Assistantship improves medical students' perception of their preparedness for starting work.

BACKGROUND: The GMC has recommended introducing student assistantships during which final year students, under supervision, undertake most of the responsibilities of a FY1 doctor. The Medical School at Queen's University Belfast in 2011/12 introduced an assistantship programme. We have evaluated the impact of the assistantship on students' perception of their preparedness for starting work. METHODS: Students were asked to complete a questionnaire at the beginning of the assistantship. It assessed the students' perception of their preparedness in five areas: clinical and practical skills, communications skills, teaching and learning, understanding the work environment and team working. After the assistantship they again completed the questionnaire. Comparison of the results allowed an assessment of the impact of the assistantship. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant improvement in the students' perception of their preparation for 49 of 56 tasks contained within the questionnaire. After the assistantship 81.2% of students felt well prepared for starting work compared with 38.9% before the assistantship. 93.9% agreed that the assistantship had improved their preparedness for starting work. CONCLUSIONS: The assistantship at Queen's University improves medical students' perception of their preparedness for starting work. The majority of medical students feel well prepared for starting work after completing the assistantship.

Is dieting behaviour decreasing in young adolescents?

OBJECTIVE: To report trends in underweight, overweight and obesity in 12-15-year-old adolescents and examine changes in dieting behaviour, which have been less well documented. DESIGN: Comparison of two independent representative cross-sectional surveys. SETTING: Northern Ireland. SUBJECTS: Weight and height were objectively measured in 1324 boys and 1160 girls in 1996 and 1274 boys and 1374 girls in 2007. Participants reported whether they were following any particular diet including a self-proposed or prescribed weight-reduction diet. RESULTS: Overweight and obesity increased in girls from 15 % to 23 % and 2 % to 6 %, respectively. Increases were more modest in boys with overweight increasing from 13 % to 18 % and obesity from 3 % to 6 %. The proportion of underweight adolescents decreased from 9 % to 6 % in girls and 8 % to 5 % in boys. Evidence of social disparity was observed in girls from a manual socio-economic background, with overweight/obesity prevalence rates increasing from 21 % to 36 % compared with 15 % to 26 % in girls from a non-manual background. Despite these trends fewer adolescents, in particular girls, reported following weight-reduction diets (14 % of overweight/obese girls in 2007 v. 21 % in 1996; 8 % of boys in 2007 v. 13 % in 1996). Of these girls, the proportion from a manual background following weight-reduction diets decreased from 25 % to 11 %. CONCLUSIONS: Overweight and obesity are continuing to increase in adolescents despite government and media awareness strategies. There also appears to be reduced dieting behaviour, despite increasing body weight, particularly in girls from manual socio-economic backgrounds.

Age-related changes in energy efficiency of gait, activity, and participation in children with cerebral palsy.

AIM: The aim of this study was to use a prospective longitudinal study to describe age-related trends in energy efficiency during gait, activity, and participation in ambulatory children with cerebral palsy (CP). METHOD: Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), Paediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI), and Lifestyle Assessment Questionnaire-Cerebral Palsy (LAQ-CP) scores, and energy efficiency (oxygen cost) during gait were assessed in representative sample of 184 children (112 male; 72 female; mean age 10y 9mo; range 4-16y) with CP. Ninety-four children had unilateral spastic CP, 84 bilateral spastic CP, and six had other forms of CP. Fifty-seven were classified as Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level I, 91 as level II, 22 as level III, and 14 as level IV). Assessments were carried out on two occasions (visit 1 and visit 2) separated by an interval of 2 years and 7 months. A total of 157 participants returned for reassessment. RESULTS: Significant improvements in mean raw scores for GMFM, PEDI, and LAQ-CP were recorded; however, mean raw oxygen cost deteriorated over time. Age-related trends revealed gait to be most inefficient at the age of 12 years, but GMFM scores continued to improve until the age of 13 years, and two PEDI subscales to age 14 years, before deteriorating (p<0.05). Baseline score was consistently the single greatest predictor of visit 2 score. Substantial agreement in GMFCS ratings over time was achieved (κ(lw) =0.74-0.76). INTERPRETATION: These findings have implications in terms of optimal provision and delivery of services for young people with CP to maximize physical capabilities and maintain functional skills into adulthood.

Optimization of the precordial leads of the 12-lead electrocardiogram may improve detection of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: For the assessment of patients with chest pain, the 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is the initial investigation. Major management decisions are based on the ECG findings, both for attempted coronary artery revascularization and risk stratification. The aim of this study was to determine if the current 6 precordial leads (V(1)-V(6)) are optimally located for the detection of ST-segment elevation in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS: We analyzed 528 (38% anterior [200], 44% inferior [233], and 18% lateral [95]) patients with STEMI with both a 12-lead ECG and an 80-lead body surface map (BSM) ECG (Prime ECG, Heartscape Technologies, Bangor, Northern Ireland). Body surface map was recorded within 15 minutes of the 12-lead ECG during the acute event and before revascularization. ST-segment elevation of each lead on the BSM was compared with the corresponding 12-lead precordial leads (V(1)-V(6)) for anterior STEMI. In addition, for lateral STEMI, leads I and aVL of the BSM were also compared; and limb leads II, III, aVF of the BSM were compared with inferior unipolar BSM leads for inferior STEMI. Leads with the greatest mean ST-segment elevation were selected, and significance was determined by analysis of variance of the mean ST segment. RESULTS: For anterior STEMI, leads V(1), V(2), 32, 42, 51, and 57 had the greatest mean ST elevation. These leads are located in the same horizontal plane as that of V(1) and V(2). Lead 32 had a significantly greater mean ST elevation than the corresponding precordial lead V(3) (P = .012); and leads 42, 51, and 57 were also significantly greater than corresponding leads V(4), V(5), V(6), respectively (P < .001). Similar findings were also found for lateral STEMI. For inferior STEMI, the limb leads of the BSM (II, III, and aVF) had the greatest mean ST-segment elevation; and lead III was significantly superior to the inferior unipolar leads (7, 17, 27, 37, 47, 55, and 61) of the BSM (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Leads placed on a horizontal strip, in line with leads V(1) and V(2), provided the optimal placement for the diagnosis of anterior and lateral STEMI and appear superior to leads V(3), V(4), V(5), and V(6). This is of significant clinical interest, not only for ease and replication of lead placement but also may lead to increased recruitment of patients eligible for revascularization with none or borderline ST-segment elevation on the initial 12-lead ECG.

Long-term occlusal and soft-tissue profile outcomes after treatment of Class II Division 1 malocclusion with fixed appliances.

INTRODUCTION: Our objective was to determine which factors were predictive of good long-term outcomes after fixed appliance treatment of Class II Division 1 malocclusion. METHODS: Two hundred seven patients with Class II Division 1 malocclusion were examined in early adulthood at a mean of 4.6 years after treatment with fixed appliances. The peer assessment rating index was used to evaluate dental alignment and occlusal relationships. The soft-tissue profile was assessed with the Holdaway angle. RESULTS: Logistic regression identified 3 pretreatment variables that were predictive of a good facial profile (Holdaway angle) at recall: the lower lip to E-plane distance (P <0.001; smaller distance behind the E-plane means a better outcome), ANB angle (P = 0.001; smaller ANB means a better outcome), and extraction pattern (P = 0.026). Linear regression analysis showed that 2 pretreatment variables were predictive of a favorable PAR score at recall: SNB angle (P = 0.001; larger SNB means a better outcome) and extraction pattern (P = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: Three pretreatment cephalometric measures (lower lip to E-plane distance, ANB angle, and SNB angle) were predictive of the outcome in the treatment of Class II Division 1 malocclusion. The extraction pattern was also found to be a predictor of outcome.

Preparing students for interprofessional practice: exploring the intra-personal dimension.

The need for interprofessional education is now firmly embedded in undergraduate healthcare curricula frameworks in Northern Ireland and has a role to play in preparation for professional practice. A questionnaire determining students' "readiness" for interprofessional education has been widely used and reported in the literature but there are other factors that contribute to students' abilities to learn in an interprofessional context. Pre-qualification healthcare education can be viewed as having three inter-related components, intra-professional, interprofessional and intra-personal learning; the third of these underpinning the other two. Understanding more about personal learning needs can contribute to preparation for interprofessional interaction. A Studying and Learning Preferences Inventory (SALPI) was developed and validated for use with a range of healthcare professionals to assist in this process.

Self-perception of dentofacial attractiveness among patients requiring orthognathic surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that the self-perception of dental and facial attractiveness among patients requiring orthognathic surgery is no different from that of control patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Happiness with dental and facial appearance was assessed using questionnaires completed by 162 patients who required orthognathic treatment and 157 control subjects. Visual analog scale, binary, and open response data were collected. Analysis was carried out using a general linear model, logistic regression, and chi-square tests. RESULTS: Orthognathic patients were less happy with their dental appearance than were controls. Class II patients and women had lower happiness scores for their dental appearance. Among orthognathic patients, the "shape" and "prominence" of their teeth were the most frequent causes of concern. Older subjects, women, and orthognathic patients were less happy with their facial appearance. Class III orthognathic patients, older subjects, and women were more likely to have looked at their own face in profile. A greater proportion of Class II subjects than Class III subjects wished to change their appearance. CONCLUSIONS: The hypothesis is rejected. The findings indicate that women and patients requiring orthognathic surgery had lower levels of happiness with their dentofacial appearance. Although Class II patients exhibited the lowest levels of happiness with their dental appearance, there was some evidence that concerns and awareness about their facial profile were more pronounced among the Class III patients.

Planning a cluster randomized controlled trial: methodological issues.

BACKGROUND: The standard approach in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to randomize individuals to intervention and control groups. Yet, nursing and other health interventions are often implemented at the levels of health service organizational unit or geographical area. It may be more appropriate to conduct a cluster RCT. However, cluster randomization requires consideration of a number of important issues. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to show how critical issues in relation to design and analysis can be addressed. APPROACH: Two cluster RCTs conducted by the authors are used as examples. Guidance on the conduct and reporting of cluster RCTs is also offered. RESULTS: A rationale for choosing this design was provided, and issues in relation to study design, calculation of sample size, and statistical analysis were clarified. A decision tree and checklist are provided to guide researchers through essential steps in conducting a cluster RCT. DISCUSSION: Cluster RCTs present special challenges in relation to design, conduct, and analysis. Nevertheless, they are an appropriate and potentially powerful tool for nursing research. With careful attention to the issues addressed in this article, researchers can use this approach successfully.

Country-Wide Analysis of Systemic Factors Associated With Acute Ischemic Stroke Door to Needle Time.

Objective: Pre-hospital, in-hospital, and patient factors are associated with variation in door to needle (DTN) time in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Publications are usually from large single centers or multicenter registries with less reporting on national results. Materials and methods: All AIS patients treated with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (iv-tPA) over 4 years (2013-2016) in Northern Ireland were recorded prospectively, including patient demographics, pre-hospital care, thrombolysis rate, and DTN time. Logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with DTN time. Results: One thousand two hundred and one patients from 10,556 stroke admissions (11.4%) were treated with iv-tPA. Median NIHSS was 10 (IQR 6-17). Median DTN time was 54 min (IQR 36-77) with 61% treated < 60 min from arrival at hospital. National thrombolysis numbers increased over time with improving DTN time (P = 0.002). Arrival method at hospital (ambulance OR 2.3 CI1.4-3.8) pre-alert from ambulance (pre-alert OR = 5.3 CI3.5-8.1) and time of day (out of hours, n = 650, OR 0.20 CI 0.22-0.38) all P < 0.001, were the independent factors in determining DTN time. Variation in DTN time between centers occurred but was unrelated to volume of stroke admissions. Conclusion: Ambulance transport with pre-hospital notification and time of day are associated with shorter DTN time on a national level. Most thrombolysis was delivered outside of normal working hours but these patients are more likely to experience treatment delays. Re-organization of stroke services at a whole system level with emphasis on pre-hospital care and design of stroke teams are required to improve quality and equitable care in AIS nationally.

A pilot study of a low-tilt biphasic waveform for transvenous cardioversion of atrial fibrillation: improved efficacy compared with conventional capacitor-based waveforms in patients.

BACKGROUND: The optimal waveform tilt for defibrillation is not known. Most modern defibrillators used for the cardioversion of atrial fibrillation (AF) employ high-tilt, capacitor-based biphasic waveforms. METHODS: We have developed a low-tilt biphasic waveform for defibrillation. This low-tilt waveform was compared with a conventional waveform of equivalent duration and voltage in patients with AF. Patients with persistent AF or AF induced during a routine electrophysiology study (EPS) were randomized to receive either the low-tilt waveform or a conventional waveform. Defibrillation electrodes were positioned in the right atrial appendage and distal coronary sinus. Phase 1 peak voltage was increased in a stepwise progression from 50 V to 300V. Shock success was defined as return of sinus rhythm for >/=30 seconds. RESULTS: The low-tilt waveform produced successful termination of persistent AF at a mean voltage of 223 V (8.2 J) versus 270 V (6.7 J) with the conventional waveform (P = 0.002 for voltage, P = ns for energy). In patients with induced AF the mean voltage for the low-tilt waveform was 91V (1.6 J) and for the conventional waveform was 158 V (2.0 J) (P = 0.005 for voltage, P = ns for energy). The waveform was much more successful at very low voltages (less than or equal to 100 V) compared with the conventional waveform (Novel: 82% vs Conventional 22%, P = 0.008). CONCLUSION: The low-tilt biphasic waveform was more successful for the internal cardioversion of both persistent and induced AF in patients (in terms of leading edge voltage).

A cephalometric study of Class II malocclusions treated with mandibular surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Class II malocclusion is often associated with retrognathic mandible. Some of these problems require surgical correction. The purposes of this study were to investigate treatment outcomes in patients with Class II malocclusions whose treatment included mandibular advancement surgery and to identify predictors of good outcomes. METHODS: Pretreatment and posttreatment cephalometric radiographs of 90 patients treated with mandibular advancement surgery by 57 consultant orthodontists in the United Kingdom before September 1998 were digitized, and cephalometric landmarks were identified. Paired samples t tests were used to compare the pretreatment and posttreatment cephalometric values for each patient. For each cephalometric variable, the proportion of patients falling within the ideal range was identified. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of achieving ideal range outcomes for the key skeletal (ANB and SNB angles), dental (overjet and overbite), and soft-tissue (Holdaway angle) measurements. RESULTS: An overjet within the ideal range of 1 to 4 mm was achieved in 72% of patients and was more likely with larger initial ANB angles. Horizontal correction of the incisor relationship was achieved by a combination of 75% skeletal movement and 25% dentoalveolar change. An ideal posttreatment ANB angle was achieved in 42% of patients and was more likely in females and those with larger pretreatment ANB angles. Ideal soft-tissue Holdaway angles (7 degrees to 14 degrees ) were achieved in 49% of patients and were more likely in females and those with smaller initial SNA angles. Mandibular incisor decompensation was incomplete in 28% of patients and was more likely in females and patients with greater pretreatment mandibular incisor proclination. Correction of increased overbite was generally successful, although anterior open bites were found in 16% of patients at the end of treatment. These patients were more likely to have had initial open bites. CONCLUSIONS: Mandibular surgery had a good success rate in normalizing the main dental and skeletal relationships. Less ideal soft-tissue profile outcomes were associated with larger pretreatment SNA-angle values, larger final mandibular incisor inclinations, and smaller final maxillary incisor inclinations. The use of mandibular surgery to correct anterior open bite was associated with poor outcomes.

Combined antioxidant therapy reduces pain and improves quality of life in chronic pancreatitis.

Patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) typically suffer intractable abdominal pain that is resistant to most analgesic strategies. Recent research indicates that the pain of CP may be in part due to oxygen free radical induced pancreatic damage. Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial, we evaluated the efficacy of a combined antioxidant preparation in the management of CP. Patients with confirmed chronic pancreatitis (N = 36) were randomized to receive treatment with either Antox, which contains the antioxidants selenium, betacarotene, L-methionine, and vitamins C and E, or placebo for 10 weeks. Each group of patients then switched to receive the alternative treatment for a further 10 weeks. Markers of antioxidant status were measured by blood sampling, whereas quality of life and pain were assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire. Nineteen patients completed the full 20 weeks of treatment. Treatment with Antox was associated with significant improvements in quality of life in terms of pain (+17 antioxidant vs. -7 placebo), physical (+9 vs. -3) and social functioning (+8 vs. -7), and general health perception (+10 vs. -3). We conclude that treatment with antioxidants may improve quality of life and reduce pain in patients suffering from chronic pancreatitis.

Accuracy of diagnosis at routine psychiatric assessment in patients presenting to an accident and emergency department.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare diagnoses obtained from routine psychiatric assessment in accident and emergency (A&E) settings with those from a standardized diagnostic interview. METHODS: Using Cohen's kappa, the agreement between diagnoses from routine psychiatric assessment and structured interview was calculated. Further statistical analysis was used to investigate differences between some of the main diagnostic subgroups. RESULTS: The overall kappa value for all diagnoses was .47. Adjustment disorder, major depressive disorder and alcohol misuse/dependence were commonly identified, both at routine assessment and on structured interview. There was a disparity between the two diagnostic systems in the extent to which major depressive disorder and adjustment disorder were identified. Further analysis between these two groups was inconclusive as to the reasons for this difference. CONCLUSIONS: There was moderate agreement between clinical and standardized diagnoses. Anxiety disorders were poorly identified at routine assessment. There is difficulty distinguishing between adjustment disorder and depressive episode in the A&E setting.

Class III surgical-orthodontic treatment: a cephalometric study.

INTRODUCTION: In this retrospective study, we investigated treatment outcomes in Class III surgical-orthodontic patients. METHODS: Records of 151 consecutively completed Class III surgical-orthodontic patients (overjet, 0 mm or less) were obtained from 87 consultant orthodontists in the United Kingdom. Pretreatment and posttreatment cephalometric radiographs were analyzed. RESULTS: Bimaxillary surgical patients (75%) had more negative initial ANB-angle values and smaller initial SNA-angle values than those treated with single-jaw mandibular surgery. Mandibular surgery patients (15%) had greater pretreatment mandibular prominence (SNB angle) than maxillary patients. Maxilla-only patients (10%) had lower negative initial overjet values than bimaxillary patients. An overjet within the ideal range of 1 to 4 mm was achieved in 83% of the patients. Logistic regression identified no predictors of ideal overjet outcome. SNB angle was corrected to within the ideal range of 75 degrees to 81 degrees in 44% of the patients. This was less likely in those treated with maxillary surgery only and larger initial SNB-angle values. An ideal posttreatment ANB angle (1 degrees to 5 degrees) was achieved in 40% of the patients and was more likely in those with bimaxillary surgery, lower negative pretreatment ANB angles, and presurgical orthodontic extractions in the maxillary arch. Ideal posttreatment unadjusted Holdaway angles (7 degrees to 14 degrees) were achieved in 59% of the patients and were more likely when single-jaw mandibular surgery was used. Incisor decompensation was incomplete in 46% of the patients and was associated with mandibular arch extractions. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical-orthodontic treatment had a high success rate in normalizing the overjet and soft-tissue profile to within ideal ranges in Class III patients. Bimaxillary surgery was the most frequently used procedure and was associated with an increased likelihood of an ideal correction of the anteroposterior skeletal discrepancy.

The effect of peri-operative blood loss on postoperative pain following total knee arthroplasty.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate a possible link between peri-operative blood loss and post-operative pain following primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHOD: A retrospective study was carried out using data from two RCTs (403 patients). Blood loss was estimated using Gross et al's formula. Blood transfusions were factored into calculations. Pain scores were obtained using a visual analogue score. RESULTS: Multiple regression analysis showed no relationship (0.09) and analysis of variance showed no significant difference (p = 0.597). Null hypothesis accepted. CONCLUSION: Minimising blood-loss remains an important goal during surgery. On-going efforts should be made to improve patient satisfaction following TKA.

Association of Clostridium difficile ribotype 078 with detectable toxin in human stool specimens.

Using a Clostridium difficile glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) immunoassay and a sensitive C. difficile toxin A/B immunoassay, human stool specimens from patients with diarrhoea (n = 1085) were classified as either GDH positive/toxin negative, or GDH positive/toxin positive. Overall, 528/725 (73%) of the GDH-positive/toxin-negative specimens contained viable C. difficile, and 433/528 (82%) of these C. difficile isolates were PCR positive for the toxin gene pathogenicity locus. Overall, 867/1078 (80%) of the GDH-positive specimens contained viable C. difficile, and 433/725 (60%) of the GDH-positive/toxin-negative specimens contained a toxigenic C. difficile strain. The diversity of toxigenic C. difficile ribotypes isolated from toxin-negative specimens (n = 433) and toxin-positive specimens (n = 339) was significantly different (P < 0.0001). Specifically, the presence of ribotype 078 strains was very strongly associated (P < 0.0001) with detection of toxin in clinical specimens using a sensitive toxin immunoassay. Specimens positive for ribotype 078 were almost twice as likely to be toxin positive as opposed to toxin negative (risk ratio = 1.90, 95% confidence interval 1.64-2.19). In contrast, other circulating ribotypes were seen with similar frequency in specimens with and without detectable toxin. This supports the view that ribotype 078 strains may be more virulent than other common ribotypes in terms of toxin production.

Morphometric analysis of angiograms of exudative lesions in age-related macular degeneration.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the morphometric composition of lesion components in exudative age-related macular degeneration and to study the relationships between individual lesion components and choroidal neovascularization (CNV) subtype, at 2 time points. METHODS: Morphometric analysis of 98 sets of angiograms separated by an interval of at least 3 weeks, with no treatment delivered in the intervening period between angiograms. Area measurements of individual lesion components were made from digitally captured angiograms. Choroidal neovascularizations were classified into subtypes based on the proportions of classic CNV. Fully corrected distance visual acuity measured on logMAR Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study charts was available at baseline and at a subsequent visit in 78 subjects. Data were analyzed using parametric and nonparametric tests, linear regression, and McNemar test of equal proportions. RESULTS: Wholly and predominantly classic CNVs were significantly smaller at initial presentation than minimally classic or occult with no classic CNVs. Lesions containing blood and lipid were also significantly larger than lesions not exhibiting these features. Lesions containing any classic CNV expanded at a significantly greater rate than lesions without classic CNV. Approximately 40% of lesions categorized as wholly classic CNV converted to predominantly classic CNV between baseline and the next follow-up visit. CONCLUSION: The presence of classic leakage in exudative age-related macular degeneration is the most important risk factor for rapid expansion of CNV.

Are data on the uptake of disability benefits a useful addition to census data in describing population health care needs?

OBJECTIVE: To determine if administrative data relating to the uptake of disability benefits held by government departments in Northern Ireland are fair and unbiased indicators of relative need for health care and therefore a useful addition to census data. METHOD: This is an ecological study of the 566 electoral wards in Northern Ireland. The variation in uptake of a health-related benefit (Disability Living Allowance) was regressed against three other indicators of health (limiting long-term illness, mortality and the numbers of patients admitted to hospital). All the indicators had been indirectly standardised by age and sex. The unstandardised residuals from this model were regressed against the social and geographical factors, namely area deprivation score, religious denominational composition and urban/rural dwelling to see if they influenced benefit uptake above and beyond any association with ill health. RESULTS: The health factors alone explained 77.2% of the variation in benefit uptake, with limiting long-term illness being the major determinant; however, even after controlling for differences in health status, benefit uptake was shown to be higher in more urban areas and in areas that had a greater proportion of Catholics. Area deprivation was not associated with benefit uptake once health differences had been controlled for. CONCLUSION: Administrative data on disability benefits can undoubtedly provide useful additional information for describing the levels of relative disadvantage or ill health of areas. However, because they also reflect variations in uptake, which appears to be confounded by social and geographical factors, we would urge caution when they are used to identify priority areas or to allocate resources.

Equity of use of inpatient services by the two communities in Northern Ireland.

OBJECTIVE: There is concern about whether public services in Northern Ireland are equitably targeted across the religious divide. This study investigates whether use of acute hospital inpatient services differs by religious denomination, after adjusting for supply and for identified demographic, morbidity and socio-economic determinants of need for such services. METHODS: Hospital utilisation at small area level was modelled against a wide range of potential health and socioeconomic factors. Spatial interactive modelling was used to estimate the effect of supply of hospital beds and other facilities on hospital utilisation. Two-stage weighted least-squares regression was used to model utilisation against need and supply. RESULTS: There was a clear positive relationship between the proportion of Roman Catholics in a ward and both need for and utilisation of inpatient services. The higher levels of relative utilisation in wards with a greater proportion of Catholics persisted after controlling for needs but not when supply variables were also entered in the regression equation. The surviving needs drivers were: uptake levels of 'income maintenance' benefits, all-ages standardised mortality ratio, low birth weight and elderly people living alone. Most of these indicators of need are positively correlated with proportion of Catholics. CONCLUSIONS: When both need and supply factors are taken into account, there appears to be no significant effect of religion on inpatient hospital use in Northern Ireland. Efforts to ensure socio-economic equity between the two communities should focus on ensuring that hospital rationalisation does not lead to disadvantage and on reducing socio-economic differentials between the Catholic and Protestant communities.

Antidepressant prescribing and suicide rate in Northern Ireland.

PURPOSE: Although antidepressants are the most commonly used treatment for depressive illness, there is uncertainty if their use is associated with a reduction in suicide rate. Antidepressant prescribing in Northern Ireland has increased over fivefold in the decade 1989-1999. The authors sought to explore whether this increase was associated with a reduction in suicide rate taking into account social and political factors thought also to have an influence on suicide. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Factors that have been suggested to influence suicide were entered into a linear regression with frequency of suicide and undetermined deaths (referred to as suicide rate) as the dependent variable. The above factors were antidepressant prescribing, unemployment rate, household alcohol expenditure and persons charged with terrorist offences. The rise in younger suicides, in recent decades, suggests this analysis should be carried out separately for younger (less than 30 years) and older (30 years and above) suicides separately. The predictors in the two models are based on aggregate data for the total group. RESULT: In the younger group there was no association between antidepressant prescribing and suicide. For the older group increased antidepressant prescribing was associated with a reduction in suicide rate over the 10 years of the study. CONCLUSION: Increasing antidepressant prescribing appears to be an effective strategy for reducing suicide. This has been demonstrated in older individuals.