Irish journal of medical science
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Observational Study
The effect of national public health measures on the characteristics of trauma presentations to a busy paediatric emergency service in Ireland: a longitudinal observational study.
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and government-enforced restrictions have impacted medical practices. ⋯ This study reveals that total attendances and total injuries reduced during initial phases of the lockdown. This was followed by a significant increase in injury presentations, which reached a peak of 44.6% of all attendances. We identified potential modifiable characteristics of paediatric trauma which can be addressed by future public health strategies.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
The effectiveness of planned discharge education on health knowledge and beliefs in patients with acute myocardial infarction: a randomized controlled trial.
To the best of our knowledge, no other studies investigated acute myocardial infarction patients' beliefs and knowledge level after the discharge education. ⋯ Planned discharge education had a positive effect on the knowledge level of cardiovascular diseases risk factors, drug compliance, nutritional compliance, and individual follow-up in patients with acute myocardial infarction.
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We aimed to assess stroke care at an Irish university teaching hospital and benchmark against national (Irish National Audit of Stroke 2019) and international (6th SSNAP Annual Report; American Heart Association, 2013) practice to inform a quality improvement strategy. ⋯ Using national and international audit data as an institutional benchmark provides a standard with which a service can be compared to highlight areas for improvement. We identified mood screening, swallow screening, thrombectomy rates, length of stay and time to neuroimaging as key areas for development in our centre. We are currently completing a process map to determine cause, effect, and solutions, and we will implement change using PDSA methodology as per SQUIRE 2.0 guidelines. The results of the re-audit cycle for 2020 will be available in 2021 to inform our progress. Ongoing quality improvement is essential for stroke care, which is a leading cause of death and disability in Ireland.
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The aim of this study is to share autopsy findings of COVID-19-positive cases and autopsy algorithms for safely handling of suspicious bodies during this pandemic. ⋯ In COVID-19 autopsies, pulmonary findings were found to be prominent and the main pathology was pneumonia. Older age and findings of chronic diseases indicate that the cases were in the multirisk group in terms of COVID-19 mortality.
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Observational Study
A preliminary prospective observational study of the effectiveness of high-concentration capsaicin cutaneous patch in the management of chronic post-surgical neuropathic pain.
Chronic post-surgical neuropathic pain is difficult to treat. Topically applied analgesics provide an alternative to systemic therapy in localised neuropathic pain syndromes. The aim of this study was to prospectively assess whether 8% capsaicin is effective in surgically induced neuropathic pain. ⋯ This prospective study provides preliminary evidence for an improvement in patient outcomes with 8% capsaicin in surgically induced neuropathic pain. Improvements were noted in pain interference, and significant reductions in the painful surface area were noted for those who underwent subsequent treatments. Findings should be replicated in a randomised control trial to establish causation.