Original Papers

Can Early Changes In Vital Signs Predict Duration Of Antibiotic Therapy In Suspected Neonatal Sepsis?

M.McGovern, P. Morrissey, E. Ryan

McGovern et al studied 96 infants admitted to the neonatal unit for antibiotic therapy.  Sixteen infants required prolonged antibiotic therapy beyond 48 hours.  Those infants in the prolonged antibiotic group were more likely to have persistent abnormal signs including respiratory rate.

Estimated Weight of Paediatric Patients Versus Measured Weight – A Prospective Comparison

C. Lineen, S. O’Donnell, K. Birrane, A. O’Riordan, J. Twomey, A.M. Murphy, C. O’Gorman
Lineen et al have examined the relationship between estimated and measured weight in children.  Estimated weight underestimated the actual weight in between 2.34% and 16.39% of cases.
Audit of PPI Prescribing Practices: A Risk to Patient Safety?

L. O’Connell, R.M. O’Connell, O. Ahmed, K. Mealy
O’Connell et al conduct an audit to identify inappropriate PPI prescribing.

‘TAG, You’re It!’ The high-stakes Game of Handovers in the Emergency Department – Improving handover quality using a new ‘TAG’ Protocol

N. Borhan, R. Dharamshi, F. Borhan, S. Ahmed, R. Gilmore
Borhan et al stress the importance of good patient handover during shift change in the emergency department.  The authors implemented a Target Assessment Game plan to improve communication.  The standardized TAG handover protocol significantly improved handover practices.

A Dedicated Perineal Clinic – An Audit in Support

E. Corry, E. O’Connor, M. Eogan, M. Fitzpatrick, S. O’Sullivan, M. Imcha

Irish Policy-Makers’ Perceptions of Barriers and Facilitators to Hand Hygiene Compliance

C. Madden, S. Lydon, K. Lambe, P. O’Connor
Madden et al have analysed the barriers to hand hygiene practices.  Ownership and leadership are major enablers.  The study also highlights a lack of knowledge, skills, and awareness of hand hygiene issues.  Protocols have a limited value and should be strengthened with ‘stories’ applied to the 5 moments of hand hygiene.

Where does Pelvic and Acetabular Fracture Treatment fit into the Newly Proposed Major Trauma Model in Ireland?

C. Fenelon, E.P. Murphy, B.J. O’Daly, M. Leonard
Fenelon et al have reviewed 456 referrals for pelvis and acetabular fracture.  The treatment was conservative in two thirds of cases and operative in the other third.  The authors support a single centre for the management of pelvic and acetabular fractures.

Surgical Parathyroidectomy Services

E. Burke, A. Waris, G. O’Donoghue
Burke et al report a series of 31 cases of parathyroidectomy.  All cases were discharged on post op day 1.