Irish journal of medical science
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Recruitment and retention of doctors is a priority for the Irish healthcare service, with many leaving to work in regions with more favourable conditions. Aligning flexible training options with other jurisdictions may be an effective means of improving working conditions. We sought to assess possible improvements to the existing system and to review barriers to flexible training. ⋯ Suggestions for improving the system included expanding the number of places available, removing eligibility criteria, job sharing options, and the provision of regional training schemes. Access to flexible training should be a priority for the healthcare service, which may enhance recruitment and retention. A majority of our sample of non-consultant doctors identified a preference for access to flexible training options.
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Minimum unit pricing (MUP) is one aspect of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018 to limit the detrimental health impacts of alcohol use. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) can occur within hours to days after alcohol cessation. This audit assesses two periods to see if the introduction of MUP had a significant impact on acute alcohol-related medical reviews mediated through a change in the incidence of AWS. ⋯ At this institution, the introduction of MUP did not result in increased presentations with alcohol-related medical complaints. It is unlikely that it leads to an increase in the incidence of AWS.