Journal of perioperative practice
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Mechanical ventilatory support is a major component of the clinical management of critically ill patients admitted into intensive care. Closely linked with the developments within critical care medicine, the use of ventilatory support has been increasing since the polio epidemics in the 1950s (Lassen 1953). ⋯ Though ventilator appearance and design may have changed quite significantly and the variety of options for support extensive, the basic concepts of mechanical ventilatory support of the critically ill patient remains unchanged. This paper aims to outline these concepts so as to gain a better understanding of mechanical ventilatory support.
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Thoracic surgical procedures account for only a small fraction of all surgery undertaken in the NHS. Thoracic surgery is performed in specialist centres as patients often suffer serious co-morbidities and require vigilant care and observation by staff involved in their treatment. Anaesthesia for thoracic surgery challenges the theoretical and practical experience of all involved. This review briefly summarises the anaesthetic skills and knowledge required to deliver a safe and professional service to patients with thoracic pathology.
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This paper outlines a study undertaken by Helen Lloyd to assess the impact of multi-skilled theatre practitioners on reducing cancellations in stand alone day surgery units in England and Wales. The author provides the background to the study together with an overview of the results. ⋯ It identifies what factors influence the efficiency of day surgery and operating theatre facilities, traditional staffing of operating theatres and day surgery facilities, together with other influencing factors for theatre utilisation. The author recieved partial funding from ERFF to complete her MBA in Health Service Management at Greenwich School of Management (accredited to University of Hull) in 2007.
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This article will look at the implementation of the National Service Framework (NSF) for children, young people and maternity services with specific reference to the segregation of children from adult patients, and the requirements for appropriately trained staff in the care of children, within the Post Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU).
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Aspiration pneumonitis (AP) is a recognised complication of general anaesthesia (GA) that has an associated morbidity and mortality. Sellick's manoeuvre--the application of a sustained pressure to the cricoid cartilage--is one commonly taught anaesthetic practice that is deemed to reduce this risk of aspiration. However, this practice is not without its failings and some of the evidence base surrounding the use of cricoid pressure is examined in this short article.