Irish journal of medical science
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The effect of preadmission metformin usage (PMU) on the mortality of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients with diabetes is conflicting. Most studies have focused on in-hospital mortality; however, mortality after discharge also increases in COVID-19 patients. ⋯ PMU is associated with reducing all-cause mortality. This effect starts from the in-hospital period and becomes more significant with the post-discharge period. The main limitations were the inability to evaluate the compliance with metformin and the effects of other medications due to retrospective nature.
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The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) continues to have implications for how healthcare information is managed and shared. This presents challenges as telemedicine plays a more central role in service healthcare service provision, particularly since the beginning of 2020. We aim to measure how improved communication through a GDPR-compliant messaging app can influence time-dependent key performance indicators for hip fracture management in a tertiary-referral trauma hospital. ⋯ Irish Hip Fracture Database Standards present a challenge to orthopaedic departments competing with other hospital specialties for access to beds and theatre space. The introduction of a GDPR-compliant social media messaging service has contributed to significantly reducing the time to surgery for these patients. Streamlining communication through messaging services has and continues to be vital to improving care for hip fracture patients, both in the healthcare environment and beyond.
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Appendicitis is the most common abdominal emergency in England accounting for 40,000 admissions per year. The Good Surgical Practice guideline by Royal College of Surgeons England (RCSEng) defines criteria detailing what constitutes a safe and comprehensive operation note. High-quality operation notes enable continuity of care and safe post-operative management. ⋯ The implementation of an operation note proforma has the ability to significantly improve operation note quality. This simple and effective intervention to improve operation note quality has the potential to improve post-operative safety and continuity of care post laparoscopic appendicectomy.
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We have entered an era of renewed interest in novel approaches to surgical intervention and minimally invasive and transcatheter technique. With an aging population, isolated tricuspid valve regurgitation incidence is rising; however, referral for surgical intervention remains low. ⋯ Beyond technical challenges, decision making regarding pacemaker requirement requires further exploration. Redo tricuspid valve surgery carries a significant mortality risk and consideration should be given to earlier intervention in this context.
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Work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WRMD) is a rising concern for surgeons, particularly those involved in minimally invasive surgery (MIS). Severe WRMD can adversely affect surgeon's health and foreshorten their careers if not appropriately managed. ⋯ This study demonstrates a high prevalence of WRMD amongst otolaryngologists working in Ireland and demonstrates a need for ergonomic training for surgeons.