FEATURE ARTICLES

Adrian Hall discusses the challenges of integration for operating theatres, both now and in the future, and explains the barriers that need to be overcome to increase adoption of smart technologies.

Adrian Gee-Turner and Gary Driscoll explain the advantages of e-water (electrolysed water/hypochlorous acid) in a wide range of healthcare applications.

Graham Johnson introduces the first non-invasive test for assessing the structure and function of the stomach in patients presenting with dyspepsia.

The elective surgery waiting list has continued to grow and millions of people are now waiting for a procedure in England. It is clear more capacity is needed to tackle the backlog, but where will this additional capacity come from?

The independent sector quickly stepped up in the wake of COVID-19, but how can we build on public/private relationships to assist the recovery of health services going forward?

Dr. Georgia Alevizopoulou offers guidance on the treatment of medical devices at the point of use, to ensure optimum decontamination.

Infection control precautions, including regular cleaning and decontamination, are vital to help reduce the burden of healthcare-associated infections. However, traditional disinfectants only offer limited residual activity.

New guidelines have been launched to improve cardiac care and treatment – from heart failure management and best practice in tackling valvular heart disease, to advice on managing cardiac pacing and cardiac resynchronisation therapy

The Association of British HealthTech Industries (ABHI) recently launched its ‘Making it Happen’ report.

Figures show there is a continued need to tackle never events in hospitals. At the same time healthcare providers are seeking ways to increase efficiency to reduce the longest ever waiting list for elective surgery as a result of the pandemic.

Inadvertent perioperative hypothermia was high on the agenda at the AfPP annual conference. Kevin Robinson, 3M Scientific Affairs Manager OR, EMEA, provided an insight onto some of the key challenges and best practice. Louise Frampton reports.

The European Society of Cardiology’s annual congress highlighted the importance of early diagnosis of cardiac issues, providing essential guidance on detecting common symptoms of cardiac arrest, as well as optimising treatment to improve outcomes.

As perioperative practitioners continue to face unprecedented pressures in the wake of the pandemic, coping strategies and building resilience will be crucial. Louise Frampton reports.

Kate Woodhead provides an insight into the vision for integrated care systems, as outlined in a recent White Paper, and examines some of the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Undetected defects with rigid endoscopes can have a major impact on theatre efficiency, patient safety and costs. Colin Helsdown discusses the role of technology in preventing lost theatre time, by ensuring the integrity of these complex devices

Kevin Porter argues that the health service should use its huge purchasing power to demand the use of the most sustainable materials in the manufacture of PPE and prioritise environmental credentials during procurement.

Stephen Boyle reflects on why the NHS must change its operating model to address the backlog of care. He explains how healthcare systems can unlock hidden minutes that add up to make a significant difference to bed availability and patient flow.

Dr. Kayleigh Cox-Nowak provides an insight into effective disinfection protocols, aimed at reducing the risk of transmission of healthcare-associated infections.

Updated guidelines from the Resuscitation Council (UK) offer healthcare organisations across the UK an opportunity to re-evaluate their approach to resuscitation. James Swarbrick reviews the latest guidance.

Mark Hitchman reflects on the impact of COVID-19 on imaging services and discusses how innovation will drive efficiencies to create a new era of healthcare resilience and a higher standard of patient care.