Irish journal of medical science
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Virtual fracture clinics (VFC) are now prevalent across many orthopaedic services in the UK and Ireland. The management of a variety of musculoskeletal injuries using the VFC model has been demonstrated to be safe, cost-effective and associated with high levels of patient satisfaction. Referrals were made available through the National Integrated Medical Imaging System (NIMIS). NIMIS allows for electronic movement of patient images throughout the Irish health service. ⋯ Virtual review of orthopaedic trauma patients results in satisfactory patient outcomes. Clinical outcomes were acceptable with minimal additional medical attention required following injury. Electronic transfer of information allows for the virtual service to operate from sites long distances from the primary orthopaedic centre. The NIMIS is a safe and confidential means of collaborating with other institutions and has huge potential in the areas of trauma care delivery, clinical conferencing and other image-based disciplines.
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The "National Integrated Medical Imaging System" or NIMIS went live in 2011 and allows the movement of patient radiology imaging throughout the Irish health system. At the time of its launch, NIMIS was not only going to allow the filmless passage of patient radiology imaging but it was also envisaged that it would act as a medical image archive. The aim of this study was to assess the awareness and use of non-consultant hospital doctors and hospital consultants with regard to this medical image archive/referral function of NIMIS. ⋯ NIMIS allows the safe and confidential flow of patient images and clinical information in the Irish health system. It could provide definite potential in the areas of clinical conferencing, multidisciplinary meetings and remote patient assessment along with collaborative research and education.
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We aimed to evaluate the quality of information available on YouTube regarding the basic information, examination, diagnosis, and the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). ⋯ YouTube could be used as an important tool for patient information in ROP. However, one third of the YouTube videos regarding ROP are misleading and may present a risk of harmful consequences. In this aspect, authoritative videos by healthcare professionals should be uploaded for dissemination of reliable information on ROP.
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Homeless people experience substantially higher rates of illness and significant barriers to accessing health services. The mobile health clinic (MHC), staffed by trainee general practitioners, targets and provides homeless people in Dublin with free and easy access to primary healthcare services. ⋯ While the findings of this study are limited by the small sample size, they nevertheless indicate that the MHC promotes access to primary care service. Results also highlight the need to expand the healthcare approaches on the MHC to adequately meet the health needs of its target population.
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Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are a major advance for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF). Use of the vitamin K antagonist (VKA), warfarin, has dropped 40% since 2010 in our institution. There is limited Irish hospital data on NOAC prescribing for stroke prevention. ⋯ Our study highlights significant inaccuracies in NOAC prescribing. Patients commenced on NOACs should be assessed and followed up in a multidisciplinary AF clinic to ensure safe and effective prescribing and stroke prevention.