highlights variations in postgraduate Irish medical training pathways and discrepancies in training requirements expected in each specialty. The establishment of a modern guideline for young trainees working towards consultancy may be imperative in ensuring trainees have insight into training requirements expected in their specialty.