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Readable research linked to original sources
Browse normalized, publication-ready research with direct links to its evidence and source.
Loading articles data…
Readable research linked to original sources
Browse normalized, publication-ready research with direct links to its evidence and source.
10 articles
Newest firstPurposeIn deprescribing studies, a prescription-free gap is typically used to determine if patients discontinued their treatment. An appropriate gap depends on the typical time between prescriptions during continued use. This work aims to characterise the interval between prescriptions of chronic drugs using different methods for a cohort of older people in primary care in Ireland. MethodsThe empirical prescriptio…
Open article record in new tab ↗ObjectiveThis systematic review aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of algorithms used to identify rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in electronic health records (EHRs). MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL databases and included studies that validated case definitions against a reference standard such as rheumatologist-confirmed diagnosis or ACR/EULAR classification…
Open article record in new tab ↗BackgroundPain is a significant burden on individuals, healthcare systems, and society. Analgesic drugs carry many therapeutic benefits; however, all drugs are associated with adverse effects and risk of harm. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids have been identified as particularly high-risk due to the risk of side effects and/or dependency. This study aims to examine how patterns of analges…
Open article record in new tab ↗BackgroundThe number of prescription medicines prescribed to older adults is increasing in Ireland and other countries. This is leading to higher out-of-pocket prescription medicine expenditure for older adults, which has several negative consequences including cost-related non-adherence. This study aimed to characterise out-of-pocket prescription medicine payments, and examine their relationship with entitlements…
Open article record in new tab ↗BackgroundPharmaceutical companies make hundreds of millions of pounds in marketing/R&D-related payments annually to healthcare organisations and healthcare professionals. UK pharmaceutical industry self-regulatory bodies require member companies who sign up to their code of conduct to publish details of their payments. They are also required to publish the methodologies underlying these payments - methodological…
Open article record in new tab ↗Background and ObjectiveRandomised controlled trials (RCTs) provide vital information about healthcare interventions. Accurate reporting is vital for effective RCT dissemination. This study aimed to assess the reporting quality of multi-country RCTs, using Ireland as a case study, examining trial characteristics, adherence to reporting standards and the reporting of participation from Ireland. Study Design and Set…
The COVID-19 pandemic had a substantial impact on healthcare delivery, particularly in general practice. This study aimed to evaluate how dispensing of medications in primary care in Ireland changed following the COVID-19 pandemics onset compared to expected trends. This interrupted time series study used data on medications prescribed in general practice 2016-2022 to patient eligible for state health cover, appro…
Open article record in new tab ↗BackgroundMedical device industry payments to healthcare organisations (HCOs) can create conflicts of interest which can undermine patient care. One way of addressing this concern is by enhancing transparency of industry financial support to HCOs. MedTech Europe, a medical device trade body, operate a system of disclosure of education payments to European HCOs. This study aimed to characterise payments reported in…
IntroductionAs health reforms move Ireland from a mixed public-private system toward universal healthcare, it is important to understand variations in prescribing practice for patients with differing health cover and socioeconomic status. This study aims to determine how prescribing patterns for patients aged [≥]65 years in primary care in Ireland differ between patients with public and private health cover. Metho…
Open article record in new tab ↗BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic triggered rapid, fundamental changes in how healthcare is delivered in communities, notably increased remote delivery of primary care. While the impact of these changes on medication safety are not yet fully understood, research conducted before the pandemic may provide evidence for possible consequences. This rapid review examines the published literature on medication safety incid…
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