Background:Smoking is a well-established risk factor for dementia, but the effects of passive smoking are unclear. We aimed to examine links between passive smoking and dementia or cognitive impairment.Methods:We searched seven medical research databases: MEDLINE, Web of Science (Core Collection), Cochrane, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Scopus, and CINAHL Plus. Studies were included if they examined measures of passive smoking and either cognitive impairment or dementia.Results:Of 1,425 records found, nine papers of varying methodologies were included after screening against inclusion criteria. Eight papers reported weak associations between passive smoking and either cognitive impairment or dementia. One paper only found this association alongside carotid artery stenosis. The papers’ quality was variable, with only two deemed high quality.Conclusion:There is limited weak observational evidence linking passive smoking with an increased risk of cognitive impairment or dementia. However, the studies were methodologically diverse and of inconsistent quality, preventing firm conclusions.
BackgroundPsychiatric in-patients are often transferred to an emergency department for care of minor wounds, incurring significant distress to the patient and cost to the service.AimsTo improve superficial wound management in psychiatric in-patients and reduce transfers to the emergency department.MethodThirty-four trainees attended two peer-led suturing and wound management teaching sessions, and a suturing kit box was compiled and stored at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital. Teaching was evaluated using Kirkpatrick's model, and patient transfer numbers were acquired by reviewing in-patient Datix reports and emergency department case notes for 6 months before and after teaching.ResultsThe proportion of patients transferred to the emergency department decreased significantly from 90% 6 months before the workshop to 30% 6 months after (P < 0.05). Trainees engaged positively and there was a significant increase in self-confidence rating following the workshop (P < 0.05). The estimated cost saving per transfer was £183.76.ConclusionThe combination of a peer-led workshop and on-site suturing kit box was effective in reducing transfers to the emergency department and provided a substantial cost saving.Declaration of interestNone.
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