FEATURE ARTICLES

At the Central Sterilising Club (CSC) Autumn study day, on the 10th October 2022, in Manchester, sustainability was high on the agenda. The event included some thought-provoking discussions on how the environmental impact of decontamination and endoscopy departments could be minimised. Louise Frampton reports.

CSJ spoke to the new chair of the Institute of Decontamination Sciences (IDSc), Trevor Garcia, about the organisation’s direction for the future, its ambitions to drive standards in the sector, and the need for culture change in decontamination science. He believes there is a need to ‘get back to basics’.

One of Europe’s largest Infection Prevention and Control Conferences is set to take place in Birmingham at The National Conference Centre. The two-day event will bring together over 800 attendees each day to explore the latest initiatives from the IP&C Arena.

The future of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) depends on what we do today. Better diagnostics, infection prevention, and surveillance are vital factors in the fight against AMR, argues Greg Quinn.

CSJ spoke to Charles Pallandt, chief commercial officer at Incision, to find out how digital tools for education and training could support operating theatre teams to improve performance, reduce delays and improve safety.

Following a series of articles in the February and March editions of CSJ, on the barriers operating theatre teams face in relation to the WHO Safe Surgery Checklist, Nigel Roberts concludes with a report on a third and final Delphi study round.

Kate Woodhead RGN DMS looks at the reasons behind delayed transfers from hospital, the proposed solutions and strategies, and the challenges ahead.

Dr. Constantin Jabarin discusses the role of EPR clinical decision support in tackling the backlog, in light of challenging targets being set by the Government

James Beckett explains how the use of molecular point of care testing (POCT) has seen exponential growth in recent years, from its hospital-based origins to its widespread community use for detection of infections, sexual health screening and, more recently, respiratory disease diagnosis during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Is there an issue with ergonomics in surgery and can instrument design help take the strain? Michael Parden highlights the importance of preventing musculoskeletal pain and injury within the surgical community

Point of care ultrasound has become an indispensable tool in ICUs and Emergency Departments, but with studies identifying high levels of contamination on ultrasound probes, how can healthcare providers minimise the infection risks and improve safety for patients? Olivier Mazille calls for improvement and standardisation of disinfection processes.

CSJ spoke to ABHI’s head of international events, Michelle Michelucci, about this year’s action-packed programme and why the show continues to provide such an influential platform.

NHS staff may not always be able to access accurate, critical information at the hospital bedside during life-threatening emergencies, a new report from the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch has warned.

A recent trial has highlighted the value of water testing for the early detection of infection outbreaks, to enable health and care providers to implement robust infection prevention measures. However, water testing can offer a valuable contribution to IP&C in a variety of ways – from epidemiology and environmental monitoring, to ensuring the safety of medical devices.

The Central Sterilising Club Annual Scientific Meeting provides an excellent learning opportunity for all those involved in decontamination. With a focus on extending knowledge and improving practice, this year’s event promises to provide a platform for discussion around the key challenges ahead, as well as reflections on lessons learnt. CSJ provides an insight into the hot topics being discussed

Using MedTech effectively will be critical for reducing waiting lists, as well as improving outcomes for patients. The Government has set out its key priorities for supporting MedTech innovation and adoption, while ensuring a sustainable and resilient supply chain

Nigel Roberts provides an insight into a second Delphi study investigating the views of operating theatre teams on the surgical safety checklist and Local Safety Standards for Invasive Procedures.

Kate Woodhead RGN DMS provides an insight into the second National Safety Standards for Invasive Procedures, aimed at improving patient safety. She welcomes the new standards and hopes that theatre teams will fully engage with them.

Wassenburg has pioneered in the field of endoscope decontamination, with the aim of improving patient safety. However, the company’s vision goes beyond just ensuring a clean scope – with the company’s CEOs setting out a commitment to sustainable and ethical values.

Professor Melvin Lobo, director of the internationally renowned Barts Blood Pressure Clinic, saw one major positive outcome of the pandemic – people becoming more engaged in their own health, with proactive, self-directed blood pressure (BP) monitoring. He explains why this approach can vastly improve the understanding of patterns in hypertensive patients and, in turn, lead to better patient outcomes.