FEATURE ARTICLES

Sean Gaffney says that the use of digitalised blood glucose monitoring systems can streamline diabetes care for those living with the condition, their caregivers and healthcare providers. He provides an insight into how the financial burden of diabetes on the healthcare system could be reduced through the use of connectivity.

The latest Annual Report from the Serious Hazards of Transfusion (SHOT) scheme has been published, once again collecting and analysing anonymised information on serious adverse events and reactions in blood transfusion from all healthcare organisations. Victoria Tuckley and Simon Carter-Graham summarise its key points and recommendations, with the aim of learning lessons and improving patient safety

Central to achieving the NHS’s long-standing ambitions for digital transformation will be interoperability, says Jon Pickering. He provides an insight into how technology can drive significant clinical efficiencies

Previously the CEO of the Association for Perioperative Practice (a registered charity) Dawn Stott highlights the role of coaching as part of personal development in healthcare. She believes that coaching can contribute to improvements in patient safety, promote effective teamworking, and help to develop supportive environments for both patients and healthcare professionals

Patrick Grover provides an insight into how focal radiation treatments have transformed the management of challenging brain tumours in recent decades, providing safer options for patients.

Nanobots, miniature robots 10 times smaller than a blood cell, are poised to revolutionise the healthcare industry. Nanotechnology, in combination with next-generation software platforms and supervised machine learning, provide a wide range of powerful diagnostic, monitoring and treatment tools. Chu Canh Chieu provides an insight into the future of nanobots in healthcare.

How can we boost theatre efficiency and the health of our population, while relieving pressure on clinicians? Tara Rampal describes how digital prehabilitation (prehab) could provide an effective solution.

Mark Slack, Chief Medical Officer and Co-founder of CMR Surgical, speaks to CSJ about the impact of robotics and digital technologies on surgical approaches, access to training, patient outcomes, and clinical research.

The NHS is being called upon to tackle diversity, inclusion and belonging in the NHS, following a number of surveys, which have highlighted discrimination. Kate Woodhead RGN DMS highlights some of the key issues and the elements required to drive a change in culture.

Global medical device manufacturer, Mindray, is developing cutting-edge solutions that facilitate seamless data collection, enhance clinical standards, and expand diagnostic capabilities even in non-clinical settings, so patients can be treated quickly and efficiently.

Dr. Andrew Birnie, Dr. Paul Oladimeji and Gemma Stokes highlight the difficulties of adapting diagnostic testing to new clinical threats and ever-changing disease targets, and discuss the modern approaches that are future-proofing the way that we manage respiratory diseases

Associate Professor, Dr. Yew-Fong (Pamela) Lee and Dr. Thomas Oh examine the clinical evidence for the prevention of cross-contamination and spread of healthcare-associated infections, within the context of material compatibility between disinfectant wipes, surfaces and equipment.

Tom Partington highlights the contribution of antimicrobial additives in surgical lights in reducing surgical site infections as part of a multifaceted approach.

Arjun Luthra argues that there is a need to innovate in the field of hand hygiene, as the tools available to combat healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) have remained unchanged for quite some time. Arjun calls for a shift in perspective to address the limitations of current approaches

The Infection Prevention Society recently held its annual conference at the ACC in Liverpool. Central themes, this year, included ‘Antimicrobial Resistance, Preparedness and Environment’. In the wake of the pandemic, innovative technologies aimed at reducing the risk of airborne infection came to the fore and IP2023 highlighted some promising potential strategies going forward. Louise Frampton reports

Important updates have recently been made to the national recommendations around hospital cleaning and disinfection in England, with the publication of the National Standards of Healthcare Cleanliness and the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual.¹, ² This article looks at the future of surface cleaning and disinfection in hospitals in reference to these documents.

A multidisciplinary effort at United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust is exploring a means of improving patient engagement regarding the risk of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), as well as ensuring effective infection management. This article outlines some key recommendations and strategies

Kate Woodhead RGN DMS provides an insight into the highlights from the Infection 360 conference. High on the agenda was the threat posed by antimicrobial resistance, with a major focus on MRSA.

The Care Quality Commission’s (CQC’s) annual ‘State of Care’ report has warned that a combination of the cost-of-living crisis and workforce pressures is risking ‘unfair care’ – with some able to afford to pay for treatment, while others are facing longer waits, reduced access, and poorer outcomes. CSJ shares an overview of the key findings.

It is vital that patients have trust in the healthcare system as they interact with it, says Kate Woodhead RGN DMS. She highlights the need to address patient experience and discusses recent moves, such as ‘Martha’s rule’, to address the power imbalance in healthcare.