Irish journal of medical science
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The "National Integrated Medical Imaging System" or NIMIS went live in 2011 and allows the movement of patient radiology imaging throughout the Irish health system. At the time of its launch, NIMIS was not only going to allow the filmless passage of patient radiology imaging but it was also envisaged that it would act as a medical image archive. The aim of this study was to assess the awareness and use of non-consultant hospital doctors and hospital consultants with regard to this medical image archive/referral function of NIMIS. ⋯ NIMIS allows the safe and confidential flow of patient images and clinical information in the Irish health system. It could provide definite potential in the areas of clinical conferencing, multidisciplinary meetings and remote patient assessment along with collaborative research and education.
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We aimed to evaluate the quality of information available on YouTube regarding the basic information, examination, diagnosis, and the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). ⋯ YouTube could be used as an important tool for patient information in ROP. However, one third of the YouTube videos regarding ROP are misleading and may present a risk of harmful consequences. In this aspect, authoritative videos by healthcare professionals should be uploaded for dissemination of reliable information on ROP.
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Liver metastases are the commonest cause of death for patients with colorectal cancer. Growing evidence supports the use of selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) in combination with conventional chemotherapy regimens for liver-only or liver-dominant unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer. ⋯ SIRT is a safe and effective therapy for certain patients with unresectable colorectal liver metastases. This case series supports our opinion that selected patients should be offered SIRT in concert with their medical oncologist, concomitant with their chemotherapy. Larger multi-center studies are required to more clearly define the patient groups that will derive most benefit from SIRT.
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Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are a major advance for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF). Use of the vitamin K antagonist (VKA), warfarin, has dropped 40% since 2010 in our institution. There is limited Irish hospital data on NOAC prescribing for stroke prevention. ⋯ Our study highlights significant inaccuracies in NOAC prescribing. Patients commenced on NOACs should be assessed and followed up in a multidisciplinary AF clinic to ensure safe and effective prescribing and stroke prevention.
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The provision of medical care to young adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus is challenging. The aim of this study was to determine the rates of microvascular complications and their progression among patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus attending a specialist young adult diabetes service in Ireland. ⋯ Diabetic retinopathy is prevalent in young adults with type 1 diabetes attending specialist secondary care diabetes services. Duration of diabetes was the strongest determinant of retinopathy risk.