Papers by Carol Ellis
Approaches to health in Ireland have been traditionally based on the curative biomedical model, w... more Approaches to health in Ireland have been traditionally based on the curative biomedical model, with public health infrastructure underdeveloped and typically focused on the treatment of disease rather than its prevention. Based on three papers presented at the Critical Issues in Irish Society Network conference (2012) ‘Health in Crisis’, this article explores to what extent Ireland is moving towards addressing the broader social structures which both enable and constrain health and wellbeing. It will argue that despite isolated examples of patient-centred approaches to care, a less atomised and more holistic understanding of the treatment of illness is required in Ireland. Similarly, Ireland’s record on addressing the wider social determinants of health (SDH) through specific public policy measures, even when compared with similar liberal welfare regimes (UK, Australia and Canada) remains poor. While a strong evidence base on the SDH has emerged in Ireland in recent years, the historical weakness of the welfare state, in combination with the present day dominance of neo-liberal governance, means that specific policy actions remain subordinate to an individualised approach to health promotion. It will conclude by arguing that in countries such as Ireland where there is a significant absence of political will to address the SDH, the need for a ‘public sociology’ which raises awareness of the relationship between class, inequality and health to audiences outside of the academic and political spheres is critical.
Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic multisystem autoimmune disease that p... more Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic multisystem autoimmune disease that predominately affects women (90%) during their childbearing years. Pregnancy complications in women with SLE exceed that of the general population. Women with
systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have fewer children on average than other women. This research aimed to analyse the perspectives of individuals with SLE in Ireland towards pregnancy. Methods: The research involved 23 semi-structured interviews with participants from Lupus groups in Ireland using multiple case study analysis. Results: Two key findings emerged in the qualitative
interviews: reluctance towards becoming pregnant, and not conceiving again post-diagnosis. Conclusions: This paper through analysis of qualitative findings highlights the need for psychosocial education and awareness in the clinical management of SLE and pregnancy. Patient counselling should be available for all possible issues that may arise both for the individual with SLE (risk of disease flares and pregnancy complications) and the foetus (risk of neonatal lupus syndromes and learning difficulties). There is a necessity for education in optimal disease control with safe medications during pregnancy.
It is vital that all university staff have awareness of the difficulties that may be experienced ... more It is vital that all university staff have awareness of the difficulties that may be experienced by students with disabilities. Staff must be given the knowledge and resources to support these students effectively. University College Dublin (UCD) Access Centre has developed a communication and training strategy to improve disability awareness among staff in UCD, Ireland. This article will outline the development and implementation of this strategy as a model that could be adapted in other institutions. In particular, this Practice Brief will outline the training options provided for staff with a focus on the implementation of Universal Design for Instruction (UDI). Inclusivity and accessibility are vital components in the approach to design and delivery of education at all levels. This article gives an overview of the practical tips and advice given to Faculty in UCD who wish to implement the principles of UDI in their own work.
This pilot qualitative study of the doctor and medical student’s perspective of the doctor-patien... more This pilot qualitative study of the doctor and medical student’s perspective of the doctor-patient relationship has a specific focus on communication through analysis of their perspectives on communication, limitations, and stresses based on seven semi-structured interviews. The research identified an acceptance of patient empowerment, with homologised relationships, but time limitations hindered addressing the psycho-social issues of the patient. Notably emotional detachment and depersonalisation was favoured by the interviewees as the best mechanism to handle stress. The study identifies that even in the early stages of the life of the doctor the hospital environment causes stress and exhaustion. This highlights the need for alleviation of time pressures within the medical framework and that modern, integrated support and guidance is made available to doctors in order that stress does not impinge on the doctor-patient relationship.
Conference Papers by Carol Ellis
The forecast for chronic illness has projected that an additional 523,000 people will suffer from... more The forecast for chronic illness has projected that an additional 523,000 people will suffer from a chronic illness by 2020 (Institute of Public Health, Ireland). This paper aims to display that recognising identity among those with chronic illnesses can lead to improvements in quality of life. The case study is the chronic autoimmune illness systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), where relief is reliant on the management (Greco et al. 2004) and coping strategies (Bricou et al. 2006) of the individual. SLE places the individual’s performance within daily life in uncertainty, where status, roles and routines fluctuate, effecting the individual’s well-being socio-economically. This paper will examine how social frameworks (relationships, employment and healthcare) contribute towards well-being and life quality, providing insight into the social identity of the individual with SLE and the subjective experiences of this chronic illness. The issue of chronic illness is both personal and soc...
The British Sociological Association and the Work, employment and society Editorial Board are ple... more The British Sociological Association and the Work, employment and society Editorial Board are pleased to announce that the WES Conference 2013 will be hosted by the University of Warwick. Like the journal, the conference is sociologically oriented but welcomes contributions from related fields.
Report by Carol Ellis
Societal demand for improved health outcomes and access to care and reforms currently underway in... more Societal demand for improved health outcomes and access to care and reforms currently underway in the USA opens a window of opportunity to address shortfalls in access, continuity, comprehensiveness and quality of PC and the workforce, financing and social issues that contribute to poor outcomes. A review of the features of PC in HMICs highlighted improvements achieved in value for money
through:
1. focusing on proactive, comprehensive, participatory approaches that promote population health;
2. reaching out to and equitably including all in the catchment population into PC;
3. reorganising capacities and financing for comprehensive, co-ordinated PC; and
4. supporting innovation and learning from practice.
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Papers by Carol Ellis
systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have fewer children on average than other women. This research aimed to analyse the perspectives of individuals with SLE in Ireland towards pregnancy. Methods: The research involved 23 semi-structured interviews with participants from Lupus groups in Ireland using multiple case study analysis. Results: Two key findings emerged in the qualitative
interviews: reluctance towards becoming pregnant, and not conceiving again post-diagnosis. Conclusions: This paper through analysis of qualitative findings highlights the need for psychosocial education and awareness in the clinical management of SLE and pregnancy. Patient counselling should be available for all possible issues that may arise both for the individual with SLE (risk of disease flares and pregnancy complications) and the foetus (risk of neonatal lupus syndromes and learning difficulties). There is a necessity for education in optimal disease control with safe medications during pregnancy.
Conference Papers by Carol Ellis
Report by Carol Ellis
through:
1. focusing on proactive, comprehensive, participatory approaches that promote population health;
2. reaching out to and equitably including all in the catchment population into PC;
3. reorganising capacities and financing for comprehensive, co-ordinated PC; and
4. supporting innovation and learning from practice.
systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have fewer children on average than other women. This research aimed to analyse the perspectives of individuals with SLE in Ireland towards pregnancy. Methods: The research involved 23 semi-structured interviews with participants from Lupus groups in Ireland using multiple case study analysis. Results: Two key findings emerged in the qualitative
interviews: reluctance towards becoming pregnant, and not conceiving again post-diagnosis. Conclusions: This paper through analysis of qualitative findings highlights the need for psychosocial education and awareness in the clinical management of SLE and pregnancy. Patient counselling should be available for all possible issues that may arise both for the individual with SLE (risk of disease flares and pregnancy complications) and the foetus (risk of neonatal lupus syndromes and learning difficulties). There is a necessity for education in optimal disease control with safe medications during pregnancy.
through:
1. focusing on proactive, comprehensive, participatory approaches that promote population health;
2. reaching out to and equitably including all in the catchment population into PC;
3. reorganising capacities and financing for comprehensive, co-ordinated PC; and
4. supporting innovation and learning from practice.