All articles by Ky Nikitha
Ky Nikitha
Ideas on paper
Paper-based diagnostics at point-of-care are commonplace in today’s healthcare. However, they do have their limitations, something scientists are working to address. Andrew Tunnicliffe speaks with Professor Eden Morales-Narváez of the Center for Optics Research, Mexico, to find out how a variant of quantum physics could help.
Deep dive into data
There is a lot of discussion about machine learning, AI and automation within healthcare, but implementation remains at an early stage. Nevertheless, these tools provide huge opportunities to a number of different areas. Nikolay Oskolkov, research scientist from Lund University, speaks to Emma Green about the potential of deep learning to transform diagnostics.
The TB balancing act
TB remains a public health issue in developing nations, partly due to the lack of adequate diagnostic testing facilities. Is molecular detection – faster and simpler than conventional tests – the answer? Kim Thomas speaks to health economist Hassan Haghparast-Bidgoli about the benefits and challenges.
In safe hands
Understanding the beliefs of healthcare professionals regarding glove use and associated hand hygiene is imperative in order to improve practices. However, research in this area is limited. Louise Thomas explores the research on the perceptions and behaviours of healthcare professionals as well as the most effective strategies to improve adherence.
Reprocessing finances
A huge number of medical devices used by hospitals are labelled as ‘single-use’. As a cost-saving measure, many hospitals rely upon ‘reprocessed’ single-use devices as a cheap, yet safe, alternative to buying expensive new equipment, but recent manufacturer efforts to halt reprocessing could lead to hiked hospital costs. Nancy Chobin, sterile processing educator and consultant at Sterile Processing University, talks about best practices when using this technique.
The war on wounds
The interest in using smart systems that can monitor, report on and possibly even influence the healing process is intensifying by the year. Now that the US Department of Defense is launching a project to support wounded soldiers with the technology, Tim Gunn talks to programme lead Paul Sheehan, wound care expert Professor Michael Clark and smart bandage engineer Hossein Derakhshandeh about the world’s prospects for tackling the ‘silent epidemic’ of wounds.
A challenging landscape
Atypical wounds include a broad spectrum of conditions caused by inflammation, infection, malignancy, chronic illnesses or genetic disorders. An atypical wound may be suspected if the wound has an abnormal presentation or location and does not heal following a good treatment plan. The European Wound Management Association (EWMA) discusses its work to increase awareness about the clinical picture, diagnosis and treatment of these wounds.
From past to present
Surgical site infections are the most common healthcare-associated infections, resulting in widespread suffering and economic loss. Adrian Gombart, author and professor of biochemistry and biophysics in Oregon State University’s College of Science, and Jingwei Xie, assistant professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Centre, discuss the opportunities of nanofibre-based dressings for wound care.
Critical hit
In the past few decades, we have witnessed a particularly rapid period of technological advancement in the area of critical care, with data and the need to interpret it now an integral part of the field. Emma Green explores these developments and considers the implications for optimising patient care.
Back and forth
A team of international researchers has developed a new methodology that can better determine the mortality risk associated with the combination of early detection through screening and stage specific therapy. Sally Turner talks to the project’s leaders about the important findings and implications of the study.