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Cork Open Research Archive (CORA) is UCC’s Open Access institutional repository which enables UCC researchers to make their research outputs freely available and accessible.
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Radiographers’ recognition of developmental dysplasia of the hip on paediatric pelvic radiographs and perceived image-quality factors: An exploratory observer-performance study
(John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 2026) Carr, Niall; England, Andrew; McEntee, Mark F.; Treanor, Ben; Albeshan, Salman Mohammed; Elhaie, Mohammadreza
Introduction Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) encompasses a spectrum of acetabular and hip-joint abnormalities that may progress from dysplasia and instability to subluxation or frank dislocation. Radiographers are central to the acquisition of paediatric pelvic radiographs, but their ability to recognise radiographic features suggestive of DDH is not well established. This exploratory study evaluated abnormality recognition rather than formal diagnostic reporting and described radiographers? confidence and perceived image-quality requirements. Methods A prospective, cross-sectional observer-performance study was conducted at the European Congress of Radiology 2023. Thirty radiographers independently reviewed 25 anonymised paediatric anteroposterior pelvic radiographs selected from the DDH teaching dataset. The observer set comprised 13 normal and 12 DDH-positive radiographs: four left-sided, four right-sided and four bilateral cases. Reference labels were provided by three specialists in the source dataset. For each case, participants selected bilateral DDH, right-sided DDH, left-sided DDH, or no DDH; rated confidence from 1 to 10; and graded subjective image quality from perfect to inadequate. For the primary binary analysis, any response indicating DDH in at least one hip was classified as DDH-positive. A unilateral response to a bilateral case was therefore counted as positive because it would prompt referral or further assessment. Observer characteristics and technical factors were described but were not tested as independent predictors of performance. Results Mean reported sensitivity for DDH detection was 56.2% (SD 21.6%; range 0%?92.3%), and mean reported specificity was 40.2% (SD 28.4%; range 0%?100%). Confidence was generally moderate, with image-level mean ratings predominantly between 4 and 6. Participants most frequently rated appropriate collimation, absence of pelvic rotation, lower-limb positioning, radiographic centring and removal of artefacts as important technical considerations. These descriptive findings do not establish statistically significant predictors of observer performance. Conclusion Radiographers demonstrated substantial variability and overall limited recognition of DDH in this small, convenience-sampled observer study. The findings support further development and prospective evaluation of targeted education and clearly defined preliminary image-evaluation pathways, but they do not establish that radiographer flagging, training, or artificial intelligence support improves diagnostic timeliness or patient outcomes.
An analysis of the contribution made by Archbishop John Charles McQuaid to the drafting of the 1937 constitution of Ireland
(University College Cork, 1995-11-01) Condon, Cathal; Keogh, Dermot F.
This thesis examines the role of John Charles McQuaid in the drafting of the 1937 Constitution. He has, together with leading Jesuit writers of the 1930s, been identified with the Catholic ideologyof de Valera's Constitution. More specificaly, he has been associated with producing a flawed Religious Article which de Valera rejected. Historians have held the view that McQuaid's failure to produce a workable Religious Article provided a reliable barometer of his overall role in the drafting process. This view was based on examinations of limited archival material which only reflected cerian aspects of his work. This thesis is based on an analysis of the full range of McQuaid's personal papers on the drafting of the Constitution, which have recently been made available in their entirety. These documents help provide a new and more balanced view of the overall significance of McQuaid's contribution to the drafting process. The McQuaid papers contain several of the earliest drafts of the Bunreacht which are not to be found either in the de Valera papers or in the National Archives, both of which have been used most fequently by previous students in this field. This lack of original source material made it difficult to access accurately the full weight of McQuaid's contribution to the overall drafting of the process. This thesis attempts that task.
Epidemiology, comorbidity patterns and outcomes of maternal sepsis-related coded discharges in Ireland 2020–2025
(Elsevier Ireland Ltd, 2026-06-19) Ravichandran, Nandakumar; Fitzpatrick, Patricia; Hayes, Ellen; Quinlan, Diarmuid; Molloy, Mick; Umana, Etimbuk; Breslin, Tomas; Cotter, Aoife; Cullen, Walter
Background: Maternal sepsis remains a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality globally. National data on maternal sepsis are limited in Ireland. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the Hospital In-Patient Enquiry (HIPE) database, including all sepsis-related coded hospital discharges from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2025. Episodes were classified as hospital-onset or community-onset according to whether the associated infection diagnosis was coded as hospital-acquired. Maternal episodes were defined as episodes occurring in individuals from conception to six weeks postpartum. Infection sources and comorbidities were identified using ICD coding and a validated maternal comorbidity index. Univariable logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with critical care admission. Results: Among 80,628 sepsis admissions, 2.0% (n = 1645) were maternal. Of them, 73.6% (n = 1,211) were community-onset. Compared to community-onset episodes, hospital-onset episodes were associated with higher rates of critical care admission (22.6% versus 10.4%, p < 0.001). One death was reported among hospital-onset episodes. Among community-onset episodes, presence of one or more underlying comorbidities was strongly associated with critical care admission (adjOR 3.27, 95% CI 2.12–5.07, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Maternal sepsis in Ireland is uncommon and associated with low in-hospital mortality but notable critical care admission. Respiratory infections are the major determinants of critical care admission. These findings support continued emphasis on early recognition and risk stratification in maternity care, aligned with national maternity sepsis guidelines and the Irish Maternity Early Warning System for secondary care.
Perceived barriers and facilitators to radiology examinations among patients with Parkinson's disease in Ireland
(W.B. Saunders Ltd, 2026-02-12) Treanor, B.; England, A.; Moore, N.; Young, R.; McEntee, M. F.; Albeshan, S. M.; Elhaie, M.
Introduction: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with motor and non-motor symptoms that necessitate frequent radiology examinations for monitoring and management. Despite this, limited research explores the lived experiences of patients with PD in radiology settings, where symptoms may pose unique challenges. This study aimed to investigate perceived barriers and facilitators to radiology examinations among patients with PD to inform patient-centred improvements. Methods: A qualitative study utilising a semi-structured, experience-based focus group was conducted with eight patients with PD recruited from a rural Irish support group. Data collection occurred virtually via Microsoft Teams from March to April 2023. Audio recordings were transcribed and independently analysed by two reviewers using Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis framework. Results: Six participants completed the focus group. Three facilitator themes emerged: Supportive Hospital Staff (encompassing behaviour, awareness, and efficient care), Communication (clear explanations and time for discourse), and Knowledge (student-patient interactions, self-coping mechanisms, and understanding imaging importance). Three barrier themes were identified: Anxiety (diagnostic and disease-induced), Communication (lack of details and unvoiced concerns), and Knowledge (lack of PD awareness and service information). Communication and Knowledge exhibited dual roles, enhancing or impeding experiences contextually in a contextual manner. Conclusion: Addressing these barriers through enhanced staff training, improved communication, and knowledge dissemination can foster a more supportive radiology environment for patients with PD. Future research should validate these findings across diverse settings to guide policy and practice. Implications for practice: Enhancing staff training on PD-specific challenges, implementing clear communication protocols, and disseminating educational resources for patients can improve accessibility and reduce anxiety in radiology settings. Integrating multidisciplinary teams and patient input on appointment scheduling could further optimise service delivery in clinical practice.
Radiographers' perspectives on interactions with patients exhibiting cognitive impairment and dementia during magnetic resonance imaging examinations
(Elsevier Inc., 2026-02-07) Hanley, Sarah; McEntee, Mark F.; Murphy, Peter; Young, Rena; England, Andrew; Albeshan, Salman Mohammed; Elhaie, Mohammadreza
Background: Dementia and cognitive impairment are prevalent among older adults and present significant challenges during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations, particularly regarding compliance, communication, and procedural adaptations. Despite MRI’s central role in diagnosing neurodegenerative disorders, limited research has examined radiographers’ experiences with this vulnerable patient group. Objective To quantitatively investigate radiographers’ interactions with patients exhibiting dementia or cognitive impairment during MRI examinations, focusing on procedural barriers, adaptations, and implications for patient care. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the MRI department of a tertiary public hospital in Ireland. Eight state-registered MRI radiographers completed structured questionnaires ( n = 20 patient encounters) immediately following examinations of patients with documented or observed cognitive impairment or dementia. Descriptive statistics and cross-tabulations were used to analyze procedural outcomes, communication effectiveness, and modifications implemented. Results: Patients had a mean age of 77 years (range 65–89). Cognitive status was undocumented on referral in 85% of cases and most often identified via ward communication (50%). Only 25% of patients fully comprehended instructions, with 75% unable to cooperate. Procedural modifications were required in 30% of cases, primarily reduced scan duration and motion correction. Examination disruptions included incompleteness (25%) and abortion (15%). Patient distress was observed before (10%), during (30%), and after (15%) scanning. Radiographers employed strategies such as increased communication and interaction, though no carers were present during scans. Conclusion: Radiographers face substantial challenges in managing MRI examinations for patients with dementia or cognitive impairment, including poor referral documentation, communication barriers, and frequent procedural disruptions. Findings highlight the need for dementia-friendly protocols, environmental adaptations, carer involvement, and targeted radiographer training to optimize diagnostic quality and patient-centered care.