FEATURE ARTICLES

The European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) has produced new guidelines on best practice methods to diagnose Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). The Clinical Services Journal reports.

John Prendergast highlights the fact that there are differing priorities between ‘hands on’ clinical staff and dedicated professionals with responsibility for undertaking, managing or supplying endoscope decontamination services.

Gail Lowdon, clinical surveillance lead, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust provides an insight into the opportunities for shared learning at this year’s QIST conference.

Clinical leaders play an important role in encouraging innovation and creativity in teams. Raj Purewal discusses how to promote an innovative spirit.

The public’s love affair with cosmetic interventions shows no sign of abating, but what protection is there for members of the public and how can they be sure their surgeon has the appropriate training and experience?

The Health Foundation has published a report on the workforce in the NHS, which concludes that the greatest threats to the delivery of the Five Year Forward Vieware funding constraints and staff shortages.

Kate Woodhead RGN DMS acknowledges that action must be taken to tackle the financial pressures in the NHS, but argues that we must not forsake the momentum on delivering quality.

Tim Sandle PhD considers the importance of optimising the selection of detergents for cleaning medical equipment and outlines the factors that influence efficacy and effectiveness.

There is a growing body of evidence to support the efficacy of disinfection with chlorine dioxide in the fight against healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs).

Electronic monitoring of hand hygiene has been shown to increase compliance by over 25% and could help reduce healthcare-associated infection.

Candace Imison, from the Nuffield Trust, recently discussed the role of digital technologies in healthcare at the Completing the Picture conference. She considered: will the future be digital heaven or digital hell?

The Medical Technology Group discusses the issue of innovation adoption in the NHS and ‘what lessons can be learnt from the past’.

A number of key reports have identified how outcome and quality of life should be improved for people with long-term neurological conditions.

The UK Sepsis Trust ‘Sepsis Unplugged’ Conference 2016 takes place 13-14 October 2016 at the Hilton Brighton Metropole with the aim of shaping better care for patients.

Peter Bonis explains the role of clinical decision support technology in delivering cost savings, while improving patient safety.

A new scientific study using a dynamic bioaerosol test method has demonstrated no detectable post-sterilisation contamination of instrument trays wrapped in Halyard sterilisation wrap. Karina Engels reports on the findings of the study.

A recent survey showed that just 24% of healthcare staff are completely confident about the standards of medicines management in their hospital. Martin England provides an insight into how patient safety can be improved.

Parminder Kalle advises on how to navigate post market surveillance for medical devices to ensure regulatory compliance and to protect patients and staff from potential risks.

Medical robotics is entering a period of major innovation and development, and is expected to drive the future of precision surgery.

Denise Gibson, Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, provides an insight into preventive washing and its contribution to reducing HCAIs.