Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown

About: Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown is a healthcare organization based out in Dublin, Ireland. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Ambulatory blood pressure. The organization has 302 authors who have published 213 publications receiving 3858 citations. The organization is also known as: James Connolly Memorial Hospital.

Changes in FEV1 over time in COPD and the importance of spirometry reference ranges: the devil is in the detail.

Abstract: A discussion of two landmark papers highlighting the use of spirometry as a sensitive measure of the rate of decline in FEV1 in COPD, and the importance of using the Global Lung Function Initiative reference data http://bit.ly/2C0Nhqa.

Identifying factors that influence the '6-hour target' in the Emergency Department by applying Regression Analysis.

Abstract: AIM To determine factors within the Emergency Department (ED) that have maximum influence on the '6-hour target'. METHODS Regression Analysis methodology employed to analyse the influence of 9 ED variables on the '6-hour target' compliance. RESULTS The number of patients waiting to be seen an ED physician at 8pm exerts maximum influence on the '6-hour target' (r = -0.581, p<0.05). CONCLUSION The '6-hour target' compliance rises with lesser number of patients waiting to be seen by an ED physician at 8pm. Also, the '6-hour target' compliance rises by increasing the number of ED Registrar working hours and the number of ED SHO working hours per day.

Guesstimating body mass index (bmi): how good are we, really?

Abstract: Introduction According to the World Health Organisation definition, the body mass index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify overweight and obesity in adults. Although it has it9s limitations it provides the most useful population-level measure of overweight and obesity as it is the same for both sexes and for all ages of adults. Visual estimation of BMI is routinely used in the clinic setting to direct lifestyle advice. Identifying the correct BMI is particularly important in gastroenterology as we frequently manage patients with malabsorption, chronic inflammatory diseases and liver disease. Aims/Background To evaluate and compare the positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) sensitivity and specificity of prediction of overweight/obese in gastroenterology patients among doctors and nurses. Also, to assess for individual bias in the physicians making the judgements based on their own BMI calculations. Method For the purposes of our study, BMI was defined as 30=obese. All consecutive patients attending the gastroenterology clinic in the month of December 2012 were recruited prospectively. The patients9 BMI were measured using Seca weight and height measuring devices in clinic. BMI estimation sheets were distributed to the four junior doctors and the clinic nurse at each clinic over a one-month period. The estimations between the two groups were blinded as to prevent any bias. Results In total, 80 patients were recruited of which there were 48(60%) males and 32(40%) female patients, mean age 46.4±14.6 years. The mean weight was 77.3±17.0kg and the mean height was 163.9±9.4 cm. The mean BMI was 29.3±4.3 kg/m2 in males and 28.4±6.7 kg/m2 in females, p=0.500. There were 2 (2.5%) patients who were underweight, 19 (23.8%) who had a normal BMI, 24 (30.0%) who were overweight and 35 (43.8%) who were obese. The PPV, NPV, sensitivity and specificity for the prediction of overweight/obese patients were 90.0%, 73.7%, 91.5% and 70.0% respectively for nurses compared to 94.0%, 60.0%, 79.7% and 85.7% for doctors. It was also found that if doctors were of a normal BMI, they were less likely to predict the correct patients9 BMI compared to those who were overweight, 44.7% vs 100%, p=0.31. Conclusion Healthcare professionals were poor at predicting patients9 BMI in the setting of gastroenterology outpatients. There was a trend, particularly among doctors to underestimate patients9 weight. This trend was more common among doctors who were of a normal BMI. Worryingly, approximately three quarter of our patients are overweight or obese, higher than previously reported prevalence by the department of health. To allow for accurate lifestyle and dietary advice, it is important that all patients have their weight and height measured in clinic.