All articles by ky nikitha
ky nikitha
Map the future
Hot on the heels of the success of the NHS’s 100,000 Genomes Project, which finished at the end of 2018, the NHS Genomic Medicine Service is due to be launched later this year. It aims to bring equitable access to genetic and genomic testing to patients in the UK to improve the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and rare diseases. Professor Clare Turnbull, researcher and consultant at the Royal Marsden Hospital, speaks to Emma Green about how this technology can enhance diagnostic strategies.
Lessons to be learned
Medical imaging has revolutionised healthcare delivery and the next generation of imaging technology promises to be even more powerful, further enhancing the ability of physicians to diagnose and treat an increasingly wide range of diseases at lower radiation doses. Developments in AI are helping improve both efficiency and effectiveness of diagnosis and care. Ajay Kohli, physician at Drexel College of Medicine in Philadelphia, speaks about the recent technological advances within AI.
On the paper trail
Researchers from Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands and Japan’s Keio University have developed a glow-in-the-dark paper strip for quick detection of infectious diseases. Maarten Merkx, a researcher from Eindhoven University of Technology, talks to Abi Millar about the potential of this technology to provide cost-effective and efficient diagnosis.
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.
