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Papers by Cliona O'Riordan

Research paper thumbnail of Patient and clinician perspectives of online-delivered exercise programmes for chronic musculoskeletal conditions: protocol for a systematic review

HRB Open Research

Background: Despite the growing economic and social impact of chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) condi... more Background: Despite the growing economic and social impact of chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, there has been low uptake of clinical guidelines for management, owing partly to the negative perceptions of patients and clinicians of their appropriateness and accessibility. Online-delivered exercise programmes (ODEPs) offer an alternative that can reduce costs and offer convenience for those with mobility limitations. As such, investigating participants’ perceptions of such programmes provides insight into the complexity and interplay of factors associated with uptake and optimization of implementation strategies. Objectives: This study aims to systematically review of the literature of patients’ and clinicians’ perceptions of ODEPs for chronic MSK conditions. Methods: To ensure the likelihood of identifying all relevant published articles, the following databases will be searched from inception to end of the project: CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE, SportDiscus, AMED, APA PsycArticl...

Research paper thumbnail of Early supported discharge for older adults admitted to hospital with medical complaints: a protocol for a systematic review

BMJ Open, 2021

IntroductionEarly supported discharge (ESD) aims to link acute and community care, allowing hospi... more IntroductionEarly supported discharge (ESD) aims to link acute and community care, allowing hospital inpatients to return home and continue to receive the necessary input from healthcare professionals that they would otherwise receive in hospital. The concept has been researched extensively in the stroke population, showing reduced length of stay for patients and improved functional outcomes. This systematic review aims to explore the totality of evidence for the use of ESD in an older adult population who have been hospitalised with medical complaints.MethodsA systematic review of randomised controlled trials and quasi randomised controlled trials will be carried out in line with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Studies will be included if they provide an ESD intervention to older adults admitted to hospital for medical complaints compared with continuing inpatient care. MEDLINE, CINAHL, CENTRAL and EMBASE databases will be searched. Th...

Research paper thumbnail of COVID-19 healthcare policies in Ireland: A rapid review of the initial pandemic response

Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, 2021

Aims: Healthcare systems urgently required policies to guide the response to the COVID-19 pandemi... more Aims: Healthcare systems urgently required policies to guide the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this review was to document the healthcare policies developed during the initial wave of widespread COVID-19 transmission in Ireland. We further sought to determine the key focus and impact of these policies. Methods: We conducted a rapid review of COVID-19 healthcare policies published from 28 January to 31 May 2020. Key information including the focus of the policy, target population and impact on service delivery was extracted from included policies. During analysis, data was grouped under descriptive categories and narrative summaries were developed for each category. Results: We identified 61 healthcare policies relating to COVID-19. We developed six category headings to describe the focus and impact of these policies: infection prevention and control ( n = 19), residential care settings ( n = 12), maintaining non-COVID-19 healthcare services and supports ( n = 12), te...

Research paper thumbnail of Inhibiting the Physiological Stress Effects of a Sustained Attention Task on Shoulder Muscle Activity

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2018

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate if a breathing technique could countera... more Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate if a breathing technique could counteract the effects of hyperventilation due to a sustained attention task on shoulder muscle activity. Background: The trend towards higher levels of automation in industry is increasing. Consequently, manufacturing operators often monitor automated process for long periods of their work shift. Prolonged monitoring work requires sustained attention, which is a cognitive process that humans are typically poor at and find stressful. As sustained attention becomes an increasing requirement of manufacturing operators' job content, the resulting stress experienced could contribute to the onset of many health problems, including work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). Methods: The SART attention test was completed by a group of participants before and after a breathing intervention exercise. The effects of the abdominal breathing intervention on breathing rate, upper trapezius muscle activity and end-tidal CO 2 were evaluated. Results: The breathing intervention reduced the moderation effect of end-tidal CO 2 on upper trapezius muscle activity. Conclusions: Abdominal breathing could be a useful technique in reducing the effects of sustained attention work on muscular activity. Application: This research can be applied to highly-automated manufacturing industries, where prolonged monitoring of work is widespread and could, in its role as a stressor, be a potential contributor to WRMSDs.

Research paper thumbnail of Evidence-based practice education for healthcare professions: an expert view

BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine, 2018

Internationally, evidence-based practice (EBP) is recognised as a foundational element of healthc... more Internationally, evidence-based practice (EBP) is recognised as a foundational element of healthcare professional education. Achieving competency in this area is a complex undertaking that is reflected in disparities between ‘best EBP’ and actual clinical care. The effective development and implementation of professional education to facilitate EBP remains a major and immediate challenge. To ascertain nuanced perspectives on the provision of EBP education internationally, interviews were conducted with five EBP education experts from the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Definitive advice was provided in relation to (1) EBP curriculum considerations, (2) teaching EBP and (3) stakeholder engagement in EBP education. While a considerable amount of EBP activity throughout health profession education is apparent, effectively embedding EBP throughout curricula requires further development, with a ‘real-world’ pragmatic approach that engenders dialogue and engagement with all stakeho...

Research paper thumbnail of Reliability of a measurement method for the cross-sectional area of the longus colli using real-time ultrasound imaging

Ultrasound, 2016

Objective Real-time ultrasound imaging is an established objective outcome measurement with prove... more Objective Real-time ultrasound imaging is an established objective outcome measurement with proven reliability. However, it is still largely biased by user-ability. Published research in the area of real-time ultrasound imaging reliability in the cervical region and in particular the deep cervical flexors is quite sparse. The purpose of this investigation was to examine if a novice ultrasound user could agree favourably with an experienced ultrasound sonographer in measuring the cross-sectional area of the longus colli. Methods Ultrasound images were captured from 22 healthy subjects on two different occasions, one week apart, by a novice ultrasound user. They were acquired using a GE Healthcare LOGIQe ultrasound machine, at a depth of 3–4 cm with the transducer frequency set to 8 MHz, in line with previous research guidelines. Cross-sectional area was then measured on-screen by both a novice and experienced ultrasound user to determine inter-rater reliability. Intra-rater reliabili...

Research paper thumbnail of Chronic Neck Pain and Exercise Interventions: Frequency, Intensity, Time, and Type Principle

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Early supported discharge for older adults admitted to hospital with medical complaints: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMC Geriatrics

Introduction Early supported discharge (ESD) aims to link acute and community care, allowing hosp... more Introduction Early supported discharge (ESD) aims to link acute and community care, allowing hospital inpatients to return home and continue to receive the necessary input from healthcare professionals that they would otherwise receive in hospital. The concept has shown reduced length of stay and improved functional outcomes in stroke patients. This systematic review aims to explore the totality of evidence for the use of early supported discharge in older adults hospitalised with medical complaints. Methods A literature search of CINAHL in EBSCO, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in the Cochrane Library (CENTRAL), EMBASE and MEDLINE in EBSCO was carried out. Randomised controlled trials or quasi-randomised controlled trials were included. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0 was used for quality assessment. The primary outcome measure was hospital length of stay. Secondary outcomes included mortality, function, health related quality of life, hospital readmissions, long-...

Research paper thumbnail of Chronic Neck Pain and Exercise Interventions: Frequency, Intensity, Time, and Type Principle

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2014

Objective: To identify the most effective components in an active exercise physiotherapy treatmen... more Objective: To identify the most effective components in an active exercise physiotherapy treatment intervention for chronic neck pain based on the frequency, intensity, time, and type (FITT) exercise method of tailoring physical activity recommendations to the individual needs and goals of patients. Data Sources: Databases, including the Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, Biomedical Reference Collection, and Academic Search Premier, were searched for relevant articles. Study Selection: Quantitative design studies that included active exercise as part of a multimodal or stand-alone approach were selected. Only studies scoring !6 on the Physiotherapy Evidence Database Scale were included in the review because this reflected a good level of evidence. Data Extraction: Study methodologies and relevant outcome measures, including isometric strength, Neck Disability Index scores, and pain scores, were extracted from relevant articles and grouped together for appraisal and synthesis. Data Synthesis: Evidence from selected articles was synthesized according to the FITT exercise principal to determine the most effective exercise type, frequency, and intensity in the treatment of chronic neck pain. Conclusions: Physiotherapy interventions using a multimodal approach appear to produce more beneficial outcomes in terms of increased strength, improved function, and health-related quality of life and reduced pain scores. Active strengthening exercises appear to be beneficial for all of these outcomes; the inclusion of additional stretching and aerobic exercise components appear to enhance the benefits of an exercise intervention.

Research paper thumbnail of Patient and clinician perspectives of online-delivered exercise programmes for chronic musculoskeletal conditions: protocol for a systematic review

HRB Open Research

Background: Despite the growing economic and social impact of chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) condi... more Background: Despite the growing economic and social impact of chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, there has been low uptake of clinical guidelines for management, owing partly to the negative perceptions of patients and clinicians of their appropriateness and accessibility. Online-delivered exercise programmes (ODEPs) offer an alternative that can reduce costs and offer convenience for those with mobility limitations. As such, investigating participants’ perceptions of such programmes provides insight into the complexity and interplay of factors associated with uptake and optimization of implementation strategies. Objectives: This study aims to systematically review of the literature of patients’ and clinicians’ perceptions of ODEPs for chronic MSK conditions. Methods: To ensure the likelihood of identifying all relevant published articles, the following databases will be searched from inception to end of the project: CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE, SportDiscus, AMED, APA PsycArticl...

Research paper thumbnail of Early supported discharge for older adults admitted to hospital with medical complaints: a protocol for a systematic review

BMJ Open, 2021

IntroductionEarly supported discharge (ESD) aims to link acute and community care, allowing hospi... more IntroductionEarly supported discharge (ESD) aims to link acute and community care, allowing hospital inpatients to return home and continue to receive the necessary input from healthcare professionals that they would otherwise receive in hospital. The concept has been researched extensively in the stroke population, showing reduced length of stay for patients and improved functional outcomes. This systematic review aims to explore the totality of evidence for the use of ESD in an older adult population who have been hospitalised with medical complaints.MethodsA systematic review of randomised controlled trials and quasi randomised controlled trials will be carried out in line with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Studies will be included if they provide an ESD intervention to older adults admitted to hospital for medical complaints compared with continuing inpatient care. MEDLINE, CINAHL, CENTRAL and EMBASE databases will be searched. Th...

Research paper thumbnail of COVID-19 healthcare policies in Ireland: A rapid review of the initial pandemic response

Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, 2021

Aims: Healthcare systems urgently required policies to guide the response to the COVID-19 pandemi... more Aims: Healthcare systems urgently required policies to guide the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this review was to document the healthcare policies developed during the initial wave of widespread COVID-19 transmission in Ireland. We further sought to determine the key focus and impact of these policies. Methods: We conducted a rapid review of COVID-19 healthcare policies published from 28 January to 31 May 2020. Key information including the focus of the policy, target population and impact on service delivery was extracted from included policies. During analysis, data was grouped under descriptive categories and narrative summaries were developed for each category. Results: We identified 61 healthcare policies relating to COVID-19. We developed six category headings to describe the focus and impact of these policies: infection prevention and control ( n = 19), residential care settings ( n = 12), maintaining non-COVID-19 healthcare services and supports ( n = 12), te...

Research paper thumbnail of Inhibiting the Physiological Stress Effects of a Sustained Attention Task on Shoulder Muscle Activity

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2018

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate if a breathing technique could countera... more Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate if a breathing technique could counteract the effects of hyperventilation due to a sustained attention task on shoulder muscle activity. Background: The trend towards higher levels of automation in industry is increasing. Consequently, manufacturing operators often monitor automated process for long periods of their work shift. Prolonged monitoring work requires sustained attention, which is a cognitive process that humans are typically poor at and find stressful. As sustained attention becomes an increasing requirement of manufacturing operators' job content, the resulting stress experienced could contribute to the onset of many health problems, including work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). Methods: The SART attention test was completed by a group of participants before and after a breathing intervention exercise. The effects of the abdominal breathing intervention on breathing rate, upper trapezius muscle activity and end-tidal CO 2 were evaluated. Results: The breathing intervention reduced the moderation effect of end-tidal CO 2 on upper trapezius muscle activity. Conclusions: Abdominal breathing could be a useful technique in reducing the effects of sustained attention work on muscular activity. Application: This research can be applied to highly-automated manufacturing industries, where prolonged monitoring of work is widespread and could, in its role as a stressor, be a potential contributor to WRMSDs.

Research paper thumbnail of Evidence-based practice education for healthcare professions: an expert view

BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine, 2018

Internationally, evidence-based practice (EBP) is recognised as a foundational element of healthc... more Internationally, evidence-based practice (EBP) is recognised as a foundational element of healthcare professional education. Achieving competency in this area is a complex undertaking that is reflected in disparities between ‘best EBP’ and actual clinical care. The effective development and implementation of professional education to facilitate EBP remains a major and immediate challenge. To ascertain nuanced perspectives on the provision of EBP education internationally, interviews were conducted with five EBP education experts from the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Definitive advice was provided in relation to (1) EBP curriculum considerations, (2) teaching EBP and (3) stakeholder engagement in EBP education. While a considerable amount of EBP activity throughout health profession education is apparent, effectively embedding EBP throughout curricula requires further development, with a ‘real-world’ pragmatic approach that engenders dialogue and engagement with all stakeho...

Research paper thumbnail of Reliability of a measurement method for the cross-sectional area of the longus colli using real-time ultrasound imaging

Ultrasound, 2016

Objective Real-time ultrasound imaging is an established objective outcome measurement with prove... more Objective Real-time ultrasound imaging is an established objective outcome measurement with proven reliability. However, it is still largely biased by user-ability. Published research in the area of real-time ultrasound imaging reliability in the cervical region and in particular the deep cervical flexors is quite sparse. The purpose of this investigation was to examine if a novice ultrasound user could agree favourably with an experienced ultrasound sonographer in measuring the cross-sectional area of the longus colli. Methods Ultrasound images were captured from 22 healthy subjects on two different occasions, one week apart, by a novice ultrasound user. They were acquired using a GE Healthcare LOGIQe ultrasound machine, at a depth of 3–4 cm with the transducer frequency set to 8 MHz, in line with previous research guidelines. Cross-sectional area was then measured on-screen by both a novice and experienced ultrasound user to determine inter-rater reliability. Intra-rater reliabili...

Research paper thumbnail of Chronic Neck Pain and Exercise Interventions: Frequency, Intensity, Time, and Type Principle

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Early supported discharge for older adults admitted to hospital with medical complaints: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMC Geriatrics

Introduction Early supported discharge (ESD) aims to link acute and community care, allowing hosp... more Introduction Early supported discharge (ESD) aims to link acute and community care, allowing hospital inpatients to return home and continue to receive the necessary input from healthcare professionals that they would otherwise receive in hospital. The concept has shown reduced length of stay and improved functional outcomes in stroke patients. This systematic review aims to explore the totality of evidence for the use of early supported discharge in older adults hospitalised with medical complaints. Methods A literature search of CINAHL in EBSCO, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in the Cochrane Library (CENTRAL), EMBASE and MEDLINE in EBSCO was carried out. Randomised controlled trials or quasi-randomised controlled trials were included. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0 was used for quality assessment. The primary outcome measure was hospital length of stay. Secondary outcomes included mortality, function, health related quality of life, hospital readmissions, long-...

Research paper thumbnail of Chronic Neck Pain and Exercise Interventions: Frequency, Intensity, Time, and Type Principle

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2014

Objective: To identify the most effective components in an active exercise physiotherapy treatmen... more Objective: To identify the most effective components in an active exercise physiotherapy treatment intervention for chronic neck pain based on the frequency, intensity, time, and type (FITT) exercise method of tailoring physical activity recommendations to the individual needs and goals of patients. Data Sources: Databases, including the Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, Biomedical Reference Collection, and Academic Search Premier, were searched for relevant articles. Study Selection: Quantitative design studies that included active exercise as part of a multimodal or stand-alone approach were selected. Only studies scoring !6 on the Physiotherapy Evidence Database Scale were included in the review because this reflected a good level of evidence. Data Extraction: Study methodologies and relevant outcome measures, including isometric strength, Neck Disability Index scores, and pain scores, were extracted from relevant articles and grouped together for appraisal and synthesis. Data Synthesis: Evidence from selected articles was synthesized according to the FITT exercise principal to determine the most effective exercise type, frequency, and intensity in the treatment of chronic neck pain. Conclusions: Physiotherapy interventions using a multimodal approach appear to produce more beneficial outcomes in terms of increased strength, improved function, and health-related quality of life and reduced pain scores. Active strengthening exercises appear to be beneficial for all of these outcomes; the inclusion of additional stretching and aerobic exercise components appear to enhance the benefits of an exercise intervention.