Irish medical journal
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Chronic non-malignant pain costs the American economy $40 billion a year. An attempt to quantify the total cost to the Irish economy of 95 patients attending a Multi-Disciplinary Pain Clinic was made. ⋯ A subgroup of 22 patients who were younger and unemployed, accounted for 1.5 million pounds. Allocation of resources to treat these patients is necessary.
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Irish medical journal · Mar 1996
Patient's evaluation and recall of the preoperative anaesthetic visit.
We have looked at the ability of 104 patients to recall their preoperative anaesthetic visit. 26.9% of those seen could not remember ever being assessed by an anaesthetist. We think this has important medical, medico legal and manpower implications which need to be addressed.
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Irish medical journal · Jan 1996
EditorialPatient treatment preference in metastatic prostate cancer.
40 male patients with metastatic prostate cancer given a choice of medical castration with the LHRH Analogue Goserelin (Zoladex) or surgical castration chose medical treatment. During a 15 month follow up only one patient decided to have an orchidectomy and this was because of treatment expense.
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This study involves a review of 178 patients on a strictly monitored methadone maintenance programme. All patients had a minimum of 9 years of intravenous drug misuse. 35.7% were HIV positive, 55.7% males and 29% females had previous prison sentences. ⋯ Long history of misuse, multiple custodial sentences, previous unsuccessful rehabilitation and positive HIV status were associated with acceptance for maintenance. Frequency of urinalysis, and results triggering dose change can effectively reduce illicit drug use.