Irish journal of medical science
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Can teleconsent improve patient recall of surgical risks in knee arthroplasty? A randomised controlled trial.
Informed consent plays a vital role in managing patients undergoing knee arthroplasty (KA). Unfortunately, patient recall of informed consent remains poor. Evidence has suggested that telemedicine and teleconsent can be safe, cost-effective, and well-received by patients. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an additional preoperative teleconsent session on patient recall of surgical risks 1 month after knee arthroplasty. The secondary aim was to assess its impact on patient satisfaction. ⋯ The additional preoperative teleconsent session had no significant effect on the risk recall rate but improved patient satisfaction. Our findings suggest education level may play a role in information recall. We can advocate for the increased use of teleconsent and telemedicine in patients undergoing KA or any elective orthopaedic procedure due to its perceived positive effects on patient satisfaction rates.
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Studies published from hospitals in other countries have reported rates of between 69 and 90% of cataract referrals being listed for surgery (1-3). This potentially represents unnecessary outpatient appointments, time off work and transport costs for patients and carers (2). ⋯ It is possible that an appropriately focussed referral form will aid in triaging cataract referrals and potentially reduce unnecessary appointments.
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To observe the effect of the implementation of improved high-risk sign boards for older people inpatients. ⋯ The application of double-layer card slot and push-pull comprehensive high-risk identification card to older people inpatients can alert nurses, patients, and nursing staff more prominently, which can improve patient satisfaction, reduce installation time and reduce the incidence of adverse events to a certain extent.
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The aim of this audit was to assess the effect of new guidelines on virtual triage referrals to an Irish eye emergency department (EED) during the COVID-19 pandemic. ⋯ This audit addressed the need to reduce footfall during the COVID-19 pandemic, identified suitable avenues of referrals for certain conditions, and demonstrated that these guidelines significantly reduced the number of patients presenting to EED with conditions amenable to phone review or clinic follow-up.