FEATURE ARTICLES

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.

As the Pelican Cancer Foundation celebrates its 10th year of pioneering research, in pelvic and liver surgery, LOUISE FRAMPTON reviews the major steps forward that have been achieved to date, as well as the latest research projects underway, aimed at improving survival and quality of life.

The UK is moving closer to a needlestick injury and infection law, in view of a proposed EU Directive. KENNETH STRAUSS provides an insight into the legislative framework and the case for implementing safety solutions ahead of a legal mandate.

Gastroenterologists recently gathered at the BSG annual conference to share their research findings on the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease – from investigations into new therapies, to alternative models of care delivery. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

Innovation and quality were high on the agenda at the British Society of Gastroenterologists’ annual conference, while the society made a number of hard-hitting proposals for major reform. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

GRAEME McLEOD discusses the benefits of regional anaesthesia on surgical outcome and provides an insight into techniques that can optimise safety and efficacy, to achieve a pain-free, mobile patient.

With the National Audit Office’s findings high on the agenda, the Healthcare Associated Infections conference focused on the need for continuous improvement in reducing all avoidable healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) – including those related to the use of devices such as catheters and central lines, surgical site infections and pneumonias LOUISE FRAMPTON reports

The seventh annual Healthcare Associated Infections conference, held at Westminster, London, examined the tools and techniques being employed to reduce healthcare-associated infections, sustain progress, and drive forward the Department of Health’s goal of ensuring zero tolerance. LOUISE FRAMPTON reports.

Professor Norbert Runkel, chairman of the International Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Expert Panel, speaks to MATTHEW BAILEY on why the time is right to seek a consensus on negative pressure wound therapy.