St. James's Hospital (Irish: Ospidéal Naomh Séamas) is a teaching hospital in Dublin, Ireland. Its academic partner is Trinity College Dublin. It is managed by Dublin Midlands Hospital Group.
INTRODUCTION:Effective teamwork in the operating theatre is essential for safety and optimal patient outcomes. Extensive research has examined this topic from the perspectives of anaesthesiology consultant and surgeons; however, limited attention has been given to anaesthesiology trainees. Hence, this study explores anaesthesiology trainees' attitudes towards communication and leadership in the operating theatre. METHODS:A questionnaire-based study was conducted among anaesthesiology trainees in Irish hospitals. The questionnaire was adapted from the Operating Room Management Attitudes Questionnaire (OMRAQ). Data collected included demographics, trainee attitudes toward communication and leadership, perceptions of team dynamics and communication-related errors. Responses were analysed through descriptive statistical analysis. RESULTS:A total of 74 trainees responded. The majority expressed a strong preference for collaborative leadership and open communication, with 95% of trainees supporting junior staff participation in decision making. However, 69% reported a lack of pre-operative briefings and 84% stated that post-operative debriefings were uncommon, demonstrating pitfalls in theatre communication. Furthermore, 85% acknowledged making errors due to poor communication, with over half reporting witnessing such errors from other members of theatre. Trainees supported the need for confidential error-reporting systems but expressed hesitation about openly reporting incidents. CONCLUSION:Anaesthesiology trainees value teamwork and communication but perceive significant gaps between best practices and current hospital procedures. These findings highlight the need for systemic interventions, including structured communication training, leadership development, and the promotion of psychological safety within theatre. Addressing these areas could improve communication dynamics, reduce medical errors, and enhance patient safety.
HIV management is evolving, with improved long-term survival and patient health. However, the model of care for people living with HIV (PLWHIV) in Ireland has remained unchanged, with care focused in tertiary sites in urban centres. We explored the acceptability of decentralised HIV care at local hospitals, community healthcare settings, or with primary care providers (PCP), and the acceptability of receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) locally. HIV attendees at two tertiary referral centres were invited to complete a questionnaire recording demographics, transit time to clinic, engagement with PCP, satisfaction with current model of care and acceptability of alternative models on a Likert scale and provide written qualitative feedback. The relationship between acceptance of new models of care and sociodemographic factors were investigated. N = 511 (71
This update and revision of the international guideline for urticaria was developed in accordance with the methods recommended by Cochrane and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) working group. It is an initiative of the Global Allergy and Asthma Excellence Network (GA(2)LEN) and its Urticaria and Angioedema Centers of Reference and Excellence (UCAREs and ACAREs), with the participation of 210 delegates from 107 national and international societies, from 59 countries. The consensus conference was held on December 6th, 2024. This guideline was acknowledged and accepted by the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS). Urticaria is a frequent, mast cell-driven disease, defined by a rapid appearance of wheals, angioedema, or both. The lifetime prevalence of acute urticaria is estimated to be approximately 20%. Chronic urticaria, categorized as either chronic spontaneous urticaria or chronic inducible urticaria, is disabling, impairs quality of life, and affects performance at work and school, however, novel therapies are available. This updated version of the international guideline for urticaria covers the definition and classification of urticaria and outlines expert-guided and evidence-based diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for the different subtypes of urticaria.
Purpose To investigate perceived rehabilitation needs and service utilisation amongst people living with and beyond cancer in a large Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Ireland and examine associations between impairment and demographic and clinical parameters. Methods Utilising a prospective, observational design, a consecutive sample of participants attending outpatient clinics was enrolled in June and July 2025. Demographic data, clinical data, and use of allied health professional (AHP) cancer rehabilitation services were self-reported. Unmet needs were captured using the Macmillan Holistic Needs Assessment. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multivariate regression models. Results In total, 660 surveys were analysed. Most participants were female (58.2%) and aged between 56 and 75 years (54%). Haematological cancers (25.6%) and breast cancers (22.9%) were the two largest cohorts, and most patients (57%) were currently on treatment. Prevalence of AHP cancer rehabilitation needs was considerable with an average of 71% of patients reporting at least one specialist need and 49% reporting at least two specialist needs across professions. On treatment status was consistently associated with greater odds of patients reporting specialised needs. However, only 36% of patients with perceived needs reported seeing a relevant AHP since their diagnosis. Conclusions Results confirm that patient-reported rehabilitation needs are significant across the cancer trajectory, however utilisation of cancer rehabilitation AHPs is suboptimal. Implications for cancer survivors Strategic development of the cancer rehabilitation AHP workforce and service models is required to mitigate the impact of cancer and its treatment on functional, nutritional, and psychosocial patient outcomes, and optimise health-related quality of life.
