FEATURE ARTICLES

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.

According to a report from Pancreatic Cancer UK, outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients in the UK have not improved in 40 years, with many patients still being diagnosed at an advanced stage of the disease when cure is no longer an option. The Clinical Services Journal reports.

A growing body of evidence suggests that bariatric surgery may offer an alternative and cost-effective treatment to prevent a number of obesity-related health problems, yet access for eligible patients remains variable. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

JOHN SANDHAM discusses the impact on medical devices management policy of both CQC and NHSLA regulations.

Accelerating the diffusion of innovation within the NHS will be crucial to achieving the Government’s productivity and quality goals. LOUISE FRAMPTON, speaks to the chief executive of the NHS Technology Adoption Centre, Sally Chisholm, about the barriers to adoption and efforts to overcome them.

Many nurses and midwives have misguided views that the Nursing and Midwifery Council exists to protect their roles, to protect them as professionals and as a body to represent their views. They could not be more wrong, says KATE WOODHEAD RGN DMS.

A seminar entitled Dirty Little Secrets recently addressed some key challenges in the field of decontamination – from the risk of transmission of degenerative diseases, to the threat of Pseudomonas. JONATHAN BAILLIE reports.

The Clinical Services Journal reports on a new technique, developed by Mr Elrasheid Saed and colleagues, for the closed reduction of supracondylar humeral fractures in children.

There is a need for significant improvements in the hospital ward environment, staff training and the overall approach to care delivery for patients with dementia, concludes the first full report on the National Audit of Dementia.

The Clinical Services Journal reports on the findings of a report which concludes that services for people with long-term neurological conditions has not improved greatly since the introduction of the National Service Framework for Long-term Conditions, despite a large increase in spending.

An award-winning design project has been recognised for its contribution to improving the safety of intravenous infusions. JAMES LIMB *, GRAHAM BELL† and IAN GUY ‡ provide an insight into the innovation.

MELISSA ROCHON, a clinical nurse specialist in infection control surveillance, at the Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, provides an insight into healing by primary intention.

KATE WOODHEAD RGN DMS argues that managers will need to review how clinical teams can work smarter not harder, to meet the productivity and quality agenda. Given the latest forecasts on the nursing labour market, there will be significant challenges ahead.

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust’s Stop the Clot project was a finalist in the NICE Shared Learning Awards. The Trust developed, implemented and audited a prompt and safe response to NICE guidance Venous Thoromboembolism – Reducing the Risk, recommending 28 days extended pharmacological prophylaxis for all patients undergoing major cancer surgery in the abdomen and pelvis.

Measuring aortic pressure enables better patient prognosis and preventative medicine for patients at risk of coronary heart disease. UWE NIXDORFF and RACHID REDOUANE explain how this important measurement can now be incorporated into everyday clinical practice.

SUZANNE CALLANDER reports on the continuing problem of malnutrition among elderly patients in hospitals and looks at how the issue is being tackled.

Point-of-care (POC) testing offers a range of benefits for patients, medical staff and laboratory personnel, providing faster results and accelerating clinical decisions, while reducing the urgent testing burden for hospital laboratories. LIZ GRINT discusses some of the key considerations.

Over 200 medical equipment healthcare professionals – involved in areas such as procurement, maintenance, user training, and managing inventories – will gather at a dedicated EBME event, next month, to discuss topical issues in device management. High on the agenda will be the issue of regulatory compliance.