Search

Background: Blogging can help to maximise the impact of one's work in academia and beyond by making research findings accessible for multiple knowledge users, such as healthcare professionals and the public, as well as other researchers. As part of the knowledge exchange and dissemination activities of the Model for Dementia Palliative Care Project, this study explored stakeholders' views of blogs as a means to translate research findings. Methods: A web-based survey was developed, piloted, and revised. It was distributed electronically via key dementia and palliative care organisations websites, newsletters, social media platforms, and within the staff mailing lists of five Universities in Ireland. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Results: Complete responses were received from 128 participants. The majority of respondents were healthcare researchers (n = 53), followed by healthcare providers (n = 46). The preferred methods of reviewing research findings were scientific papers, websites and news articles. Respondents read healthcare blogs "sometimes" (39.1%), with < 19% reading them "often" or "very often". Receiving an email notification might increase the likelihood of reading a new blog post for 83% of respondents. Barriers to engaging with blogs included lack of time, preference for other media, lack of awareness regarding available blogs, and concerns about the credibility and source of information. An appropriate length and the author of the blog were key features that encouraged engagement with a blog. Conclusions: Despite respondents choosing a scientific paper as their preferred method to consume research findings, many indicated an openness to reading blogs on their area of interest. Creating concise, relevant, and credible blogs, and suitably promoting them, could increase the impact and reach of healthcare research, such as in the emerging field of dementia palliative care, and thus promote translation of research findings into practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The Model for Dementia Palliative Care Project will develop a service delivery model for community-based dementia palliative care in Ireland. This responds to palliative care now being recognised as a priority in care for people with dementia. Various dementia palliative care services exist internationally, however little is known about what the service providers would deem to be the most important aspects of service provision. The aim of this study was to identify what key stakeholders consider to be essential components of a model of dementia palliative care. Methods A web-based survey was developed, piloted (n=5), and revised. It was distributed electronically within five healthcare jurisdictions, in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales. The target population was healthcare professionals, policy-makers, and academics, with an interest in dementia and palliative care. Content analysis of open ended questions was used to identify common themes within the data. Results Complete surveys were received from 112 stakeholders. The majority of respondents were female (86%). Identified key principles of care incorporated the philosophies of palliative care and good dementia care, with many describing 'holistic' and 'person-centred care' as core. Important individual components were identified, including support for carers, advanced care planning, information, education and training, activities for 'meaningful living', comprehensive disease management, coordinated case management, and linking in with community health services and social activities. Barriers to the model were identified at three levels: '(mis)understanding of dementia palliative care', 'application of dementia palliative care' and 'wider service organisation'. Conclusion Numerous components of a 'good' model were identified, along with possible barriers to implementation of the model. This study, as part of the larger project, will inform a model of dementia palliative care for the Irish Healthcare system with the potential to improve the experiences of people with dementia and their families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background : As Northern Ireland starts to recover from 30 years of terrorist violence, political focus has moved to address social issues incumbent in a landscape blighted by civil unrest. This paper appears to be the primary attempt to synthesize the most violent period of Ireland's history in terms of the actual number of premature and unnecessary deaths. Aim : The aim of this study was to examine the trends in suicide rates and terrorist-related homicide in Northern Ireland from 1966 to 1999 and to investigate any relationship between the two. Methods : The official suicide rates from the Reports of the Registrar Generals Office (1967 – 2000) were extrapolated from the total list of causes of death. The death figures were taken from the data published by McKittrick et al. (2000). Data was initially systematically listed. Cross-tabs were then undertaken to examine the number of suicides and deaths by gender and age. Where appropriate Pearson correlation co-efficient was used to analyse possible statistically significant relationships between variables. Results : Nearly 7000 people have died prematurely in Northern Ireland between 1966 and 1999. Males were more likely to die by both methods than females. The standardized rate of suicide falls in both genders after the age of 65 years. A highly significant inverse correlation ( p < 0.01) was noted between the total number of suicides and homicides. A finding repeated in both genders. Conclusions : The “Troubles” may have had the effect of increasing social cohesion that protected individuals from suicide. Declaration of interest : None. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]