Irish journal of medical science
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Traumatic injuries are among the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Major trauma presentations have seen a demographic shift recently from the young to the elderly, with significant associated neurological deficit. ⋯ Elderly patients with complete SCIs have poorer outcomes and mortality than those with less extensive SCIs. They require more resources, have greater risk of complications, and have higher mortality than those with incomplete SCIs, with subsequent implications on optimal treatment strategies. More robust studies are needed to derive improved risk stratification tools for geriatric patients with spinal injuries.
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This study aimed to determine how an early occupational therapy (OT) intervention affected hospital length of stay (LOS) in a sample of patients with a moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). ⋯ These results suggest that providing early OT interventions to patients with moderate and severe TBIs can help decrease their LOS, which can contribute to reduced treatment costs.
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In May 2021, the B.1.617 variant of SARS-CoV-2 emerged in Ireland, and both Delta and Kappa sub-lineages were initially deemed variants of concern (VOCs) on a precautionary basis. We describe a large outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.1 (Kappa mutation) linked to a private gathering among third level students in Cork, Ireland. ⋯ Enhanced public health control measures for new and emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2 may be burdensome for cases and close contacts. The overall public health benefit of enhanced controls may only become apparent when evidence on disease transmissibility and severity becomes more complete.
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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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In this prospective observational clinical study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between serum mu-opioid receptor (MOR) levels according to menstrual cycle phases on postoperative pain scores and analgesic requirements. ⋯ gov ).