FEATURE ARTICLES

Philippe Grange, a consultant at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, has firm views on the barriers to widespread adoption of innovative laparoscopic approaches, the role of robot technology and the need to address conservative training. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

Surgical robots, in the past, were viewed as expensive “toys for the boys”. Now they are rapidly becoming accepted for routine procedures, while playing an important role in the development of the latest pioneering techniques. LOUISE FRAMPTON talks to Prosurgics about the adoption of the technology.

The role of DENISE DALEY, consultant respiratory physiotherapist, Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford, Surrey, is profiled by The Clinical Services Journal.

In the past, decontamination departments in the NHS were regarded as “Cinderella services”. To ensure compliance, a number of Trusts are now migrating processes to super centres. One of the first to open its doors was a purpose-built super centre in Chorley. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

KATE WOODHEAD RGN DMS, technical editor of The Clinical Services Journal, reviews significant items of healthcare sector news.

Bloodstream contamination in patients undergoing infusion therapy is seen as an increasing problem, but infusion filters can be used to provide effective protection. Report by PALL Medical.

An independent study published by the Improving Surgical Outcomes Group has found that improved fluid administration during and after surgery improves patient outcomes and reduces average length of stay. The Clinical Services Journal reports.

A new hand traction device has proved successful in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome that is unresponsive to conservative therapy. Report by HUMBERTO PORRATA MD, ALEJANDRO PORRATA MD and JULIAN SOSNER MD.

A number of key issues were explored at the International Nurses Study Day held at the Royal Marsden Hospital, London. The Clinical Services Journal reports on the proceedings.

The use of active warming devices is increasingly being viewed as another link in a chain of strategies to prevent surgical site infections (SSIs), says patient temperature management system provider Arizant.

Solutions to a variety of perioperative issues raised at this year’s AfPP Congress can be found at an exhibition taking place in tandem at Harrogate (8-11 October). This showcase will give an insight into the latest clinical advances and services aimed at improving patient care.

The 43rd Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP) annual congress and exhibition (8-11 October 2007, Harrogate International Centre) will examine the latest developments in perioperative care, while providing a special focus on professional development.

In 1999, patients waited for up to two years for coronary bypass surgery – now, the wait is no more than three months. Professor ROGER BOYLE CBE, National Director for Heart Disease and Stroke, reflects on how treatment of heart disease has improved over the past decade.

Factors involved in establishing excellence in clinical teamworking are explored by Achiive, a learning and development consultancy.

The Pain Research Symposium, which recently took place at Brunel University, provided an insight into the psychological, pathological and social issues relating to pain. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

Research shows that 80% of all urinary tract infections can be traced to in-dwelling urinary catheters. DAVID TUCKER, assistant director for control of infection at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, explains how the risk can be reduced.

Many prostate cancer patients are being denied a therapy which is proven to minimise the devastating side-effects associated with other treatments. Quality of life and patient choice need to be given greater consideration, according to the Prostate Brachytherapy Advisory Group. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

The Code of Practice in the Health Act 2006 will assist NHS organisations plan and implement how they can prevent and control healthcare associated infections. Adherence to the code should yield significant benefits, reports KATE WOODHEAD RGN DMS, technical editor of The Clinical Services Journal.

Picture Archiving and Communication Systems open up the possibility of remote diagnosis, as well as facilitating the sharing of patient information between clinicians, departments and even across Trusts. LOUISE FRAMPTON examines the impact the technology is having on Trusts throughout the UK.

DEBBIE LEE RN, DipN, CIM, MBA, director of Healthcare Standards International, reviews technology applications that can be a boon for nurses and their patients.