All articles by Ky Nikitha
Ky Nikitha
Comic relief
Before undergoing surgery, patients must be fully informed about what the procedure entails, yet the complex nature of the content provided means they often feel overwhelmed. New research shows that comic-style information can be helpful. Emma Green speaks to Anna Brand, lead investigator and cardiologist at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, about the implications of these findings.
The triangular treatment
Globally, the demand for healthcare resources continues to grow as the demographics of the population change, long-term conditions become more prevalent, patient expectations rise and medical technology advances. Associated with this is a projected rise in the number of people with chronic wounds. The impact of a wound on the patient is significant, with patients reporting pain, a reduced quality of life and social isolation. The World Union of Wound Healing Societies outlines how the triangle of wound assessment can help ensure comprehensive and evidence-based wound management.
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.
Better connected
Patients’ access to treatment and advice is already dramatically improving, as a result of mobile health, or ‘mHealth’. Now, when combined with internet-connected diagnostic devices, it offers novel ways to diagnose, track and control infectious diseases, and to improve the efficiency of the health system. A research team led by Imperial College London has investigated the opportunities and challenges of these technologies. Louise Thomas considers the implications for healthcare worldwide.
Tools of the trade
The Patient Toolkit, developed by the non-profit MITRE Corporation, allows patients to digitally record symptoms, treatments and medications, as well as communicate with providers. It also addresses the needs of healthcare professionals, by generating longitudinal severity and compliance data. Kristina Sheridan, head of the enterprise strategy and transformation department at the MITRE Corporation, and her daughter, Kate Sheridan, discuss how this technology can be used to optimise the care provided to patients.