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Showing results for tags 'Innovation'.
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Content ArticleThe health service needs to develop innovative ways of treating an increasingly elderly and frail population, while harnessing new technology to help mitigate the staffing crisis. As part of the Times Health Commission, this article outlines some potential solutions — encompassing new ways of working and regulation to promote healthier lifestyles — to some aspects of the health and social care crisis in the UK.
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Content ArticleDigital transformation across adult social care is occurring rapidly, however, uptake is not uniform, and the care sector is yet to fully harness digital tools to transform care delivery. With unprecedented service pressure and demand across health and care services, using digital tools in care settings has the potential to relieve some pressure by increasing efficiency and better supporting the workforce. This report by the think tank Public Policy Projects brings together the thoughts and ideas of many Adult Social Care experts regarding the future of the care sector, and the opportunities which digital advancements can bring. Chaired by Damian Green MP, it is intended as a thought-piece to guide action and further work on the area, as a guideline for future development.
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Content ArticleThis paper in the journal RSC Advances aimed to track changes in chemical bonding taking place in PP meshes on the nanoscale via mechano–chemical processes. The authors used the novel and advanced spectroscopic characterisation technique secondary electron hyperspectral imaging (SEHI) to build high resolution chemical maps. Polypropylene (PP) surgical mesh is associated with serious clinical complications when used in the pelvic floor for repair of stress urinary incontinence or support of pelvic organ prolapse. While manufacturers claim that the material is inert and non-degradable, there is a growing body of evidence that asserts PP fibres are subject to oxidative damage. Material surgically removed from patients suffering with clinical complications has shown some evidence of fibre cracking and oxidation. It has been proposed that a pathological cellular response to the surgical mesh contributes to medical complications, but the mechanisms that trigger the specific host response against the material are not well understood. The study presented key insights into the mechano–chemistry reaction of PP which can cause polymer oxidation, changes in molecular structure, crack/craze formation and the release of etched oxidised insoluble particles. SEHI, provided a new route to link the effect of localised stresses to reactions of mechano–chemistry within PP. The method of mechanical distension testing during hydrogen peroxide exposure followed SEHI image analysis could form the basis of an “early warning” system which has the ability to identify materials which are not appropriate for use as medical implants.
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Content ArticleAir pollution is an issue that affects us all; it is associated with impacts on lung development in children, heart disease, stroke, cancer, exacerbation of asthma, increased mortality and other health issues. This year’s Chief Medical Officer's report lays out the scale of the challenge of reducing air pollution and the substantial progress that has been made. It highlights achievable solutions across different sectors and makes the case that we need to continue to be active in reducing outdoor air pollution.
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News ArticleWoodside Care Village in Warwick is staged like a town centre in miniature, with benches and a fountain, cafe tables and front doors to homes styled as either “town”, “country” or “classical”. But none of the places are quite what they seem, because here everything has a greater purpose: to improve the wellbeing of people with dementia. Modelled on a groundbreaking Dutch experiment in looking after people with Alzheimer’s disease, the purpose-built facility, which opened in 2019, is quietly breaking new ground for a better kind of dementia care. “Everything is dressed and staged to look familiar,” said Jo Cheshire, the communications manager for the home’s operator, WCS. “We try to make sure people aren’t severing their links with the past. We have one lady who works in the launderette with a badge, because that’s what she did before. It feels like they are contributing to the community.” “The idea is you have freedom,” said Cheshire. “If you come upon a locked door it can increase agitation, that’s unsettling for the other residents and it makes the carer’s job harder.” Staff ratios are higher than normal, at two staff for every five or six people rather than the usual one. This means staff can spend more time interacting with the residents. Staff are briefed with a “this is me” document, which details the likes and dislikes of each person with dementia and has photos through their lives, the time they like to get up, when they like to eat. A clinical trial of such “person-centred” dementia care in 69 care homes in London and Buckinghamshire published in 2020 showed that it improved quality of life for people with dementia and reduced agitation and the burden of depression or aggression. It also reduced hospital and GP visits. Read full story Source: The Guardian, 30 December 2022
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Content ArticleCancer Research UK, in partnership with London-based tech company Stitch, are piloting an app for patients to use whilst participating in a clinical trial. The Trialmap app, which was co-created with patients, is being piloted on a clinical trial run by Cancer Research UK’s Centre for Drug Development. The aim of the app is to ensure patients feel valued for their participation, and to improve patient experience during clinical trials. This article looks at how the app: allows patients to easily view information about the trial gives reminders about appointments and what patients might need to do to prepare for them gives patients the opportunity to provide real-time feedback regarding their time on the trial.
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Content ArticleThis case study published by the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership (HQIP) highlights the Epilepsy12 Audit’s approach to working with children and young people to improve paediatric epilepsy care. Epilepsy12 Youth Advocates are epilepsy experienced or interested children, young people, families and an epilepsy specialist nurse. They volunteer together to shape Epilepsy12 and to lead improvement activities with families and epilepsy services. The audit won the Richard Driscoll Memorial Award (RDMA) 2022. The RDMA asks HQIP commissioned programmes to describe how patients and carers influence the production of the patient-focused outputs of the programme.
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Content Article
In February 2022, we launched our Patient Safety Spotlight interview series to share stories and insight from people working on the frontline of patient safety—from patient campaigners and healthcare professionals to researchers and health and care leaders. For our final Patient Safety Spotlight of 2022, members of the Patient Safety Learning team share a personal patient safety reflection from the past 12 months and talk about their hopes for next year. -
Content Article
Patient Innovation website
Patient Safety Learning posted an article in Patient-centred care
Patient Innovation is an online platform where patients and caregivers around the world connect to share the solutions they developed themselves or had the help from collaborators to cope with a health-related problem. -
Content ArticleTracey Herlihey, head of patient safety incident response policy, in the NHS England national patient safety team, is joined by Vicky Ainsworth, a communications lead at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and Stuart Kaill, from Health Innovation Manchester, to discuss ways of communicating about large scale change projects in NHS organisations. The podcast explores Vicky’s experience of leading on communications for a large scale change project in Manchester, with a specific focus on sharing advice and suggestions relating to communicating the changes related to the Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF). It includes expert tips on how to communicate large scale change to different audiences as well as within both large and small organisations.
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News Article
Life Sciences Council Joint Statement on Medical Devices Regulatory Reform
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
The reform of the UK’s Medical Device regulation offers a golden opportunity to drive innovation and growth in the UK’s Life Science sector while ensuring patient safety remains at the heart of the regulatory approach. But there is an urgent need for action to ensure we do not lose this opportunity. Senior members of the Life Sciences Council, Will Quince MP, Minister of State at the Department of Health and Social Care, Dr June Raine, CEO, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and Peter Ellingworth, CEO, Association of British HealthTech Industries (ABHI) have today announced a new agreement to accelerate the delivery of the future UK HealthTech regulatory system. Acknowledging the Chancellor’s priorities of stability and growth supported by regulatory reforms, and the importance of the success of the system to UK patients and the Life Science sector, they have formed an advisory group on behalf of the Life Sciences Council to drive the delivery of the ambition of the Life Sciences Vision to have a best in class regulatory system. The advisory group has agreed that aligned proposals will be published on three priority areas: international recognition routes for innovation system capacity. Read full press release Source; Gov.UK, 16 December 2022 -
Content ArticleOperating rooms are major contributors to a hospital’s carbon footprint due to the large volumes of resources consumed and waste produced. The objective of this study from Sullivan et al., published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, was to identify quality improvement initiatives that aimed to reduce environmental impact of the operating room while decreasing costs.
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EventuntilThis conference from the Westminster Health Forum will focus on the future for diagnostics and medical devices in England - looking at developments and next steps for strategy and regulation. The discussion takes place in the context of the upcoming MedTech strategy from DHSC, and will be an opportunity to examine priorities for improving flexibility and transparency in MedTech supply and procurement, securing value for money, and supporting the adoption of innovation in healthcare settings. Delegates will discuss implementation of the MHRA update to the regulation of medical devices, as well as priorities for safety, assessment and contribution to better patient outcomes. Overall, areas for discussion include: Regulation and evaluation: transition to the new medical device regulations and the updated evaluation process - implementation of the new MHRA medical device regulation proportionate regulation and support for businesses - addressing capacity constraints of authorisation of Approved Bodies patient access: establishing new device frameworks for supporting adoption of innovative medical technology - supporting patient access to devices currently on the market the supply chain: flexibility, transparency and responsiveness in the procurement and supply of medical technology collaboration between healthcare providers and suppliers - engaging healthcare professionals in procurement. Supporting the NHS: workforce efficiency and earlier diagnosis - innovation in diagnostic pathways to address backlogs and wait times - improving patient outcomes and the speed of recovery the role of the new community diagnostic centres - encouraging adoption of new diagnostic methods in the centres and across the NHS. Register
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Content ArticlePoor mental health is an important and increasingly prevalent issue facing farmers and the farming industry. This article in the journal Sociologia Ruralis seeks to understand the factors that influence the adaptability of support systems for farmers facing mental health issues, especially at a time of crisis. The authors undertook a literature review as well as conducting interviews with 22 mental health support providers and an online survey of people working within support systems and farmers themselves. The study found that support-giving organisations adapted during the pandemic using a range of interventions, but that implementation was affected by organisational and operational challenges such as limited digital training, funding shortfalls, staff trauma, lack of capacity, the rural digital divide, tension between providers and stigma. The authors discuss how landscapes of support for farming mental health can be made more sustainable to deal with future shocks.
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Content Article
This is part of our series of Patient Safety Spotlight interviews, where we talk to people working for patient safety about their role and what motivates them. Tracey talks to us about how her love of applying psychology led to her role in patient safety, the importance of putting users at the centre of developing the Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF), and what we can learn from magicians about patient safety.- Posted
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Content ArticleThis article in the journal Contemporary Nurse discusses how appreciative inquiry (AI) may be used to promote workforce engagement and organisational learning and facilitate positive organisational change in a health care context.
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Content ArticleInnovation and technology have played a vital role in our health system, not least during the pandemic. Whilst we have seen a variety of positive changes and reforms, such as the MedTech Funding Mandate and new data plans, the new administration still has a lot to address. Not forgetting the positive lessons we learnt from the pandemic is key – we saw that a more rapid uptake is possible and barriers to adoption can be overcome. Addressing these barriers to adoption is still essential if the UK wants to be the global hub for technology and innovation – adopting technological driven innovative solutions will be more important than ever for the NHS in order to continue improving patient outcomes whilst maintaining economic discipline.
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Content ArticleThere is a huge challenge to improve technology adoption and readiness across the NHS. This article in HSJ looks at a partnership between tech services company Agyle and Dorset County Hospital (DCH) which aimed to develop a digital patient record strategy which places user experience at the heart of its approach. DCH's objective was for its staff to access a decreasing number of systems, designed around clinical processes, with data flowing seamlessly between those systems. The article looks at how Agyle and DCH worked together to achieve improved clinical safety, interoperability, cost-effectiveness and future-proofing through their strategy.
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Content ArticleIn this HSJ article, Gemma Dakin and George Croft from the Health Innovation Network share their reflections on the HSJ Patient Safety Congress. They highlight key themes that emerged including the need to listen to patients, service users, and carers stories, and encourage their involvement to bring about a cultural change. They argue that humanity will be central to making progress in quality improvement and patient safety.
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Content ArticleRoyal Cornwall QI conference online book supporting the conference. The online brochure highlights all the quality improvement projects at Royal Cornwall Hospitals.
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Content ArticleThis blog by Dr Anna Bayes from Altera Digital Health looks at the benefits of closed-loop medication administration (CLMA) in preventing avoidable medication errors. CLMA provides an extra validation at the point of drug administration by using barcode technology to positively identify the patient and validate their prescribed medications against the physical medication product (for example, pills, infusions or creams) at the point of care. Anna also considers CLMA's role in advancing digital maturity.
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EventuntilThis free event celebrates the global health data revolution, and aims to help build the knowledge, collaborations and public trust needed to enable data-driven discoveries which improve peoples’ lives. The last few years have demonstrated the enormous power of data to advance medical knowledge and deliver radical improvements to people’s lives. Treatments, vaccines and life-saving policies have all been delivered in record time thanks to large-scale data, advanced analytics and innovative developments in data governance. But these benefits must not be limited to Covid-19. They must extend to people living with other conditions such as mental illness, cancer, heart disease and diabetes. And they must be inclusive of and accessible to the entire global population. Health Data Research UK’s annual scientific conference will be a free one-day, hybrid event hosted in Birmingham, UK, to celebrate this progress and allow us to come together and build momentum in the health data research revolution. Register for an in-person or virtual ticket
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Content ArticleThis document describes the development of the The Northumbria Local Health Index, a collaborative project between Northumbria Healthcare Trust and the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The Health Index aims to produce a more holistic measure of health, recognising health as an asset to the nation and communities. It is a composite measure of 56 indicators across three over-arching domains—healthy people which covers health outcomes, healthy lives which includes behavioural risk factors and healthy places which captures social and wider determinants of health. The Northumbria Local Health Index has created a deeper understanding of how health and the drivers of health differ between areas within the local authorities of Northumberland and North Tyneside and provides a data driven framework that could enable effective and collaborative work to tackle health inequalities. It demonstrates the potential for the Health Index to become a ‘small area’ health tool for planning health and healthcare provision.
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Content ArticleThe Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF) sets out the NHS’s approach to developing and maintaining effective systems and processes for responding to patient safety incidents for the purpose of learning and improving patient safety. In this video, Lucy Winstanley, Head of Patient Safety and Quality at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, reflects on her trust's experience of being a PSIRF early adopter. Lucy talks about the benefits of PSIRF and how to make it work in practice. She highlights the need for effective collaboration between teams and the importance of engaging with patients, families and staff in new ways.
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News Article
London surgeons complete record week’s worth of operations in one day
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
Surgeons in a London hospital have performed a week’s worth of operations in a single day, pioneering a technique that could be used to help reduce the NHS backlog. The team at Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospital performed eight robot assisted radical prostatectomy operations in under ten hours, the highest number performed in a single day in the UK in one hospital. High Intensity Theatre lists (HIT) focus on one procedure at a time and seek to minimise the turnaround time between operations. Using two theatres, the surgeon can go between cases without having to wait for a patient to come in. This helps to cut the significant amount of time it takes for medics to anaesthetise a patient, set up equipment in the theatre and help them to recover – a process which sometimes takes longer than the operation itself. The team at Guy’s assembled a large team for the HIT list, which took place on 8 October. Each theatre had a team of around 1.5 times its usual size and staff were given very specific roles. By the time the list had reached the third patient, the turnaround time between operations had dropped as low as 32 seconds. Behind the scenes, staff in the control room used Proximie software to monitor activity in the theatre in real time. Dr Ben Challacombe, a consultant urological surgeon who performed the operations with his surgical consultant colleagues Paul Cathcart, Christian Brown, and Prokar Dasgupta, told the Standard that the success of the HIT list had given staff a “huge” morale boost. “Everyone pulled together to do the job, it really helped to energise the team. Morale has been hit by Covid and other issues, but people feel galvanised by doing something different.” Read full story Source: Evening Standard, 29 October 2022
