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Abstract
AimsThe discharge letter plays a crucial role in continuity of care from secondary to primary care. We found no existing study of outpatient discharge letters, including Mental Retardation services. New Ways of Working for psychiatrists has encouraged the discharge of stable outpatients to primary care in order to provide a responsive, flexible service. This study set standards for discharge communication and identified areas for improvement.MethodologyThis was a retrospective random audit of 30 service users discharged from a psychiatric outpatient clinic. Standards were set with consultant psychiatrists and general practioners. Data was collected from the service users’ last two clinic letters using a pre-developed audit tool and compared the current practice with the standards identified.ResultsStandards for status and future planning were largely achieved with reference to current mental state (97%), current medication (90%), other LD professionals involved (95%), advice and how to re-refer (90%).Standards for historical factors were partially achieved; including summary of contact with services (70%), summary (57%) and evaluation (67%) of treatments received. Some standards were not achieved; including requesting view of primary care prior to discharge (27%), statement of capacity (23%), risk factors (23%) and relapse indicators (27%).ConclusionThe audit showed areas of good practice and areas for improvement. Results were disseminated to MDT's and a template developed for outpatient discharge letters. A re-audit has commenced to ensure progress in this important information-sharing process and to enhance the delivery of safe and effective health care.
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Adams NC, Griffin E, Motyer R, Farrell T, Carmody E, O'Shea A, Murphy B, O'Hare A, Looby S, Power S, Brennan P, Doyle KM, Thornton J. Review of external referrals to a regional stroke centre: it is not just about thrombectomy. Clin Radiol 2019; 74:950-955. [PMID: 31521325 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2019.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To determine the experience of a regional stroke referral centre of external referrals for endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in patients with symptoms of acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) and large vessel occlusion (LVO). MATERIALS AND METHODS Data were collected prospectively over two 4-month periods (2017-2018) on consecutive external referrals for EVT. Baseline demographics, imaging findings, and key time parameters were recorded. Reasons for not transferring patients and for not performing EVT were recorded. Key time intervals were calculated and compared between the transferred and non-transferred group with and without intracranial occlusion and between the transferred patients who underwent thrombectomy and those who did not. RESULTS Two hundred and sixty-two patients were referred. Sixty-one percent (n=159) were accepted and transferred for treatment. Of those transferred, 86% (n=136) had EVT. Fourteen percent (n=23) were unsuitable for EVT on arrival due to no vessel occlusion (48% n=11), poor Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS)/established infarct (30%, n=7) haemorrhage (9%, n=2), and clinical recovery (13% n=3). One hundred and three patients (39%) were ineligible for EVT following phone discussion due to absence of intracranial occlusion (59%, n=61), low ASPECTS (22%, n=23), distal occlusion (4%, n=4), low/improving National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS; 10.7%, n=11), and poor modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at baseline (3%, n=3). Patients with LVO but not transferred had longer onset to hospital arrival time compared with those transferred 151.5 versus 91 minutes (p<0.005), with a trend also toward a longer door to CT/CTA 40 minutes versus 30 minutes (p=0.142). CONCLUSION These data provide valuable insights into the service provision of a comprehensive stroke network. The present rates of EVT and futile transfers are modest compared to published data. Access to neuroradiology and specialised stroke assessment is crucial to optimise time to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- N C Adams
- Interventional Neuroradiology Service, Department of Radiology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - E Griffin
- Interventional Neuroradiology Service, Department of Radiology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - R Motyer
- Department of Radiology, Tallaght Hospital, Tallaght, Dublin 24, Ireland
| | - T Farrell
- Interventional Neuroradiology Service, Department of Radiology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - E Carmody
- Interventional Neuroradiology Service, Department of Radiology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - A O'Shea
- Interventional Neuroradiology Service, Department of Radiology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - B Murphy
- Interventional Neuroradiology Service, Department of Radiology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - A O'Hare
- Interventional Neuroradiology Service, Department of Radiology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - S Looby
- Interventional Neuroradiology Service, Department of Radiology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - S Power
- Interventional Neuroradiology Service, Department of Radiology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - P Brennan
- Interventional Neuroradiology Service, Department of Radiology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - K M Doyle
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - J Thornton
- Interventional Neuroradiology Service, Department of Radiology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland; Honorary Clinical Associate Professor, Royal College of Surgeons, 123 St Stephens Green, Dublin, Ireland
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Yeung E, Ho CS, Thurston W, Carmody E. Perirectal abscess drainage--a simple modification in technique using a vascular sheath. Clin Radiol 1998; 53:77-8. [PMID: 9464446 DOI: 10.1016/s0009-9260(98)80045-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Carmody E, Rodriguez-Marin E, Yeung E, Cullen J, Ho CS. Cytomegalovirus cholangitis after renal transplantation. Can Assoc Radiol J 1994; 45:473-5. [PMID: 7982112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinically significant cytomegalovirus cholangitis is well recognized in patients with AIDS but is less common in other groups of immunocompromised patients. The authors describe a 59-year-old man who had undergone renal transplantation in whom this condition developed, and they emphasize that this diagnosis should be considered in renal transplant patients presenting with biliary obstruction. Careful examination of biopsy material for cytomegalovirus inclusion bodies is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Carmody
- Department of Radiology, Toronto Hospital, ON
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Abstract
Although the association of tuberous sclerosis and renal angiomyolipomas is well established, the occurrence of hepatic hamartomatous lesions in this disease is less well documented. We describe two cases of tuberous sclerosis with associated multiple intrahepatic angiomyolipomas, and we review the literature on this subject. Radiologically, angiomyolipomas can range from entirely lipomatous to completely solid, features which are present in our cases. A characteristic finding of the hepatic involvement in this disease appears to be the multiplicity of the lesions. We suggest that in the setting of tuberous sclerosis it is reasonable to assume that intrahepatic lesions represent angiomyolipomas. However, in nontuberous sclerosis patients with similar findings malignancy cannot be excluded.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Carmody
- Toronto Hospital, Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Ontario, Canada
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Affiliation(s)
- E Carmody
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto Hospital, Ont., Canada
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Carmody E, Arenson AM, Hanna S. Failed or difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy: can preoperative ultrasonography identify potential problems? J Clin Ultrasound 1994; 22:391-396. [PMID: 8071457 DOI: 10.1002/jcu.1870220606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
A prospective study was performed to assess the role of preoperative ultrasonography in predicting failed or difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Fifty patients underwent detailed preoperative ultrasound examinations. The number and size of calculi, evidence of acute or chronic cholecystitis, gallbladder morphology, and the presence or absence of aberrant anatomy were documented. A comparison was made of the surgical outcome and the ultrasound findings in each patient. Six patients were converted to open cholecystectomy because of inflammatory changes in the gallbladder. The preoperative ultrasound studies in 5 of these patients demonstrated evidence of cholecystitis and cholelithiasis. Gallbladder wall thickening and contraction were also seen. Five gallbladder resections had intraoperative difficulties; preoperative ultrasonography demonstrated a thickened gallbladder wall in 2. Of 31 uneventful cases, 7 had evidence of gallbladder wall thickening and/or contraction. There were no ultrasound features that identified between the unsuccessful, difficult, or uneventful laparoscopic cholecystectomies. We conclude that detailed preoperative ultrasound evaluation of the gallbladder in patients destined for laparoscopic cholecystectomy is of little value in screening for difficult or unsuitable cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Carmody
- Department of Radiology, Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Abstract
PURPOSE To present the authors' experience with fluoroscopically guided percutaneous removal of dysfunctioning ureteral stents and to discuss the technique and instrumentation used. MATERIALS AND METHODS Over 6 years, stent or stent fragment extraction procedures were performed in 20 patients. Indications included stent misplacement or migration, stent fracture, difficult retrograde exchange, stent occlusion, and removal prior to percutaneous ureteroscopy. Twelve extractions were performed as two-stage procedures and eight as one-stage procedures. A rigid forceps passed through a 12-F sheath was the preferred instrument for extraction. Other instruments used successfully included snares and flexible forceps. RESULTS Seventeen procedures were successful: Eight stents were removed with rigid forceps, seven with flexible forceps, and two with snares. Three procedures were unsuccessful: In two, the stent could not be grasped because there was intervening renal pelvic mucosa, and in one, clotted blood surrounded the stent. There were no undue complications. CONCLUSION This procedure is highly successful when appropriate technique and instruments are used.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Y Yeung
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Carmody E, Thurston W, Yeung E, Ho CS. Transrectal drainage of deep pelvic collections under fluoroscopic guidance. Can Assoc Radiol J 1993; 44:429-33. [PMID: 8252422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Although transrectal drainage of pelvic fluid collections, guided by fluoroscopy, computed tomography (CT) and ultrasonography (US), has been reported, the cumulative experience is small. The authors describe a technique for fluoroscopically guided transrectal drainage and present the results obtained for 13 patients. Each patient underwent diagnostic CT and then fluoroscopically guided drainage. A barium enema tube assembly, consisting of an enema tube, a Lunderquist PTC (percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram) needle and a small portion of a red rubber catheter, was used to facilitate insertion of the drainage catheter. The procedure was defined as successful if complete clearance occurred after drainage, as temporizing if partial drainage was achieved and clinical improvement occurred, and as failed if the collection showed no response to drainage. Twelve of the patients had abscesses, 9 of which were successfully treated by drainage alone; one drainage was temporizing and two failed. The collection in the last patient represented a hematoma, which did not respond to drainage. The authors conclude that the technique they describe is suitable for draining moderate to large pelvic abscesses. The procedure is safe and can easily be performed in both male and female patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Carmody
- Department of Radiology, Toronto Hospital, Ont
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Carmody E, Yeung EY, McLoughlin M. Liver hamartomas in tuberous sclerosis. Clin Radiol 1993; 48:432. [PMID: 8293653 DOI: 10.1016/s0009-9260(05)81119-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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Abstract
Although the majority of impalpable undescended testes lie in an intracanalicular location, a significant number are also found to be intraabdominal. The expected location of intraabdominal testes is a line joining the renal hilum and the internal inguinal ring. We describe a case of an adult patient in whom impalpable undescended testes were located in a retrovesical location. This case highlights the importance of performing a thorough inspection of the entire abdomen and pelvis if the impalpable testis is not found in an expected location.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Carmody
- Department of Radiology, Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Carmody E, Greene A, Brennan P, Donohue J, Carmody M, Keeling F. Sequential Tc 99m mercaptoacetyl-triglycine (MAG3) renography as an evaluator of early renal transplant function. Clin Transplant 1993; 7:245-9. [PMID: 10148844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
A prospective study was carried out to evaluate the role of sequential Tc 99m MAG3 renography in assessing transplant function in the early post-operative period. Twenty patients were included in the study. Studies were performed on all patients at intervals of 48-72 hours until discharge. There were 11 clinically diagnosed episodes of rejection, 9 of which were correctly diagnosed using MAG3 renography. Six episodes of rejection were diagnosed prior to the onset of clinical symptoms. Two patients with graft infarction were correctly diagnosed. Six patients had evidence of transient renographic abnormalities in the immediate post-operative phase which were not associated with clinical symptoms, all of these resolved spontaneously on subsequent examinations and were presumed to be related to resolving acute tubular necrosis (ATN). The perfusion index was of no discriminatory value in this study. Sequential Tc 99m MAG3 renography is highly sensitive but entirely nonspecific in the evaluation of pathology in the transplant kidney. Rejection in an uncomplicated transplant can be readily detected in many cases well in advance of clinical manifestations. This study demonstrates that Tc 99m MAG3 renography is certainly equal to Tc 99m DTPA renography or Iodine 131 renography in assessing early transplant function. However, Tc 9m MAG3 exposes the patient to considerably less radiation and the images are of superior quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Carmody
- Department of Radiology and Nephrology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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Affiliation(s)
- E Carmody
- Department of Radiology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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Abstract
Two rare features of minimal change glomerulonephritis occurring together in an adult patient are described. A 70-year-old man presented with acute renal failure and the nephrotic syndrome. Investigation revealed minimal change glomerulonephritis and non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Anti-lymphoma treatment reversed both the renal failure and the nephrotic syndrome. Minimal change glomerulonephritis, as a cause of acute renal failure and as a manifestation of malignancy, is briefly reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Cronin
- Department of Renal Medicine and Transplantation, Jervis Street Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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Carmody E, Buckley P, Hutchinson M. Basilar artery occlusion following chiropractic cervical manipulation. Ir Med J 1987; 80:259-60. [PMID: 3667194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Carmody E, McNicholl J, Chadwick G, Bresnihan B, Fitzgerald MX. Prolonged spontaneous pneumomediastinum in adult dermatomyositis. Ann Rheum Dis 1987. [DOI: 10.1136/ard.46.7.566-a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Carmody E, Mcnicholl J, Chadwick G, Bresnihan B, Fitzgerald MX. Prolonged spontaneous pneumomediastinum in adult dermatomyositis. Ann Rheum Dis 1987. [DOI: 10.1136/ard.46.7.566-b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Carmody E, McNicholl J, Chadwick G, Bresnihan B, Fitzgerald MX. Prolonged spontaneous pneumomediastinum in adult dermatomyositis. Ann Rheum Dis 1987; 46:566. [PMID: 3662647 PMCID: PMC1002195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Carmody E, Hutchinson M. Tick-borne lymphocytic meningoradiculitis in Ireland: Bannwarth's syndrome/Lyme disease. Ir Med J 1987; 80:154. [PMID: 3597040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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McNicholl JM, O’Donnell J, Greally JG, Carmody E, Devlin J, McKenna TJ, Dolan M, Clarke H, Kirwan A, Heffernan A, Kennedy AL, Sheridan B, Atkinson AB, Johnstone H, Traub AI, Hoey H, Tanner JM, Cox LA, Smyth PPA, Ritchie CM, Burgess C, Kennedy L, Hadden D, Weaver J, Atkinson AB, Sheridan B, Clarke GE, Kelleher C, Grealy G, Barry D, Kingston SM, Ferriss JB, O’Sullivan DJ, Cunningham SK, Sequeira SJ, Chambers J, McKenna TJ, McCance DR, Hadden DR, Kennedy L, Sheridan B, Atkinson AB, McCance DR, Mcllrath E, McNeill A, Hadden DR, Kennedy L, Sheridan B, Atkinson AB, Collins W, O’Connor P, Cullen M, Cranny A, Feely J, O’Meara N, O’Donnell L, Owens D, Collins P, Johnson A, Tomkin G, Stevens AB, Bell PM, Graham A, Hayes JR, Bahendeka SK, Moore RE, Tomkin GH, Moles KW, McConnell JB, McCann JP, Buchanan KD, Lanigan O, Powell D, Atkinson AB, McAteer EJ, Finlay L, Hadden DR, Kennedy AL, Sheridan B, Corcoran AE, Smyth PPA, Sequeira SJ, Comiskey GA, McDermott R, Powell D, Frier BM, Ferriss JB. Irish Endocrine Society Proceedings of Annual Meeting (The Professor D. A. D. Montgomery Meeting), Regional Hospital, Galway, October 10th–11th, 1986. Ir J Med Sci 1987. [DOI: 10.1007/bf02953235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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