RECENT FEATURE ARTICLES

In a bid to address the issues surrounding ultrasonic cleaning technology, David Jones, MD Alphasonics, discusses a project to develop Advanced Ultrasonic Protein Removal Technology for cleaning surgical equipment.

Patient monitoring in theatres is an important aspect of delivering safe, optimal care and the AAGBI outlines the minimum standards of monitoring and the technologies required – both during surgery and recovery.

There is increasing awareness of the need to warm patients with forced air or other warming devices, but infusion and insufflation of cold fluids and gas can also contribute to inadvertent perioperative hypothermia. Now there is increasing interest in the role of nutrition in maintaining normothermia.

With screening services across the country faced with significant budget cuts, while certain sexually transmitted infections are on the rise, clinics are reaching crisis point as they attempt to do more with less.

In a recent Westminster debate, ‘Raising standards of infection prevention and control in the NHS’, Andrea Jenkyns, MP for Morley and Outwood, raised her concerns regarding hand hygiene and infection prevention, and the current method of direct observation to measure hand hygiene compliance.

The British Society of Gastroenterology’s (BSG) annual meeting took place at ACC Liverpool, by King’s Dock, and provided 50 symposia from a broad range of specialists. Showcasing the best of British gastroenterology, hepatology and endoscopy expertise, The Clinical Services Journal highlights some of the best 2018 BSG Annual Meeting talks.

Dr Ojan Assadian – president of the Austrian Society for Infection Control and a team from Novaerus, a global company working to disinfect and purify indoor air for optimal human health, examine the current limitations of hand hygiene and surface cleaning. They believe a third strategy - air disinfection, to inactivate viable particles before they settle on surfaces, can provide additional protection against infection.

In a speech to NHS bosses in 2016, Simon Stevens(NHS England’s CEO) urged doctors, nurses and NHS managers to “grab with both hands” the growing opportunitiestechnology offers both to help promote health and tackle the service’s chronic financial problems by saving on treatment and rehabilitation costs.1

The Hilton Birmingham Metropole, NEC Birmingham, played host to ‘Completing the Picture’ 2018, an annual educational symposium that brought together clinical, technical and procurement health professionals for a unique day of education and discussion.

In February 2016, Lord Carter’s report highlighted the opportunity to save up to £5 billion by tackling unwanted variation – a potential contribution of at least 9% on the £55.6 bn he spent on NHS acute hospitals. So what action has been taken to drive this forward and deliver these savings?

The role that the NHS organisations play in supporting staff who raise concerns about the quality of care and patient safety issues as well as bullying and harassment from others, was a key insight within Sir Robert Francis’ investigations following the failures at Mid Staffs Hospital. The Clinical Services Journal’s technical editor, Kate Woodhead RGB, DMS, reports.

The cleaning of showers and accessories can be time consuming and costly. Jonathan Waggott DipM, MCIM, from Jonathan Waggott & Associates explores the options available to address these issues.

iM Med ran a fascinating study day on 16 May, aimed at staff with lead and management responsibility for endoscope decontamination. CSJ reviews some of the highlights.

A decade following the foundation of Bevan’s National Health Service, pioneering nurse Daisy Ayris MBE was inspired to establish an organisation specifically for advancing the safety of surgical patients. 60 years on, Daisy’s legacy is being celebrated in an inclusive educational event at the University of York open to all practitioners working in the perioperative environment

Lauren Greenwood, content development manager and Kees-Jan Sikma, application consultant digital O.R. at Brainlab discuss the human factor, and why operating room staff are essential to true technology integration.

Breakthrough technology of wearable low-frequency Ultrasound is having a significant impact in preventing catheter-associated urinary tract Infections (CAUTI) in patients with long term indwelling urinary catheters. Lydie Whiteley, BSc. (Hons), product manager at Ideal Medical Solutions reports.

From hearing an Olympic gold medallist to frontline stories of digital adoption in health and social care, Joined-Up Health & Care 2018 provided lessons for urgently needed change.

Quality Improvement for Surgical Teams (QIST) launched The Theatre/Endoscopy Patient Safety Day on 14 June 2018 at Marriott Gosforth Hotel Newcastle. Technical Editor Kate Woodhead RGN, DMS, attended the event hosted by Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

From Sunday 30 September to Tuesday 2 October, the Infection Prevention Society (IPS) will host its annual conference, Infection Prevention 2018, at the Scottish Event Campus, Glasgow. The Clinical Services Journal discovers what’s on offer.

The usage of RFID in Trusts is on the increase, primarily due to its flexibility. Whether used for tracking beds, instruments or people, its versatility means that potential applications are almost unlimited.