Irish journal of medical science
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Colorectal surgery has evolved with the advent of laparoscopic techniques and now robotic-assisted surgery. There is significant literature supporting the use of laparoscopic techniques over open surgery with evidence of enhanced post-operative recovery, reduced use of opioids, smaller incisions and equivalent oncological outcomes. Robotic minimally invasive surgery addresses some of the limitations of laparoscopic surgery, providing surgical precision and improvements in perception and dexterity with a resulting decrease in tissue damage. ⋯ In this early experience, robotic surgery has proven feasible and safe and is comparable to laparoscopic surgery in terms of completeness of resection and recovery. As costs and operating times decline and as technology progresses, robotic surgery may one day replace traditional laparoscopic techniques.
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Healthcare workers are encouraged annually to get vaccinated against influenza. This year in view of COVID-19 pandemic, attitudes of HCWs towards vaccination are particularly important. A cross-sectional study was completed to understand how to best encourage and facilitate the vaccination of HCWs based on the previous years' findings. ⋯ In light of the increasing number of survey participants, more staff were interested in flu vaccination this year than ever before. The COVID-19 pandemic has had some influence on staff's likelihood to be vaccinated. Feasibility of immunisation and education posed the largest barriers to HCW vaccination.
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An increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in children has been reported globally. Most studies examining the trajectory of BMI in children over time have tended to focus on children with typical development. Our group previously reported static prevalence rates in children with cerebral palsy. However, concern remains within our multi-disciplinary team that progression into higher BMI categories is apparent as children with cerebral palsy age. ⋯ The majority of children with cerebral palsy who presented with a normal BMI at first assessment maintained this BMI classification at follow-up. The results of this study highlight the importance of maintaining a healthy BMI status.
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The Irish healthcare system is currently recognised as being understaffed and under-resourced due to historic underfunding and the aftermath of the 2008 global financial crisis. This descriptive study investigated healthcare providers' perceptions of the safety culture in a large Irish teaching hospital. ⋯ This study highlights the complex relationship between working conditions and safety culture. Hospital staff were committed to providing the best possible care for their patients but struggled to provide safe care in a challenging work environment. A clear appetite for change was identified amongst HCPs regarding patient safety culture in Irish healthcare.
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The aim of this study was to investigate the therapies administered to Italian adolescents with primary herpetic gingivostomatitis (PHGS) METHODS: The medical records of 74 adolescents with PHSG were reviewed. The following data were recorded: age, gender, day of onset, type of treatment, lesions' severity, pain scoring, eating, and drinking ability. The oral examination was performed at the first evaluation (T0) and after one week (T1). ⋯ In Italian adolescents, PHGS is diagnosed at least 48 h after onset and the antibiotic therapy is widely prescribed in order to prevent overinfections. Among topical therapies, an association of verbascoside and sodium hyaluronhate seems to favour a faster healing.