The PSI’s first overview report on Covid-19 Operational Standards has highlighted good practices, but also some areas for improvement following monitoring visits The PSI has…
Under cyber attack: Lessons to be learned
The effect of the cyber attack on the Irish health service continues to be felt by healthcare teams. David Lynch speaks with the former HSE…
Report reveals resilience of older adults living through Covid
Key report documents experience of living through Covid and the challenges, opportunities and lessons to be learned as Ireland emerges from the crisis esearchers at…
Those most at risk of vitamin D deficiency not having levels monitored — TCD research
The first study of its kind on vitamin D retesting calls for a greater focus on monitoring in certain groups Trinity College Dublin (TCD) researchers…
Digital messaging apps— Can you guarentee the safety and confidentiality of your patients?
Security and compliance should be front-of-mind for pharmacists during the pandemic and beyond Digital messaging apps have become an important facet of everyday life, enabling…
PSI PUBLISHES 2020 ANNUAL REPORT
Some key points from the Society’s latest annual report, which showed a low number of complaints relative to the number of interactions with the public…
A GP-pharmacist with a zeal for evidence
Niamh Cahill speaks to GP, pharmacist and entrepreneur Dr Paul Ryan about his passion for evidence-based treatment in primary care When Dr Paul Ryan made…
The journey to becoming a ‘digital first’ regulator
An Irish Pharmacist Q&A with Ms Muireann Ní Shúilleabháin following her recent appointment as President of the PSI Ms Muireann Ní Shúilleabháin, newly-elected President of…
1.6 million units of illegal medicines detained in 2020
HPRA ‘concerned’ about data that show a major increase in amount of illegal medicines The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) has expressed its concern at…
Delivering pharmacy care on the frontline of a pandemic
Irish Pharmacist speaks with pharmacist Eamonn Brady about working in care homes during the height of Covid-19 Eamonn Brady owns two pharmacies in Mullingar, having…
Clinical pharmacists ‘crucial’ to clinical trial process
The head of Cancer Trials Ireland spoke recently with Irish Pharmacist about the importance of clinical pharmacists in ensuring patient safety in trials An agreement…
Assisted suicide & euthanasia — a pharmacist’s perspective
Little attention in the current euthanasia debate has been paid to the role of Irish pharmacists and legislators and policy-makers need to be aware that…
Covid learnings ‘contribute to PSI future plans’
Pharmacy regulator launches new Corporate Strategy 2021-2023 The PSI has launched its latest Corporate Strategy, setting out the regulator’s key objectives until 2023. Developed against…
Becoming part of the therapy
Séamus Ruane MPSI looks at the evidence-based benefits of human contact and empathy among ‘social animals’ like ourselves and the impact of Covid-19 on these…
Study uncovers relationship between travel and spread of SARS-CoV-2 variants
Anna Wedderburn reports on a recent Irish study that demonstrated the link between the second wave of Covid-19 and international travel A study led by…
Almost 877,000 people now waiting to see a specialist or receive care
Recent figures show a dramatic increase in hospital waiting list numbers and patients waiting with chronic pain for long periods before receiving hospital treatment The…
Play to your strengths
Sometimes the apparently obvious candidate for a job in the pharmacy may not be the best choice after all, writes Séamus Ruane MPSI Have you…
Covid stress causes one-in-five Irish people to spend less time on teeth & oral health
A new study has highlighted the effects on patients’ oral health due to the psychological impact of the pandemic Covid-19 has impacted Irish people’s oral…
Too busy to breathe?
Far from being a fad, mindfulness is more relevant than ever, writes Séamus Ruane, community pharmacist and certified positive psychology practitioner “If one more person…
Resistance and persistence
Pathogenic bacteria in humans are developing resistance to antibiotics much faster than expected, new research shows Computational research at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, has…
Escape to victory: New research shows how SARS-CoV-2 mutates to evade antibody binding
In a recurring pattern of evolution, the Covid-19 virus escapes immune responses by selectively deleting small parts of its genetic sequence, according to new research…
Controlling your ‘negativity bias’
Séamus Ruane, community pharmacist and certified positive psychology practitioner, looks at how our brains are sometimes ‘Velcro for the bad’ I have often thought that…
Hair today, gone tomorrow
As discussions and preparations continue for the return to normal school and crèche routines, the perennial problem of head lice will inevitably surface to worry…
The case for increasing buprenorphine use as OST during Covid-19
Consultant in Addiction Psychiatry Dr Ciaran Somers analyses the potential advantages of an accelerated move to buprenorphine from methadone in pharmacies and GP clinics during…
A shot in the arm for Covid treatment
TILDA scientists have revealed vital evidence to inform HSE Covid-19 vaccine roll-out and boost uptake and efficacy of the vaccine in older adults As vaccination…
The LAIV nasal vaccine for children — an update
Dr Tom Barrett, MB Dch MRCOG and Senior Medical Officer, HSE National Immunisation Office, provides clinical advice and an overview of the importance of flu…
Majority of people living with HIV in Ireland comfortable sharing their status
New campaign aims to erode stigma associated with HIV Research launched recently ahead of World AIDS Day in December revealed that 56 per cent of…
Small steps consistently applied
Séamus Ruane, community pharmacist and certified positive psychology practitioner, looks at the importance of what may seem like small choices A defining moment that shaped…
Just under half of Irish migraine patients say it impacts their overall health & wellbeing
A new Irish survey has provided further insights into the negative impact that migraine causes for a significant proportion of sufferers A new Irish survey…
New advice on Vitamin D supplements for people aged 65 years and older
The Department of Health has advised that adults aged 65 and older take a vitamin D supplement The Department of Health has issued guidance advising…