Staff Publication

To set up simulation sessions to assist with the confidence and competence of physiotherapists for on-call training (2023)

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Type of publication:
Service improvement case study

Author(s):
*Eleanor Giddings

Citation:
SaTH Improvement Hub, November 2023

Abstract:
To improve physiotherapy staff self perceived competency and confidence in line with the therapy on-call standards of practice by the end of March 2024.

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Rationalise stock on Ward 15/16 PRH (2023)

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Type of publication:
Service improvement case study

Author(s):
*Yvonne Herbert *Alison Lynn

Citation:
SaTH Improvement Hub, October 2023

Abstract:
Ensure all stock items are available, easily accessible and appropriate stock levels are agreed by October 2023, complying with IPC and Healthy and Safety regulations, including a reduction of 1% in holding
stock by October 2023.

Link to PDF poster

Rationalise stock on Ward 10- PRH (2023)

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Type of publication:
Service improvement case study

Author(s):
*Yvonne Herbert *Gary Francis

Citation:
SaTH Improvement Hub, October 2023

Abstract:
Ensure all stock items are available, easily accessible and appropriate stock levels are agreed by October 2023, complying with IPC and Healthy and Safety regulations, including a reduction of 1% in holding
stock by October 2023.

Link to PDF poster

A practical evidence-based approach to management of type 2 diabetes in children and young people (CYP): UK consensus (2024)

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Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
White, Billy; Ng, S M; Agwu, J C; Barrett, T G; Birchmore, N; Kershaw, M; Drew, J; Kavvoura, F; Law, J; Moudiotis, C; Procter, E; Paul, P; Regan, F; Reilly, P; Sachdev, P; *Sakremath, R; Semple, C; Sharples, K; Skae, M; Timmis, A; Williams, E; Wright, N; Soni, A.

Citation:
BMC Medicine. 22(1):144, 2024 Apr 02.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes in young people is an aggressive disease with a greater risk of complications leading to increased morbidity and mortality during the most productive years of life. Prevalence in the UK and globally is rising yet experience in managing this condition is limited. There are no consensus guidelines in the UK for the assessment and management of paediatric type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Multidisciplinary professionals from The Association of Children's Diabetes Clinicians (ACDC) and the National Type 2 Diabetes Working Group reviewed the evidence base and made recommendations using the Grading Of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Young people with type 2 diabetes should be managed within a paediatric diabetes team with close working with adult diabetes specialists, primary care and other paediatric specialties. Diagnosis of diabetes type can be challenging with many overlapping features. Diabetes antibodies may be needed to aid diagnosis. Co-morbidities and complications are frequently present at diagnosis and should be managed holistically. Lifestyle change and metformin are the mainstay of early treatment, with some needing additional basal insulin. GLP1 agonists should be used as second-line agents once early ketosis and symptoms are controlled. Glycaemic control improves microvascular but not cardiovascular risk. Reduction in excess adiposity, smoking prevention, increased physical activity and reduction of hypertension and dyslipidaemia are essential to reduce major adverse cardiovascular events. CONCLUSIONS: This evidence-based guideline aims to provide a practical approach in managing this condition in the UK.

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Association of day-case rates with post COVID-19 recovery of elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy activity across England (2024)

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Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
Ayyaz, F M; Joyner, J; *Cheetham, M; Briggs, Twr; Gray, W K.

Citation:
Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. 2024 Apr 02.

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate the safety of day-case laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and the association between day-case rates and, post the COVID-19 pandemic, recovery of activity to prepandemic levels for integrated care boards (ICBs) in England. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study of the Hospital Episodes Statistics (HES) data set. Elective laparoscopic
cholecystectomies for the period 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2022 were identified. Activity levels for 2022 were compared with those for the whole of 2019 (baseline). Day-case activity was identified where the length of stay recorded in the HES was zero days. RESULTS: Data were available for 184,252 patients across the 42 ICBs in England, of which 120,408 (65.3%) were day-case procedures. By December
2022, activity levels for the whole of England had returned to 88.2% of prepandemic levels. The South West region stood out as having recovered activity levels to the greatest extent, with activity at 97.3% of
prepandemic levels during 2022. The South West also had the highest postpandemic day-case rate at 74.9% of all patients seen as a day-case during 2022; this compares with an England average of 65.3%. At an ICB level, there was a significant correlation between day-case rates and postpandemic activity levels (r = 0.362, p = 0.019). There was no strong or consistent evidence that day-case surgery had poorer patient outcomes than inpatient surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Recovery of elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy activity has been better in South West England than in other regions. Increasing day-case rates may be important if ICBs in other regions are to increase activity levels up to and beyond prepandemic levels.

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British Oncology Pharmacy Association Delphi Consensus Guidelines: co-infusion of trometamol-containing calcium folinate (Leucovorin) with Systemic Anti-Cancer Treatments (2024)

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Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
Polwart C.; Root T.; Tezcan S.; Meehan S.; Wetherill B.; Waterson C.; *Burnett B.; Chauhan R.; Al-Modaris I.; Walters-Davies R.

Citation:
medRxiv. (no pagination), 2024. Date of Publication: 11 Feb 2024.

Abstract:
Drug stability and compatibility are critical factors influencing cost and logistics of treatment delivery, therapeutic effectiveness, and patient safety. This is particularly significant in the realm of cancer chemotherapeutics, where stability and compatibility studies play a vital role in ensuring rational and safe medicine administration. Oxaliplatin, fluorouracil, and irinotecan, commonly used in various combination for gastrointestinal cancers, are complemented by co-administration of folinic acid in certain protocols. Notably, some folinic acid preparations include trometamol as an excipient, potentially impacting the stability of the chemotherapeutic agents if infused concomitantly. This study seeks to establish guidelines for oncology multidisciplinary teams, addressing potential risks associated with the combination of trometamol-containing folinic acid and chemotherapeutics. To achieve this, a quantitative questionnaire was distributed to members of the British Oncology Pharmacy Association (BOPA) and non-BOPA members through an online survey. Nineteen healthcare professionals with oncology experience, comprising 18 pharmacists and 1 nurse, completed the questionnaires. Each participant rated the validity and clarity of statements on a 5-point scale. The Delphi process concluded after the fourth round, consolidating the findings and recommendations from the multidisciplinary team. Twelve recommendations for safe practice have been made.

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