FEATURE ARTICLES

Healthcare is heavily dependent on good-quality surgical instruments. However, research suggests that they are often overlooked when it comes to MedTech investment. It is time to tackle this issue, to ensure sterile service departments can maintain the highest standards of patient safety, says Richard Wood.

Jason Tetro provides an insight into how supplementary passive environmental hygiene in the form of silver-containing antimicrobial surfaces can assist in ensuring the infection chain is interrupted.

A Cambridge-based manufacturer of surgical robots has put UK MedTech on the map – setting an example of how clinician-led innovation can be scaled-up at pace. The Clinical Services Journal visited CMR Surgical’s new state-of-the-art facility and saw first-hand how the company plans to boost innovation in the UK.

How can you ensure your medical device innovation enters the right market and meets the necessary regulations? Leeanne Baker advises on the pros and cons of the regulatory scenarios in key international markets (the UK, the US and Europe).

A survey of UK surgeons has highlighted the urgent need to upgrade healthcare technology. The report suggest that significant time is being wasted due to inefficient technologies, and that an upgrade in technology in the operating room is long overdue.

The process for innovators bringing their products to the NHS is still lengthy and complex, says the Medical Technology Group (MTG) in its latest Deja Review report. However, the Government has shown that it is committed to using medical technology to address some of the issues facing the NHS. With further measures – such as a single pathway for innovation – there is hope for the future, says MTG’s Chair, Barbara Harpham.

The Institute of Decontamination Sciences conference and exhibition takes place on 28-29 November 2023 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel. CSJ provides an insight into the hot topics being discussed during the conference and the innovative decontamination solutions being highlighted at the event.

Dr. Trevor Smith, President of the British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (BAPEN), talks about the serious risk of malnutrition and what can be done to improve specialist care in the NHS and social sector, identifying four key recommendations to support nutritional care in the UK.

Kate Woodhead, Chair of Trustees at Friends of African Nursing, discusses the challenges around perioperative safety in Africa including the need for training of perioperative nurses. She highlights how one small charity aims to make a difference.

As hospitals face the challenge to master more complex operating theatre (OT) technology with strained resources, equipment that almost become active members of the surgical team can help facilitate the work. This proactive philosophy is the foundation of Getinge’s new Maquet Corin operating table

The world of HealthTech is fast evolving to meet the changing needs of a growing and ageing population. The UK has long been recognised as a world leader in this space, and the expertise of leading industry players will be on display on the ABHI UK Pavilion at the world’s biggest event for the medical sector this November.

For years, the aviation industry has used a digital archived record of every flight, allowing pilots to review and perfect their performance, thereby minimising the likelihood of errors and harm. There has never been an equivalent for surgeons, until now. Dr. Nadine Hachach-Haram discusses how embracing technology could make a difference.

At the Association for Perioperative Practice’s annual congress, delegates gained an insight into how high intensity theatre lists could provide a solution to tackling the backlog. Central to this approach is effective, multidisciplinary team working.

Kate Woodhead RGN DMS highlights a new report, developed by a working party appointed by the Healthcare Infection Society (HIS) and the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID). The guidelines aim to minimise ritualistic behaviours occurring in operating theatres without increasing the risk of SSI.

The need to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the key themes of this year’s IPS conference. Working with external organisations to tackle the issue is Essity, manufacturer of Tork hygiene products and services. The company’s Jenny Logenius explains the importance of reducing the risks of AMR

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is a valuable tool that aids clinical decision making, but there is some controversy over its pre-emptive use for monitoring disease progression. Professor Jimmy Limdi discusses current approaches to TDM in clinical practice.

At EBME Expo, it was clear that clinical engineers will have a key role in helping to tackle the risks associated with medical technologies, as increasing intelligence and connectivity present new and evolving challenges. From safety risks associated with artificial intelligence to cyber-attacks on UK hospitals, delegates were provided with some thought-provoking insights.

Technology is at the very core of NHS plans to deliver transformation, but making these big breakthroughs requires investment in medical equipment, IT infrastructure, and clinical technology expertise. Ruth Strickland and Caroline Finlay discuss the challenges and solutions required to ensure effective management of clinical technology.

The NHS is seeking to advance the roll out of virtual wards and implement more efficient ways of working, in a bid to tackle the backlog and reduce pressures on UK hospitals. Advances in mobile patient monitoring are helping to keep patients safe and support new models of healthcare delivery. Louise Frampton reports

Following the publication of Mölnlycke’s report on recovering elective care in the UK, James Hockley discusses some of the key areas where operating theatre efficiencies can be delivered. He highlights how new ways of working could help to relieve pressure on the system and its staff.