Developmental trajectories of sleep in offspring of parents with mood disorders.

As in other countries, obesity in Ireland poses a major burden on affected individuals and on healthcare systems, with direct healthcare costs of obesity-related conditions predicted to reach more than €5 billion by 2030 (Keaver ., ; Donovan and McNulty, ). Primary care is usually the entry point for referral to specialist services (Busetto, ; O’Connor ., ). For patients seeking to discuss weight-related health concerns within general practice, there are significant opportunities to help manage obesity and prevent its complications (O’Donoghue ., ; Crotty ., ). General practice nurses (GPNs) are privately employed by general practitioners (GPs) in Ireland. They contribute to the delivery of services aligned with public health policy and to meeting contractual obligations within general practice. They provide holistic healthcare and play a critical role in nurse-led assessments, chronic disease management, and preventive care (Irish General Practice Nurse Educational Association, ). They work both independently and in collaboration with GP’s and community teams. GPNs understand the cultural, social and economic environment, family situations, living habits and the local community of patients within their practice (Bornhoeft, ; Yu ., ). A recent general practice survey in Ireland noted 13,161 nurse consultations nationally in a single day (Collins and Homeniuk, ). Under the Model of Care for the Management of Overweight and Obesity (Model of Care), primary care is tasked with early identification of obesity and related complications, brief advice on the condition, initial management and signposting to specialist services (Health Service Executive, ). GPNs are encouraged to complete the ‘Make Every Contact Count’ learning module (MECC) on the topic ‘Talking about Overweight and Obesity’ to help them support patients through providing non-stigmatising care (Gaynor ., ). The Association for the Study of Obesity in Ireland (ASOI) Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Management of Obesity in Adults (CPGs) provide recommendations for care underpinned by evidence-based principles of chronic disease management (Breen ., ). These resources are accessible to all healthcare professionals (HCPs) including primary care practitioners (GP’s and GPNs) and allied health professionals in Ireland.