FEATURE ARTICLES

DR SCOTT BROWN discusses the importance of customer relationship management, vendor rating systems and how healthcare organisations can enhance their procurement decision-making.

An insight into the latest research and keynote sessions to be presented at the annual meeting of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases – from discussion of antimicrobial resistance and systems vaccinology, to colistin resistance.

KATE WOODHEAD RGN DMS looks at the opportunities for building capacity for the future by introducing a new support worker role in health and social care.

The Carter Review calls for hospitals to standardise procedures, be more transparent and work more closely with neighbouring NHS Trusts, to save money and improve care.

National clinical director for innovation, Professor Tony Young, recently provided an insight into the role of clinical entrepreneurs in driving innovation, as well as key initiatives to support adoption of new technologies.

A new generation of smart dressings could offer the potential to detect infection, establish sensitivity to antibiotics, monitor wound healing, detect pressure ulcers, and much more.

St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust has implemented a Trust-wide patient monitoring solution with the aim of improving patient care, while speeding up work flows and delivering efficiency savings.

Experts recently discussed the latest research and challenges in gastroenterology, as part of the United European Gastroenterology Week, held in Barcelona.

DELIA GEARY, medical laboratories transition project manager, UKAS, provides an insight into the importance of accreditation for point of care (POC) testing to ensure quality control.

SARAH LOVELL argues that interim managers can provide an injection of expertise within a fixed time period in order to deliver change, while ensuring a continued standard of patient safety and quality of care.

The IDSc annual conference and exhibition recently provided an insight into the latest decontamination challenges and innovation. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

JOHN SANDHAM CENG FIHEEM MIET explains why it is important to consider the questions raised relating to technology, learning, and relevant policies and processes.

Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, in the US, have found an association between obesity and the formation of blood clots in the veins of children and adolescents.

CHRIS RULE highlights the importance of the Clinical Evaluation Report in the wake of patient safety scandals involving medical implants.

A report by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has underlined the fragmented and complex picture of services many patients still face when being treated by the NHS.

Experts at Quality Improvement for Surgical Teams (QIST) discussed the impact of surgical site infection (SSI) on patients’ lives, as well as some of the various strategies for reducing the risks.

Procurement of theatre lighting requires careful consideration of a range of complex factors, to ensure efficient solutions that meet the demands of a wide range of surgical procedures.

JOAN KINGSLEY discusses the impact of a culture of fear and bullying, which has been highlighted by some high profile reports in recent years.

DR TIM SANDLE considers best practice in the use of chlorhexidine skin disinfection, prior to surgery, with the aim of reducing the risk of surgical site infection.

DAVID EDWARDS argues that the potential risks associated with reusable scopes could be avoided by using single-use devices.