Irish journal of medical science
-
The individuals over 65 years old constitute an important patient population of medical intensive care units (ICUs). ⋯ Age and gender were not found to be predictors of mortality. There was no survival advantage between young and elderly patients. Co-morbid diseases, apart from malignancy, had no effect on mortality. In developing countries, where patients with terminal illness and multiple co-morbid diseases are treated in the ICU, age should not be a determining factor in patient selection for ICU or in the treatment decisions to be applied to patients.
-
The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of a dysphagia screening test (DST) in patients who have undergone resection for head and neck cancer (HNC). In addition, we examined whether or not combined effects of DSTs improve the detection accuracy of penetration/aspiration. ⋯ Based on our results, it is recommended that MWST or FT be used when only one type of DST is performed. In addition, the combination of two DSTs may detect aspiration patients more accurately than one alone.
-
Hope is considered as an important therapeutic factor in health and illness. Chronic pain affects a significant proportion of the world's population and causes great emotional and physical suffering to patients. ⋯ The findings of this review demonstrate that hope is influenced by several patient factors and has a positive impact on patients with chronic pain. The current literature supports the usefulness of hope as a therapeutic intervention for not only chronic pain but many chronic illnesses.
-
There are no previously published reports regarding the epidemiology and characteristics of moyamoya disease or syndrome in Ireland. ⋯ Moyamoya is rare but occurs in Caucasians in Ireland. It most commonly presents with ischaemic symptoms. Surgical intervention in the form of direct and indirect bypass is an effective treatment in the majority of cases.
-
There is a worldwide recruitment and retention crisis in general practice. Workforce planning has identified the need to train more general practitioners as an urgent priority. Exposure of medical students to general practice as part of the formal and hidden curriculum, the use of longitudinal integrated clerkships, and positive experiences and role models in general practice are all thought to be contributing factors to doctors choosing careers in general practice. ⋯ The reform of the delivery of general practice within medical school curricula should be considered by medical schools, curriculum designers and policy-makers as part of an overall strategy to address the recruitment and retention of general practitioners as part of the global healthcare workforce.