Irish journal of medical science
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Gastric cancer is a common malignant tumor with an increasing death rate. MicroRNA can serve as a promising biomarker for the progression and prognosis of various cancers. ⋯ miR-3178 may be involved in the progression of gastric cancer, which provides new insights into the treatment of gastric cancer.
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Standardised ward treatment rooms have the potential to improve efficiency in performing routine tasks. Our aim was to produce a standardised layout for commonly used equipment using a Lean approach. ⋯ This study demonstrates improved efficiency with a time saving of over 1 min for a very commonly performed ward-based task. Ward-based staff reported reduced frustration and less interruptions following the standardisation and optimisation of treatment room layouts.
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Otolaryngology (ENT) is a craft surgical specialty, which presents significant challenges for the novice surgical trainee (NST), when managing patients with potentially life-threatening conditions. We assess current evidence behind intensive, simulation-rich training programmes or "boot camps". We outline an ENT emergency-safe boot camp for NSTs and the impact this can have on trainees' competence when dealing with ENT emergencies. ⋯ Study participants expressed an increase in confidence when dealing with specific ENT emergencies, following boot camp training. This correlates with published data. Patient safety should be enhanced, as a result of participation in this dedicated ENT emergency-safe boot camp.
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The HSE "Vision for change", national service plan and other policies emphasise the importance of incorporating the views of service users and carers in the design and delivery of mental health services. ⋯ Involving POLL patients in audit provided useful insights to improve the quality of service. We resolved the issue of disabled parking access and have developed a service information leaflet and a discharge leaflet. We intend to focus more on psychoeducation and discharge planning based on the results of the current cycle.
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In response to the outbreak of COVID-19 in Ireland, the government implemented a nationwide stay-at-home order, with the closure of all non-essential businesses. During this period, there was a significant increase in supermarket expenditure. It has been shown that stress, anxiety and boredom are triggers for unhealthy eating habits. Fat consumption is a risk factor for both the development of gallstones and, additionally, the development of acute calculous cholecystitis. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of acute calculous cholecystitis during the nationwide lockdown and compare it to the same period one year prior. ⋯ A statistically significant increase in cases of acute calculous cholecystitis was observed during a nationwide lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is hypothesised that this is due to increased consumption of fatty foods during this period due to stress, anxiety and boredom.