Exploring the needs and experiences of contact tracing staff during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland.

Background: Contact tracing is a key component in controlling the spread of COVID-19, however little research has focused on learning from the experiences of contact tracing staff. Harnessing learning from those in this role can provide valuable insights into the process of contact tracing and how best to support staff in this crucial role.

Methods: Thematic analysis was used to analyse 47 semi-structured interviews conducted with contact tracing staff via telephone or Zoom at three time points in 2021: March, May and September-October.

Exploring the psychological impact of contact tracing work on staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: Contact tracing is a key control measure in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While quantitative research has been conducted on the psychological impact of the pandemic on other frontline healthcare workers, none has explored the impact on contact tracing staff.

Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted using two repeated measures with contact tracing staff employed in Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic using two-tailed independent samples t tests and exploratory linear mixed models.

Contact tracing during the COVID-19 outbreak: a protocol for enabling rapid learning from experiences and exploring the psychological impact on contact tracers.

Given the unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Irish health system required the redeployment of public sector staff and the recruitment of dedicated contact tracing staff in the effort to contain the spread of the virus. Contact tracing is crucial for effective disease control and is normally carried out by public health teams. Contact tracing staff are provided with rapid intensive training but are operating in a dynamic environment where processes and advice are adapting continuously.

Embedding a user-centred approach in the development of complex behaviour change intervention to improve outcomes for young adults living with type 1 diabetes: The D1 Now Study.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an auto-immune condition which requires intensive self-management. Diabetes self-management is challenging, especially during young adulthood. Effective interventions to improve outcomes for young adults with T1D are needed.

A core outcomes set for clinical trials of interventions for young adults with type 1 diabetes: an international, multi-perspective Delphi consensus study.

Background: Achieving consensus from a range of relevant stakeholders about an agreed set of core outcomes to be measured and reported as a minimum in clinical trials has the potential to enhance evidence synthesis and make findings more relevant and applicable. Intervention research to improve outcomes for young adults with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) is hampered by inconsistent use of outcome measures. This population frequently struggles to manage their condition and reports suboptimal clinical outcomes.

Development of a Psycho-Educational Support Program for Individuals with Primary Progressive Aphasia and their Care-Partners.

Primary progressive aphasia is a language-based dementia that initially spares other cognitive domains; however, aphasia interferes with many life roles such as work and interpersonal relationships. Psycho-educational programs, such as support groups have been shown to be effective for persons with Alzheimer's dementia; however, little is known regarding their effectiveness for persons with primary progressive aphasia. This paper describes the development of a program that offers support, education and activities for persons with primary progressive aphasia and their care-partners and its feasibility.

Is diabetes self-management education still the Cinderella of diabetes care?

This paper reflects on the status of diabetes self-management education (DSME) as a branch of diabetology in Europe and discusses some opportunities for better supporting DSME delivery. DSME (also commonly known as Therapeutic Patient Education) has been evolving as a therapy for diabetes for decades. As a continent, Europe is fortunate to have nurtured many pioneers in DSME, and currently has many experts in the field progressing the knowledge base and striving to improve access to DSME for people with diabetes.

'It makes a difference, coming here': A qualitative exploration of clinic attendance among young adults with type 1 diabetes.

Objective: Young adulthood is a time of significant challenges and risks for people with type 1 diabetes. Poor outpatient clinic attendance is common among young adults with type 1 diabetes. The aim of this qualitative study was to develop a theory explaining attendance at a hospital-based diabetes clinic.

Cost effectiveness of group follow-up after structured education for type 1 diabetes: a cluster randomised controlled trial.

Background: This study examines the cost effectiveness of group follow-up after participation in the Dose Adjustment for Normal Eating (DAFNE) structured education programme for type 1 diabetes.

Methods: Economic evaluation conducted alongside a cluster randomised controlled trial involving 437 adults with type 1 diabetes in Ireland. Group follow-up involved two group education 'booster' sessions post-DAFNE.

A brief cookery skills intervention is no more effective than written information alone in reducing body mass index in overweight cardiac rehabilitation patients [corrected].

Overweight and obesity are common health risks, but it can be difficult to effect weight change. This randomized controlled trial examined the effects of a novel Cookery skills intervention on body mass index (BMI) in overweight and obese patients with cardiovascular disease, who had previously attended a cardiac rehabilitation programme. Patients with BMI >27 kg/m(2) were randomized to either a 5-week cookery skills course with written educational materials, or to written materials only.

Group follow-up compared to individual clinic visits after structured education for type 1 diabetes: a cluster randomised controlled trial.

Aim: To compare the effectiveness of group follow-up with individual follow-up after participation in the Dose Adjustment for Normal Eating (DAFNE) structured education programme.

Methods: Cluster randomised controlled trial involving 437 adults with type 1 diabetes attending hospital diabetes clinics in Ireland. All participants received DAFNE at baseline.

Linguistic and psychometric validation of the Diabetes-Specific Quality-of-Life Scale in U.K. English for adults with type 1 diabetes.

Objective: To develop a linguistically and psychometrically validated U.K. English (U.

The Irish DAFNE study protocol: a cluster randomised trial of group versus individual follow-up after structured education for type 1 diabetes.

Background: Structured education programmes for individuals with Type 1 diabetes have become a recognised means of delivering the knowledge and skills necessary for optimal self-management of the condition. The Dose Adjustment for Normal Eating (DAFNE) programme has been shown to improve biomedical (HbA(1c) and rates of severe hypoglycaemia) and psychosocial outcomes for up to 12 months following course delivery. The optimal way to support DAFNE graduates and maintain the benefits of the programme has not been established.