Irish journal of medical science
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The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) continues to have implications for how healthcare information is managed and shared. This presents challenges as telemedicine plays a more central role in service healthcare service provision, particularly since the beginning of 2020. We aim to measure how improved communication through a GDPR-compliant messaging app can influence time-dependent key performance indicators for hip fracture management in a tertiary-referral trauma hospital. ⋯ Irish Hip Fracture Database Standards present a challenge to orthopaedic departments competing with other hospital specialties for access to beds and theatre space. The introduction of a GDPR-compliant social media messaging service has contributed to significantly reducing the time to surgery for these patients. Streamlining communication through messaging services has and continues to be vital to improving care for hip fracture patients, both in the healthcare environment and beyond.
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Work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WRMD) is a rising concern for surgeons, particularly those involved in minimally invasive surgery (MIS). Severe WRMD can adversely affect surgeon's health and foreshorten their careers if not appropriately managed. ⋯ This study demonstrates a high prevalence of WRMD amongst otolaryngologists working in Ireland and demonstrates a need for ergonomic training for surgeons.
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We have entered an era of renewed interest in novel approaches to surgical intervention and minimally invasive and transcatheter technique. With an aging population, isolated tricuspid valve regurgitation incidence is rising; however, referral for surgical intervention remains low. ⋯ Beyond technical challenges, decision making regarding pacemaker requirement requires further exploration. Redo tricuspid valve surgery carries a significant mortality risk and consideration should be given to earlier intervention in this context.
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Informed consent is an integral part of the process prior to any surgical procedure [1]. Flexible cystoscopy is a common day case urological procedure and it is the gold standard investigation for visible haematuria [2]. ⋯ Postal consent is commonly used for gastro-intestinal endoscopy procedures. Postal consent for flexible cystoscopy is not well reported in the literature. Our study shows postal consent to be a suitable form of gaining informed consent for flexible cystoscopy.
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Chronic respiratory diseases are responsible for significant patient morbidity, mortality, and healthcare use. Community virtual ward (CVW) models of care have been successfully implemented to manage patients with complex medical conditions. ⋯ A CVW model facilitates the delivery of combined specialist and generalist care to patients with chronic respiratory disease in the community and improves symptoms and health status. The principles of the model are transferable to other conditions to improve overall health and reduce emergency hospital care.