FEATURE ARTICLES

Over the years, there has been a change in mindset in terms of the specialty of infection prevention, but what can we learn from the past? LOUISE FRAMPTON reports on the EM Cottrell lecture at the Infection Prevention Society’s annual congress.

Experts are calling for action to tackle the global threat posed to human health by fungal infections, as resistance in the most fatal infections is reported to be increasing.

Tom Brophy, lead medical engineering technologist at Barts Health, recently provided an insight into some of the key issues uncovered when inspecting surgical instruments, at the ‘Dirty Little Secrets 2’ seminar.

An innovative device has been developed which offers pain relief using radiofrequency energy, with the aim of reducing the need for heavy reliance on medication.

SUZANNE CALLANDER brings together the latest figures, data and recommendations surrounding healthcare for newborn babies across the UK.

A preview of the Institute of Decontamination Sciences annual conference and exhibition – highlighting some of the educational opportunities and innovation that will be showcased at the event.

CSJ reports on the findings of the latest studies into atrial fibrillation treatment, which were discussed at the European Society of Cardiology Congress.

An insight into the latest research on respiratory health and disease, highlighted at the International Congress of the European Respiratory Society.

TINA BRADLEY discusses air quality in the ‘clean side’ of endoscopy decontamination suites and highlights the latest guidance.

DR RACHEL DARBY, DR NICK KENNEDY and SUE EVE-JONES highlight the importance of accurate clinical coding and clear recording of clinical events in case notes.

DR SCOTT BROWN discusses how the reduction of waste can be eliminated from the healthcare setting through effective strategies for medical device utilisation.

KATE WOODHEAD RGN DMS provides an insight into the development of new national and local standards for surgical patient safety and examines some of the challenges ahead.

A report on the latest news relating to heart failure treatment options and study findings.

Mobile healthcare facilities could have a key part to play in addressing challenges faced by financially constrained NHS providers.

NICE has recommended the use of a device to hold catheters in place securely, which could reduce the risk of catheter related infections.

The European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Disease recently highlighted key threats to public health, as well as the latest innovation and research.

An insight into the Basildon experience of using quality improvement methodology for sepsis care, which has resulted in significant reductions in mortality.

Infection prevention experts recently discussed the initial recommendations of the Review on Antimicrobial Resistance, and considered what action needs to be taken.

A preview of the Quality Improvement for Surgical Teams (QIST) conference and exhibition, which examines best practice and improvement initiatives, to optimise outcomes for patients.

The Serious Hazards of Transfusion scheme report for 2014 was published recently and is available on the SHOT website. A summary of the report is reproduced below by kind permission.