Publications by authors named "R E O'Donnell"

Background: Evidence suggests that controls on the physical and temporal availability of alcohol can reduce alcohol-related harms. Public health teams in England and Scotland have in recent years been given a statutory role in licensing systems through which premises are granted permits to sell alcohol. The Exploring the Impact of alcohol premises Licensing in England and Scotland study examined public health team efforts to engage in alcohol licensing from 2012 to 2019.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background And Aims: Public perceptions of alcohol and its related harms and policies are shaped by multiple discourses and can influence behaviour and policy support. As part of a FrameWorks-informed project to test framing approaches to improve public understanding and support for evidence-based alcohol policies in the UK, this research aimed to (i) summarise relevant evidence; (ii) compare how public understanding of alcohol harms differs from those of academic and charity experts; and (iii) develop novel framing approaches.

Methods: (1) a literature review including systematic, scoping and targeted components to understand previous evidence on effective framing from behaviour change, UK alcohol policy and FrameWorks literatures; (2) comparison of public views of alcohol harms and policies from four focus groups (n = 20) with those of public health experts; (3) an iterative process involving workshops and stakeholder consultation to develop 12 novel framing approaches.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Orchid mycorrhizal fungi (OMF) associations in the Orchidaceae are thought to have been a major driver of diversification in the family. In the terrestrial orchid tribe Diurideae, it has long been hypothesised that OMF symbiont associations may reflect evolutionary relationships among orchid hosts. Given that recent phylogenomic efforts have been unable to fully resolve relationships among subtribes in the Diurideae, we sought to ascertain whether orchid OMF preferences may lend support to certain phylogenetic hypotheses.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • Parental smoking is the main source of secondhand smoke exposure in children, leading to respiratory issues, and promoting smoke-free homes is crucial, particularly in rural areas like Kuala Kubu Bharu, Malaysia.
  • The study used surveys and interviews in 2022 to assess knowledge and beliefs about secondhand smoke, with 60 participants showing moderate understanding but revealing barriers like personal convenience and social influence to adopting smoke-free practices.
  • Findings indicate a need for tailored health promotion efforts in these communities, as men's beliefs about smoking cessation may hinder smoke-free home adoption, highlighting the importance of culturally sensitive interventions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • Effective communication of blood test results is crucial for patient care and safety, but there is a need for safer and more efficient methods to relay this information in primary care.
  • A systematic review covering 71 studies showed that patients desire swift and comprehensive information about their test results, with electronic communication methods favored by some, but mixed opinions exist among clinicians regarding direct access to results.
  • The findings highlight the importance of understanding patient and clinician preferences, as well as the challenges, as the NHS moves towards more patient-centered online access for test results.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF