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Biomedical subjects

Geraldine McCarthy

Publications and source records attributed to Geraldine McCarthy.

7 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2026

BRAIN-Diabetes: Acceptability of an adapted FINGER multidomain intervention among adults living with type 2 diabetes in rural border regions across the island of Ireland.

BackgroundIndividuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) face increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Multidomain lifestyle interventions offer a non-pharmacological strategy to support brain health in this high-risk group.ObjectiveThis study examined the acceptability of a culturally adapted FINGER-based intervention among adults living with T2DM in rural border regions of Ireland (BRAIN-Diabetes Trial).MethodsA 6-month pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted. The intervention group received a multidomain program targeting diet, physical activity, and computerized cognitive training (CCT). The control group received standard care. Acceptability was assessed using questionnaires (all participants) and semi-structured interviews (intervention participants). Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively and qualitative data using template analysis, guided by four a-priori themes: trial participation and engagement, dietary behavior change, exercise behavior change, and CCT behavior change.ResultsQuestionnaire data (intervention: n = 28; control: n = 36) indicated high overall acceptability. Dietary and exercise components were rated most positively, while CCT component was less well received. Interviews (n = 25) highlighted facilitators to trial engagement, including perceived health improvements, and social connection, with time constraints and limited personalization as barriers. Dietary change was supported by tailored guidance but hindered by cost and availability. Facilitators for exercise included accessible resources and perceived benefits, with barriers including competing priorities. CCT engagement was mixed, with challenges including digital access and repetitiveness.ConclusionsThe Brain-Diabetes intervention was acceptable and feasible among adults with T2DM. Personalized support and accessible resources were key to engagement. Future work should refine delivery to enhance scalability and long-term adherence among high-risk groups.

Humans↗
PubMed2006

Intentional and unintentional medication non-adherence: a comprehensive framework for clinical research and practice? A discussion paper.

Non-adherence to medications is a prevalent and persistent healthcare problem, particularly for patients with a chronic disorder. Researchers have endeavoured to address poor adherence for the past five decades resulting in the accumulation of a vast body of literature. Despite the enormity of research conducted, interventions to date have neither been cost-effective nor predictably clinically effective in enhancing medication adherence. Though concerning, such contemporary information serves to refocus attention on the adequacy of knowledge regarding the factors influencing medication non-adherence. Although little consensus exists regarding the optimal categorisation of these influencing factors, increasingly, the broad and 'all encompassing' categorisation of intentional and unintentional factors is being used to account for patient medication-taking behaviours and actions. An extensive review of the related literature provides the basis for a critical discussion on the value and comprehensiveness of this current classification in guiding future adherence research and consequent clinical interventions. An appraisal of this categorisation is important if decisions regarding interventions are not to be made in a vacuum of insufficient understanding, which would result in the continued ineffective use and distribution of valuable resources to combat non-adherence.

Chronic Disease↗
PubMed2006

Nursing research in Ireland.

This review presents an analysis of research published by Irish nurses during the period 1990-2005. The analysis is the first effort made to identify the main characteristics of Irish nursing research. Overall, 213 published studies were identified for consideration, from which, 152 were included in the review. The studies were published in 60 journals, 4 books, and 8 research reports. Journal articles selected from 6 journals accounted for 52%. Inclusion criteria were quality of research design, sampling (including sample size), data analysis, scientific merit, and authorship. Each article was analyzed based on this schema. The major areas of research identified included clinical practice (56%) (e.g., medical surgical, mental health, intellectual disability, and maternal and child), nursing management and professional issues (19%), and nursing education (25%).

Authorship↗
PubMed2005

Lifestyle changes following acute myocardial infarction: patients perspectives.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease accounts for 39% of all deaths in Ireland each year. Many of these deaths are due to acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The diagnosis of AMI has major implications for individuals in terms of health and social gain, health related quality of life and living and adapting to a chronic illness. The diagnosis requires lifestyle changes such as changes to diet, smoking habit, physical activity, and stress management. AIMS: The aim of this descriptive qualitative study was to explore patients' perspectives of making lifestyle changes following AMI. METHODS: Using a descriptive qualitative approach, ten participants were interviewed 6 weeks following discharge about their experiences. Data were collected using in depth interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. RESEARCH FINDINGS: Four themes emerged: lifestyle warning signs, taking responsibility for lifestyle changes, professional support and looking forward to the future. The findings offer insight into the everyday realities, which patients experience regarding lifestyle changes particularly in relation to smoking cessation and stress management. The difficulties encountered by participants 6 weeks following discharge reflect the implementation of too many life style changes at once as well as the lack of professional help in the community to support participants in their endeavours to make lifestyle changes. In addition, overprotection by family members was a source of frustration and aggravation for participants. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the need for the development of primary care services and cardiac rehabilitation programmes to support patients as well as providing information to families to reduce anxiety and fear.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2003

First-time mothers - identifying their needs, perceptions and experiences.

The aim of this research was to identify needs, perceptions and experiences of first-time mothers in the postnatal period. Data were collected through focus groups and in-depth interviews from a sample of 13 women, 61% were aged 20 years or less, from an urban city area in Southern Ireland. Through content analysis, key themes were identified relating to birth and hospitalization, support, motherhood and psychological issues. Attendance at antenatal classes was variable and perceptions of being unprepared for birth and motherhood prevailed. Participants appeared shocked at the amount of pain experienced during birth and had little rest during hospitalization. They received physical and emotional support and preparation for childcare from midwives. Breastfeeding, while promoted, by midwives was not acceptable. The 'maternal mother' was key in providing direct childcare, advice and emotional help, support for attendance at school and 'time out' to socialize. Support was reciprocal if the maternal mother had young children. Professional support by public health nurses was well-established. However, emphasis was perceived to be on 'baby's development'. Maternal depression, loneliness, living in homes with limited space and difficulty in 'letting go' of baby care to return to school or work were reported. Implications for antenatal preparation, national policies, motherhood, and the need for further research are discussed.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A survey of nurses' assessment of peripheral intravenous catheters.

The purpose of this survey was to improve nursing care of patients with peripheral intravenous catheters (PVCs), focusing on assessment of the PVC site for infection. The survey was conducted in 20 wards by an infection control nurse (ICN), recording data on assessment, site infection and removal/resiting of PVCs. Nursing staff were interviewed on assessment of the PVC site and nursing interventions were recorded. A total of 554 PVCs in 397 patients were surveyed of which 28 (5%) had site infection. There was no related bloodstream infection (BSI). Overall, PVCs were assessed 450 (81%) times by nurses. Malfunction was reported 95 (17%) times, pain 28 (5%) times and pyrexia 10 (2%) times. Characteristics that showed significant difference between 28 infected and 526 non-infected PVCs included when nurses assessed PVCs as infected, and nurses' intervention for PVCs inserted for 1-3 days' duration. Other characteristics were resiting PVCs when associated with malfunction and also resiting because of pain. The involvement of the ICN was likely to have contributed to the low infection rate. While not conclusive this survey identified characteristics between infected and non-infected PVCs that may have been associated with this low infection rate, namely, nurses' overall intervention in PVC care and assessment that is focused on identifying infection, and resiting for malfunction and pain. These are simple assessment and intervention measures that should not require the assignment of a dedicated ICN, but which are within the capabilities of all healthcare workers entrusted with PVC care.

Catheterization, Peripheral↗