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Biomedical subjects

S R Limerick

Publications and source records attributed to S R Limerick.

9 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

Terminology used by pathologists in reporting on sudden infant deaths.

AIM: To determine whether the terms used by pathologists in reporting on sudden infant deaths are applied consistently. METHOD: Postal survey. RESULTS: Replies were received from 63 pathologists who carry out necropsies after sudden infant deaths. There was a pronounced variation in their use of the terms "sudden infant death syndrome" and "unascertained", with the last term being applied not only when there were apparently suspicious features but also in various other circumstances. Opinions were divided as to whether the term "sudden infant death syndrome" still serves a useful purpose. Deaths that had occurred while bed sharing were categorised in several different ways. Many pathologists commented on the inadequacy of the history available to them at the time of their report. CONCLUSIONS: There is a serious need for greater consistency in the way pathologists report on sudden death in infants. Pathologists should be provided with a full history before they carry out the necropsy.

Autopsy↗
PubMed1985

Apnoea monitors compared with weighing scales for siblings after cot death.

A randomised control trial was carried out on support measures given to parents with a subsequent child after previously suffering a cot death. Apnoea monitors were used in one group and weighing scales in the other. General support measures given to both groups included the keeping of symptom charts and weekly visits by health visitors. Many alarms occurred which were presumed to be false. Eleven per cent fewer symptoms were reported by parents of children on monitors than parents of children being weighed daily. Both systems were acceptable and gave parents confidence. Sixty per cent of parents were reluctant to give up using the monitor compared with 26% of parents using scales. Virtually all parents commented on the great value of the weekly home visit of the health visitor and the symptom diary.

Apnea↗
PubMed1983

Parents seeking help after cot death. How atypical is their experience?

A survey of 241 cases of cot death reported to the Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths is compared with more formal epidemiological studies. As expected the cases tend to be drawn from the higher social classes, and this selection affects some of the data--for instance, mothers' age and feeding practice. Nevertheless, data relating to the infants and their histories are remarkably similar to data from other studies. The survey provides a continuous epidemiological monitor as well as being of therapeutic value to the parents and should be continued.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The NHS complaints procedure. Perceptions of a recent convener.

The purpose of the NHS complaints procedure is to investigate complaints in a way that is satisfactory to the complainant, while being fair to staff and learning any lesson for service improvement. The current complaints procedure was implemented on 1 April 1996. It covers complaints about primary care practices as well as hospital and community health services, and includes matters arising from clinical judgement. An evaluation of its effectiveness is being undertaken by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, York University (York Health Economics Consortium) and Public Attitude Surveys, and a report is due after the end of 2000. This personal view of the complaints procedure, from the perspective of a trust convener, discusses recent proposals for reform from the House of Commons Health Committee and their relevance to the hospital physician.

Health Care Surveys↗