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While appreciation of the fundamental role biodiversity plays in underpinning the long-term sustainability of agricultural systems is growing, international commitments to preserve and protect this natural resource have not yet been achieved. Loss and degradation of farmland habitats are an important contributor to the continued decline of biodiversity. Despite this, little information is available regarding the diversity and ecological condition of farmland habitats in Europe. Indeed, where habitat data are available, this is usually at a very broad landscape scale rather than farm scale. Coupled with this, strategies to increase agricultural output in response to growing global population, will likely place increasing pressure on farmland biodiversity. Knowledge and ongoing monitoring of farmland habitat type and extent is a prerequisite for the future protection of much of Europe’s biodiversity. Here we report the findings of a national scale survey of farmland habitat diversity in Ireland. Detailed surveys of farm habitats and management practices (system, stocking rate agri-environment scheme participation status and organic N and P inputs) were undertaken on 118 farms in three regions of the Republic of Ireland (RoI). Recorded farm habitats were subsequently digitised on orthophotography. The resulting ground truthed data from the total surveyed area of 3688 ha, were then used, together with satellite imagery, to classify the habitat composition of a further approximately 87,000 ha of the surrounding landscape. Results revealed that at individual farm scale, an average of 73% of the land surveyed comprised agriculturally productive (mainly improved grassland) habitats. Marginally productive habitats (mainly extensively managed grasslands) accounted for an average of 11% of farm area, while other semi-natural habitats (mainly hedgerows) accounted for an average of 13%, with the remaining ca. 3% under build ground. Results from the classification at the wider landscape scale showed a similarly substantial incidence of non-intensively managed habitats. However, at both farm and landscape scales, habitat diversity was found to vary markedly between different regions and farming systems. This study represents one of a very small number that currently exist, where farm scale habitat and management data have been collected. From the few that are available, semi-natural habitat cover has been found to account for an average farm area of 1–12%. Therefore, our data present a relatively positive picture in terms of the intensity, scale and impact of Irish farming on landscape heterogeneity. However, as in other parts of the world, agricultural expansion and intensification to meet increased global food supply will necessitate careful monitoring of the impact of these changes on the structure of farmed landscapes. This study provides a novel approach for the collection of such monitoring data at farm scale, and illustrates how such data can be reliably up-scaled to landscape level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible summary What is known on the subject? The time of discharge from a mental health hospital can be challenging for mental health service users, with high rates of readmission in the immediate months following discharge., Although some research exists that explores service users' perspectives of being discharged, little evidence exists that explores the processes influencing or used by service users' to adapt to the transition from in-patient acute mental health service., What this papers adds to existing knowledge? The findings of this grounded theory study demonstrates the strategies service users used to managed their own, as well as their social audiences, preconceived expectations arising from their new identity as 'psychiatric patients' following their discharge from hospital., While there is a move to develop recovery-orientated mental health services, key indicators of recovery-oriented practices were often absent from service users' experiences of service provision., What are the implications for practice? Nurses and other mental health professionals need to recognize their contribution to the architecture of stigma that transcends the physical structures of hospital or ward and are entrenched within attitudes, interactions and practices., The findings of this study can provide guidance to those working with service users and help them to understand the complexities of their experiences when using mental health services, which go far beyond the management of their symptoms., Abstract Introduction Following a period of hospitalization, the transition to home can result in increased vulnerability and a source of stress for mental health service users. Readmission rates have been suggested as one indicator of the success of the transition from hospital to community care. Despite knowledge of some of the factors that impact on service users following discharge, no coherent model or theoretical framework could be located in the literature, which explains or aides an in-depth understanding of the transition from hospital to community for service users. Aim The aim of this study was to develop a grounded theory that explored service users' experiences of going home from hospital. Method This qualitative study used grounded theory, and a total of 35 interviews were conducted with 31 service users. Results The core category was 'Managing Preconceived Expectations', which had seven subcategories, describes how the participants were negatively perceived by themselves and others following their admission and discharge from hospital. Implications for Practice This theory presents the strategies that the participants used to manage this new identity. This theory demonstrates that although there has been a move to adopt recovery-orientated services, key indicators of recovery were often absent for service users being admitted and subsequently discharged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible summary Because Recovery is an important idea, an educational course was run to help service users and professionals to introduce Wellness Recovery Action Planning ( WRAP) to interested parties in their communities., The evaluation of this course made use of group interviews in which participants were asked about their experiences on the course., Although they enjoyed the course and were positive about Recovery and WRAP, they felt that they still lacked confidence in the presentation skills that they felt they required., Abstract In recent years, there has been a consistent drive to incorporate Recovery principles into the Irish mental health services. A group of Irish mental health service providers came together and delivered a 5-day Wellness Recovery Action Planning ( WRAP) facilitator's programme. The programme was developed and delivered by key stakeholders including people with self-experience of mental health problem. This paper presents the qualitative findings from an evaluation of these facilitator's programmes. Three focus groups were held with 22 people, the majority of who described themselves as mental health professionals and/or people with self-experience of mental health problems. Data were analysed using a thematic approach and yielded four themes. Although the participants were positive about the programme and felt that their knowledge of Recovery and WRAP had improved, they felt that they still lacked confidence in terms of the presentation skills required for facilitating Recovery and WRAP programmes. The findings suggest that mental health service providers who wish to develop service users and clinicians as WRAP facilitators need to put more emphasis on the provision of facilitation and presentation skills in the programmes they develop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two field experiments were conducted at Teagasc, Moorepark, Ireland, to determine the effect of sowing date and nitrogen application on the dry-matter (DM) yield and crude protein (CP) content of forage rape and stubble turnips. The first experiment consisted of three sowing dates (1 August, 15 August and 31 August) with four rates of fertilizer N (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg N ha−1) on forage rape DM yields. The second experiment consisted of three sowing dates (1 August, 15 August and 31 August) with four rates of fertilizer N (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg N ha−1) over two soil sites (fertile or nitrogen depleted) on forage rape and stubble turnip DM yields. A delay in sowing from 1 to 31 August characterized a 74·5% decrease in forage rape DM yield, while stubble turnip DM yield decreased by 55·5%. Forage rape DM yields increased positively up to 120 kg N ha−1 at the first two sowing dates over both sites. In contrast, stubble turnips showed less response beyond 40 kg N ha−1 on site 1 in the first two sowing dates, while DM yield increased positively up to 120 kg N ha−1 on the less fertile site. The results indicate that the optimal sowing time for forage rape and a stubble turnip in Ireland was early August. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects on the performance of dairy cows offered kale, swedes, and perennial ryegrass in situ and perennial ryegrass silage fed indoors to dairy cows pre-partum during winter in Ireland was examined. Eighty-eight spring-calving dairy cows were randomly assigned to one of four offered treatments; (i) 8 kg of dry matter (DM) of kale leaf and stem + 4 kg DM of perennial ryegrass silage (treatment K), (ii) 8 kg DM of the root and leaf of swedes + 4 kg DM of perennial ryegrass silage (treatment S), (iii) 12 kg DM of perennial ryegrass herbage (treatment G) offered in situ and (iv) perennial ryegrass silage offered ad libitum indoors (treatment ID). Cows on treatments K, S and ID had a greater ( P < 0·001) increase in body condition score (0·20, 0·14 and 0·50 units respectively) pre-partum than cows on treatment G which lost 0·22 units. Pre-partum treatment had no effect on variables of milk production in the following lactation. In the first 100 d of lactation, cows on treatment G pre-partum had a lower milk fat concentration (35·6 g kg−1) compared with cows on treatments S and ID (38·3 and 39·3 g kg−1 respectively). There was no effect of treatment on the intervals between parturition and first insemination (mean 74·6 d) and conception (mean 96·1 d). The results suggest that offering kale and swedes to dairy cows pre-partum resulted in a similar lactation performance to dairy cows grazing a perennial ryegrass sward or offered perennial ryegrass silage indoors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mental health of asylum seekers has attracted significant interest and examination. Quantitative studies have consistently indicated that asylum seekers experience mental distress at a higher rate than both host populations and their refugee counterparts. Qualitative insight into asylum seekers' embodied experience of mental distress is limited. This qualitative narrative study aimed to explore African asylum seekers' everyday embodied experiences of mental distress. Sixteen semi-structured one-to-one interviews were conducted with African asylum seekers who had experienced mental distress and were receiving mental health care services in Ireland. Narrative data were analysed using a holistic analysis framework of narrative form and content. Participants described their everyday endurance of relentless rumination, shame, self-loathing, anger, and mistrust, and of becoming demoralised and hopeless. Study findings indicate that asylum seekers' mental distress interweaves the physical, psychological, emotional, and social realms, thus impacting on the whole of their being. Consequences for asylum seekers include feeling anaesthetised, having a severely diminished capacity to connect and interact with their external surroundings and other people, and, for some, efforts to end their life.Examinations of, and responses to, asylum seekers' mental distress must delve beyond the confines of diagnostic categorisations and codifications of symptomology. To achieve heightened understanding and efficacious interventions, we must empathetically listen and engage with asylum seekers' narratives of distress and the socio-cultural and socio-political context they inhabit.

Objectives: Acute hospitals, in particular the emergency department, can be disorienting for people living with dementia. As part of a larger project to improve care for people living with dementia, dementia-inclusive modifications were made to two emergency department bays in a large acute care hospital in Ireland. Modifications to spatial configuration included noise reduction, altered lighting and the addition of an orientation aid and fixed seating for relatives., Method: A mixed methods approach was employed with both service user and service provider perspectives explored (survey of service providers ( n  = 16) and interviews with family carers ( n  = 10) at one time point and interviews with service providers ( n  = 8 and n  = 5) and key stakeholders ( n  = 3) as well as audit data (at two time points) to evaluate the impact of the modifications made to the emergency department., Results: Orientation and navigation within the modified bays were improved though technical issues with the orientation aid were highlighted. Further user information on the functionality of the adjustable lighting would be required to maximise its benefits. This lighting and use of calming colours, together with the addition of noise-reduction bay screens, served to reduce sensory stimulation. The provision of adequate space and seating for family carers was extremely beneficial. The removal of unnecessary equipment and use of new structures to store relevant clinical equipment were other positive changes implemented. A number of challenges in the design development of the modified bays were highlighted, as well as ongoing broader environmental challenges within the emergency department environment., Conclusion: The findings suggest that the modified bays contributed positively to the experience of people living with dementia and their families in the emergency department.

Background: Little is known about staff's attitudes in Irish acute hospital settings towards people living with dementia and their perceived dementia knowledge. The aim of this study was to understand the general level of dementia knowledge and attitudes towards dementia in different types of hospital staff, as well as to explore the potential influence of previous dementia training and experience (having a family member with dementia) and the potential moderating effects of personal characteristics. This data was required to plan and deliver general and targeted educational interventions to raise awareness of dementia throughout the acute services., Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among a diverse range of hospital staff (n = 1795) in three urban acute general hospitals in Ireland, including doctors, nurses, healthcare attendants, allied professionals, and general support staff. Participants' perceived dementia knowledge and attitudes were assessed as well as their previous dementia training and experience. To measure participant's attitude towards dementia, the validated Approaches to Dementia Questionnaire (ADQ) was used., Results: Hospital staff demonstrated positive attitudes towards people living with dementia, and believed they had a fair to moderate understanding of dementia. Both 'having previous dementia training' and 'having a relative living with dementia' predicted attitude towards dementia and perceived dementia knowledge. Interestingly, certain personal staff characteristics did impact dementia training in predicting attitude towards dementia and perceived dementia knowledge., Conclusion: This study provides a baseline of data regarding the attitudes towards dementia and perceived dementia knowledge for hospital staff in Irish acute hospitals. The results can inform educational initiatives that target different hospital staff, in order to increase awareness and knowledge to improve quality of dementia care in Irish hospitals.

Irish Travellers are a small indigenous minority group with a distinctive lifestyle and culture which sets them apart from the general population. Travellers are vulnerable to significant mental distress which is exacerbated by the social disadvantage that they experience. A Traveller Mental Health Liaison Nurse (TMHLN) was introduced in one health care region in Ireland to provide support for Travellers and increase their access to mental health services. The aim of this paper is to present the findings from an evaluation which explored Travellers access to and reasons for accessing the TMHLN, the interventions provided and their experiences of and perceptions of the role of the TMHLN. A descriptive qualitative approach was used. Ten Travellers who used the service were interviewed. Following data analysis, three themes emerged: factors affecting Traveller mental health; accessing the TMHLN and the Travellers experiences and perceptions of the TMHLN. The participants were extremely positive about the TMHLN and valued the support provided. The findings highlight how the interpersonal skills associated with mental health nursing set against recovery orientated and culturally congruent practices are suitable approaches when working with Travellers.

Aim:   To report a study evaluating the effectiveness of a Wellness Recovery Action Planning education programme., Background:   Internationally, mental health policy is advocating using recovery approaches to care. Underpinning these approaches is investment in education in recovery principles and methods and a need to provide evidence of the impact of this education., Design:   The study design employed a mixed methods approach., Methods:   Using questionnaires and focus groups, we evaluated 2- and 5-day Wellness Recovery Action Planning Education Programmes and assessed participants' attitudes towards recovery, knowledge of recovery and Wellness Recovery Action Planning beliefs. Data were collected between 2009 and 2010. Participants were people with personal experience of mental health problems, practitioners in mental health services and family members/carers of those with mental health problems., Results:   Comparing the pre and postmeasures showed that the programme increased participants' knowledge of and attitudes towards recovery and Wellness Recovery Action Planning. Although this increase was statistically significant for the 2-day programme, it was not so for the 5-day programme. Participants reported being very positive and enthusiastic about the programme and the benefits they had achieved personally and professionally as a result of participating., Conclusions:   This exploratory study shows that providing mental health practitioners and people with personal experience of mental health problems with a systematic education and training in recovery principles using the Wellness Recovery Action Planning approach leads to positive changes in people's knowledge, skills and attitudes towards recovery. This education appeared to inspire, invigorate and empower people, and for many, it was a life changing experience., (© 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.)

In recent years mature students have been encouraged into nurse education for the valuable qualities they are known to possess, along with their ability to assist in providing a sustainable solution to the current health care crisis. Unfortunately corresponding resources and support structures have not accompanied this widening of access and mature students are expected to fit into structures that already exist, structures that were formulated with eighteen year olds in mind. This qualitative study explores the experiences of mature students in nurse education. Three discipline specific focus group interviews were used as a means of gathering data from 28 mature students. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis as described by Burnard [Burnard, P., 1991. A method of analysing interview transcripts in qualitative research. Nurse Education Today 11, 461-466]. Findings revealed that students continue to struggle with the academic component of the course. They also found it difficult to balance the home and university divide. Greater challenges were identified by female participants as they maintained their previous roles. Males on the other hand were provided with greater freedom to pursue their studies. There is a need for curricular changes to be implemented in order to provide a greater flexibility and supportive experience for mature students. Further research is advocated in this area.

Mental health nursing has traditionally attracted a high level of mature applicants and this trend has not altered since the introduction of the Bachelor in Science in Nursing programme. The literature suggests that for many mature students, entering into nurse education is the fulfillment of a lifelong ambition. However, in reality they face many challenges not always shared by their younger classmates. The aim of this paper is to explore the clinical experiences of mature students in the field of mental health nursing. A qualitative descriptive method was utilised to guide the research with a focus group being the method of data collection. Current mental health mature nursing students in one urban university were invited to participate. Data were analysed using content analysis. Findings revealed that overall the students in this study found their clinical experiences invaluable. However, sometimes mature students were given roles and responsibilities beyond their scope of practice because of their age and apparent experience. This often conflicted with their supernumerary status and compounded the differences between them and their traditional counterparts. This was not perceived as negative by the students themselves as it contributed to a wider range of learning experiences.

Evidence suggests that male nurses face gender-based barriers during their nursing education programs. The authors describe male nurses' experiences of these barriers in Ireland and the United States. Mechanisms to recruit and retain male nurses are also discussed.

This article presents the results of two small qualitative studies, which examined the experiences of six male registered psychiatric nurses (RPN) and five male registered general nurses (RGN) when caring for patients of the opposite sex. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect the data. The focus of the interviews was an attempt to describe the male nurses' experiences of caring for women with a particular emphasis on interventions that involved physical touch. Themes were generated from both studies and the common themes are presented here. Male nurses in this study were often apprehensive about using physical touch and they used coping strategies in response to their fears of being accused of using touch inappropriately. Several factors also influenced the male nurses when using physical touch as an intervention. These findings suggest that learning about caring for female patients needs to be included in the undergraduate curriculum and that further research on the experience of men as nurses is required.

In 2002 the tuberculosis (TB) incidence in Dublin was 13.1 cases per 100,000 persons. In inner city Dublin, the TB incidence was > 20 per 100,000 persons. TB notification rates have remained elevated. The objective of the study is to characterize the population affected in this inner city area and to investigate transmission patterns and potential risk factors for TB disease. This hospital-based molecular epidemiologic study included all culture positive cases of TB between January 1, 1998 and December 31, 2002 from the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital. 142 cases were analyzed. 84 (59%) had clustered Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) isolates, 58 (41%) had unique isolates by molecular typing. There were 13 clusters; the largest two clusters had 26 cases each, one linked to pubs, the other linked through family contact. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, birth in Ireland, pulmonary TB, and younger age were significantly associated with recent transmission. Dublin is a developed city with persistent areas of high rates of TB in the native population. Despite a functioning public health system and lack of predisposing risk factors such as HIV, immigration, and extreme poverty, TB can persist in pockets of the younger, native population.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a worldwide health problem. Treatment, contact tracing and screening of at-risk populations continue to be important issues even in countries with low rates of tuberculosis. In contact tracing, prior BCG vaccination can make interpretation of Mantoux positivity difficult. We had the opportunity to evaluate contacts of a student diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis. In the index case's class, 23 of 50 (46%) students screened had TB infection and a further 2 (4%) students had TB disease. Screening was offered to all students in the school (307 students) and 244 students (79%) attended. Students were stratified naturally into classes of ascending age, providing an opportunity to study disease transmission and Mantoux testing in a group who had received BCG at birth. Our findings illustrates that neonatal BCG vaccination has a minimal effect on Mantoux positivity at 12 years and older.

Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency is an autosomally inherited disease in which individuals homozygous for the disorder are prone to develop severe emphysema. We report the case of a 43 yr old man with severe deficiency and advanced emphysema and the first experience in Ireland with intravenous alpha-1-antitrypsin replacement. After 1 yr of replacement therapy we report our experience with dosage and frequency of infusion as well as pulmonary function test data before and during treatment.