All articles by julian turner
julian turner
Sea-change in C-section antiseptic use
Despite being one of the most common surgical procedures undergone by women, rates of infection among caesarean-section patients remain astonishingly high. New research by Dr Methodius G Tuuli could be about to change this. Oliver Hotham speaks to the Washington University assistant professor of obstetrics and gynaecology about what this means for the future of infection control and how a simple change of antiseptic could represent a breakthrough for women across the world.
Double the benefit – using mammograms to detect heart disease
Routine mammograms for breast cancer may also be an effective tool for catching heart disease early. Dr Laurie Margolies, chief of breast imaging at the Dubin Breast Center, explains the technique’s potential new role in female cardiovascular care.
Nutrition and holistic care key for ulcer recovery
Pressure ulcers are a debilitating but all too common affliction for those in old age or suffering long-term chronic illnesses. Developments in treatment have come rapidly in the last few years but they still remain shy of a proper cure for the problem. However, recent advice on overall health, hydration and nutrition backed by a white paper from researchers in the US and Europe indicates that a healthy diet can have a massive effect on the condition. Dave Callaghan speaks to Jos Schols, professor of old age medicine at Maastricht University, about how this could be beneficial to patients.
Third-party politics – should ultrasound be outsourced?
With state-funded sonography in crisis, many in the UK believe that ultrasound would be better handled by independent contractors. Medical Imaging Technology weighs up the pros and cons of US-style outsourcing for providers and patients.
Get smart – advances in dressing technology
A group of researchers from Ireland and the Netherlands have developed a new ‘smart dressing’ that they claim will revolutionise the future of wound care management. How does it work and what are the benefits for clinicians and patients? Practical Patient Care speaks to the team behind the project.
Robo-doctor – mechanising surgery
As the first robot to complete soft-tissue surgery is hailed as the future of medicine, Practical Patient Care explores whether this is the end for human surgeons in the operating room. Are machines going to do everything or will there still be a place for humans to guide them? Kim Thomas speaks to Dr Peter Kim, who was involved with the research to develop the technology, about what this will mean for operating rooms and patient safety.
Squeaky clean – keeping operating rooms sterile
Keeping operating rooms clean and sterile is a vital process, and one that is constantly being tweaked. Trevor Garcia, MIDSc, director of education at the UK Institute of Decontamination Sciences, speaks to Kerry Taylor-Smith about how to ensure proper storage in an operating theatre that will enable a smooth flow of surgical instruments. He explains why balancing innovative methods in storage, rotation and packaging, with the long-standing traditional methods, are the best way to ensure a successful operating room theatre for patients and staff.
Mass enlistment: the future of trauma care
Over the past 20 years, trauma care has evolved thanks to improvements in systems, assessment, triage, resuscitation and emergency care. In spite of this, huge gaps still exist in hospital procedures and operational care, the reform of which could save lives. We speak to Dr Lewis Kaplan, MD, associate professor of surgery at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, about ways to improve emergency medicine, not least in combatting preventable fatalities from problems with airways and infusions.
Second sight – next-generation imaging probes
Andrew Putwain speaks to Paul Galluzzo, The Technology Partnership’s chief researcher, about a new imaging probe designed to give surgeons better vision during procedures – for example, when killing or removing cancerous or damaged tissue; navigating around the body during an operation; and working with catheters inside an organ – and how this will benefit patients in the long term.
Inside young minds – unlocking teenage brains with MRI technology
Professor Ed Bullmore, head of psychiatry at the University of Cambridge, talks to Lynette Eyb about how new MRI technology is being used to unlock the secrets of the teenage brain and possible causes of mental illness.