Irish journal of medical science
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Observational Study
Taking histories: joint working of disciplines in medical history scholarship.
While there is an increasing emphasis on the value of interdisciplinarity in scholarship in the medical humanities, it is unknown to what extent there is joint working between historians and clinicians in medical history. We aimed to quantify evidence of joint working in authorship of medical history papers. ⋯ Scholarship engaging both historians and clinicians is rare in medical history journals. Possible solutions include enhanced research collaborations between historians and clinicians, interdisciplinary educational seminars and cross-institutional knowledge exchanges.
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The impact of a change in service delivery in a psychogeriatric service, moving from a consultation model to liaison model of care, was examined in a naturalistic study. ⋯ The results of the present study suggest improved outcomes for patients and improved satisfaction in the clinical teams. Further clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness studies are needed.
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Inadequate medical documentation has been associated with a higher rate of adverse events and may have medicolegal consequences. An accurate admission note is critical as it is frequently referred to during inpatient stay, particularly when the patient is acutely unwell and during handover of care. ⋯ The surgical admission proforma has significantly improved the quality and completeness of admission documentation, ensuring improved patient safety and efficiency of care. Structured admission proformas have a positive impact on patient outcomes, doctors' performance, hospital efficiency, communication and audit quality control, thus providing multiple clear benefits in comparison to freehand admission notes.
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Cataract surgery represents a significant workload for ophthalmologists in Ireland. Post-operative shared care with community optometrists can reduce the need for hospital follow-up appointments. ⋯ Community optometrist-led post-operative care for uncomplicated patients is an effective way of reducing the workload associated with cataract surgery. Re-referral pathways must be in place to facilitate timely management of post-operative complications.
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Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by non-motor symptoms (NMS) as well as by motor symptoms. Together with the impairment of cognitive functions, NMS and sleep also affect motor symptoms negatively. The aim of our study is to examine the correlation of NMS and sleep on balance in PD patients with normal cognition (PD-NC) and with mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI). ⋯ Our data demonstrate a negative effect on the balance function in patients with cognitive impairment suffering increased NMS and sleeping disorders. Treatment of these patients needs to concentrate on NMS and cognitive functions as much as on motor symptoms.