FEATURE ARTICLES

LIZ LAVERICK investigates a pathogen that has global impact, yet one that has been the subject of little research despite its impact in areas of the developing world where the virus is endemic.

LIZ LAVERICK investigates a pathogen that has global impact, yet one that has been the subject of little research despite its impact in areas of the developing world where the virus is endemic.

An ageing population, rising levels of obesity and an increase in the number of patients living with cancer-related morbidity are presenting challenges in terms of the complexity and volume of hip fracture cases.

The 6th annual Reducing HCAIs conference and exhibition – Improving processes, improving outcomes – focused on the challenges being faced within the clinical setting, and how reductions of surgical site infections (SSI) can be achieved.

Opinion remains divided on the subject of telehealth. However, one service provider argues that the technology can offer huge cost and efficiency savings if introduced as part of a larger service redesign. SUZANNE CALLANDER reports.

Taking place on 1 May 2014, the EBME Seminar is an independent, educational event for healthcare professionals that are responsible for the management of medical equipment.

Recent analysis has examined the quality of care provided by the NHS and highlighted key areas that need to be addressed.

SUZANNE CALLANDER reports on the findings and principal recommendations of a recent National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (NCEPOD) report that looks at the pathways for all patients diagnosed with an aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage.

Dr DAN COHEN believes that healthcare has much to learn from industries that are inherently dangerous, yet have achieved standards of high reliability performance that have resulted in dramatic improvements in safety, for customers and for staff.

At a one-day seminar, hosted by the Getinge Academy, delegates learned how to improve decontamination performance, through a better understanding of detergents and their role in effective reprocessing of medical devices.

TIM DAVIES explains the many benefits that the use of patients’ own mobile and digital technologies can now bring to clinical and late phase trials.

The Warming Update 2013 webinar was designed to provide a forum for the latest thinking from leading anaesthetists, in an effort to increase awareness of patient warming. SUZANNE CALLANDER reports.

SUZANNE CALLANDER reports on the latest advances in the development of an artificial larynx that aims to offer laryngeal cancer patients a better quality of life following a laryngectomy.

KATE WOODHEAD RGN DMS reports on visits to Seychelles, in her role as a facilitator for the Friends of African Nursing (FoAN), which has resulted in the charity helping to create a set of national standards for perioperative practice.

PAUL CLARK argues that effective complaint management needs to be at the centre of the NHS’ strategy for improvement. He discusses whether lessons could be learnt from other sectors.

A symposium held at the Infection Prevention conference examined the most effective strategies to prevent infection on the ICU – including the use of chlorhexidine dressings for catheters, daily patient decontamination, better designed endotracheal tubes and VAP care bundles.

Dr DEBRA ADAMS, DEBBIE HICKS and SU DOWN provide an insight into the award-winning initiative ‘FIT4Safety’, which is striving to provide evidence-based, best practice information to all people in the diabetes care setting, who are at risk of sharps/needlestick injury.

Maternity Matters set out clear goals to improve maternity services, but a recent report claims that the implementation of the Government’s strategy has not matched its ambition.

Around-the-clock access to NHS services presents an opportunity to improve care, efficiency, productivity, outcomes and safety, but can the existing supply chain support these changes and what are the wider implications for procurement? NICOLA HALL discusses the challenges ahead.

The UK has lagged behind the rest of Europe in terms of bowel cancer survival. However, the Department of Health is striving to turn this around by increasing detection of early stage cancers, through improved screening. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.