Journal of perioperative practice
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latrogenic harm is a major problem in healthcare, and incident reporting is one of various methods of identifying areas for improvement in patient safety. The World Health Organisation has introduced a three-phase checklist to reduce error and improve teamwork and communication during surgery. Use of this checklist has been shown to reduce harm. Incident reporting will be invaluable in monitoring its effectiveness and identifying areas for refinement.
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Historical Article
Mary Seacole: self taught nurse and heroine of the Crimean War.
Mary Jane Seacole was born Mary Grant in Kingston Jamaica in 1805. Her father was a Scottish army officer and her mother a free Jamaican black, (slavery was not fully abolished in Jamaica until 1838). ⋯ Her skill as a nurse was much appreciated, as many of her residents were disabled British soldiers and sailors. It was from her mother that Mary learned the art of patient care, and she also assisted at the local British army hospital.
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Acute compartment syndrome is a life and limb threatening condition. Clinical assessment is the diagnostic cornerstone of compartment syndrome but pressure monitoring also has a role in equivocal cases, in unconscious or uncooperative patients, and in patients with nerve blocks and other forms of regional and epidural anesthesia. A high degree of suspicion and early decompression of all compartments at risk are important for a satisfactory outcome.