Peter S. Dixon

Studies on marine algae of the British Isles: the genus Ceramium

The British Phycological Society was founded in 1952 to serve as a meetingground for phycologists, and to carry out a co-ordinated scheme of work on the algae of this country. The specific projects included the production of a Flora of British Marine Algae and the publication of a series of biological studies of individual genera and species.

A systematic review of placebo-controlled trials of topiramate: How useful is a multiple-indications review for evaluating the adverse events of an antiepileptic drug?

Topiramate (TPM) is an antiepileptic drug that is also used for other indications (e.g., migraine). Adverse event (AE) data from epilepsy trials could be supplemented by data from trials in other indications. Combining data across trials and indications is a novel method for evaluating AEs. We conducted a multiple‐indications review by systematically reviewing randomized placebo‐controlled trials of TPM, to compare the nervous system AEs of TPM in epilepsy with those in other indications.

Studies on marine algae of the British Isles: Ceramium shuttleworthianum (Kutz.) Silva

Original description 375 Synonymy . 376 Description of the species 376 Structure and development of the thallus 376 Structure and development of the reproductive organs and carposporophyte 380 Fungal infections . 382 Distribution. 382 Habitat 384 Reproduction 384 Life history. 385 Form range . 385 The interrelationships of Ceramium ciliatum and Ceramium shuttleworthianum 387 Appendix: Notes on type specimens 388 Acknowledgements 389 References . 389

Referral patterns after a seizure admission in an English region: an opportunity for effective intervention? An observational study of routine hospital data

Objectives To identify emergency seizure admissions to hospital and their subsequent access to specialist outpatient services. Design Algorithmic analysis of anonymised routine hospital data over 7u2005years using specialist follow-up by 3u2005months as the target outcome. Population All adults resident in Merseyside and Cheshire, England. Main Outcomes Whether, and when, access to the specialist advice that might prevent further admissions was offered. Results 1.4% of all emergency medical admissions are as a result of seizure. In the following 12u2005months 35% were readmitted and experienced a mean of 2.3 emergency department visits. Only 27% (48% of those already known to specialists and 13% of those not known) were offered appointments. Subsequent attendance at a specialist clinic is more likely if already known to a clinic, if aged <35u2005years, if female, or required a longer spell in hospital. Extrapolation from other work suggests 100u2005000 bed days per annum could be saved. Conclusions Most seizure admissions are not being referred for the help that could prevent future admissions. The majority of those that are referred are not seen within an appropriate time frame. Our service structures are not providing an optimum service for people with epilepsy.

Perceptions of emergency care using a seizure care pathway for patients presenting to emergency departments in the North West of England following a seizure: a qualitative study

Objectives To establish the appropriateness of a previously developed seizure care pathway by exploring to what extent patients valued the intervention and perceived it as being helpful or not. Design Qualitative descriptive study, using semistructured, in-depth interviews and thematic template analysis, theoretically informed by critical realism. Setting In North West England, a seizure care pathway has been developed in collaboration with a specialist neurology hospital to support clinical management of seizure patients on initial presentation to the emergency department (ED), as well as access to follow-up services on discharge, with the aim of improving patient experience. Three National Health Service (NHS) EDs and a specialist neurology hospital provided the setting for participant recruitment to this study. Participants 181 patients fulfilled the inclusion criterion with 27 participants taking part following their experience of an ED attendance and outpatient follow-up appointment after a seizure. Results Five main themes emerged from the data: decision to seek care, responsiveness of services, waiting and efficiency, information and support, and care continuity. Two integrative themes spanned the whole study: lived experience and communication. This paper reports on two of the main themes: care continuity, and waiting and efficiency. The average time between ED presentation and interview completion was 100 days. Conclusions Implementation of a care pathway is a complex intervention, requiring long-term follow-up to assess its integration into practice and effectiveness in service improvement. The seizure care pathway has the potential to enhance the care of seizure patients in the ED and at follow-up by improving continuity and management of care. The study demonstrates good aspects of the seizure care pathway as observed by patients and also recognises shortcomings within current service provision and questions what the NHS should and should not be delivering. Our study suggests various ways to enhance the pathway at service level to potentially drive improved patient experience.