The design of an algebra concept inventory

In this paper, we report on the development of an Algebra Concept Inventory (ACI) intended for students transitioning from second- to third-level education. We begin by outlining the work done on concept inventories to date before describing some of the guiding principles of interdisciplinary design teams. Our methodology for developing the ACI is detailed in a step-by-step manner including the formation of the design team, defining the parameters of the ACI, shortlisting items, and piloting. The iterative design process resulted in a 31-item preliminary ACI. We conclude by highlighting aspects of how the interdisciplinary team functioned throughout the process before outlining some potential uses of the ACI which was rolled out during Semester 2 of the 2020-2021 academic year to all higher education institutions (HEIs) in Ireland. The ACI is available for interested practitioners upon request

Obesity in adults: a 2022 adapted clinical practice guideline for Ireland

This Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) for the management of obesity in adults in Ireland, adapted from the Canadian CPG, defines obesity as a complex chronic disease characterised by excess or dysfunctional adiposity that impairs health. The guideline reflects substantial advances in the understanding of the determinants, pathophysiology, assessment, and treatment of obesity. It shifts the focus of obesity management toward improving patient-centred health outcomes, functional outcomes, and social and economic participation, rather than weight loss alone. It gives recommendations for care that are underpinned by evidence-based principles of chronic disease management; validate patients' lived experiences; move beyond simplistic approaches of "eat less, move more" and address the root drivers of obesity. People living with obesity face substantial bias and stigma, which contribute to increased morbidity and mortality independent of body weight. Education is needed for all healthcare professionals in Ireland to address the gap in skills, increase knowledge of evidence-based practice, and eliminate bias and stigma in healthcare settings. We call for people living with obesity in Ireland to have access to evidence-informed care, including medical, medical nutrition therapy, physical activity and physical rehabilitation interventions, psychological interventions, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery. This can be best achieved by resourcing and fully implementing the Model of Care for the Management of Adult Overweight and Obesity. To address health inequalities, we also call for the inclusion of obesity in the Structured Chronic Disease Management Programme and for pharmacotherapy reimbursement, to ensure equal access to treatment based on health-need rather than ability to pay

Diagnosis and management of femoroacetabular impingement: a review of the literature

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is being increasingly diagnosed as a cause of hip pain among young and middle-aged adults, and is now recognised as a likely cause of early osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip. There are two main forms, “cam” impingement and “pincer” impingement, although the vast majority of cases have a combination of both forms known as “mixed” impingement. Over time, repetitive abnormal contact between the femoral head and acetabulum can result in chondral, labral, and eventually osseous pathology. A detailed history and physical examination in conjunction with radiological imaging help in the diagnosis of FAI. Diagnosis is made difficult by the fact that many asymptomatic patients have the characteristic features of FAI on imaging. Most patients should have a trial of conservative management prior to consideration for surgery. Arthroscopic and open surgical treatments are available, with neither showing superior outcomes. In general, early outcomes of surgical treatment appear to be favourable, however these outcomes are limited to a hip joint with little or no evidence of OA. Further high quality research is required to investigate the optimal approach to diagnosing and managing this complex condition

New Ways of Working? A Rapid Exploration of Emerging Evidence Regarding the Care of Older People during COVID19

Health and social care staff have had to quickly adapt, respond and improve teamwork, as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our objective was to rapidly summarize the emerging evidence of new ways of working in the care of older people during this period. We conducted an exploration of the emerging evidence within the timeframe of 1 March 2020 to 11 May 2020. To capture a broad perspective, we undertook thematic analysis of Twitter data which was extracted through a broad search for new ways of working in health and social care. For a more in-depth focus on the health and social care of older people, we undertook a systematic scoping of newspapers using the Nexis UK database. We undertook a validation workshop with members of the interprofessional working group of the Irish National Integrated Care Programme for Older People, and with researchers. A total of 317 tweets were extracted related to six new ways of working. There was evidence of using telehealth to provide ongoing care to patients; interprofessional work; team meetings using online platforms; trust and collaboration within teams; as well as teams feeling empowered to change at a local level. 34 newspaper articles were extracted related to new ways of working in the care of older people, originating in England (n = 17), Wales (n = 6), Scotland (n = 6), Ireland (n = 4) and Germany (n = 1). Four main themes were captured that focused on role expansion, innovations in communication, environmental restructuring and enablement. The results of this exploration of emerging evidence show that health and social care teams can transform very rapidly. Much of the change was based on goodwill as a response to the pandemic. Further analysis of empirical evidence of changing practices should include the perspectives of older people and should capture the resources needed to sustain innovations, as well as evaluate gaps in service provision.Health Research BoardIrish Health Service Executiv