Wishaw General Hospital

About: Wishaw General Hospital is a healthcare organization based out in Wishaw, Scotland, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Medicine. The organization has 256 authors who have published 222 publications receiving 4324 citations.

Survey of patients' view on functional split of consultant psychiatrists

Abstract: Background The functional split model of consultant psychiatrist care for inpatients has been one of the major service redesign that has occurred in the NHS in the last decade. It is unclear if this new split model offers any advantages over the previous sectorised model of working. More recent evidence has suggested that patients, carers and professionals have varied views regarding the benefits of this model. This survey of patient’s views on models of consultant working is the first in Scotland and we have attempted to include a large sample size. The results suggest that after providing sufficient information on both models, the majority of patients from various Scottish health boards have opted for the traditional sectorised model of working.

The interaction between asthma and anxiety: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of young people’s experiences

Abstract: Asthma and anxiety are highly co-morbid, and their interaction leads to exacerbations for both conditions. This study explored the interplay between these two conditions from the perspective of children and adolescents. The objective was to identify potential mechanisms of interaction between asthma and anxiety, and to derive improvements for prevention and treatment. Eleven semi-structured interviews of young people (aged 11-15), who met criteria for both asthma and anxiety, were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Well-established qualitative research recommendations were followed to promote credibility and rigour in the findings. Eight themes emerged that were organised in three domains: (i) asthma affecting anxiety by inhibiting coping activities or developmental tasks and by triggering unhelpful thinking and behaviour; (ii) anxiety affecting asthma by impairing self-care and triggering hyperventilation; (iii) interactions between asthma and anxiety, including self-perpetuating feedback cycles and symptom confusion. The proposed mechanisms could help tailor cognitive-behavioural interventions to reduce anxiety and asthma complications.

Polymorphisms of serotonin neurotransmission and their effects on antipsychotic drug action

Abstract: The receptor pharmacology of many antipsychotic drugs includes actions at various serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) receptors. The 5-HT neurotransmitter system is thought to be involved in many of the consequences of treatment with antipsychotic drugs, including both symptom response, primarily of negative and depressive symptoms, and adverse effects, notably extrapyramidal side effects and weight gain. There is substantial interindividual variability in these drug effects, to which genetic variability contributes. We review here the influence of functional polymorphisms in genes associated with 5-HT function, including the various processes of neurotransmitter synthesis, receptors, transporters and metabolism, on the clinical response to, and adverse effects of, antipsychotic drugs. The relatively young field of epigenetics also contributes to the variability of 5-HT-related genes in influencing drug response. Several of these findings inform our understanding of the mechanisms of antipsychotic drug action, and also provide the opportunity for the development of genetic testing for personalized medicine.

How midwives' attitudes can affect the research process

Abstract: The decision-making power base in maternity care has altered in the last century with recent government documents suggesting that it be more women-centred. Those midwives who do not use evidenced-based practice and who teach, support and demonstrate ritualistic practices without reference to the substantial research available, are limiting women's choice(s) in maternity care. In a trial (Fleming et al, 2001), investigating whether routine suturing of perineal lacerations is required, the researchers concluded that midwives appeared to have attempted to influence the outcome because of their own deep-held beliefs about suturing. The rationale for this behaviour is not always easy to understand and it is examined here to determine what concepts are influencing these practices. First, is this behaviour a way of raising the midwife's profile as an expert or are midwives in fact feeling less the expert of normal childbirth as their role is eroded by other disciplines? Second, are midwives trying to regain auto...