All articles by Schattopadhaya
Schattopadhaya
Surgeon simulator
Artificial intelligence using machine-learning-guided virtual reality simulators can help surgeons develop the skills they need before they step in the operating room, according to new research. The algorithms can rapidly and accurately assess the capabilities of neurosurgeons during virtual surgery. Emma Green speaks to Rolando Del Maestro, researcher at McGill University and study lead author, about the potential of the tool for optimising surgeon training.
Wash your hands of infection
The flu kills thousands of people every winter, and this year has seen the emergence of another deadly virus, COVID-19. Hand washing can provide valuable protection against viruses, which thrive in saliva and mucus. But what’s the best way to wash one’s hands – and is soap and water better than ethanol-based sanitisers? Kim Thomas speaks to epidemiologist Brandon Brown about how to optimise hand hygiene practices to prevent flu and other viruses.
Breathe easy
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) investigators has found broad variation in the way non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is delivered in hospitals across the US. Laura C Myers of the MGH Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and Chris Carlin, a respiratory consultant at Gartnavel General Hospital in Glasgow, talk to Sally Turner about the study’s findings and implications.
Laser focus: detecting cancer through OCT
A team of European scientists has developed the world’s first cancer scanner that detects blood vessels grown by a malignant melanoma with an infrared laser beam. UK project leader Jon Holmes of Michelson Diagnostics tells Dave Callaghan how optical coherence tomography is enabling specialists to capture 3D images of microscopic structures under the skin in less than 30 seconds.
Sharp practice: innovative injection technology to avoid needle-stick incidents
Developments in injection technology to reduce the costs of needle-stick infections are remapping the path to achieving needle safety. Philip Tanner, assistant director of health, safety and well-being for NHS Blood and Transplant, talks to Eleanor Wilson about how his organisation is balancing better training with innovative equipment.
A dangerous game: ‘Keep Anitbiotics Working’ campaign
Experts around the world warn of a ‘postantibiotic apocalypse’ and ‘the end of modern medicine’. Public Health England launched a major new campaign to help ‘Keep Antibiotics Working’, which is especially targeted at nurses, we discuss what this will mean with Dr Susan Hopkins, a Public Health England consultant.
Fancy footwork: preventing diabetic amputations
Foot ulcers are a major problem for diabetic patients and amputation rates are rising across the UK as more people are diagnosed with diabetes. But a team headed by Dr Richard Paisey, diabetes footcare lead for the south-west region of England, was able to buck the trend. He says this success is the result of collaboration between clinical commissioning groups, the south-west strategic clinical network and 100 clinicians.
Take the pressure down: preventing pressure ulcers
Pressure ulcers, or bed sores, can be a chronic source of pain and discomfort for patients, but a new dressing could help improve their condition. Dave Callaghan gets an expert view on the matter from Carol Johnson of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, and Elaine Thorpe, from University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Step forward: EWMA’s advanced therapies in clinical wound management
Dr Alberto Piaggesi, director of the diabetic foot section at Pisa University Hospital, Italy, and scientific recorder at the European Wound Management Association (EWMA), presents a summary of a new document prepared by EWMA that outlines challenges and opportunities related to the introduction of new advanced therapies in clinical wound management. The EWMA document will be published as an online supplement to the Journal of Wound Care in May 2018.
Near perfect: better quality care for cancer patients
A new project between Novartis and London’s Royal Marsden Partners Cancer Vanguard is aiming to improve the quality of care for cancer patients by expanding the role of oncology pharmacists. With cancer care targets continuing to be missed, such collaborative efforts between pharma companies and the NHS could play a vital role in ensuring quicker access to treatments, writes Ross Davies.