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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The impact of lifestyle factors such as adiposity, smoking, stress, exercise, and nutrition on anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels remains an unresolved question. ⋯ Body fat percentage, BMI, lifestyle choices, and high stress levels do not correlate with AMH levels in women seeking infertility investigations. We identified a high incidence of obesity and low levels of healthy lifestyle scores in our study population. Our study highlights the urgent need for patient education and optimization of pre-pregnancy health.
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Adverse events (AE) are an inevitable reality in healthcare, with an incidence of 7.5-14.1% worldwide. AEs are recognised to cause psychological and emotional distress in healthcare workers, with surgeons being particularly susceptible. We report the first data on the emotional impact in relation to adverse events in surgeons in the Republic of Ireland (ROI). ⋯ Surgical trainees report negative psychological and emotional responses that are consistent with second victim symptoms. Those surveyed felt that their training could better prepare them for the personal impact of such events.
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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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Many anatomical variations of the branching pattern of the aortic arch have been documented in the literature. These find their origin in alterations to the embryological development of the arch and have significant implications for surgical and radiological interventions. ⋯ Anatomical variations in the branching pattern of the aortic arch are present in over one-third of individuals in some populations. These are important pre- and intra-operatively during thoracic, neck and thyroid surgery. A greater effort should be employed to construct an official classification to facilitate greater understanding among clinicians.