FEATURE ARTICLES

Dr FRANCES REES and Dr CHRIS DEIGHTON highlight the need to optimise outcomes for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, through rapid referral to a specialist and early treatment. They discuss some of the barriers that need to be addressed to improve diagnosis and management of the disease.

UTIs make up a large proportion of healthcare-associated infections in the UK today. Most can be traced to the use of catheters. SUZANNE CALLANDER reports on two different methods that have been employed, as part of the Protection from Infection HIAs, to reduce infection rates.

GUY HIRST, an expert in human factors training, explains how a well-trained team can help save the day in spite of personal vulnerabilities. He also explains how a skills framework, originally developed for use in the aviation industry, can also be applied to the clinical environment.

In the wake of the latest guidance on reducing delays in the provision of emergency blood, transfusion scientist BARRY HILL examines how this process has historically developed and outlines the latest innovations in this field.

The Clinical Services Journal reports on the results of a study conducted by the NHS Technology Adoption Centre into the implementation of a non-invasive bladder analysis system.

With the ever-present threat of healthcare-associated infections, MICHELLE HOLLAND explores the importance of the rapid diagnosis of Clostridium difficile infection as an aid to patient prioritisation and appropriate resource allocation.

The Clinical Services Journal reports from the recent Healthcare Innovation Expo, which highlighted the important role that innovation, in all its forms, will have in driving up quality and value in the NHS of the future.

The annual NHS staff satisfaction survey, recently published by the Care Quality Commission, has produced some surprising results, which could offer some encouragement for Trusts. KATE WOODHEAD RGN DMS reports.

The Pelican Cancer Foundation has championed the multidisciplinary team (MDT) management of pelvic cancers. In this article, the charity considers how Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is playing a critical role in managing low bowel (rectal) cancers.

The Crono Twin is a new addition to the range of miniature syringe pumps available from APPLIED MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY. It is claimed to be the first portable system to offer two pumps within the same device.

A National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (NCEPOD) report, On the face of it considered the provision of cosmetic surgery. The Clinical Services Journal looks at its findings.

Between 8% and 15% of knee arthroplasties in the UK are partial knee replacements. The Clinical Services Journal finds out more about this alternative to total knee arthroplasty.

GUY HIRST, an expert in human factors training, says that medical errors are an inevitable outcome of the human cognitive system working within the complex and sometimes chaotic healthcare system.

The Pelican Cancer Foundation outlines the progress achieved in treating metastatic liver cancer, and highlights its new plans to ensure every patient is offered the opportunity for prompt treatment in the future.

The latest research, policy developments and practice issues in tissue viability will be discussed at the 30th anniversary conference and exhibition of the Tissue Viability Society in April.

West Suffolk Hospital has recently implemented an order communications system for users of its diagnostic services. The system is intended to make requesting easier for GPs, to improve pathology laboratory efficiency, reduce the number of duplicate tests, and comply with national policies requiring tracking to ensure that results are actually read and acted upon.

HADLEIGH STOLLAR, programme manager at the NHS Technology Adoption Centre, explains more about two of the latest How to Why to Guides, which focus on innovative new technology developments that offer greater efficiencies and an improved patient experience in the areas of breast and bladder cancer.

Speaking at the 2010 Quality, Innovation, Productivity and Prevention Conference, Dr Tamara Everington, clinical leader for VTE prevention at Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust, explained how Salisbury District Hospital put commissioning and CQUIN goals into practice to drive QIPP improvements, using a simple, evidence-based policy.

Dr KEITH A MEADOWS BA (Hons) PhD, discusses the importance of reporting outcomes from the perspective of the patient, and explains how PROMS can provide a source of information to facilitate more effective decision-making to improve the quality of healthcare.

In the wake of the introduction of the European Working Time Directive, the clinical handover has become even more crucial to the continuity of care of patients. The Clinical Services Journal reports on how one Trust’s solution to the problem has already made a major impact in this area.