FEATURE ARTICLES

Thermography is now being used to aid detection of small nerve fibre dysfunction in diabetics, to help clinicians determine the effectiveness of local anaesthetic, as well as improve patient care for burns victims. The Clinical Services Journal takes a look at some of the latest pioneering uses of the technology.

The Clinical Services Journal reports on the current situation regarding the quality of care for IBD patients across the UK – both adults and children – and finds out what IBD inpatients felt about their hospital experience.

Haemorrhage remains a leading cause of mortality, following trauma. Survival could be significantly improved by optimising early resuscitation procedures. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

The Clinical Services Journal reports on the findings of a recent NCEPOD study that reviewed the care received by patients who had a CPR attempt following a cardiac arrest in hospital.

SUZANNE CALLANDER reports on a new and developing role in the UK – the Physicians’ Assistant (Anaesthesia). Although the focus of some resistance from consultants, the role has now become part of a successful anaesthesia delivery model for some Trusts.

Providing inspiration and education for infection prevention and control professionals, Infection Prevention 2012 will provide an insight into best practice, innovation and ideas for improvement.

Quality and safety in endoscopy was high on the agenda at the recent Digestive Disorders Federation conference, held in Liverpool. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

Thermography is now being used to aid detection of small nerve fibre dysfunction in diabetics, to help clinicians determine the effectiveness of local anaesthetic, as well as improve patient care for burns victims. The Clinical Services Journal takes a look at some of the latest pioneering uses of the technology.

Electro-biomedical engineering departments will have a central role to play, as the reorganisation of the NHS intensifies, argued a leading a health economist at a recent EBME symposium. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

SUZANNE CALLANDER spoke to Professor Dr Konrad Reinhart, chairman of the Global Sepsis Alliance, to find out more about the first ever World Sepsis Day, which will take place on 13 September.

Chronic migraine is a debilitating disorder with few treatment options. However, a promising new therapy involving peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) of the occipital nerve is set to become available at a number of hospitals throughout the UK. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

SUZANNE CALLANDER finds out how the skills of a healthcare focused consultancy can help Trusts meet the QIPP challenge and ensure they are prepared for future challenges.

TOM JORDAN and STEVE RIDDLE provide an overview of best practice for launching an antimicrobial stewardship programme.

Do you have an idea which you believe fulfils an unmet need in the healthcare environment? The Clinical Services Journal explains how these ideas could be turned into a reality.

The Department of Health has announced that it is extending the list of ‘Never Events’, which will be backed by hard-hitting financial penalties. KATE WOODHEAD RGN DMS discusses the implications and highlights the importance of developing a safety culture.

The Royal College of Anaesthetists’ 2012 anniversary meeting offered much food for thought as the specialty innovates in high risk surgery and tackles controversies in quality care. ANDREW BRISTER reports.

An audit of adverse incidents has shown that the risks associated with obese patients continue to be underestimated, so how can safety be improved for this patient group? LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

Taking place later this month, the Digestive Disorders Federation conference draws on the collective expertise of four leading associations and will provide a forum for discussion on key issues around prevention, management and treatment of digestive disorders.

SUZANNE CALLANDER reports on what is believed to be the world’s first biodegradable oesophageal stent, which offers an alternative to repeated balloon dilation of benign oesophageal strictures.

Thousands of people with diabetes are dying each year from causes that could be avoided, while patients in some locations are nearly four times more likely to undergo an amputation as those from other areas. The Clinical Services Journal reports.