Who Bears Responsibility for the Post-Acute Older Adult: Patient, Family or State?

Aim: This study explores the perceptions of hospital discharge coordinators on the issues raised for the post-acute older adult and their family, using the lens of assisted decision-making and advance directives.

Background: New legislation has been developed in Ireland to support assisted decision-making and advance directives that is largely consistent with other countries around the world. The Assisted Decision-Making Act of 2015 was fully commeced in April 2023, following lengthy debate.

Understanding the menopausal experiences of women with intellectual disabilities: A scoping review.

During the process of ageing, women experience important hormonal, endocrine and biological changes. Menopause is a natural phenomenon in female development, during which women's ovarian function shifts from a reproductive to a non-reproductive state. The experience of menopause is unique for every woman, including women with intellectual disabilities.

Implementing advance directives-An international literature review of important considerations for nurses.

Aim(s): To review the global literature on the implementation of advance health care directives to date, and the experiences of the health care professionals who must initiate the discussions around advance care planning, as well as support patients' ultimate decisions.

Background: Ireland's Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 legalizes advance health care directives. It promotes the autonomy of the person and enables them to have treatment in accordance with their will and preferences.

Cancer screening in women with intellectual disabilities: an Irish perspective.

In the Republic of Ireland, more than 8000 women with intellectual disabilities (IDs), aged 20 years and over, are registered for service provision. Their health needs challenge preventative health services including breast and cervical cancer screening programmes. This review explores the literature about cancer screening participation rates and issues related to screening for Irish women with IDs.