MICHAEL S. FLOOD, M.D.

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This study looked at how well different methods work to correctly identify rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis using health records. It found that algorithms that included specific disease codes along with medications showed high effectiveness, with one method having a sensitivity (correctly identifying the disease) of 91% and a specificity (correctly identifying those without the disease) of 94%. This is important because accurate identification of these conditions can improve treatment and prevent complications. Who this helps: This helps patients with rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis by ensuring they receive correct diagnoses and appropriate care.

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This study looked at how pharmacist prescribing affects patient care, especially for minor health issues. Researchers reviewed 43 different studies and found that, for common ailments, key outcomes included success in treating symptoms and the costs of providing those services. In broader cases, outcomes included patient satisfaction and how effectively healthcare resources were used. Understanding these impacts is essential to evaluate and improve the role of pharmacists in healthcare. Who this helps: This benefits patients who receive care from pharmacists and healthcare providers looking to enhance patient services.

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This study looked at how well finger amputation surgeries done in the emergency department (ED) compared to those done in the operating room (OR) worked for patients with serious finger injuries. Out of 103 patients, 55 had their surgeries in the ED, and about 33% of them ended up needing more surgery later. The research found that more complicated injuries are likely better treated in the OR, as the initial ED surgery often didn't lead to the best outcomes. Who this helps: This information is beneficial for patients with finger injuries and the doctors treating them.

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This study looked at how to evaluate the effectiveness of pharmacists prescribing medications in Ireland. Experts identified 7 key outcomes for a specific healthcare service, including patient satisfaction and symptom improvement, and found that 76% agreed on the importance of measuring prescribing rates. Understanding these outcomes is crucial for ensuring that pharmacist prescribing benefits healthcare systems and patients. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at what various stakeholders in Ireland think about creating a list of essential medicines that the country should provide to meet its health needs. Thirteen people were interviewed, and they identified three main topics: the purpose of the list, the challenges and supports for creating it, and how to develop and implement it. The participants agreed that this list would help ensure that everyone has access to vital medicines, although opinions varied on whether it should lower costs for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients by ensuring they have access to important medications.

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This study looked at 203 rapid health technology assessments (HTAs) to understand what types of information they included and how they were created. The key findings showed that nearly all reports focused on clinical effectiveness (99%) and safety (82%), but fewer addressed legal aspects (12%) or budget impacts (11%). Understanding the variations in these reports is important because it helps create clearer guidelines for how future rapid HTAs should be conducted and reported. Who this helps: This research benefits healthcare decision-makers and policymakers.

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This study looked at whether a medication review done by a general practitioner (GP) could be a cost-effective way to reduce the number of medications older patients take when they have multiple health conditions. The researchers followed 403 patients for six months and found that the GP-led review had an average cost saving of €410 and a slight health benefit of 0.014 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). While the findings indicate this approach is likely cost-effective, the differences observed were not statistically significant, meaning they could have happened by chance. Who this helps: This benefits older patients with multiple health conditions and their doctors.

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This study focused on how doctors, midwives, and sonographers in Victoria, Australia feel about the use of ultrasound in pregnancy care. The researchers found that 72% of the professionals surveyed worry that relying too much on ultrasound could lead to less emphasis on hands-on clinical skills. Additionally, 71% believed that where someone lives, rather than how much they earn, affects their access to ultrasound services, with over 90% agreeing that more training in ultrasound would improve care. Who this helps: This benefits expectant mothers, especially those in rural and lower-income areas who may struggle to access ultrasound services.

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This study looked at how much money older adults in Ireland spend out of their own pockets on prescription medications. Researchers found that the average annual spending was €144, and those with fewer healthcare entitlements spent nearly five times more on medications. Additionally, only 1.7% of participants reported not following their medication due to cost, but this was more common among those taking 4-5 medications. Who this helps: This benefits older adults facing high medication costs and may inform policymakers about the need for better healthcare support.

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This study looked at how people with Sjögren's syndrome use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to manage their symptoms. Among 296 respondents, 83.8% used CAM in the past year, with many seeking help from practitioners like chiropractors and acupuncturists. The findings highlight the importance of healthcare professionals discussing CAM options with their patients to provide better support and education about these therapies. Who this helps: This helps patients with Sjögren's syndrome and their doctors.

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This study examined how well children who survived cancer can access educational support under special education laws in eight different countries. It found that despite laws meant to help, many children still struggle to get the necessary support, which impacts their learning and overall quality of life. The research highlights the need for better policies to close the gaps between laws and actual practice. Who this helps: This benefits childhood cancer survivors and their families by promoting better access to educational resources.

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This study looked at how changes in Ireland's prescription medicine payment plans affected what people aged 56 and older had to pay out of pocket. Researchers found that those eligible for the General Medical Services (GMS) plan saw their annual spending drop from €117 to €55, while those on the Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS) saw their costs fall from €719 to €555, saving about €62 and €174, respectively. These changes are important because they significantly eased the financial burden on low-income individuals, highlighting the need for further reductions in costs for vulnerable populations. Who this helps: This helps older adults, especially those with low incomes, by reducing their prescription costs.

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Researchers developed a user-friendly online tool, called RxTrends, to help people visualize and analyze prescription data in Ireland, focusing on the 100 most commonly prescribed medications from 2016 to October 2024. The tool allows users to explore trends in medication costs and usage, making it easier to understand how certain drugs are being prescribed and how that changes over time. This is important because it helps improve healthcare policies and ensures that patients have access to necessary medications. Who this helps: This benefits patients, doctors, healthcare researchers, and policymakers.

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This study looks at a rare situation where a specific hand bone (the trapezoid) remains dislocated even after surgery to fix fractures in the hand. After surgery, doctors found the dislocation using a special X-ray scan and had to perform a second surgery to fix it correctly. Recognizing this issue and using imaging properly during and after surgery is important to ensure better outcomes for patients. Who this helps: This helps surgeons and patients recovering from complex hand injuries.

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This study looked at the types of bacteria found in patients with pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP), a rare abdominal cancer, by reviewing nine previous studies involving 85 patients. They found that certain bacteria, particularly from a group called Proteobacteria, were more common in tumor samples, and high-grade tumors had more bacteria than lower-grade tumors. Understanding these bacterial differences is important because it might help explain how PMP develops or behaves, although more research is needed to clarify these findings. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors who are studying or treating PMP patients.

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This study examined how recognizing patients' pain priorities affects pain medication prescriptions for older adults who take many medications. Researchers looked at 403 patients, and found that 44% said pain was important to them, but there was a poor agreement between what patients reported and what their doctors recorded. Despite most types of pain medications being reduced, stronger opioids were prescribed more often for those who prioritized pain, which raises concerns since guidelines warn against using them for ongoing pain. Who this helps: This helps doctors and older patients managing multiple health issues and pain.

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This study looked at how pain relief medications, called analgesics, were prescribed in primary care in Ireland and England from 2014 to 2022. It found that prescriptions increased in Ireland, with opioid use rising by 25% and paracetamol by 41%, while in England, prescriptions for opioids, paracetamol, and anti-inflammatory drugs all decreased significantly, with opioids down by 19%. This matters because understanding these trends can help improve pain management strategies and address differing healthcare needs between the two countries. Who this helps: Patients managing chronic pain and healthcare providers seeking to optimize treatment plans.

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This study focused on creating and testing a dashboard designed to help doctors in Ireland prescribe medications more safely. By using data from a platform called MedVault, doctors provided anonymous prescription information, allowing researchers to understand how usable and helpful the dashboard is when doctors navigate it. The goal is to enhance prescribing practices and ultimately reduce medication-related harm, which is significant since the World Health Organization aims to cut serious medication errors by 50% worldwide. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and their patients by improving safe medication practices.

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This study looked at how pain medications, particularly high-risk drugs like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids, were prescribed in Ireland from 2014 to 2022. It found that overall use of pain medications decreased slightly from 48.3% of the population in 2014 to 46.3% in 2022, largely due to a drop in NSAID prescriptions. However, there was an increase in other types of pain medications, and some concerning prescribing practices rose, indicating a need for better medication safety measures. Who this helps: This research benefits patients and healthcare providers by highlighting the importance of safe prescribing practices.

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This study looked at how often sedatives, specifically benzodiazepines and z-drugs, were prescribed in Ireland from 2014 to 2022 and compared this with England. The research found that the number of prescriptions for these sedatives decreased by 5% in Ireland, from 1531 prescriptions per 1,000 patients in 2014 to 1474 in 2022, but England saw a much larger drop of 27%. This is important because while the use of these drugs is declining, the rates in Ireland are still high, especially among women and older people, indicating a need for better treatment options and support for doctors to manage prescriptions effectively. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by highlighting the need for safer treatment alternatives and improved prescription practices.

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This study looked at how pharmacists supported vaccination efforts in centralized centers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland. Researchers spoke to 14 pharmacists and found that while they faced challenges in high-pressure situations, they felt a strong sense of duty and used this experience to grow professionally. The findings highlight the need for better teamwork among healthcare professionals and suggest that expanding pharmacists' roles can help prepare for future health crises. Who this helps: This benefits patients and healthcare teams by improving vaccination efforts and overall public health response.

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This study looked at whether a device called USCOM could help predict if women with high blood pressure during pregnancy would develop pre-eclampsia, a serious condition. Researchers tracked 171 women and found that important measurements like heart output and blood vessel resistance did not show any significant differences between those who developed pre-eclampsia and those who did not. This is important because it suggests that the USCOM might not be a reliable tool for predicting this condition in pregnant women with hypertension. Who this helps: This research helps doctors who care for pregnant women with high blood pressure by informing them about the limitations of using the USCOM device.

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A study surveyed nearly 2,000 young Australians aged 15-20 about their exposure to pornography. It found that 86% of young men and 69% of young women reported seeing porn, often at home alone, with more than half of the young men viewing it weekly compared to just 14% of young women. This early exposure—3.2 years before their first sexual experience for boys and 2 years for girls—raises concerns about potential negative effects, like risky sexual behavior and gender-based violence. Who this helps: This information is important for parents, educators, and public health officials aiming to protect and educate young people.

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This study looked at how including seriously injured rugby players with spinal cord injuries can improve early-stage research conducted in labs. Researchers interviewed 11 players and found that these participants value their involvement, believe their experiences can make research more relevant, and want more opportunities to engage with scientists. The findings highlight that fostering communication can enhance the research process and how findings are shared, benefiting both researchers and patients. Who this helps: Patients living with spinal cord injuries.

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This study looked at how to involve patients and the public in research on spinal cord injuries, aiming to create clear guidelines for researchers. Researchers and key stakeholders, including people with spinal cord injuries, agreed on 27 important principles for this involvement, focusing on diversity, clear communication, and understanding the purpose of patient involvement. These principles fill a gap in existing guidance and will help researchers include public perspectives in their studies, ultimately aiming to improve outcomes in spinal cord research. Who this helps: This benefits researchers, patients with spinal cord injuries, and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how researchers and doctors feel about involving patients and the public in laboratory-based spinal cord research. It found that 100% of participants agreed that people living with spinal cord injuries have the right to participate, and that involving them can make research more relevant and improve researchers' experiences. However, the gap between lab work and real-life patient experiences is a challenge that needs to be addressed. Who this helps: This helps patients with spinal cord injuries and the researchers working on their treatment.

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Researchers studied the levels of influenza A virus and its H5 subtype in wastewater across the U.S. from May 12 to July 13, 2024, in response to an outbreak of the H5N1 virus in livestock. They found that 11 sites in four states had high levels of influenza A, and 24 sites across nine states detected the H5 subtype, often linked to animal sources. This information is important because it helps health officials use wastewater data to better manage and respond to respiratory illness outbreaks in the future. Who this helps: This helps health officials and public health departments.

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This study looked at how medical students think when answering questions about tissues, some with just text and others with images. It involved 30 students who answered a total of 14 questions, finding that the best-performing students often created answers themselves, while lower-performing students relied more on eliminating options. Notably, when image interpretation was essential to answering a question, 95% of students discussed the image, but they rarely mentioned it if it was not needed. Who this helps: This research helps medical students and educators improve how they understand and assess skills in medical image interpretation.

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This study looked at how remote monitoring can help track oxygen levels in COVID-19 patients after they leave the hospital. Researchers followed 209 patients and found that their oxygen levels and heart rates improved over time, while their breathlessness decreased. They developed a system that can predict when a patient’s oxygen level might drop below 94%, with a decent accuracy—about 66% sensitivity and 88% specificity. This is important because it allows healthcare providers to intervene early if a patient’s condition worsens. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from COVID-19 and their doctors.

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This study looked at the prescriptions given to older patients who take many medications (polypharmacy), focusing on whether their medicines were appropriate or not. Researchers analyzed prescription data from 404 participants aged 65 and older over a year and found that the average number of medications decreased slightly from 17 to 16, with potentially inappropriate prescriptions decreasing from 17.1% to 15.7%. These findings are important because they show that while most patients are still prescribed many medicines, efforts to improve prescribing can lead to safer medication use and fewer unnecessary prescriptions. Who this helps: Patients taking multiple medications.

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This study explored how easy and acceptable a new tool called HealthEir is for helping pharmacies give brief health advice to patients. It involved 15 patients and 12 pharmacists, with everyone finding the tool simple to use, though a few suggested improvements and had concerns about privacy. Overall, the findings indicate that HealthEir can effectively support health interventions in pharmacies, which could enhance preventative care. Who this helps: This helps patients and pharmacists in community pharmacies.

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This study looked at how older patients' attitudes toward stopping medications affect actual changes in their prescriptions. Researchers found that patients who were more willing to stop a medication made 40% more changes to their prescriptions, while those who were satisfied with their current medications were 31% less likely to stop any. Understanding these attitudes is important because it helps doctors better target their medication reviews, which can make consultations more effective. Who this helps: This helps older patients and their doctors.

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This study looked at how two different strategies to cut down on prescribing lidocaine medicated plasters affected usage in Ireland and England. In Ireland, a new application process for reimbursement led to a huge 97.2% drop in prescribing, with rates plummeting from 15.22 to 0.47 per 1,000 people. In contrast, England saw a much smaller 5.8% decrease from a lower starting point of 0.36 per 1,000. Who this helps: This benefits healthcare systems and patients by reducing unnecessary prescribing of lidocaine plasters.

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This study looked at how many middle-aged and older adults in Ireland use services at their local pharmacies. Out of nearly 5,800 participants, 96.6% visited a pharmacy in the past year, and about 20% used services like medication advice, blood pressure checks, or vaccinations. The findings highlight that many older adults rely on pharmacies for more than just picking up prescriptions, which is important for improving their overall health. Who this helps: This benefits patients, especially middle-aged and older adults who seek health support in their communities.

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This study focused on the experiences of people living with Sjögren's syndrome, an autoimmune disease that primarily causes dry eyes and mouth but can lead to other serious symptoms. Researchers surveyed 194 participants, finding that 41% waited over five years for a diagnosis, and many reported symptoms like fatigue (57.3%) and joint pain (53.7%). The COVID-19 pandemic significantly worsened their quality of life, with over 70% of respondents having medical appointments canceled or delayed. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with Sjögren's syndrome and their healthcare providers by highlighting the need for better access to care, especially through telemedicine.

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This study looked at how doctors prescribe medications to older adults in Ireland based on their health insurance coverage and socioeconomic status. Researchers analyzed data from over 42,000 patients and found that those with public health cover received more prescriptions on average—10.9 medications compared to 8.1 for those without public coverage. This matters because as Ireland moves towards universal healthcare, understanding these differences can help ensure that all patients receive appropriate care without excessive medication burdens. Who this helps: This helps older patients, especially those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, as well as healthcare planners and providers.

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This study looked at the experiences of migrant pharmacists in Ireland as they tried to get their qualifications recognized and register to work. Researchers interviewed eight pharmacists and found that they faced various challenges throughout this process, including personal struggles, administrative hurdles, and regulatory requirements. Understanding these experiences can help improve how the registration process works for future migrant pharmacists, making it easier for them to practice their profession. Who this helps: This helps migrant pharmacists looking to work in Ireland and the healthcare system that benefits from their expertise.

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This study looked at the brain chemistry of children with autism, developmental delays, and epilepsy by analyzing their cerebrospinal fluid. Researchers found specific substances in the fluid that were disrupted in each disorder. For example, amino acid and energy metabolism pathways were affected in all three groups, but the exact nature of these disruptions varied: children with autism showed issues related to redox metabolism, while those with epilepsy had lipid pathway disruptions. Understanding these metabolic differences is crucial for developing targeted treatments for these conditions. Who this helps: This research benefits patients and their doctors by providing insights that could lead to better treatment strategies for neurodevelopmental disorders.

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This study looked at how primary care in Ireland changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially regarding medication safety. Researchers surveyed 251 healthcare providers, including 211 pharmacists and 40 doctors, and found that 75% reported using a secure email system for prescriptions, which they felt positively affected medication safety. However, while most doctors didn’t notice changes in medication errors, many pharmacists did report a slight rise in these incidents, highlighting challenges like patient pressure and monitoring. Who this helps: This research helps healthcare providers by informing them about the impacts of new technologies on medication safety.

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This study looked at how different types of carbon dioxide used during colorectal cancer surgery affect inflammation and damage in the abdomen. Researchers found that using warm, humidified carbon dioxide (HW-CO2) helped maintain normal body temperature and reduced inflammation compared to dry, cold carbon dioxide (DC-CO2). Specifically, patients using HW-CO2 had shorter hospital stays: 5 days for colon surgery versus 7.2 days with DC-CO2, and 11.6 days for rectal surgery versus 15.4 days. Who this helps: Patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery benefit from better outcomes and shorter recovery times.

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This study focused on how colorectal cancer that has spread to the lining of the abdomen (CRPM) often doesn't respond well to the usual chemotherapy drug, oxaliplatin. Researchers found that the resistance to this drug could be lessened by targeting a specific gene, which could make chemotherapy more effective. This is important because it may lead to better treatment options for patients with advanced colorectal cancer, improving their chances during surgery. Who this helps: This helps patients with advanced colorectal cancer.

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This study looked at how teaching Indigenous history in medical education helps future healthcare providers understand their patients and the health challenges they face. It found that learning about this history can improve cultural awareness and understanding of different medical perspectives, which is crucial as providers address health issues linked to climate change. Making this education a priority can lead to better care for diverse communities and help tackle health problems exacerbated by environmental crises. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially those from Indigenous communities.

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This study looked at the rates of depression in African American patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) at a large hospital. It found that 25.3% of these patients had major depression, with more than 40% suffering from moderate to severe symptoms. Alarmingly, 34.7% of the patients had never been screened for depression. This information is crucial because it highlights the need for better mental health support and screening for depression among African American patients with IBD. Who this helps: This helps patients with inflammatory bowel disease and healthcare providers.

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This research looked at how to involve patients and the public in the early stages of medical research, specifically before clinical trials begin. The study reviewed nine existing examples and found that involving people can make research more relevant, but there aren’t many strong evaluations showing exactly how this involvement helps. The findings suggest clear principles to guide future research efforts in this area, which is important for improving the development of treatments. Who this helps: This helps researchers and eventually benefits patients by leading to more relevant medical studies.

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This study examined how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the experiences of patients and pharmacists in primary care in Ireland. Interviews with 12 patients and 10 pharmacists revealed that new measures, like virtual consultations and electronic prescriptions, greatly changed how care was delivered, but some changes were challenging. For example, patients had difficulty accessing care, and while many appreciated the technological advancements, they felt some were rushed and unsettling. Who this helps: This helps patients and pharmacists by highlighting their experiences, which can inform future improvements in healthcare delivery.

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This study focused on helping pharmacy students prepare for a stressful practical exam (OSCE) by using video cases that illustrate different performance levels. Out of 149 students, 70.5% accessed these videos, and the scores they gave for the performances matched closely with those from faculty members, showing that students found the videos helpful. The results indicate that these videos were well-received and effective for preparing students for their licensing exams, which could make studying less burdensome. Who this helps: This benefits pharmacy students preparing for their licensure exams.

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This study looked at a treatment called cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for patients with small bowel adenocarcinoma that has spread to the lining of the abdomen. The analysis of 164 cases showed that patients who received CRS-HIPEC had a median overall survival time of 9 to 32 months, with a 5-year survival rate of 25 to 40%. Despite some risks, including serious complications in 19% to 50% of patients, this combined treatment may significantly improve survival compared to standard chemotherapy alone. Who this helps: This helps patients with small bowel cancer that has spread, particularly those who may benefit from advanced surgical and chemotherapy options.

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This study looked at how safe medication prescribing is when primary care is delivered remotely, especially through telemedicine and electronic prescriptions, due to changes from the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers reviewed 15 studies and found that all reported medication safety incidents linked to electronic prescribing, with common issues including incorrect labels and dosages. The rate of these incidents varied widely, ranging from about 0.9 to nearly 82 problems per 100 electronic prescriptions, highlighting the need for more research to understand how remote care affects medication safety. Who this helps: This helps patients who receive prescriptions remotely and healthcare providers managing their care.

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This study looked at how many people in Ireland qualified for the General Medical Services (GMS) scheme, which offers low-cost healthcare, from 2016 to 2021. It found that overall eligibility dropped from 36.4% in 2016 to 31.2% in 2020 but slightly increased to 31.6% in 2021. Among older adults aged 75 and above, 78.2% were eligible, while only 19.5% of those aged 25-34 were eligible, showing a significant difference in access based on age and location, with Donegal having the highest rate at 52.8% and Dublin the lowest at 29.3%. Who this helps: This benefits policymakers and healthcare providers working with older adults and specific communities in Ireland.