All articles by julian turner
julian turner
Pressure points – eliminate hospital-acquired pressure ulcers
While significant efforts to eliminate hospital-acquired pressure ulcers have been undertaken recently, tissue viability nurses are confronted by many daily problems fulfilling this task. Sharon Bateman, an expert in wound care and clinical manager for respiratory at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, talks to Sarah Williams about the challenges of taking the pressure off.
Strike the band – the efficacy of bariatric surgery
Bariatric surgery is currently offered to type 2 diabetics with a BMI of 35 or more, but to counter the ominous surge in new cases, some UK health institutions have recommended broadening this to anyone classed as obese. Chris Godfrey discusses the efficacy of such proposals with Professor Nicholas Finer, consultant endocrinologist and bariatric physician at London’s University College Hospital, and finds out how they might impact patients, health services and the wider economy.
Early warning – national screening for ovarian cancer
Despite efforts to improve chemotherapy and surgery, ovarian cancer prognosis is still poor because diagnosis often occurs too late for treatment to be effective. Natalie Healey talks to Professor Ian Jacobs, principal investigator of the UK Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening (UKCTOCS) about the pros and cons of developing a national screening programme for the disease.
A healthy investment – the UK surgical appliances market
The UK’s early adoption of next-generation surgical appliances and its move away from invasive procedures for treating cancer, and managing obesity and birth control make it one of Europe’s most potentially lucrative customers for medical equipment. GlobalData takes the temperature of a market on the up.
What price hygiene? – the NHS outsourcing controversy
Against a backdrop of austerity and public cuts, healthcare facilities are continuing to contract out their facilities management and clinical services. However, the practice remains deeply controversial. Practical Patient Care talks to Jane Lethbridge, director of the Public Services International Research Unit about cleaning services and the history of NHS outsourcing.
Mobility under the microscope – bariatric patients
Bariatric patients have a diverse range of mobility concerns, and in many cases require specially tailored scooters and wheelchairs to help them out. Yet, while the latest models allow greater independence among patients, the lingering social stigma surrounding obesity means many are still going without, as NHS Berkshire West specialist nurse Anita Rush tells Ross Davies.
Noninvasive imaging analysis promises better cancer patient care
Lung cancer patients could receive more precise treatment, and their progress could be better tracked, using new non-invasive medical imaging analysis techniques, according to a study published by the journal PLOS ONE.
Lingering effects: Gadolinium-based contrast agents
Gadolinium-based contrast agents, widely used in MRI scans, are generally thought to be safe for patients with normal kidney function. Unfortunately, a new study suggests that trace amounts remain even in patients with healthy kidneys, and may be linked to brain abnormalities. Medical Imaging Technology asks lead researcher Dr Tomonori Kanda about the significance of his findings and how safety recommendations may be affected.
MRI-guided laser procedure may offer alternative to epilepsy surgery
A minimally invasive laser procedure performed under MRI guidance could provide an effective alternative to surgery for patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) that can’t be controlled by medications, a new US study has found.
The bee’s knees – honey-based dressings
Antibiotic resistance is on the rise. With bacteria rapidly gaining immunity to contemporary therapies, wound care is rendered an even trickier task, causing some practitioners to take a back-to-basics approach and explore the efficacy of honey-based dressings. Nicola Ivins from Cardiff University’s Wound Healing Research Unit and Worchester Royal Hospital’s Judy Belcher talk with Natalie Healey about current research and clinical practice.