Irish journal of medical science
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With blood products being a limited and expensive resource within the healthcare system, there is an ever-increasing emphasis on judicial and appropriate use. ⋯ The implementation of guidelines has resulted in substantial reduction in RCC transfusions between 2015 and 2018. Fewer women received a blood transfusion, and those who did received fewer units. There is a higher proportion of patients being reassessed between units and receiving single unit transfusions. Recording of consent has improved.
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Ireland has a mixed model of healthcare delivery with a public healthcare system funded by general taxation and a large private healthcare insurance system, covering 43% of the population in 2012 and 2016. We set out to examine disparities in outcomes among patients with breast cancer treated in a private hospital compared to national outcomes over a comparable period. ⋯ We found evidence of superior outcomes in patients with early breast cancer treated at a private hospital compared with national outcome figures. This was demonstrated in 'all comers' (stages 1-3 combined), and particularly in patients with stage 3 breast cancer. Potential reasons for this disparity include differences in socioeconomic status, health-seeking behaviours and/or underlying health status between the two populations included. Differences in extent or timeliness of access to therapies may also contribute.
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In this study, it was aimed to examine the effect of 8-week exercise in Alzheimer's disease (AD) aged 65 and over through functional, cognitive, and biochemical parameters and irisin metabolism. ⋯ Changes in functional, cognitive, and biochemical parameters after the exercise program improved quality of life in Alzheimer's patients.
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Our study aims to determine whether different self-efficacy (SE) levels affect urinary incontinence symptoms, falls, quality of life, sleep, and physical activity in elderly individuals with incontinence. Our secondary aim is to examine the relationship between SE levels and urinary incontinence severity, quality of life, sleep status, fear of falling, and physical activity level. ⋯ In elderly individuals with urinary incontinence, the level of SE may affect incontinence symptoms, severity, fear of falling, and quality of life and may be an important factor for incontinence. An increased level of SE may lead to positive effects on the user interface. Further studies in this field are needed.
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This study was aimed at determining the risk factors associated with mortality in elderly patients with severe hyponatremia admitted to the emergency department. ⋯ Malignancy; liver cirrhosis; dialysis treatment; increased Charlson comorbidity index, urea, and C-reactive protein values and the use of antineoplastic drugs are associated with mortality.