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Background Executive skills refer to a set of cognitive skills that allow individuals to engage in goal directed behavior. They encompass planning, initiation, inhibition, monitoring and flexibility in approach to tasks, and are necessary for functional competence. Executive skills are vulnerable to disruption with damage to the brain, as occurs with dementia. Methods Participants were recruited from a tertiary memory assessment and support Service. The Assessment of Motor & Process Skills (AMPS), a standardised observational assessment of occupational performance (1Fischer, 2003) was administered by trained Occupational Therapists. In addition, the EXIT-25, a pen & paper based assessment of executive skills (2Royall et al, 1992) was administered. Process scores from the AMPS, and overall score from the EXIT 25 were utilised for correlation analysis. Results 22 participants, 12 male and 10 females, age range 60-91 (mean 75.5 years), was analysed using Spearman's Rho correlation (-.2). Results did not identify a strong correlation Conclusion Dementia is commonly regarded as a disorder of memory. However, diagnosis is dependent on functional decline related to cognitive decline. The AMPS provides a formal assessment of functional skills, in terms of motor & process skills with cut off scores regarding safe independent living. The results of this study indicate that the AMPS is not associated with executive scores on formal cognitive assessments, highlighting the value of an extensive multi-component MDT approach (also incorporating history taking, imaging, bio marker testing etc.) in assessing and diagnosing a dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rise of exclusionary populism is widely regarded as one of the most significant phenomena in today's political world. Despite this, the relationship between populism and security remains under-explored in the literature, including the affective power of populist security narratives. Against this background, this paper conducts a comparative analysis of radical right populist discourse in response to two recent shocking crimes in France and Ireland. The different expression given to security concerns in the two countries, such as a much less antagonistic 'flaunting of the low' in France, is suggestive of a more contingent and institutionally mediated relationship between security and populism than the existing literature would suggest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently in the UK and Ireland, after a hip fracture most patients do not receive bone protection medication to reduce the risk of refracture. Yet randomised controlled trial data specifically examining patients with hip fracture have shown that intravenous zoledronate reduces refracture risk by a third. Despite this evidence, use of intravenous zoledronate is highly variable following a hip fracture; many hospitals are providing this treatment, whilst most are currently not. A range of clinical uncertainties, doubts over the evidence base and practical concerns are cited as reasons. This paper discusses these concerns and provides guidance from expert consensus, aiming to assist orthogeriatricians, pharmacists and health services managers establish local protocols to deliver this highly clinically and cost-effective treatment to patients before they leave hospital, in order to reduce costly re-fractures in this frail population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What can community development learn from frontline community resistance to extractivism and the fossil fuel industry? In the global North, environmental governance often operates within the dominant mode of neoliberal 'environmentality' (Luke. 1999. Environmentality as green governmentality, in E. Darier ed, Discourses of the Environment , Blackwell, Oxford), conceptualizing environmental action in individualized and depoliticized ways. This is compounded by the discursive hegemony of the educated middle-classes, which frames environmental issues in ways that render invisible the concerns of marginalized communities and workers. In this paper, I present an activist ethnography and case study of Love Leitrim, a community group that played a crucial role in the successful Irish movement to resist fracking. I suggest that local environmental justice struggles point to the possibility of a 'liberation environmentality' (Fletcher. Environmentality unbound: multiple governmentalities in environmental politics, Geoforum , 2017;85, 311–315); which challenges capitalist modes of environmental governance that facilitate the exploitation of the environment for capital accumulation. The paper identifies how a combination of (i) relational local organizing; (ii) trans-local networking with other frontline communities and (iii) creative political engagement enabled campaigners to organize collectively around the environment, navigate power asymmetries and secure political change across spatial scales. I conclude by suggesting that Love Leitrim's frontline community struggle offers important insights for community development workers who wish to address the environment as a political issue and play a role in bringing about a just transition for marginalized communities and workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the late Elizabethan period Ireland became a critical focus of the Tudor regime as the Nine Years War (c.1593-1603) threatened English rule in the second Tudor kingdom and the country became a theatre of the Anglo-Spanish War (1585-1604). As a result of this military emergency officials in Ireland began composing a deluge of policy papers from the mid-1590s onwards. Over two hundred of these treatises are extant. This paper provides the first systematic overview of this war-time discourse on Ireland. In doing so it sheds light on these writings and their significance for the history of late Elizabethan Ireland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the late Elizabethan period Ireland became a critical focus of the Tudor regime as the Nine Years War (c.1593-1603) threatened English rule in the second Tudor kingdom and the country became a theatre of the Anglo-Spanish War (1585-1604). As a result of this military emergency officials in Ireland began composing a deluge of policy papers from the mid-1590s onwards. Over two hundred of these treatises are extant. This paper provides the first systematic overview of this war-time discourse on Ireland. In doing so it sheds light on these writings and their significance for the history of late Elizabethan Ireland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the well-being ['well-being' and 'wellbeing' are used interchangeably in the literature. Well-being is used in this paper (except in the reference list where exact wording is maintained)] benefits of participation in a workplace choir for health service staff. A mixed method study, this project combines quantitative measures of work engagement, perceived stress, resilience levels and work absences with qualitative interviews with choir participants. It is the first study of workplace choirs in Ireland and one of very few studies internationally that research health service staff choirs. There is some preliminary evidence of benefits that choir attendance may increase positive perception of workers' mental health as well as effect depression rates. However, evidence is limited quantitatively and difficulties in measuring the health benefits of arts interventions are noted. Qualitative data, however, confirms previous study findings, namely that a workplace choir can promote social connectedness, enjoyment at work and staff engagement. Work place choir was also noted to appeal mainly to a limited demographic of work place staff and people with relatively positive health and well-being. Efforts must be made to engage staff from lower socio-economic backgrounds, diverse cultural backgrounds and male staff in work place health promotion activities, as these groups were found less likely to join a work place choir. Given the low cost and low risk of this activity, and the qualitative benefits reported, it is recommended to continue to develop and evaluate health service workplace choirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The transition of older persons between care settings is recognised as a particularly critical and vulnerable period (Renom-Guiteras et al. 2014). Appropriate documentation and processes are key in assisting the provision of quality, safe, person-centred care when transferring older persons from residential to acute care settings. This paper reports on the design phase of a national transfer document for older persons. The objective was to inform the development of a draft national transfer document. Methods Development consisted of two phases 1) an integrative review and 2) focus group interviews with stakeholders. The review was guided by Whittemore and Knafl's (2005) integrative review framework. Data from studies using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies were extracted and thematically analysed. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, focus group interviews (n=8) were conducted with a convenience sample of key stakeholders (n=68) to establish their perspectives regarding transfer documents. Data were analysed using content analysis. Results from both phases were integrated to guide the development of the draft document. A multidisciplinary panel of experts in older persons care, reviewed and provided feedback on the draft transfer document. Results Within the review, thirty identified papers focused on transfer documentation between residential and acute care. Results indicated that using a standardised document can potentiate the delivery and acceptance of relevant person-centred information between all parties when transferring an older person between residential and acute care settings. Qualitative interview findings highlighted important aspects for consideration regarding the layout, content and format of future transfer documentation. Following collaboration with the expert panel the transfer document was developed for piloting. Conclusion Consistency and clarity of information is key for a successful transfer of older persons from residential to acute settings. Information needs to be evidence-based, current, and subject to response and change in accordance with best available international practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The Acute Medical Ambulatory Centre (AMAC) was established with the goals of facilitating early discharge and preventing avoidable medical admissions. 12 months post its introduction, the service was inefficient and operating under capacity. A project aimed to improve the AMAC referral processes and increase the centre's overall efficiency was undertaken. Methods Western Australia Department of Health Clinical Service Redesign methodology (a blend of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies) was used to complete the project. This involved process mapping, root cause analysis and solutions sessions with stakeholders, as well as a semi-structured phone interview with patients. Results Transition from a paper-based to an electronic referral system. Creation of an 'AMAC Quick Reference Guide' for doctors. Production of an AMAC contact card to be given to patients on discharge if they   have AMAC follow up. Letters detailing the patient review are forwarded on the day of the appointment facilitating timely feedback to GPs. An AMAC information flyer for GPs is now available on the hospital website. Conclusion Redesigning the referral process to the AMAC has improved workflow and efficiency with significant improvements in staff satisfaction. The institution is aiming to become paperless and this redesign project has led to the elimination of another paper form. The success of the project is testament to the engagement of the staff involved and demonstrates the need for doctors to not only engage their medical colleagues, but also nursing and clerical staff. The redesign project has helped refocus hospital priorities and should hopefully see further support for the centre; developing the ambulatory model of care as an integral part of the service provided. Other centres can learn valuable lessons from our experience and develop similar strategies to cope with the ever-increasing demands on the public healthcare system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Developing age-friendly communities is a significant global policy issue. The WHO (2007) age-friendly cities and communities initiative has had a significant influence on the development of Ireland's Age-Friendly Programme. With research on such programmes still at an early stage, this paper critically examines the utilisation of the WHO age-friendly planning framework in an Irish context. It explores older adults' experience of living in two towns in an 'age-friendly' county and, in parallel, examines stakeholders' perspectives on the development of the county's age-friendly programme. This multi-perspectival approach facilitates an assessment of how the age-friendly county programme addresses older residents' needs, and illustrates how the WHO conceptual and planning framework has worked in an Irish context. Methods The paper reports on a study which employed a mixed-method, qualitative case-study research design, using a constructivist grounded theory approach to explore the lived experience of older adults, and a case-study framework for the stakeholder perspective. Results The research identifies salient social and cultural dimensions of the day-to-day lived experience of older people which, although they impact on the age-friendliness of the places in which they live, are neglected in the WHO framework. It also identifies a unique combination of economic, political, cultural, and organisational factors which have impacted on age-friendly programme development in Ireland. Conclusion In critically analysing use of the WHO age-friendly model, the paper suggests ways in which the model can be modified to better accommodate the diverse experience of older adults not only in Ireland, but also in other geographic and cultural contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Established towards the end of the Great War, the Irish Recruiting Council was responsible for one of the largest military recruitment campaigns ever waged on Irish soil. Tasked with raising 50,000 volunteers, it produced a wide array of promotional material which included posters, newspaper advertisements and a fortnightly magazine entitled The Irish Soldier. Its work has attracted a measure of scholarly attention, but little is known about its origins, its dealings with authorities in Westminster and Dublin Castle, and the operational difficulties it encountered when attempting to mobilise the public. Even less is known about its newspaper campaign and the reasons behind the continuation of the body in peacetime, when the need for recruits had apparently subsided. This paper addresses these shortcomings by examining the IRC in more detail than has hitherto been achieved in the historiography. In so doing, it calls for a revision of existing understandings of the Council, suggesting that it was not just a recruiting body per se , but a major propaganda agency which portrayed enlistment as a means of uniting a divided country and encouraged Irishmen to mobilise to help resolve long-standing tensions between nationalists and unionists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article constitutes the first large-scale examination of the Cork anti-Methodist riots of 1749–50. Methodist hagiographers have described the rioters as disengaged foot soldiers for Cork's corporation and Anglican clergy. By exploring these disturbances in their religious, political and social context, this paper suggests that the predominantly Catholic rioters were fuelled by their own politico-theological grievances, thereby illuminating the persistence of religious violence in eighteenth-century Ireland. Furthermore, by exploring tensions between Cork Methodists and Baptists, it highlights both the ways in which Methodists sometimes fuelled opposition and the fact that they were not always the sole victims of anti-Methodist violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Barrett's esophagus (BE) is the main pathological precursor of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Progression to high-grade dysplasia (HGD) or EAC from nondysplastic BE (NDBE), low-grade dysplasia (LGD) and indefinite for dysplasia (IND) varies widely between population-based studies and specialized centers for many reasons, principally the rigor of the biopsy protocol and the accuracy of pathologic definition. In the Republic of Ireland, a multicenter prospective registry and bioresource (RIBBON) was established in 2011 involving six academic medical centers, and this paper represents the first report from this network. A detailed clinical, endoscopic and pathologic database registered 3,557 patients. BE was defined strictly by both endoscopic evidence of Barrett's epithelium and the presence of specialized intestinal metaplasia (SIM). A prospective web-based database was used to gather information with initial and follow-up data abstracted by a data manager at each site. A total of 2,244 patients, 1,925 with no dysplasia, were included with complete follow-up. The median age at diagnosis was 60.5 with a 2.1:1 male to female ratio and a median follow-up time of 2.7 years (IQR 1.19–4.04), and 6609.25 person years. In this time period, 125 (5.57%) progressed to HGD/EAC, with 74 (3.3%) after 1 year of follow-up and 38 (1.69%) developed EAC, with 20 (0.89%) beyond 1 year. The overall incidence of HGD/EAC was 1.89% per year; 1.16% if the first year is excluded. The risk of progression to EAC alone overall was 0.57% per year, 0.31% excluding the first year, and 0.21% in the 1,925 patients who had SIM alone at diagnosis. Low-grade dysplasia (LGD) progressed to HGD/EAC in 31% of patients, a progression rate of 12.96% per year, 6.71% with the first year excluded. In a national collaboration of academic centers in Ireland, the progression rate for NDBE was similar to recent population studies. Almost one in two who progressed was evident within 1 year. Crucially, LGD diagnosed and confirmed by specialist gastrointestinal pathologists represents truly high-risk disease, highlighting the importance of expertise in diagnosis and management, and providing indirect support for ablative therapies in this context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the development of a Lean Six Sigma (LSS) postgraduate education programme that has enabled the delivery of over 90 quality improvement projects led by its graduates across 50 healthcare organizations in Ireland. A key success factor in embedding and sustaining LSS in these organizations was the accreditation by a major, national, research-intensive university of the LSS education programme from which the students graduated. To ensure the programme's approval by the university it was necessary to contextualize LSS within established conceptual frameworks. This helped counter misconceptions that what was proposed was technical training in tools and techniques to provide quick fixes for routine healthcare process issues. Two related conceptual frameworks were selected to frame the curriculum: Senge's Fifth Discipline and Deming's System of Profound Knowledge. This paper focuses on how a central element of both frameworks, systems thinking or appreciation for a system, was enacted in the curriculum using Oshry's work on system blindness. Showing how systems thinking was conceptualized in the curriculum established the legitimacy and credibility of the programme within academia. This led to the approval of the first university-accredited graduate programme in LSS for healthcare in Ireland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumer trust in the modern food system is essential given its complexity. Contexts vary across countries with regard to food incidents, regulation and systems. It is therefore of interest to compare how key actors in different countries might approach (re)building consumer trust in the food system; and particularly relevant to understanding how food systems in different regions might learn from one another. The purpose of this paper is to explore differences between strategies for (re)building trust in food systems, as identified in two separate empirical studies, one conducted in Australia, New Zealand and the UK (Study 1) and another on the Island of Ireland (Study 2). Interviews were conducted with media, food industry and food regulatory actors across the two studies (n  = 105 Study 1; n  = 50 Study 2). Data were coded into strategy statements, strategies describing actions to (re)build consumer trust. Strategy statements were compared between Studies 1 and 2 and similarities and differences were noted. The strategy statements identified in Study 1 to (re)build consumer trust in the food system were shown to be applicable in Study 2, however, there were notable differences in the contextual factors that shaped the means by which strategies were implemented. As such, the transfer of such approaches across regions is not an appropriate means to addressing breaches in consumer trust. Notwithstanding, our data suggest that there is still capacity to learn between countries when considering strategies for (re)building trust in the food system but caution must be exercised in the transfer of approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Pendlebury and Rothwell's recent paper reports the incidence of cognitive impairment and dementia post stroke as 5% for TIA, 8% for minor stroke and 34% for severe stroke. 1We wanted to explore if these trends were reproducible in an Irish cohort. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of a random sample of 100 discharges from a dedicated stroke rehabilitation unit between 2017 and 2018. Diagnosis of cognitive impairment or dementia was extracted from MDT discharge documentation, along with results of cognitive assessments. This cohort required inpatient rehabilitation post stroke, so we can infer that these were severe strokes. As a surrogate marker of disability, the average Barthel Index of this sample on admission to rehabilitation was 13, indicating moderate functional dependency. Results Complete information was available for 94/100 patients. The average age was 67 years (age range 33-95 years) 37 of 94 (39%) were judged to have cognitive impairment on discharge. Demonstration of functional impairment was central to this assessment. 30 (81%) of these diagnoses were supported by abnormal cognitive tests. 3 of those judged to have cognitive impairment, were unable to complete cognitive assessment. 2 of those judged to have cognitive impairment had cognitive scores which were within the normal range. None of the discharge letters mentioned a diagnosis of post stroke or vascular dementia. Conclusion This study replicates Pendlebury and Rothwell's findings that over a third of people suffering from severe strokes will develop cognitive impairment. This is of critical importance to stroke clinicians as it should prompt frank discussions with stroke patients and their families about prognosis, recovery and future planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Frailty is a common, multi-factorial, age-related syndrome commonly observed in people with diabetes. Although older diabetics are prone to adverse healthcare outcomes and diabetes increases the risk of developing frailty, little is known about the effects of frailty on diabetes. This paper examines the association between diabetes, frailty, and mortality in Europeans aged ≥50 years. Methods Data were included from The Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) waves one and six. A participant's first interview was taken as the baseline and subsequent waves were used for mortality follow-up (time and cause). Frailty and pre-frailty were measured using established cut-offs using the Physical Phenotype (SHARE-FI) and a 55-item Frailty Index (FI-55). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to assess the relationship between frailty and mortality in people with diabetes and significance tested using log-rank test. Cox regression was used to adjust for potential confounders (age, sex, education, income, employment, alcohol use, smoking, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, myocardial infarction, stroke, metastatic cancer, chronic lung disease, polypharmacy, self-perceived health and depression). Results Data from 8,954 diabetics aged 50-99 years were included with 1,598 deaths (17.8%). According to the SHARE-FI, 1,971 (22.0%) were frail, 4,183 (46.7%) pre-frail and 2,800 (31.3%) robust. According to the Kaplan-Meier log-rank test survival varied significantly across frailty strata according to both indexes (p<0.001). At 10-year follow-up, adjusting for confounders SHARE-FI frailty and pre-frailty were significantly associated with mortality, adjusted Hazard Ratio (HR) 2.19, (95% CI:1.66-2.89), and 1.38 (95% CI:1.09-1.74), respectively. Results were similar using the FI-55, HR for frailty 1.66 (95% CI:1.09-2.54). Causes of mortality were significantly different according to frailty status (p<0.05). Conclusion Frailty and pre-frailty are independent risk factors for mortality in diabetics. The identification of frailty is important for the risk-stratification and management of middle aged and older patients with diabetes and should be included in the routine assessment of these high-risk individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Frailty is an important marker of adverse outcomes for older people accessing the Emergency Department (ED). Older patients with frailty have a higher attendance rate to the ED, spend longer in the ED and have a higher rate of admission (HSE, 2017). Frailty Intervention Therapy Teams (FITT) are designed to screen and assess this population in the ED setting, with the aim of early assessment to help decrease length of stay or avoid admission. Two different FIT Teams have recently been formed within the Cork-Kerry region. The aim of this study was to evaluate staff's experience of these teams. Methods This was a mixed methods study. Structured surveys were developed to collect qualitative and quantitative data. The surveys were constructed using themes listed by Proctor et al. (2011) around implementation and service outcomes. Ward and ED staff were provided with paper surveys within the hospital setting and community staff were surveyed via post. Quantitative survey data was analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative data was analysed with thematic content analysis. Results Data from 117 surveys was included for analysis (response rate 49%). Results showed that the majority of staff (89%) reported ED was a suitable setting for the FITT, with 85% reporting the information collected by the FITT impacted their involvement. Other themes emerging from staff's experience included timeliness, safety and comprehensive assessment. Conclusion Overall, staff reported the FITT provided a timely service that assisted with decision making and planning. This involved earlier comprehensive assessment, prompt identification of issues which lead to decreased workload for ward staff. It also created an increased volume of referrals to community and ward staff received in a timelier manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Wearable technology is a fast developing area. Often, the focus of research is on accuracy, while the practicalities of using the device may be overlooked, despite the fact that this greatly influences utility. This scoping review therefore explored the design and usability preferences of people for wearable technology for health monitoring. Methods A scoping review was conducted of literature evaluating user preferences for the design of wearable technology systems, for people aged >50 years, with good health, or chronic diseases. Results A search of relevant databases yielded 628 potential studies (after duplicates removed). Following title/abstract and then full text screening, 17 papers were included. The most commonly reported theme related to design and user interface (13 studies). Users wanted a small, unobtrusive and light device which doesn't snag on clothing or affect activities of daily living, but yet has a readable and easy-to-use interface, which may prove challenging for designers! Users were most happy to wear a device on the wrist and/or hip region, being considered the least obtrusive / most discrete. Users were open to the technology aspects of the device, but wanted specific training, or clear and readable instructions. Less commonly reported parameters included issues with privacy and ownership of data (two studies); cost (two studies); reliability and accuracy (three studies), including being accurate overnight and in the shower, etc.; and clinical usefulness, i.e. the data being effectively linked with other healthcare data. Where considered, participants didn't want to wear a device by night (two studies). Safety of wearable devices was not a theme in any study. Conclusion Overall, user needs seem to be rarely considered in the design of wearable technology for health monitoring. However, the limited studies do highlight important user concerns, which should be considered by the technology designers and prescribers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background There is an increasing number of older persons experiencing transfer episodes between residential and acute care facilities (Griffiths et al. 2014). Current transfer documentation is diverse; often only containing basic information and very little person centred patient information. The objective of this HSE National Clinical Programme for Older People funded study was to develop a national person centred transfer tool, for use during patient transfer between residential and acute services. Following an extensive literature review, focus group interviews with stakeholders and input from an expert panel, a pilot transfer document was developed. This paper reports on the pilot study of this document. Methods Researchers, in consultation with the expert panel, developed questionnaires. Questionnaires were quantitative, with three open-ended questions. Of the 28 residential settings and 3 acute settings that were contacted, 26 residential and 3 acute settings (93%) participated in the study. The pre-pilot questionnaire asked staff in residential settings their perceptions on current transfer documentation (n=875). The post-pilot questionnaire asked staff in residential and acute care settings their thoughts on the new transfer document which was used for the pilot (n=1085). Results Findings suggest that staff agree that the new transfer tool is person centred, contains relevant patient information and could help communication between healthcare professionals in these settings. Findings also indicate that the length of time to complete the document is of concern, particularly in an emergency and there were suggestions from staff in residential care services that some sections could be prepopulated. Conclusion In order to have a transfer document that is efficient, and person centred, there is a need for it to be available electronically and easy for staff to fully complete particularly in an emergency transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Day care is an important service for some people with dementia and their carers. In Ireland, day care services for people with dementia are delivered by a mix of dementia specific day-care centres and generic centres that cater for people with dementia to various degrees. In this paper we map the geographic variation in the supply of day care services for people with dementia relative to potential need. Methods Using a national HSE survey of day care centres, we estimate the current supply of day care services for people with dementia in both generic and dementia specific centres by combining a number of qualitative and quantitative measures. To identify the variation in supply, we map day care provision at local and regional levels to the number of people with dementia in the area. To consider geographic accessibility, we map and analyse the population living outside the catchment area of the day care centres. Results There is significant variation across the country in the existing capacity of day care centres to cater for people with dementia. The number of places per 100 persons with dementia varies from 9 to 16 across the Community Health Organisation areas. We show that 20 per cent of people with dementia are not living within a 15km radius of a day care centre that caters for people with dementia. Conclusion Day care has a place in the menu of service for people with dementia living in the community. As the number of people with dementia grows, investment in day care centres needs to be targeted to areas of greatest need. In many parts of the country, the current day care centres have limited capacity to provide a service for people with dementia that live in their catchment area. There is considerable geographical inequity in day care provision for people with dementia across the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Developed by Blackhall et al. (2011), the Validation, Emotion, Reassure, Activity (VERA) communication framework seeks to provide student nurses with a guide to provide person-centred care to people living with dementia. The framework aims to enable the caregiver to communicate with the person living with dementia in a respectful manner, and accept that there is both value and meaning to the person's speech and behaviour. This paper presents the findings from a small pilot control pre-post study which aimed to explore the impact of the VERA framework to promote person-centred communication between student nurses and older people with dementia in long term care. Methods A control group of six students, received standard communication training and ten students received additional communication training using the VERA framework. Data was collected using the non-participant observational tool Quality of Interactions Schedule (QUIS) and three self-assessment questionnaires to assess student nurses' confidence, dementia knowledge and communication skills. Results The results of this study found that those students who received the additional VERA communication training were observed to have a significantly (Mann-Whitney U test; p = <0.05) reduced number of negative interactions with people with dementia than those students who had received standard communication training alone. In addition, student nurses trained in the VERA framework showed a significant increase (Mann-Whitney U test; p = <0.05) in their confidence to care for people with dementia than those who had received standard communication skills training. Conclusion The study finding need to be interpreted with caution given the small sample size and the pilot nature of the study. Nevertheless, these findings indicate that the VERA framework has the potential to improve (1) person-centred communication between student nurses and older people with dementia and (2) students' confidence to care for people with dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The continuing evolution of adult safeguarding legislation, policy and practice in relation to the abuse of vulnerable adults reflects a growing awareness of the nature and extent of such abuse in Ireland. The Adult Safeguarding Bill, 2017 represents a progressive step in safeguarding older people and vulnerable adults. The intention of the Bill is to put in place additional protections for adults, in particular, for those who may be unable to protect themselves, such as older people or those lacking capacity. Part 3 provides for mandatory reporting by specified/named persons/professionals. This paper sets out to critically analyse the concept of mandatory reporting within adult safeguarding using international comparators as case studies. Methods A rapid realist review of adult safeguarding reporting typologies and systems in five key jurisdictions: Australia, Canada, England, Northern Ireland and Scotland, were explored to answer the question: ' what works, for whom and in what circumstances ?' [1] Results Jurisdictions differ as to who the mandated reporters are, the scope and powers of mandatory reporting, and the types of abuse subject to reporting. Of significance is that the debate on mandatory reporting has increasingly focused on institutional settings, rather than more broadly across services. Key concepts identified are those of protection, empowerment and proportionality. Adult safeguarding legislation must therefore ensure that interventionist and compulsory measures to protect do not excessively restrict the rights of the individual. Conclusion Mandatory reporting may offer professionals increased powers to prevent and reduce the abuse of adults and older people, but this could also change the dynamic of relationships within families, and between families and professionals. Ultimately, the success of any legal approach will rest with professional judgment in balancing autonomy with protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Family carers provide thousands of hours of unpaid work every year, a third of whom are men, however this group are generally under-represented in research. Comparative studies have shown that male carers experience their caring role differently to female counterparts. Social concepts related to masculinity can help to explain help-seeking behaviours of male carers, as well as their attitudes to accessing outside support. Compared to women carers, men have lower rates of uptake of formal support services. This aim of this review, therefore, was to examine accounts of male carers' experiences and perceptions of receiving formal support. Methods The study followed a meta-ethnography process starting with a systematic literature search of five electronic databases. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the McMaster checklist. Using NVivo 12 software, primary qualitative data was analysed and key themes were identified. Results were synthesised using Noblit and Hare's (1988) process of meta-ethnography, retaining direct quotes from the studies. Results Eighteen studies were included in the final paper. Three main themes were identified: 1) asserting control over the caring role 2) desire to excel in caring role and 3) coping without formal support. Conclusion For the most part, male carers expressed a desire to be competent in their caring role. Perceived loss of control within the caring relationship was a key factor when men had low trust and dissatisfaction with services. Support services that were collaborative, education-based and gender-sensitive were favoured by the men. To engage more male carers, service providers should acknowledge men's experience and capabilities as well as their wish to stay involved in decision-making around care for their family member. For men over the age of 85 male family carers outnumber females in Ireland (CSO 2016). It is important to understand male carers' experience to develop more inclusive supports and consequently increase service uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background 10% of people over 65 years have frailty, rising to between a quarter and a half of those over 85. Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) is the gold standard for the management of frailty in older people; it's a process that involves a holistic, interdisciplinary assessment of the older person. Evidence shows that CGA is effective in improving outcomes for older people. The National Clinical Programme for the Older Person outlines the role of the occupational therapist in CGA. A clinical audit was completed to investigate whether the occupational therapists in the Medicine for the Older Person service are adhering to guidelines for CGA. Methods Following a literature review, a retrospective audit of occupational therapy (OT) initial assessments was completed using paper count method. Data pertinent to CGA OT assessment was collected. Audit results were presented to the OT team alongside a CGA education session. A re-audit was completed, using above methods. Results 10 inpatient initial assessment forms reviewed pre and post audit. Activities of Daily Living Assessment: Pre result: 60%  Post Result: 90% Home Environment: Pre: 80% Post: 100% Performance Components Assessment: Vision: Pre:  90%  Post: 100% Hearing: Pre: 80% Post: 100% Upper Limb: Pre: 70% Post: 100% Mood: Pre: 60% Post: 80% Cognition: Pre: 90% Post: 100% Sleep: Pre: 70% Post: 80% Social Assessment: Pre: 60% Post:90% Falls Assessment: Pre: 60% Post: 90% Drving: Pre: 60% Post: 90% Conclusion This audit identified that the occupational therapists in the medicine for the older person service were not CGA compliant. CGA training now forms an important part of our OT induction programme. We are now "playing our part" in CGA with improvements in all domains. CGA is now commonplace practice within our team, in line with international and national best practice guidance for management of frailty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Currently, 1 in 10 people diagnosed with dementia in Ireland are aged under 65, this is termed "Younger Onset Dementia" (YOD). Though small in numbers these figures (4000 people) are increasing, and important differences exist between people diagnosed with (PwYOD) and those diagnosed with later onset dementia (LOD). As dementia is normally associated with advancing age, clinicians are not always on the alert for its diagnosis in younger people. Diagnosing YOD can be especially challenging since presentation may be atypical and there is a lack of clinical ownership in this area. Methods A structured literature review was conducted to identify optimum models of diagnostic processes and pathways for PwYOD. Two research questions were addressed: (i) what models for the diagnosis of PwYOD exist nationally and internationally, and what evidence supports these and (ii) what are the differences between diagnostic processes and pathways for PwYOD compared with PwLOD. A systematic search strategy was devised to identify all relevant scientific papers. Key databases were used, supplemented by grey literature searches. A narrative synthesis approach was undertaken to assess the literature identified. Results Pathways and processes to the diagnosis of YOD are unclear and complex and compared with LOD, diagnosis takes more time. PwYOD are more likely to have multiple referrals to different specialists, have their memory and cognitive complaints misattributed to other factors such as depression and experience longer delays in obtaining a diagnosis. Conclusion Few evidence-based best-practice models or guidelines for the diagnosis of YOD exist internationally. Increased awareness of the signs and symptoms of YOD among all healthcare professionals is necessary. There is a need for improved linkages to be developed between Geriatric Medicine, Neurology, Psychiatry, and Primary Care services and in certain instances for suspected cases of YOD to be referred to neurology-led memory clinics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background With the arrival of a super-ageing society, the use of technologies in social care is not only necessary but inevitable. However, there is a dearth of evidence to demonstrate how assistive technologies (AT) can improve standards of care while improving the working conditions of care professionals and care givers. Furthermore, little is known about users' perceptions of such technologies. The objectives of this paper are: first, to test the effects of an integrated AT system on users (both care recipients and staff) in a residential care home; and second, to understand their perceptions of such technologies. Methods We combined an infrared monitoring camera with communicative robots and a sheet-shaped body vibrometer. A 4-week pre/post intervention study was conducted, during which the evaluation was carried out before, during and after the intervention. Twenty care recipients (average age of 89.5) and 15 care professionals participated in the study. In order to measure the effectiveness of the integrated system, the care recipients' quality of life was examining using the interRAI method. Regarding the impact on professionals, stress levels were examined during night shifts. Perceptions towards use of the system were also explored by the system usability scale (SUS) and semi-structured interviews. Results After the system was introduced, the number of unnecessary visits by care professionals during the night was dramatically reduced (by 8.2 times per person on average), and staff's stress levels were also reduced. The SUS and interview data show mixed results in terms of the perceptions of care recipients and staff towards using the technologies. Conclusion Overall, the use of integrated assistive technologies yielded positive results. However, some issues were identified with regard to future implementation of such technologies in a residential care home. This study was financially supported in part by the Japanese Council of Senior Citizens Welfare Services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Home-care robots have been developed as one of the assistive technologies, and benefits and challenges of their use have been debated in many countries. Research teams in Japan, Finland and Ireland carried out a questionnaire to explore perceptions of potential users (older people, family caregivers, and health and social care professionals (HSCPs)) towards the use of home-care robots. As part of a larger tri-country comparative study, this paper reports preliminary findings from the data collected from the online survey of HSCPs in Ireland. Methods Questionnaire was developed iteratively among the research teams in three countries. Questions related to the use of advocates in deciding whether to use home-care robots, desirable functions in such robots, and perceptions of privacy protection. Based on networks of professional and advocacy groups, HSCPs were contacted and 123 respondents took part in the questionnaire, and 46 fully completed the questionnaire. Results Out of 46 respondents (44 female, 1 male and 1 did not wish to specify), 80% answered that they are open to the use of home-care robots. Safety monitoring and alert functions were considered to be most desirable in home-care robots. 76% of the respondents placed importance on the guarantee of entitlement to receiving human care, irrespective of the use of home-care robots. 30% answered that they have a negative impression of robots, to some extent. The overall majority (N=39, 85%) felt strongly that a decision as to whether to use home-care robots should be made by the user, and that the access to data collected in any form by robots requires extra care. Conclusion While there was generally a positive perception of the use of home-care robots among Irish HSCPs, cautious attitudes were evident in the areas of decision-making and privacy. This study was funded by the Pfizer Health Research Foundation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background A major focus on decision making capacity (as opposed to cognitive capacity and competence) legislation in many Western countries is the integration of a human rights approach focused on self-determination and autonomy. This paper examines modern day concepts of personhood and person centred care and presents Irish and United Kingdom legal commentaries which focus on health services' and society's approaches to risky decision making. Integrating human rights into decision making capacity legislation has been central in contemporary discourses on health and welfare. Methods A literature review was undertaken charting the emergence of personhood, person centred care and human rights. Case studies of influential legal commentaries in Ireland and the United Kingdom where decision-making capacity was addressed were mapped to person centred care principles. Results Findings point to a convergence of discourses of human rights in contemporary approaches to health and social care as well as the evolution of legislation to support person centredness in fostering safeguarding and promoting autonomy and self-determination. Specific legal commentaries point to the need of health and social care to be mindful of paternalism and to conceptualise the concept of 'risk' with a particular emphasis on the inclusion and defence of the voice of the older or vulnerable person. Conclusion The intrinsic worth of each human is articulated through an implicit and explicit vindication of their human rights. The emergence of the third generation of human rights has argued the value of self-determination and autonomy, articulated through robust national legislation on decision-making capacity based on the core principles of person centred care approaches. This move from paternalism is imperative and is imbued in contemporary legislation and legal commentaries, which has noted the need for revisions in health and social care case management perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Within the European Union (EU), substantial efforts are being made to achieve economic and social cohesion, and the reduction of health inequalities between EU regions is integral to this process. This paper is the first to examine how self-reported conditions and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) vary spatially between and within countries. Methods: Using 2014 European Social Survey (ESS) data from 20 countries, this paper examines how regional inequalities in self-reported conditions and NCDs vary for men and women in 174 regions (levels 1 and 2 Nomenclature of Statistical Territorial Units, 'NUTS'). We document absolute and relative inequalities across Europe in the prevalence of eight conditions: general health, overweight/obesity, mental health, heart or circulation problems, high blood pressure, back, neck, muscular or joint pain, diabetes and cancer. Results: There is considerable inequality in self-reported conditions and NCDs between the regions of Europe, with rates highest in the regions of continental Europe, some Scandinavian regions and parts of the UK and lowest around regions bordering the Alps, in Ireland and France. However, for mental health and cancer, rates are highest in regions of Eastern European and lowest in some Nordic regions, Ireland and isolated regions in continental Europe. There are also widespread and consistent absolute and relative regional inequalities in all conditions within countries. These are largest in France, Germany and the UK, and smallest in Denmark, Sweden and Norway. There were higher inequalities amongst women. Conclusion: Using newly available harmonized morbidity data from across Europe, this paper shows that there are considerable regional inequalities within and between European countries in the distribution of self-reported conditions and NCDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to austerity-led reforms of the Irish water sector implemented in 2014, a broad-based, popular movement mobilized and ultimately forced a reversal of these reforms two years later. At least in the formal, public debates, the main contention centered on how water services should be financed and controlled. This is not unique to the Irish case. As campaigns across the world testify, debates over ownership, financing, control and ultimately access to water services are often at the heart of water politics. Without sidelining these important campaigns and movements, this paper calls for other ways of imagining and doing water politics that begin by paying greater attention to water and our complex, uneven, and damaged relations with it. The article draws on inputs and discussions that arose during the day-long 'Thinkery' that gave rise to this Special Issue (organized in June 2017 in the University College Cork), as well as ongoing research with rural Group Water Schemes (GWSs) in Ireland. The non-spectacular forms of activism practised by some GWSs invites a form of hydropolitics that doesn't shy away from the toxic legacies that accrete and materialize (unevenly) in different water bodies. Drawing on the important contributions of Chas Jewett in the 'Thinkery', the terms trauma and healing take on an important force for re-directing the energies, assumptions and intentions of more familiar forms of water politics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context/problem: Comparative analysis of relative and absolute mortality differentials between socioeconomic groups are now available. These show consistently increasing relative increases in mortality differentials but complex trends in absolute mortality differentials. Objective: This paper provides an analysis of relative and absolute trends in mortality by cause of death and socioeconomic group (SEG) from 1984 to 2008 among men and active women aged 30-64 years in Ireland and compares these results with recent European and US studies to give an overview of trends. Methods: This paper uses mortality data from the Irish Central Statistics Office from 1984 to 2008 to calculate standardized death rates by age, sex, socioeconomic status and cause of death showing trends in SEG inequalities in mortality in Ireland. These show which specific causes of death are driving all-cause mortality trends. Results: SEG differentials in all-cause mortality among men and women have been increasing since the 1980s. Some of this increase reflects larger falls in cardiovascular causes among advantaged groups, but the trend is largely accounted for by increasing inequalities in mortality in digestive, neoplasm and external causes of deaths. Conclusions: These findings are in line with international findings that show that socioeconomic differentials in digestive, neoplasm and external cause deaths are driving general socioeconomic differentials in all-cause mortality. External cause deaths may have been influenced by levels of economic activity, particularly in construction, during the economic boom among manual workers. Furthermore, deaths from digestive diseases during the 1990s and 2000s may well be the result of increases in liver disease associated with excessive alcohol consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to provide one of the first cross-country empirical analyses of the intensity and diversity of knowledge exchange activities by academics. Focusing on the wide perspective of knowledge exchange, the results are based on two large-scale surveys with academics in the UK and Ireland and compare them in terms of: modes of interactions, types of partners, motivations and impacts of interactions, constraints on interactions and mission of higher education perceived by academics. It is found that academics in both countries are involved in a wide range of activities, with intellectual property activities being the interactions that they are least frequently engaged in. However, academics working at Irish and UK universities show distinct patterns of interactions with private sector companies and public sector organisations. Our analysis calls for caution over one country seeking to borrow policies from another without understanding the specific context of the higher education sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the presentation of original research to learned societies is valuable, the target should be publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Therefore, the strength of a meeting may be assessed by the rate of the subsequent publication of papers from the presented abstracts. We conducted an analysis of abstracts presented at consecutive annual meetings of the Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery (SCTS) in Great Britain and Ireland over a 15-year period. Abstract books and other documentation from the 1993–2007 meetings were reviewed; abstracts from other major Cardiothoracic Surgery meetings held in 2007 were also reviewed. Medline was searched to identify the peer-reviewed publications arising from each work presented. For abstracts presented at SCTS in 2003–07, the factors potentially associated with publication were analysed by logistic regression. If no publications were identified, authors were contacted through a standardized email questionnaire to ascertain its status and reasons for non-publication. Over the 15-year period, 909 abstracts were presented at the SCTS meetings. The rate of publication rose from ∼30% in the mid-1990s to consistently >60% from recent meetings, with a high of 81.3% from 2006. However, in comparison with other Cardiothoracic Surgery meetings in 2007, the chance of subsequent publication from SCTS (66.7%) was lower than from the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (75.0%), the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (83.9%) and The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (72.5%) meetings. For abstracts presented at the last five SCTS meetings, publication was most commonly in a speciality journal (56.3%) and the median time for publication was 15 months (range −24 to 63 months) with 14 papers published prior to presentation at the meeting. On regression analysis, the only factor associated with publication was the study design comparing randomized trials and systematic reviews with other types of study (P < 0.01). Of the 90 unpublished abstracts, 48 (53.3%) authors replied to an email questionnaire revealing that 41 (85.4%) were never submitted for publication. The most common reasons given were low priority (29.6%) and low likelihood of acceptance (24.1%). In recent years, the annual meeting of the Society has become a forum for the presentation of high-quality research that usually withstands peer-review, most commonly in a speciality journal. The rate of publication has increased to consistently >60%, although those that remain unpublished are generally never submitted. This compares favourably with national meetings of other surgical societies, although it is lower than other major cardiothoracic meetings which have an affiliated journal. At a time when it has been suggested that medical research in the UK is in decline, cardiothoracic surgery appears to be thriving. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper analyses and compares the policies that are likely to influence the development of biotechnology in two small European Union (EU) Member States (Ireland and Portugal) from an innovation systems perspective. It looks at how the actors present in each country perceive the relative effectiveness of these policies. By drawing on both quantitative data and qualitative interviews, the paper asks whether differences in performance in these two countries can be traced back to specific systems failures. Findings indicate that Portugal is less successful than Ireland overall, and that this is partially because Portugal suffers from a failure of industrial demand. The paper concludes that an integrated set of policies addressing both development of the knowledge base and commercialisation are needed for the successful promotion of biotechnology in a country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Despite the growing prevalence of Parkinson's disease (PD), and the need to plan for future health service provision, very little is known in the Irish context about PD patients' experiences of health service access and use. Method A cross-sectional survey design, with multiple formats, i.e. online, pen-and-paper, and telephone. Data were collected from May 2020–July 2021 using a multipronged recruitment strategy. It could be completed by a person with PD, or a support person on behalf of/with the person. Survey development was informed through literature review, and in consultation with the Parkinson's Association of Ireland, and a patient advisory group (N = 10). Results A total of 1,504 individuals accessed the survey, with 1,402 meeting the eligibility criteria. Over half (53%) were male. Approx. 9% were diagnosed with young-onset PD. A minority (6%) reported attending only their GP to manage their PD, with the rest attending a specialist outpatient clinic. The mean distance travelled each-way to outpatient clinics was 45.6 km (SD = 49.4, min 1 km, max. 300kms). Most were diagnosed by Neurologists (84%), followed by GPs (8%), and Geriatricians (7%); 1% indicated 'other'. Of those diagnosed by a Neurologist or Geriatrician, most were diagnosed privately (68%); though 37% of these patients subsequently switched to the public system for ongoing management. The majority (97%) reported currently taking PD medications, but just 52% believed these were working effectively. Just over one-fifth (22%) had access to a PD nurse specialist. Access to the range of other health and social care professionals is also reported, and is universally poor for this patient group. Conclusion A number of significant gaps in PD care have been identified, which require urgent attention. A reconfigured model of PD care is necessary to accommodate the growing need for specialist, integrated care at the population level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban space has the potential to shape people's experience and understanding of the city and of the culture of a place. In some respects, murals and allied forms of wall art occupy the intersection of street art and public art; engaging, and sometimes, transforming the urban space in which they exist and those who use it. While murals are often conceived as a more ‘permanent’ form of painted art there has been a trend in recent years towards more deliberately transient forms of wall art such as washed-wall murals and reverse graffiti. These varying forms of public wall art are embedded within the fabric of the urban space and history. This paper will explore the intersection of public space, public art and public memory in a mural project in the Irish city of Cork. Focussing on the washed-wall murals of Cork's historic Shandon district, we explore the sympathetic and synergetic relationship of this wall art with the heritage architecture of the built environment and of the murals as an expression of and for the local community, past and present. Through the Shandon Big Wash Up murals we reflect on the function of participatory public art as an explicit act of urban citizenship which works to support community-led re-enchantment in the city through a reconnection with its past. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background Long-term sickness absence can have negative consequences for individuals and for their employers. Occupational health has an important role in assisting workplace rehabilitation in such cases. Aims To investigate long-term sickness absence referrals in the Irish Civil Service in terms of epidemiological profile, illness categories and eventual outcomes. Methods A retrospective review of consecutive new long-term sickness absence cases referred between January 2008 and April 2008 and followed up to July 2010, using review of electronic and paper medical records and personnel department data to establish case outcomes. Results Three hundred and one cases were available for analysis. There were more long-term sickness absence cases among older employees, with female employees and clerical officer grades more likely to be referred. The principal diagnostic groups were mental health issues (30%), musculoskeletal disorders (13%) and cancer (11%). The eventual outcomes were the following: return to work (83%) and ill-health retirement (8%); 2% were still on sick leave and the remaining 7% had left civil service employment for other reasons at the end of the study period. Conclusions The final outcome in a large majority of case referrals was to resume work, with only a small proportion retiring on ill-health grounds. Mental health disorders, musculoskeletal disorders and cancers were the principal reasons for absence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Demonstrating long-term impacts of research can be fraught with methodological challenges, especially when approached retrospectively. Potential accusations of bias or over-interpretation, and a lack of clear and specific causal data, can be real obstacles. This paper presents a case study of research impact, including enablers and context to aid interpretation. To develop a national set of child wellbeing indicators in line with UNCRC commitments, a participative study of children’s understandings of wellbeing was undertaken to accompany a Delphi study with experts. The children contributed a number of unique indicators, including having ‘good places to spend free time’. Methods: Public actions which aimed to meet Irish commitments to child wellbeing were documented. Collected evidence comprised the development of, and reporting on, a national set of wellbeing indictors for children, the development and implementation of two national policies and cyclical monitoring data, collected through the nationally representative data sets of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study in Ireland, 2002-2018. Results: Measurement of stakeholder-informed indicators helped stimulate national policies on play (2004) and recreation (2007). Partnership-based policy implementation led to increases in spaces for play and recreation. Trends data from the HBSC study revealed significant and meaningful increases in ‘good places to go spend free time’ for children aged 10-17 from 45.1% in 2002 to 63.5% in 2018, and for all sociodemographic sub-groups. Temporal analyses showed that increases followed policy implementation. Conclusions: This impact case study links an original participative study, though policy development and implementation, to long-term improvements in Irish children reporting having ‘good places to spend free time’. An understanding of the decision-making context at key points is important to aid interpretation of the evidence under investigation. Key messages: · Commitment to child participation influenced national indicator adoption, policy development and implementation, with subsequent improvements to children’s healthrelated environments. ·The quality and specificity of data needed to demonstrate long-term research impact is challenging and interpretation requires contextualisation to avoid leaps of faith. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two surviving inventories of the library of the Fitzgerald Earls of Kildare bear witness to a particularly large and diverse collection of books in the Earls' castle at Maynooth, Co. Kildare. Between them, the lists record well over one hundred separate items in four languages: Latin, French, English and Irish. This paper traces the history of the library and analyses the Fitzgeralds' particular interests as book collectors and as readers. It provides the first full published set of suggested identifications and bibliographical details for the books at Maynooth. It also includes a fresh transcription of the library lists and a discussion of the manuscript context in which they are preserved. Sources like the Kildare library lists provide valuable evidence for the potential circulation of a wide range of non-native manuscripts and prints in late-medieval Ireland. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background and purpose: this paper examines the impact of demographic change from 2007 to 2021 on the total cost of stroke in Ireland and analyses potential impacts of expanded access to stroke unit care and thrombolytic therapy on stroke outcomes and costs.Methods: total costs of stroke are estimated for the projected number of stroke cases in 2021 in Ireland. Analysis also estimates the potential number of deaths or institutionalised cases averted among incident stroke cases in Ireland in 2007 at different rates of access to stroke unit care and thrombolytic therapy. Drawing on these results, total stroke costs in Ireland in 2007 are recalculated on the basis of the revised numbers of incident stroke patients estimated to survive stroke, and of the numbers estimated to reside at home rather than in a nursing home in the context of expanded access to stroke units or thrombolytic therapy.Results: future costs of stroke in Ireland are estimated to increase by 52–57% between 2007 and 2021 on the basis of demographic change. The projected increase in aggregate stroke costs for all incident cases in 1 year in Ireland due to the delivery of stroke unit care and thrombolytic therapy can be offset to some extent by reductions in nursing home and other post-acute costs. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: To reduce mortality and morbidity associated with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), individuals who experience ACS symptoms should seek treatment promptly. However, for this to be possible, they must adopt appropriate attitudes and beliefs about ACS symptoms and have the prerequisite knowledge to respond to those symptoms. Aim: This paper details the results of a cross-sectional Irish study that measured knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about ACS in patients diagnosed with ACS. Methods: A total of 1947 patients were enrolled in the study. Recruitment took place across five academic teaching hospitals in Dublin, Ireland. Knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about ACS were measured using the ACS Response Index questionnaire. Results: Almost half the patients (n=49.5%) demonstrated high knowledge levels (i.e. >70% of correct answers) about ACS symptoms. The majority recognized chest pain/pressure (98.9%) and left arm pain (90.2%) as symptoms. Many failed to associate jaw pain, heartburn and/or indigestion (44.7%), nausea and vomiting (47.6%), and neck pain (42.5%) with a heart attack. Higher knowledge levels were independently associated with higher levels of education (p=0.007), a history of angina (p=0.001), and attitudes (p=<0.001) and beliefs (p=<0.001) that are consistent with positively decisive responses to ACS symptoms. Conclusion: Despite having experienced an ACS event, overall knowledge levels were poor. Higher knowledge levels were associated with better attitudes and beliefs, indicating the inextricable relationship between all three components. Educational programmes should incorporate all three components so that prompt behaviour can be initiated when symptoms arise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taking the life sentence as the new ‘ultimate penalty’ for many countries, this paper explores the factors associated with the release of life-sentence prisoners on parole. The Republic of Ireland is selected as a case study because it is in the unusual position of being influenced by European human rights norms as well as by the Anglo-American drive towards increased punitiveness. As an apparent outlier to both the human rights and punitive approaches, or perhaps as a hybrid of sorts, the relative impact of the two models can be elucidated. The article also provides an example of how small penal systems can be resistant to broader trends and the value of directing the criminological gaze upon countries where it seldom falls. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: stroke is a leading cause of death and disability globally. The economic costs of stroke are high but not often fully quantified. This paper estimates the economic burden of stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA) in Ireland in 2007.Methods: a prevalence-based approach using a societal perspective is adopted. Both direct and indirect costs are estimated.Results: total stroke costs are estimated to have been €489–€805 million in 2007, comprising €345–€557 million in direct costs and €143–€248 million in indirect costs. Nursing home care and indirect costs together account for the largest proportion of total stroke costs (74–82%). The total cost of TIA was approximately €11.1 million in 2007, with acute hospital care accounting for 90% of the total.Conclusions: the chronic phase of the disease accounts for the largest proportion of the total annual economic burden of stroke. This highlights the need to maximise functional outcomes to lessen the longer term economic and personal impacts of stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. To date, there has been no attempt to describe or compare physical therapy as practiced globally, nor any evidence that an international data set exists to support this effort. It is known that research evidence can be used in strategic and tactical ways, especially within the highly politicized context of the policy arena. The International Private Practitioners Association recognized the potential value a global evidence base could have in influencing policy and supporting professional development in a number of countries, yet it lacked a mechanism to achieve these aims. Objectives. The purposes of this study were: (1) to identify and test an international data set, definitions, and means of data collection and (2) to establish views in relation to the value of international collaborations. Design. A mixed, prospective design was used in the study. Method. Phase 1 (2006-2007) involved the development of a data set, definitions, and Web-based and paper-based data collection options involving 98 physical therapists from 68 physical therapy practices in 7 countries. Phase 2 (2008-2009) involved testing of the data set in 34 practices involving 3,195 patient episodes and included physical therapist feedback of experience, local relevance of the data set, and value of international collaborations. Results. Testing confirmed the relevance and reliability of the data set and definitions and a preference for Web-based data collection (74.0%). Physical therapist feedback supported these findings. Most respondents (60.0%-100.0%) reported the value of further international collaborations for their profession nationally or internationally. Limitations. Although a true international collaboration, the limited sample size should be recognized. Conclusions. It is possible to develop an agreed-upon international data set and means of data collection. Testing appears to support its acceptability and relevance for use in practice. Participants highly valued the opportunity to undertake international collaborations that may benefit their profession nationally and internationally. Further testing and use of the data set are advocated before final validation is sought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper has contributed to confirming the link between education and health in developed countries. The analysis is based on 11 European Union countries. We estimate country-specific health functions, where the dependent variable is self-reported health status and the education attainment is one of the main inputs. All eight waves (1994–2001) of the European Community Household Panel are deployed. A random effects ordered probit is estimated in order to control, to a given extent, for unobserved heterogeneity. Explanatory variables are both time invariant (education attainment and gender) and time varying (gross wages, hours of work, age and living alone). Results confirm the positive impact of secondary education on health in most cases and tertiary education in all cases, even after controlling for other inputs in the health function and taking unobserved heterogeneity into account. Secondary education has an impact on health in all countries in the sample except for The Netherlands and UK. The effect does not differ between secondary and tertiary education in France, Ireland and Greece. The correlation between education and health is interpreted in different but complementary ways by diverse approaches and we may not disentangle the precise mechanism that connects health with education from our results. Anyway, it seems clear that better coordination is needed between education and health policies to effectively improve health literacy. Other relevant results from our study are that women register poorer health than men, age contributes to worsening health status and wages contribute positively to health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At a time of rising stress for communities, families, and individuals coupled with a growing disillusionment with government, the concept of ‘active citizenship’ has arrived as a salve to many of the social ills of our time. Emphasizing citizen's own responsibilities, and espousing values of solidarity, community, and neighbourliness, active citizenship embodies all that is good, rendering it somewhat immune from criticism. While agreeing that community values of solidarity and neighbourliness are indeed critical, this paper takes issue with what it argues is a significant re-visioning of the three core concepts embodied within active citizenship – citizenship, social capital, and community development – and argues that active citizenship, as it is currently promoted by state and select civil society organizations alike, substitutes self-help for redistribution and self-reliance for state accountability, in the process depoliticizing the principles and practice of community development and denying community actors a voice in their own development. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: some cohort studies of ageing and health supplement questionnaire-based surveys with in-home measurements of biological parameters and others have required respondents to attend assessment centres. Centre-based assessments facilitate detailed measurements and novel technologies, but may differentially influence participation. The aim of this paper is to compare the characteristics of participants who attended a centre with those who chose a home assessment and those who did not have a health assessment.Methods: trained field workers administered a computer-assisted personal interview (CAPI) to a random sample of community-dwelling people aged 50 and over in the participants' homes. All questionnaire respondents were invited to attend an assessment centre for a comprehensive physical assessment. Participants who refused or were unable to attend a centre were offered a home assessment.Results: of the 291 participants who completed the CAPI, 176 had a health assessment: 138 in an assessment centre and 38 in their own home. The centre, home and no visit respondents differed in demographic characteristics, behavioural factors, physical functioning and health. Lower socio-economic status, physical inactivity and current smoking were the most robust predictors of non-participation in the health assessment. Home respondents had the highest levels of physical disability and were much weaker (grip strength) and slower (walking speed) than centre respondents.Conclusion: home and centre physical assessments are required to avoid systematically over-representing healthier and wealthier respondents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper seeks to identify, for the first time, trends in claimant use of the Irish Employment Equality Acts 1998–2008. Specifically, we examine types of claimant representation, the sectoral origin of claims and the outcomes of equality cases. Our findings are based on an analysis of 434 employment equality cases decided by the Equality Tribunal in the seven-year period 2001–07 and interviews with key informants from equality bodies and trade unions. We find that there is a high failure rate of complainants’ cases, that success rates vary across types of representation and that a disproportionate number of claimants are from the public sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why insurgent organizations stay together over time and why they maintain the fight under stress are questions of major concern for our understanding of war duration, conduct, and outcome. Structural integrity is the property of an organization remaining as a single intact entity, while cohesion refers to the creation and maintenance of cooperative effort toward the attainment of the organization's goals. Although closely related, the conflation of structural integrity and cohesion is problematic. The body of the paper is a structured comparative analysis of two cases, the Irish Republican Army and the Karen National Union. First, this analysis demonstrates that cohesion and structural integrity are discrete concepts that each helps us to understand part of why, and how, insurgent organizations keep up the fight. Thus, despite much recent emphasis on 'spoilers' in the conflict literature, understanding why armed organizations stay together or fragment is not enough. We also need to understand what makes insurgents perform effectively in the organization's interest. Second, it points to some limitations of existing theories of structural integrity and cohesion in insurgent organizations and allows the author to conclude by suggesting some fruitful avenues for future research on these dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]