Cors Sheehan | University College Cork (original) (raw)

Papers by Cors Sheehan

HRB Open Research

Background: While models of integrated care for people with chronic conditions have demonstrated ... more Background: While models of integrated care for people with chronic conditions have demonstrated promising results, there are still knowledge gaps about how these models are implemented in different contexts and which strategies may best support implementation. We aimed to evaluate the implementation of a multidisciplinary diabetes Community Specialist Team (CST) to support delivery of integrated type 2 diabetes care during COVID-19 in two health networks. Methods: A mixed methods approach was used. Quantitative data included administrative data on CST activity and caseload, and questionnaires with GPs, practice nurses (PN) and people with type 2 diabetes. Qualitative data were collected using semi-structured interviews and focus groups about the service from CST members, GPs, PNs and people with type 2 diabetes. We used the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research framework to explain what influences implementation and to integrate different stakeholder perspectives. Resu...

Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine

This paper sets out to briefly explore the definitions of two interrelated subfields of cultural ... more This paper sets out to briefly explore the definitions of two interrelated subfields of cultural anthropology; psychological anthropology and medical anthropology. This exploration will argue that culture and the individual are intimately intertwined. The theoretical evolution within psychological anthropology will be presented, from the bio-moral classifications of the ‘primitive’ to modern ‘experience near’ ethnographies, and fluid understanding of personhood. Theoretical and methodological approaches to mental health will be discussed briefly. Finally, the conclusion will ask the question: what is the future for medical and psychological anthropology?

BMJ Open, 2019

ObjectiveGeneral practitioners (GPs) report finding consultations on fitness to drive (FtD) in pe... more ObjectiveGeneral practitioners (GPs) report finding consultations on fitness to drive (FtD) in people with cognitive impairment difficult and potentially damaging to the physician–patient relationship. We aimed to explore GP and patient experiences to understand how the negative impacts associated with FtD consultations may be mitigated.MethodsIndividual qualitative interviews were conducted with GPs (n=12) and patients/carers (n=6) in Ireland. We recruited a maximum variation sample of GPs using criteria of length of time qualified, practice location and practice size. Patients with cognitive impairment were recruited via driving assessment services and participating general practices. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically by the multidisciplinary research team using an approach informed by the framework method.ResultsThe issue of FtD arose in consultations in two ways: introduced by GPs to proactively prepare patients for future driving cessation or...

Physiotherapy, 2019

Objectives Gait disturbance and impaired balance lead to a greater risk of falls and hip fracture... more Objectives Gait disturbance and impaired balance lead to a greater risk of falls and hip fractures for people with dementia. Physiotherapists play an important role in multidisciplinary dementia care. This study aimed to explore physiotherapists' experiences of dementia care and sought to identify their dementia-specific educational needs. Design Qualitative design, using focus group interviews. Setting Primary care and secondary care physiotherapy services in the Republic of Ireland. Participants Six focus groups with thirty-two physiotherapists, working in community care and hospital settings. Results Physiotherapists described a significant dementia-related workload. Challenges to care included absence of a formal diagnosis, clinical uncertainty, scarcity of resources, physical working environment and the assessment of rehabilitation potential. Dementia care was enhanced by the involvement of family members and by collaboration with other allied healthcare professionals. Participants expressed a wish to receive further dementia training and clear evidence-based physiotherapy guidelines. Identified areas of educational need included enhanced communication techniques, use and interpretation of cognitive screening tools, sub-typing of dementia, and ethical issues in dementia care. Conclusions Our findings indicate that physiotherapists remain challenged by complex aspects of dementia care. Tailored dementia training for physiotherapists should be developed, focusing on their educational needs. Delivery of training should incorporate interactive case-based activities and interprofessional education with other allied healthcare professionals.

Journal of Assistive Technologies, 2011

Purpose – This paper seeks to discuss the authors&amp... more Purpose – This paper seeks to discuss the authors' experiences of multidisciplinary practice in relation to developing home-based assisted living technologies. Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws on almost three years' experience of working within an ongoing, large, multi-sited and multidisciplinary Irish national research programme: the Technology for Independent Living Centre. This involved industry and academic partners. Teams of clinicians, physical

ALTER - European Journal of Disability Research / Revue Européenne de Recherche sur le Handicap, 2009

This paper shares 'user perspective' insights from the ethnography component of an ongoing Irish ... more This paper shares 'user perspective' insights from the ethnography component of an ongoing Irish interdisciplinary study, Technology Research for Independent Living (TRIL). 2 The research is informed by a shared pool of knowledge, medical and research expertise, engineering resources, design and ethnography and is exploring new technologies that may support older people to live independently in their own homes, even if dealing with age-related illness or injury. To provide theoretical context, we position both our understanding of user perspective and our anthropological ethnographic method of enquiry. We draw on early case study material to illustrate older persons' understanding and experiences of existing technologies from a life course perspective. We then offer an example from our ongoing ethnographic enquiry, focusing on participants' experiences of new technology. We consider technology as social and discuss 'having the know-how'; 'user-led technology' and 'enabling/disabling new technologies'. A critical goal of the research is to achieve user perspective technological design. We argue that it's important to be clear about what is meant by 'user perspective' and how such user perspective is obtained; in our case, through our anthropological ethnographic lens on older persons and their ongoing relationships with existing and new technologies.

HRB Open Research

Background: While models of integrated care for people with chronic conditions have demonstrated ... more Background: While models of integrated care for people with chronic conditions have demonstrated promising results, there are still knowledge gaps about how these models are implemented in different contexts and which strategies may best support implementation. We aimed to evaluate the implementation of a multidisciplinary diabetes Community Specialist Team (CST) to support delivery of integrated type 2 diabetes care during COVID-19 in two health networks. Methods: A mixed methods approach was used. Quantitative data included administrative data on CST activity and caseload, and questionnaires with GPs, practice nurses (PN) and people with type 2 diabetes. Qualitative data were collected using semi-structured interviews and focus groups about the service from CST members, GPs, PNs and people with type 2 diabetes. We used the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research framework to explain what influences implementation and to integrate different stakeholder perspectives. Resu...

Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine

This paper sets out to briefly explore the definitions of two interrelated subfields of cultural ... more This paper sets out to briefly explore the definitions of two interrelated subfields of cultural anthropology; psychological anthropology and medical anthropology. This exploration will argue that culture and the individual are intimately intertwined. The theoretical evolution within psychological anthropology will be presented, from the bio-moral classifications of the ‘primitive’ to modern ‘experience near’ ethnographies, and fluid understanding of personhood. Theoretical and methodological approaches to mental health will be discussed briefly. Finally, the conclusion will ask the question: what is the future for medical and psychological anthropology?

BMJ Open, 2019

ObjectiveGeneral practitioners (GPs) report finding consultations on fitness to drive (FtD) in pe... more ObjectiveGeneral practitioners (GPs) report finding consultations on fitness to drive (FtD) in people with cognitive impairment difficult and potentially damaging to the physician–patient relationship. We aimed to explore GP and patient experiences to understand how the negative impacts associated with FtD consultations may be mitigated.MethodsIndividual qualitative interviews were conducted with GPs (n=12) and patients/carers (n=6) in Ireland. We recruited a maximum variation sample of GPs using criteria of length of time qualified, practice location and practice size. Patients with cognitive impairment were recruited via driving assessment services and participating general practices. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically by the multidisciplinary research team using an approach informed by the framework method.ResultsThe issue of FtD arose in consultations in two ways: introduced by GPs to proactively prepare patients for future driving cessation or...

Physiotherapy, 2019

Objectives Gait disturbance and impaired balance lead to a greater risk of falls and hip fracture... more Objectives Gait disturbance and impaired balance lead to a greater risk of falls and hip fractures for people with dementia. Physiotherapists play an important role in multidisciplinary dementia care. This study aimed to explore physiotherapists' experiences of dementia care and sought to identify their dementia-specific educational needs. Design Qualitative design, using focus group interviews. Setting Primary care and secondary care physiotherapy services in the Republic of Ireland. Participants Six focus groups with thirty-two physiotherapists, working in community care and hospital settings. Results Physiotherapists described a significant dementia-related workload. Challenges to care included absence of a formal diagnosis, clinical uncertainty, scarcity of resources, physical working environment and the assessment of rehabilitation potential. Dementia care was enhanced by the involvement of family members and by collaboration with other allied healthcare professionals. Participants expressed a wish to receive further dementia training and clear evidence-based physiotherapy guidelines. Identified areas of educational need included enhanced communication techniques, use and interpretation of cognitive screening tools, sub-typing of dementia, and ethical issues in dementia care. Conclusions Our findings indicate that physiotherapists remain challenged by complex aspects of dementia care. Tailored dementia training for physiotherapists should be developed, focusing on their educational needs. Delivery of training should incorporate interactive case-based activities and interprofessional education with other allied healthcare professionals.

Journal of Assistive Technologies, 2011

Purpose – This paper seeks to discuss the authors&amp... more Purpose – This paper seeks to discuss the authors' experiences of multidisciplinary practice in relation to developing home-based assisted living technologies. Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws on almost three years' experience of working within an ongoing, large, multi-sited and multidisciplinary Irish national research programme: the Technology for Independent Living Centre. This involved industry and academic partners. Teams of clinicians, physical

ALTER - European Journal of Disability Research / Revue Européenne de Recherche sur le Handicap, 2009

This paper shares 'user perspective' insights from the ethnography component of an ongoing Irish ... more This paper shares 'user perspective' insights from the ethnography component of an ongoing Irish interdisciplinary study, Technology Research for Independent Living (TRIL). 2 The research is informed by a shared pool of knowledge, medical and research expertise, engineering resources, design and ethnography and is exploring new technologies that may support older people to live independently in their own homes, even if dealing with age-related illness or injury. To provide theoretical context, we position both our understanding of user perspective and our anthropological ethnographic method of enquiry. We draw on early case study material to illustrate older persons' understanding and experiences of existing technologies from a life course perspective. We then offer an example from our ongoing ethnographic enquiry, focusing on participants' experiences of new technology. We consider technology as social and discuss 'having the know-how'; 'user-led technology' and 'enabling/disabling new technologies'. A critical goal of the research is to achieve user perspective technological design. We argue that it's important to be clear about what is meant by 'user perspective' and how such user perspective is obtained; in our case, through our anthropological ethnographic lens on older persons and their ongoing relationships with existing and new technologies.