Surg J R Coll Surg E
-
Surg J R Coll Surg E · Jun 2016
Observation of behavioural markers of non-technical skills in the operating room and their relationship to intra-operative incidents.
The importance of non-technical skills in improving surgical safety and performance is now well recognised. Better understanding is needed of the impact that non-technical skills of the multi-disciplinary theatre team have on intra-operative incidents in the operating room (OR) using structured theatre-based assessment. The interaction of non-technical skills that influence surgical safety of the OR team will be explored and made more transparent. ⋯ A significant number of avoidable incidents occur during operative procedures. These can all be linked to failures in non-technical skills. Better training of both individual and team in non-technical skills is needed in order to improve patient safety in the operating room.
-
Surg J R Coll Surg E · Dec 2015
ReviewThe best practice tariff and hip fractures: How can Northern Ireland keep up?
Current hip fractures guidelines recommend surgery within 36 h of admission. The 2011 National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD) report shows our institute has the fewest patients meeting this target (9%). Northern Irelands' exclusion from the "Best Practice Tariff" means no incentive-led treatment or prioritisation of hip fracture patients. ⋯ Without a change in funding, Northern Ireland will struggle to compete with the UK mainland and decrease mortality in this patient group.
-
Surg J R Coll Surg E · Dec 2015
How often does the operating list follow the planned order? An analysis of elective maxillofacial operating lists.
The authors explored consistency of the observed running order in operating sequence compared with prior scheduled listing. We analysed potential variables felt to be predictive in the chances of a patient having their procedure as previously scheduled. ⋯ Approximately half of lists showed some alteration to the previously printed order. It appears that being first on an elective list offers the greatest guarantee that a patient will have their operation as per prior schedule. It may be reasonable for clinicians to be mindful of potential operating list alterations when preparing their patients for elective surgery.
-
Surg J R Coll Surg E · Oct 2015
Randomized Controlled TrialEffect of epidural methylprednisolone on post-operative pain and length of hospital stay in patients undergoing lumbar microdiscectomy.
Intraoperative epidural corticosteroids have been used to decrease post-operative pain post-discectomy. The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of epidural corticosteroids on post-operative pain and length of post-operative hospital stay in patients undergoing unilateral lumbar microdiscectomy. ⋯ Intraoperative application of epidural corticosteroids, Depomedrol, significantly reduces post-operative pain, length of post-operative stay and duration to return to daily living activities following lumbar discectomy.
-
Mobile phone technology is continuously advancing- the smartphone allows users instant access to information via the internet. Downloadable applications (apps) are becoming widespread across medical specialities. The aim of this study was to assess the use of smartphone apps among urology trainees in Ireland. ⋯ There are an ever increasing number of urology apps available. Urology trainees are using smartphones as an educational and reference tool and find them a useful aide in clinical practice.