Irish Perspective Research Articles

Pre-service teachers' self-efficacy towards children with disabilities: An Irish perspective

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 10-week adapted physical activity (APA) programme on the self-efficacy levels of pre-service teachers (PSTs) towards teaching children and young people with disabilities (ages 5 to 21) during a weekly 1-hour APA programme. Participants included 64 PSTs (ages 19-25) in their 3rd year of a physical education initial teacher education (PE-ITE) programme at a university within the Republic of Ireland. PSTs completed the Self-Efficacy Scale for Physical Education Teacher Education Majors toward Children with Disabilities (SE-PETE-D) questionnaire both before and after their participation in the APA programme followed by a focus group interview (n=4). Repeated-measure ANOVAs showed that self-efficacy scores significantly increased after participation in the programme than those prior to participation in the programme. Results of the focus group discussion also confirmed the findings from the questionnaire to be true and accurate.

Opportunities within the Revised EU Common Agricultural Policy to Address the Decline of Farmland Birds: An Irish Perspective

The loss of global biological diversity continues despite on-going conservation efforts. Agriculture is the major terrestrial land use in Europe and any conservation efforts to protect biological diversity must address sustainable use of these food production systems. Using Ireland, within the European Union policy framework, as an example, the declines in farmland birds are discussed. The opportunities afforded to farmland bird conservation as a result of the recent reform to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) are outlined. The potential for revised and refined CAP, specifically agri-environment schemes, to deliver benefits for biodiversity and for farmland bird species within Irish agricultural ecosystems is explored. Despite all the efforts to date and the significant resources invested in implementing agri-environment measures and schemes, few attempts have been made to collect monitoring and surveillance data with which to quantitatively assess the effectiveness of schemes, and measures that are designed to assist in the recovery of farmland biodiversity, including bird species, in Ireland.

Famine and the changing role of NGOs: an Irish perspective

The paper discusses how the recent history of famine has influenced the mission of relief-oriented non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Reflecting on ‘Equity in health care: the Irish perspective’

Reflecting on ‘Equity in health care: the Irish perspective’

Quality of life, continence and frequency of pouchitis following laparoscopic versus open colectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis: an Irish perspective.

This study aims to assess quality of life outcomes, continence, rates of pouchitis and predictors of pouchitis for patients undergoing laparoscopic versus open three-stage ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) surgery in our institution. Forty-two patients having had three-stage (IPAA) surgery were identified. One was excluded as they had undergone pouchectomy. A postal questionnaire followed by telephone contact was undertaken. The questionnaire was based on The Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) and Wexner/Cleveland Clinic Faecal Incontinence Symptom Severity Scoring Systems. Our aim was to assess morbidity, quality of life, incidence of pouchitis and continence following restorative panproctocolectomy and IPAA. Thirty-five patients completed the response. The median age at colectomy of our patient population was 32 years. 57 % were male and 43 % were female. 54.3 % of cases were carried out laparoscopically. 8/19 patients who had laparoscopic surgery had pouchitis (42.1 %) versus 9/16 patients who had open surgery (56.3 %). The median Wexner score was 0. Nine patients (25.7 %) had a GIQLI score that was within or above the range reported for healthy controls. The rate of complications was 31.7 % for emergency cases and 25.7 % for elective cases. The rate of pouchitis in this group was 48.5 %. Overall pelvic sepsis rate was 12.8 %. Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is a successful and well-tolerated procedure with 94 % of patients opting to have the surgery again. Preliminary results do not show any significant difference in the incidence of pouchitis following laparoscopic surgery.

Health and social care costs of managing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): An Irish perspective

The aim of this study was to quantify the health and social care costs associated with managing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in Ireland. Resource use of a representative group of deceased ALS patients attending a multidisciplinary ALS clinic was identified from a retrospective chart review and telephone interview with the main caregiver. Unit cost estimates were applied to each resource to identify the cost per patient. Cost drivers were identified using multivariate linear regression. Results showed that from time of diagnosis to death, the cost per month was €1795, 21% of which was attributable to costs associated with the multidisciplinary clinic, 72% to community based care and 7% to aids and appliances. Higher monthly cost was associated with shorter survival and use of gastrostomy and non-invasive ventilation. In conclusion, ALS imposes a significant cost burden on the health services. More work is required to quantify the costs in other sectors, including informal care and productivity losses.

Flexibility in higher education: an Irish perspective

Irish public policy strongly promotes greater flexibility in higher education. This review paper examines Irish policy conceptualisations of flexible learning. The review finds that the promotion of flexible learning is positioned within strongly economistic discourses of lifelong learning, and primarily in human capital terms of meeting the skills needs of the workforce. Irish policy largely presents flexible learning approaches unproblematically as positive and beneficial. This paper demonstrates that flexible learning is not an unproblematic concept and reveals some problems and tensions relating to Irish flexible learning policy.

Energy efficiency in the radiography department: An Irish perspective

BackgroundPrevious research has demonstrated that individual radiology departments do not use energy efficiently. Such studies have commented that radiologists hold a ‘unique role’ in the promotion of ‘eco-friendly’ radiology departments. Improving energy efficiency can save both energy and money and can therefore be viewed as a means of tackling – albeit on a minor scale – both global economic and environmental issues. The current research aimed to present an Irish perspective of radiology energy efficiency and more specifically the radiography department – a department primarily staffed by radiographers. MethodOut-of-hours end-use energy surveys were undertaken in four Irish departments. Ancillary electrical equipment and lighting, if any, not powered off were recorded and the energy such equipment consumes in the out-of-hours setting annually was quantified. Additionally, all desktop and workstation displays – regardless of their power-state – were recorded for comparison both between studied departments and to previous research. ResultsA range of equipment including desktop and workstation displays, computers and CR plate readers are left on in closed departments. Lighting is not powered off in radiography departments, notably within X-ray suites and changing rooms. Estimated annual savings in individual radiography departments ranges from 6656 kWh to 27,542 kWh and €1095.58 – €4533.41 (£865.50 – £3581.39). ConclusionIrish radiography departments are energy inefficient and radiographers, as the primary staff in this area, have a role in the promotion of improved radiology energy efficiency. This study focused on radiography departments, but improvements are also likely to be achievable in the wider hospital.

Addressing prospective elementary teachers’ mathematics subject matter knowledge through action research

There is international dissatisfaction regarding the standard of mathematics subject matter knowledge (MSMK) evident among both qualified and prospective elementary teachers. Ireland is no exception. Following increasing anecdotal evidence of prospective elementary teachers in one Irish College of Education (provider of initial teacher education programme) demonstrating weaknesses in this regard, this study sought to examine and address the issue through two cycles of action research. The examination of the nature of prospective teachers’ MSMK (as well as related beliefs in the main study) informed the design and implementation of an intervention to address the issue. A mixed method approach was taken throughout. In both cycles, Shapiro's criteria were used as a conceptual framework for the evaluation of the initiative. This paper focuses on the perceived and actual effects of the intervention on participants’ MSMK. As well as its contribution at a local and national level, the study provides an Irish perspective on approaches taken to address the phenomenon internationally.

Arbitration and Competition Law: The Potential Role of Ireland in the Privatisation of Competition Law

This article examines the use of arbitration in competition law from Irish perspective, with a focus on the challenges faced by arbitrators operating in a jurisdiction where infringements of the competition rules can carry the weight of the criminal law and potentially lead to custodial sentences.

Role transition from student nurse to staff nurse: Facilitating the transition period

BackgroundUndergraduate nursing programmes are designed to equip student nurses with the skills and knowledge necessary for their future work as professional nurses. Influences on the role during the transition period from student to staff nurse are unclear. PurposeThis paper explores the experience of role transition for newly-qualified nurses from an Irish perspective. MethodsA Heideggerian Hermeneutic approach was the research method adopted. Ten newly qualified nurses from one of Dublin's Academic Teaching Hospitals were interviewed. Data were analysed using Van Manen's thematic analysis. Influences on the transition period were explored in the context of Chick and Meleis's Transition Concept. FindingsNewly-qualified nurses initially felt excited upon qualification. However, professional responsibility and accountability associated with the new role were overwhelming for participants. They felt frustrated when they didn't receive adequate support during transition. ConclusionNewly-qualified nurses need support while they incorporate their knowledge into clinical practice. Hidden influences should as education levels and scope of practice should be considered before nurse educators begin to develop education programmes for undergraduate nurses.

Gambling: an Irish perspective.

Gambling legislation in Ireland has not been amended for the last several decades. The proposed Gambling Control Bill 2013 provides the opportunity to enact a bill in accordance with the current trends in gambling. The classification of Gambling Disorder in DSM 5 under Substance Use Disorders in 2013 highlights the addiction potential of gambling and the perils associated with the same. This editorial discusses the prevalence of gambling disorders, its societal implications, mental health conditions co-morbid with gambling disorders, screening tools available for gambling disorders, and the treatment options available for gambling disorders at present. Furthermore, factors to be considered before enacting the proposed Gambling Control Bill 2013 into legislation have also been discussed.

Expressing Sovereignty in the European Union: An Irish Perspective on Constitutional Identity

The notion of constitutional identity has recently gained an unprecedented importance in the European Union. The similarities between the traditional Irish case-law and recent national decisions referring to this notion, notably in France and in Germany, makes of Ireland a relevant basis to inquire into a notion that remains elusive. In light of the Irish experience of membership to the European Union, the notion of constitutional identity finds its raison d’etre in the recognition of the sovereign will to participate in the process of European integration. Therefore, normative conflicts are dealt with as a conciliatory balance between sovereign expressions of equal value. Due to the ineluctable nature of the process of European integration, the notion of constitutional identity corresponds to the necessity to design a suitable instrument for controlling the application of EU law. The identity value ascribed to certain constitutional provisions is gained from their very confrontation to EU law. This makes of the European Union this necessary otherness, the relationship with and reaction to are constitutive of the constitutional identity of Member States. The notion of constitutional identity thus departs from an essentialist understanding and corresponds to a specific interpretive practice. It is best understood as self-hood, i.e., as the continuing ability for the Member States to define themselves within the evolving process of European integration.

Identifying the prevalence of aggressive behaviour reported by Registered Intellectual Disability Nurses in residential intellectual disability services: an Irish perspective

Purpose – Despite the high incidence of aggressive behaviours among some individuals with intellectual disability, Ireland has paid little attention to the prevalence of aggressive behaviours experienced by Registered Intellectual Disability Nurses (RNID). Within services the focus is mainly on intervention and management of such behaviours. Therefore a disparity occurs in that these interventions and management strategies have become the exclusive concern. Resulting in aggressive behaviour being seen as a sole entity, where similar interventions and management strategies are used for ambiguously contrasting aggressive behaviours. Consequently the ability to document and assess-specific behaviour typologies and their prevalence is fundamental not only to understand these behaviour types but also to orient and educate RNIDs in specific behaviour programme development. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – This study reports on a survey of the prevalence of verbal aggression, aggression against property and aggression against others experienced by RNIDs’ within four residential settings across two health service executive regions in Ireland. A purposeful non-random convenience sampling method was employed. Totally, 119 RNIDs responded to the survey which was an adaptation of Crocker et al. (2006) survey instrument Modified Overt Aggression Scale. Findings – The findings of this study showed the experienced prevalence rate of verbal aggression, aggression against property and aggression against others were 64, 48.9 and 50.7 per cent, respectively. Cross-tabulation of specific correlates identifies those with a mild and intellectual disability as displaying a greater prevalence of verbal aggression and aggression against property. While those with a moderate intellectual disability displayed a higher prevalence of aggression against others. Males were reported as more aggressive across all three typologies studied and those aged between 20 and 39 recorded the highest prevalence of aggression across all three typologies. The practice classification areas of challenging behaviour and low support reported the highest prevalence of aggression within all typologies. Originality/value – The health care of the person with intellectual disability and aggressive behaviour presents an enormous challenge for services. In-order to improve considerably the quality of life for clients, services need to take a careful considered pragmatic view of the issues for the person with intellectual disability and aggressive behaviour and develop realistic, proactive and responsive strategies. To do this, precise knowledge of the prevalence of aggressive behaviours needs to be obtained. This study is the first of its kind in the Republic of Ireland.

Students' Journey Through a Trauma Studies Educational Program: A Northern Irish Perspective

This article presents the findings of a qualitative research study that explored the experiences of part-time students who completed a BSc(Hons) trauma studies program in Northern Ireland. Data collection involved semistructured interviews with seven students. Findings indicated a journey through the program during which students experienced both challenges and opportunities for development. Such challenges included responses to emotive content and barriers to sharing in classroom-based dialogues. Moreover, participants felt the program enhanced their knowledge as well as the supportive services they provided to those who had experienced a trauma. Findings suggest that participants who had experienced a personal trauma appeared to be drawn to this program.

Commemoration, Public History and the Professional Historian: An Irish Perspective

We live in time – it holds and moulds us – but I’ve never felt I understood it very well. And I’m not referring to theories about how it bends and doubles back, or may exist elsewhere in parallel versions. No, I mean ordinary, everyday time, which clocks and watches assure us passes

Keeping ahead of the curve

Purpose – This paper aims to present the results of a qualitative study of the continuing professional development (CPD) activities of academic librarians in Ireland. The benefits of CPD, the methods and strategies of engagement, and the role played by professional organisations are examined, with particular emphasis on the attitudes of librarians towards CPD. Design/methodology/approach – In total, 25 academic librarians were interviewed in depth from four universities in the greater Dublin region. A qualitative approach was chosen to allow the collection of data which was rich and informative. Findings – Academic librarians engage in CPD in multiple ways, both formal and informal, but it falls primarily to the individual librarian to find, participate in, or even create such opportunities, which raises the question of personal motivation and drive. Support from employers and professional organisations is key. Barriers to participation in CPD include time, financial restraints and lack of encouragement from employers. Research limitations/implications – The authors are cognisant of the inherent limitations in using interviews as a data collection method, including the possibility of bias. Practical implications – Academic librarians need to exploit innovative and accessible modes of CPD if they wish to navigate the changes occurring within the profession. Professional library organisations must also reinforce their support of their members in this endeavour. Incentives to participate should build on librarians' personal motivation and job satisfaction, likelihood of career progression, and deepening working relationships with non-LIS colleagues. Originality/value – To date there has been no comprehensive Irish study which has addressed the question of how academic librarians engage with the professional body of knowledge through pursuing professional development activities. This research seeks to present an Irish perspective, but also explores issues which are globally applicable within the profession.

A Systemic Approach to Social Skills Training for Adults with Intellectual Disability: An Irish Perspective

A Systemic Approach to Social Skills Training for Adults with Intellectual Disability: An Irish Perspective

Managing Young Colorectal Cancer: A UK and Irish Perspective

Young patients with familial syndromes have an increased metachronous cancer rate. Effective management is possible by identifying this high-risk group prior to index colectomy. The study surveys the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland (ACPGBI) membership preoperative evaluation and clinical management in young patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). An electronic survey was sent to the membership of the ACPGBI. The survey polled members on clinical scenarios relating to young-onset CRC patients. We were particularly concerned with preoperative management strategies, the extent of colectomy, and postoperative surveillance. Survey responses were collated and analysed. A total of 124 members responded to the survey and 74 completed the survey. Of these, 87.8 % would proceed to colectomy without preoperative tumor or genetic testing. Decisions regarding the extent of colectomy depended on family history. A total of 67 (90.6 %) would offer a limited colectomy with no family history, 49 (66.2 %) in a patient with familial CRC type X, 29 (39.2 %) in a young patient with Lynch syndrome. A similar trend was seen with young rectal cancer. Only 16 surgeons (21.6 %) could identify a syndrome of MYH-associated polyposis (MAP). The majority of ACPGBI members will not offer preoperative risk testing based on a young age alone; however, the majority would alter their surgical strategy based on the results of this testing. MAP is poorly recognized by ACPGBI members and therefore an opportunity exists for education among members. WHAT IS NEW IN THIS PAPER?: This study is the first paper to survey the ACPGBI membership on management practices in young-onset CRC. Members are poor in adopting preoperative testing, alter surgical strategy based on a familial syndrome, with a minority recognizing MAP. An opportunity to improve education on young CRC patients exists.

P203 Lung transplantation and survival in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis - an Irish perspective

Introduction and ObjectivesIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, fibrosing interstitial pneumonia of unknown aetiology. Its clinical course is unpredictable but invariably leads to progressive respiratory failure and death. Median...