FEATURE ARTICLES

Experts from a range of specialties recently gathered at a symposium in Birmingham to discuss the costly burden of surgical site infection in the UK. Among the many topics on the agenda included the risks associated with orthopaedic surgery and the challenges of treating patients with infected implants. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

As part of the HCAIs Technology Innovation Programme, the Imperial College Healthcare Trust took part in the Department of Health (DH) Showcase Hospitals programme, to evaluate the use of silver alloy-coated catheters. Showcase lead, ANTHONY SEWELL, offers an insight into the Trust’s experience.

GWAM RAJIAH provides an insight into how intraoperative monitoring, using electrical potentials from the nervous system, can reduce risk of injury during surgery.

A novel blood filter, which removes the infectious prions that cause variant Creutzfeldt-Jacob Disease (vCJD), has been recommended for use in the UK by the National Blood Service. However, for blood safety campaigners, families of vCJD victims and the filter’s manufacturers, the journey is far from over according to IWONA WALICKA.

Speaking at an Oxoid Infection Control Seminar, GUNNAR KAHLMETER provided an overview of the impact of multiresistant bacteria, the current situation in Europe and prospects for the future.

From the global challenge posed by the over use of anti-infectives, lessons learned from military medicine on the front line, to the problem of surgical site infection, the Infection Prevention Society’s conference promises to tackle the most topical issues in infection prevention – offering new insights into best practice.

The NHS Technology Adoption Centre aims to encourage the increased use of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII), also known as insulin pump therapy, to improve the management of Type 1 diabetes, in line with NICE guidance. HADLEIGH STOLLAR, programme manager, the NHS Technology Adoption Centre, explains how the latest “How to, Why to” guide can support Trusts in managing implementation.

KATE WOODHEAD RGN, DMS considers how managers can help to ensure a motivated and dedicated workforce, despite increasing pressures, by understanding what matters to staff.

All patients should be assessed for risk of developing blood clots on admission to hospital and given preventative treatment that suits their individual needs, according to guidance by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence.

Guidance has been issued to improve the safety of total intravenous anaesthetic (TIVA), highlighting the importance of using devices that prevent the reflux of drugs.

At the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland’s annual conference, speakers called for transfusion practices to be urgently reviewed to improve patient outcomes and preserve precious blood stocks. MATTHEW BAILLEY reports.

Efficiency gains through localised IT solutions could prove invaluable as Trusts begin to feel the impact of financial pressures. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports

A team of designers have sought to address concerns over privacy and dignity, with a range of solutions – from “bed pods” and screening systems, to a gown designed to spare patients’ blushes.

A coherent career structure and training for professional qualifications in sterile services are crucial to ensuring staff feel valued, and that their experience and knowledge are retained within the sector. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

Evidence on best practice for surgical site infection prevention has been in the spotlight, in recent months, as new data has emerged. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports

Speaking to The Clinical Services Journal, at the London Cardiovascular Symposium, held at the Royal Society of Medicine, Professor Peter Harris gave an insight into the pioneering work being carried out at UCLH to advance endovascular approaches for treating aortic aneurysms. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

SARAH PILBROW looks at how approaches to decontamination are moving forward in a bid to win the fight against healthcare-acquired infection.

The Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP) is a registered charity whose vision and mission is to promote the highest standards of perioperative practice. New managing director, DAWN STOTT, and head of events, JOANNA RIPLEY discuss the reasons why they are committed to ensuring that AfPP – and its flagship event AfPP2010 – provide an influential voice in driving forward improvements in patient care.

Enterprising Woman of the Year, Sarah Fuller describes how she made the transition from nurse to entrepreneur – bringing to the boardroom an ethical approach to business. Interview by LOUISE FRAMPTON.

CHRIS LLOYD argues that NHS Trusts need to deal with financial pressures by cutting waste, not people. He provides an insight into the clinical and financial benefits that can be achieved, by adopting lean principles, and reveals how one Trust has reduced costs by over £10 million in just two years.