FEATURE ARTICLES

The correct packaging of surgical instrument sets before sterilisation is vital to reduce the risk of surgical site infections. However, because there is no standard to define the number of layers of wrap that should be used, practice varies. Suzanne Callander reports.

A new innovation hub has recently opened to help innovators navigate their way through the medical devices development process.

Continued non-compliance with the EU Sharps Directive is putting staff at risk, according to the latest research.

A recent joint report from the Royal College of Physicians and the Royal College of General Practitioners highlights the benefits of patient-centred integrated care solutions.

The independent Review on Antimicrobial Resistance has highlighted the power of simple measures to prevent infections, as well as the potential role of vaccines.

Kate Woodhead RGN DMS provides an insight into efforts to apply learning from safety incidents, while tackling the culture of blame in the NHS.

Significant improvement is needed to ensure that patients receive the recommended treatment standards, according to the latest reports.

There is a wide variety of equipment and different technologies available today, which can be employed as part of pressure ulcer prevention strategies. Suzanne Callander looks at some of the devices available and how and why they are being used.

A preview of the topical issues and innovations to be highlighted at the EBME Seminar, taking place on 26 April 2016, in Milton Keynes.

Dr Beverley Almeida and Dr Liza McCann discuss the challenges associated with diagnosing rare autoinflammatory conditions, highlighting some of the ‘red flags’ that should raise suspicion and prompt referral.

Infection Prevention and Control 2016 recently highlighted the continued need for vigilance in the fight against healthcare associated infection, as well as the increasing threat posed by antimicrobial resistance. Louise Frampton reports.

The Test Bed programme will evaluate a combination of technologies with innovations in how services are delivered. The aim is to address the barriers that have constrained the impact of innovation.

Five billion people do not have access to even the most basic level of surgical care. Kate Woodhead provides an insight into some of the challenges faced by theatre teams in under-resourced countries.

New medical device technologies are facilitating day case surgery, improving patient safety and saving lives through earlier cancer diagnosis.

Through the introduction of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, Milton Keynes Hospital has improved efficiency and the management of medical devices, as well as freeing clinical time and enhancing patient safety

Gunnar Kahlmeter discusses global efforts to tackle antibiotic resistance and the vital role of the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing in creating definitions for a global consensus.

SUZANNE CALLANDER reports on a trial to identify the most suitable device, in terms of cost and outcome, for long-term central venous access to facilitate chemotherapy.

Catheter-related bloodstream infections could be reduced through the implementation of a disinfecting cap, coupled with improved compliance to aseptic non touch technique.

Scientists have developed the first effective alternative to antibiotics in a significant advance in the fight against drug-resistant infection. BJORN HERPERS looks at the promise of endolysins.

An in depth study recently looked at the cost of disease related malnutrition in England and provided a budget impact analysis of implementing the NICE clinical guidelines/quality standard on nutrition support in adults.