A cross-sectional survey of doctors' views on flexible postgraduate physician training in Ireland.

Recruitment and retention of doctors is a priority for the Irish healthcare service, with many leaving to work in regions with more favourable conditions. Aligning flexible training options with other jurisdictions may be an effective means of improving working conditions. We sought to assess possible improvements to the existing system and to review barriers to flexible training.

The quality of published paediatric audits and their standards.

Objective: Audit is a recognised tool for evaluating the performance and improving the quality of health services. In Ireland and the UK, clear resources are available outlining audit elements. This study was undertaken to evaluate paediatric audits published from 2007 to 2020 to determine the adherence level to the definition of audit and to assess the quality of audit standards.

Evaluation of the Quick Wee method of inducing faster clean catch urine collection in pre-continent infants: a randomized controlled trial.

Introduction: The acquisition of non-contaminated urine samples in pre-continent infants remains a challenge. The Quick Wee method uses bladder stimulation to induce voiding. A previous randomized trial showed a higher rate of voiding within 5 minutes using this method.

The early experience of doctors training in pediatrics: patient safety culture and the role and influence of the registrar.

Introduction: Postgraduate medical training incorporates education, both formal and informal, combined with clinical service. This study explored the early training experience of pediatricians in Ireland and its potential impact on patient safety.

Aim: We sought to identify factors that contribute to the patient safety experience of new entrant pediatric trainees.

A national physician survey of diagnostic error in paediatrics.

Unlabelled: This cross-sectional survey explored paediatric physician perspectives regarding diagnostic errors. All paediatric consultants and specialist registrars in Ireland were invited to participate in this anonymous online survey. The response rate for the study was 54 % (n = 127).

Field testing the utility of procalcitonin and the acute infantile observation score in febrile infants 6 to 36 months old presenting to the pediatric emergency department with no obvious focus of infection.

Background: Serious bacterial illness (SBI) presents a diagnostic challenge in febrile infants. History, clinical signs, and laboratory information combined with experiential knowledge affects decisions to admit and treat.

Aim: To assess the utility of serum procalcitonin and the Acute Infantile Observation Score (AIOS) performed at emergency department presentation in predicting (a) confirmed serious bacterial illness and (b) illness severity.

Validating the difficult intravenous access clinical prediction rule.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the difficult intravenous access (DIVA) score, a clinical prediction rule, which states that children with a score of 4 or more will have a 50% higher rate of a failed intravenous placement on the first attempt compared with the mean failure rate.

Methods: This was a prospective cohort study in children 0 to 14 years, undergoing peripheral intravenous placement by doctors in the emergency department of a medium-sized general hospital. Before intravenous placement attempts, demographic data inclusive of age and DIVA score were recorded.

Considering statins for cholesterol-reduction in children if lifestyle and diet changes do not improve their health: a review of the risks and benefits.

Children who appear healthy, even if they have one or more recognized cardiovascular risk factors, do not generally have outcomes of cardiovascular or other vascular disease during childhood. Historically, pediatric medicine has not aggressively screened for or treated cardiovascular risk factors in otherwise healthy children. However, studies such as the P-Day Study (Pathobiological Determinants of Atherosclerosis in Youth), and the Bogalusa Heart Study, indicate that healthy children at remarkably young ages can have evidence of significant atherosclerosis.

Systematic review and metaanalysis of statins for heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia in children: evaluation of cholesterol changes and side effects.

Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (heFH) affects 1 in 500 individuals. Evidence supports the low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-lowering effect of statins for adults with heFH. However, there are concerns regarding the treatment children with heFH.

Cholesterol screening in an at-risk pediatric population.

Elevation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is a recognized risk factor for premature atherosclerosis and such elevations have their antecedents in the pediatric population. This study evaluated the frequency of elevated LDL cholesterol in children and adolescents (8-18 years) in whom one parent had a history of premature ischemic heart disease (<55 years). Patients had a fasting lipid profile performed and results were classified as normal, borderline/high, or high in accordance with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines.

An evaluation of Medline published paediatric audits from 1966 to 1999.

Aim: To evaluate the quality of paediatric audits from 1966 to 1999.

Methods: A Medline search was performed using the MeSH terms audit, child, paediatric (and pediatric). Predefined core elements of audit were used as inclusion criteria for entry of an article into this study.