FEATURE ARTICLES

Five billion people do not have access to even the most basic level of surgical care. Kate Woodhead provides an insight into some of the challenges faced by theatre teams in under-resourced countries.

New medical device technologies are facilitating day case surgery, improving patient safety and saving lives through earlier cancer diagnosis.

Through the introduction of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, Milton Keynes Hospital has improved efficiency and the management of medical devices, as well as freeing clinical time and enhancing patient safety

Gunnar Kahlmeter discusses global efforts to tackle antibiotic resistance and the vital role of the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing in creating definitions for a global consensus.

SUZANNE CALLANDER reports on a trial to identify the most suitable device, in terms of cost and outcome, for long-term central venous access to facilitate chemotherapy.

Catheter-related bloodstream infections could be reduced through the implementation of a disinfecting cap, coupled with improved compliance to aseptic non touch technique.

Scientists have developed the first effective alternative to antibiotics in a significant advance in the fight against drug-resistant infection. BJORN HERPERS looks at the promise of endolysins.

An in depth study recently looked at the cost of disease related malnutrition in England and provided a budget impact analysis of implementing the NICE clinical guidelines/quality standard on nutrition support in adults.

CSJ looks at two recent additions to the NICE Medtech Innovation Briefings, which focus on medical device technologies that have the potential to help accelerate innovation in new treatments and diagnostics.

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.