Irish journal of medical science
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Hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a major cause of morbidity and death worldwide, with prevalence highest among people who inject drugs (PWID), homeless populations and prisoners. The World Health Organization has published targets to be achieved by 2030 as part of its global health sector strategy to eliminate viral hepatitis. Recent innovations in testing and treatment of HCV mean such goals are achievable with effective infrastructure, political will and funding. 'HepCare Europe' was a 3-year, EU-funded project involving four member states. ⋯ In HepCheck, HepLink. HepEd and HepFriend, we demonstrate a series of interventions to improve Irish HCV outcomes. Our findings highlight the benefits of multilevel interventions in HCV care.
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Breastfeeding rates in Ireland are among the lowest in the world; thus, it is important to understand what knowledge and skills exist and what are the education needs of dietitians. There has been no Irish research on dietitians' perception of their role in promoting, protecting and supporting breastfeeding. ⋯ Further examination of the role of the dietitian and the establishment of expected competencies would provide a clear framework for future training and education of dietitians towards increasing breastfeeding prevalence in Ireland.
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The 5G technology, with its low latency, high speed, enhanced high-resolution bandwidth, superior reliability, and less energy consumption, is bound to transform telemedicine and the healthcare industry as a whole. This next-generation wireless networking technology has many far-reaching implications in both preventive and therapeutic care of the patients. Remote monitoring of patients is possible with wearables facilitated by robust sensors coupled to 5G network. Virtual patient consultation; augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR)-based simulated surgeries; artificial intelligence (AI)-powered robotic surgeries; real-time maintenance of ambulances and other medical devices; and dynamic huge data repository are some of the other applications of 5G technology in the health sector.
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Review
A brief literature review of the psychological benefits of volunteerism in watersports inclusion.
The 2009 National Guidelines on Physical Activity for Ireland assert that 'all people with disabilities should be active'. Events such as the Watersports Inclusion Games invite individuals across the full spectrum of abilities to take part in physical activity in the form of adaptive watersports. This literature review aims to assess the value of inclusive watersport events such as this in the context of what is currently published on the motivation and benefits for volunteers in watersports inclusion. ⋯ The outcomes of this review suggest that, while there are many papers published on the benefits for volunteers in general and in sport, there is a relative paucity of literature on volunteers in inclusive sport, and even less relating to inclusive watersports. This review identifies a powerful opportunity to provide evidence to support the benefits of inclusive watersport for both participants and volunteers. Further research is required on why volunteers become involved in inclusive watersports and the benefits they derive from their involvement.
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The decline in popularity of general surgery as a career has been well described. A number of factors have been put forward to explain this, for example, trainee burnout and perceived difficulty with work/life balance. The aim of this study was to elucidate the reasons for this among medical students in Ireland. ⋯ A small proportion of respondents plan to pursue a career in general surgery. This is concerning in view of attrition rates through junior years. Although lifestyle factors are significant, clarity regarding training pathways was also reported. Undergraduate education regarding career trajectory, quality of life and practicalities of a career in general surgery may increase applications.