RECENT FEATURE ARTICLES

CMR Surgical (CMR) and Milton Keynes University Hospital (MKUH) have announced results from their Versius Robotic Assisted Surgery (RAS) programme, with major impacts reported on recovery timelines, patient outcomes and surgical staff wellbeing. The robotics team behind the programme spoke to CSJ about their findings.

Dr. Kevin Koh offers some valuable guidance on ensuring optimum surgical lighting in operating theatres. He warns that lighting choices can have an impact on patient outcomes and highlights the potential role of in vivo lighting.

A parotidectomy is a major surgical procedure to treat cancer of the parotid gland. Using a case study approach, Emily Humphrey provides an enhanced understanding that will help the scrub practitioner anticipate surgical needs, provide instruments in a timely manner, and improve intraoperative communication between the scrub and the surgical team.

A new report shows that over half of perioperative practitioners have not received any education on the hazards of exposure to surgical smoke plume, while 72% of perioperative practitioners have experienced symptoms associated with exposure to surgical smoke plume. The AfPP are among those calling for action.

Andrew Ready discusses the challenges of reduced laparoscopic vision and provides an insight into a solution that allows rapid and effective cleaning of condensation, tissue debris, blood and other particulate matter from the distal laparoscope lens without scope removal.

Sepsis improvement programmes have received criticism, in recent years, with some claiming that they have ‘resulted in increased hospital antimicrobial consumption’. But should we be targeting sepsis management as ‘the low hanging fruit’ or should we be looking elsewhere for solutions – including better integration of diagnostics? Louise Frampton reports.

iM Med Decontamination Academy recently provided some thought-provoking insights into the importance of leadership, team working, training and communication to ensure safe, high-quality decontamination services.

Taking place at the University of York and virtually from 8-11 September, the AfPP Annual Conference 2022 is set to be one of the largest gatherings of theatre practitioners in the professional (and social) calendar. With a packed programme of education, networking, workshops and entertainment, it is guaranteed to inform, challenge and inspire.

A serious safety incident involving the use of a contaminated surgical instrument has prompted an investigation by the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB). Among the recommendations of this must-read report is the need for national reporting of safety incidents involving sterile services. Louise Frampton reports.

Up to 13 million nurses will be needed to fill the global shortage of nurses, while 4.7 million new nurses will have to be educated and employed just to replace those who retire. Kate Woodhead RGN DMS discusses the challenges ahead and the importance of investing in education and training

Technology is rapidly changing within the operating theatre, so what are some of the promising innovations set to transform surgery in the future? The Clinical Services Journal explores some of the key developments that could have a significant impact.

As theatre teams strive to tackle the backlog, cognitive, social and personal resource skills will have a vital role to play in helping to deliver safe, efficient care, in challenging circumstances. Kate Woodhead RGN DMS discusses the importance of understanding human factors and the need to develop key skills to support effective teamworking.

Could we see a wholesale move to single-use scopes, in the future, or is the cost to the environment just too great? Could there be a middle ground, and how can we achieve a balance between protecting patients and protecting the planet? These were just some of the questions debated by experts at a recent online event, hosted by Pentax Medical. Louise Frampton reports.

The European Medical Device Regulation 2017/745 (EU MDR) has put more emphasis on Post-Market Clinical Follow-up (PMCF), to ensure patient safety. Celeste Maksim outlines some key steps to help manufacturers map out a smooth compliance journey and avoid a dangerous shortage of devices hitting the market.

The pandemic has increased our focus and understanding of the importance of mitigating the risk of airborne transmission of infections in the hospital environment. With patient safety at the forefront, Maidstone Hospital recently trialled a UV-C ventilation system to deliver a significant reduction in CFUs.

Neill Simmons highlights the key changes being implemented by the new National Standards of Healthcare Cleanliness 2021 and shares his views on how microfibre cleaning and advances in automated disinfection technology can play a crucial role in protecting patients, staff and visitors across the NHS Acute Estate and other localised medical environments

Dr. John Sandham, the EBME chairman, shares the details of the 2022 EBME Expo, being held in the Coventry Building Society Arena, on the 28-29 June 2022.

New proposals have been published by the GMC to help tackle toxic working cultures and to promote safer, more compassionate environments. Doctors will be expected to report bullying and discrimination, as well as working towards making healthcare more supportive, inclusive and fair.

Cecile Paya provides an insight into the demands of reprocessing transoesophageal echocardiogram probes. She argues that automated solutions should be adopted to ensure both the safety of the probe and the safety of the patient

The healthcare environment continues to present a risk of infection transmission, so what can we do to protect patients in a post-pandemic era? The Central Sterilising Club’s 60th anniversary annual scientific meeting showcased the latest evidence for best practice, highlighting some of the potential threats that need to be addressed.