bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors facilitating effective use of electronic patient record systems for clinical audit and research in the UK maternity services
Authors: Jones Andrea , Henwood Flis , Hart Angie 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThis paper examines the factors that made services more or less effective in using electronic patient record systems to produce clinical information for clinical audit and research.Design/methodology/approachCase studies of the use of electronic patient record systems in three maternity services in England, using qualitative research methods (semi‐structured interviews, observations and shadowing).FindingsThere were many contributing factors in each case site. The three main groups of determining factors were these: the resources devoted to, and acceptability to midwives of, the “IT midwife”; maternity managers prioritisation of information related matters; the relationship of maternity information systems with Trust‐wide systems.Originality/valueProvides services with lists of factors they need to consider if they want to maximise the benefits realised for clinical audit and research from existing and new electronic patient record systems.
Informed consent for radiological procedures: a Scottish survey
Authors: Mathers Sandra A. , McKenzie Graham A. , Chesson Rosemary A. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe main purpose of the study was to investigate practices relating to informed consent for radiological procedures.Design/methodology/approachAll Health Boards in Scotland (15) were included in the survey and 62 hospitals were contacted. A questionnaire was developed and sent to superintendent radiographers and radiology managers. Quantitative data were entered in to SPSS‐PC for analysis.FindingsA response rate of 95.2 per cent (59/62) was achieved. A total of 15 hospitals described having a trust policy document on consent and six hospitals reported departmental policies. The majority of hospitals used consent forms for interventional procedures, but not for conventional procedures, although two hospitals obtained informed consent for intravenous urography, and one for barium enemas. All departments (n=25/25) using consent forms required the patient to sign the consent form and 20 departments retained the form. Nine departments placed these in the patient's medical records.Research implications/limitationsThe survey demonstrated considerable diversity in hospital practices regarding informed consent for radiological procedures. The findings have significant implications for clinical governance, especially regarding risk management. Some staff may be putting themselves at risk in an increasingly litigious society. The transferability of this Scottish study needs to be established through surveys in other parts of the UK.Practical implicationsThe study reports diversity in practice when gaining informed consent for radiological procedures and the lack of standardisation for this process.Originality/valueNo previous UK empirical studies on informed consent for radiological procedures has been published.
The Scottish physiotherapy clinical effectiveness network
Authors: Holdsworth Lesley K. , Blair Valerie A. , Miller Jenny 
Published: January 2007

PurposePhysiotherapists throughout the UK have a professional obligation to keep up to date and practice effectively. The Scottish Physiotherapists Clinical Effectiveness Network (SPCEN) was established in 1999 with the aim of providing a mechanism through which physiotherapists could share and learn from experiences, avoid duplication of effort and undertake proactive activities. The purpose of this paper is to report on the experience of the SPCEN and provide an evaluation of the impact the network has made on the clinical effectiveness activities of physiotherapists throughout Scotland.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey was distributed to 2,118 physiotherapists across Scotland (response rate of 54.5 per cent). It aimed to determine the level of clinical effectiveness activity, the confidence of physiotherapists in engaging in these activities and the extent of involvement with clinical guideline implementation.FindingsResults were analysed in two groups. Group 1 consisted of those that reported that they did participate in network activities (40 per cent n=330) and Group 2, those who did not (60 per cent n=686). Participants were significantly more engaged in undertaking a range of clinical effectiveness activities than non‐participants (p<0.0001), had greater confidence in their own ability to engage and were involved in the implementation of clinical guidelines to a greater extent (p<0.0001).Practical implicationsEstablishing the SPCEN has resulted in more confident physiotherapists who are engaging in greater levels of clinical effectiveness activity throughout Scotland.Originality/valueThis paper provides the reader with an indication of the value networks can achieve.
Meningococcal disease in primary care: reducing the risk of error
Authors: Cowan Jane , Kavanagh Sean 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo review guidance on the identification and management of meningococcal disease, with particular reference to primary care. To advise on appropriate strategies for training and professional development in this area for primary care teams. To give an overview of common sources of error in this area of practice, based on cases handled by The Medical Protection Society (MPS) and lessons gleaned from current guidance.Design/methodology/approachA review of guidance on appropriate approaches to primary care management of this illness and cases of legal claim or complaint handled by MPS.FindingsCommon deficiencies and sources of error in the management of meningococcal disease are discussed and elucidated and strategies suggested to avoid their repetition.Practical implicationsGeneral advice is given on clinical approaches to meningococcal disease in primary care, and on the documentation of relevant features in the clinical record.Originality/valueThis paper highlights simple risk‐management issues relevant to community‐based meningococcal disease and aims to reduce the risk of litigation or complaint against primary care practitioners who are involved in its management.
Improving the reporting of clinical audits in the NHS
Authors: Collins Ros , Lewis Ruth , Flynn Adrian , Emmans Dean Michael , Myers Lindsey , Wilson Paul , Eastwood Alison 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe Centre for Reviews and Dissemination was commissioned to conduct a systmatic review of clinical audits undertaken to assess the implementation and effectiveness of the National Health Service (NHS) two‐week waiting time policy for cancer referrals in England and Wales. This paper highlights the logistical difficulties experienced by the review team in trying to obtain information from the NHS, and discusses what needs to be done in order to improve the reporting and usefulness of clinical audit reports.Design/methodology/approachA total of 650 key individuals within NHS Trusts and Strategic Health Authorities were contacted for copies of relevant audits. Other key individuals and organisations across the NHS were also contacted, web sites of key organisations searched, requests for audits on relevant e‐mail discussion lists posted and electronic databases and conference proceedings searched.FindingsFinds that many trusts do not appear to hold a centralised record of what clinical audits have been performed within the trust. In many instances several follow‐up contacts were necessary. The majority of included audits were poorly reported, with fewer than half providing sufficient detail on methodological aspects for the audit to be reproducible.Practical implicationsThere should be a system of recording ongoing and completed audits conducted within the NHS, to ensure that audit reports are produced and accessible. The NHS needs to make sure that not only are appropriate audit methods used but that audit reports are written up in sufficient detail to allow the reader to ascertain how the audit was conducted and to assess the validity of the results. Documentary evidence of action plans would make it easier for those not directly involved in the audit to assess if, and in what ways, the audit findings are being acted upon to improve existing practices and procedures.Originality/valueThis paper discusses what needs to be done in order to improve the reporting and usefulness of clinical audit reports.
Laparoscopic management of tubal ectopic pregnancy
Authors: Nooh A. , Downey G.P. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe aim of this audit was to determine if patients with a diagnosis of a suspected ectopic pregnancy had been managed in accordance with the evidence‐based guidelines policy of the obstetrics and gynaecology department at City Hospital, Birmingham. In particular, the authors wished to review the surgical management of tubal ectopic pregnancy.Design/methodology/approachThe authors retrospectively analysed 50 cases of tubal ectopic pregnancy managed over 15 months between October 2001 and December 2002.FindingsA total of 26 patients (52 per cent) were managed successfully by the laparoscopic approach with no major intraoperative or postoperative complications; 24 patients (48 per cent) had a laparotomy. Salpingectomy was the preferred procedure performed either laparoscopically or by traditional open surgery. A total of 30 patients (60 per cent) had their surgery where the registrar at various grades of training was the main surgeon. The estimated blood loss, the need for blood transfusion and the length of hospital stay in the laparoscopy group were significantly less than those in the laparotomy group.Originality/valueThis audit demonstrates that, in the hands of trained personnel, laparoscopic management of tubal ectopic pregnancy is more beneficial with maximum safety and efficacy.
Evaluating the effectiveness of a multi‐professionally agreed list of adverse events for clinical incident reporting in Trauma and Orthopaedics
Authors: Giles S.J. , Cook Gary A. , Jones Michael A. , Todd Brian , Mason Margaret , Muddu B.N. , Walshe Kieran 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe first phase of this study developed a multi‐professionally agreed list of adverse events for clinical incident reporting in Trauma and Orthopaedics. This follow‐up study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the adverse event list.Design/methodology/approachTwo follow‐up questionnaires were sent to healthcare professionals working in Trauma and Orthopaedics in two of the participating National Health Service (NHS) Trusts (n=247 for the first questionnaire and n=240 for the second questionnaire). Trends in routine incident reporting data were also monitored over a two‐year period to determine the impact of the adverse event list on levels of adverse event reporting.FindingsThe questionnaires indicated that awareness about the adverse event list was good and improved between questionnaires. However usage of the adverse event list appeared to be poor. Multiple regression analysis with the dependent variable count of orthopaedic incidents suggested that the adverse event list had little, if any impact on levels of reporting in Trauma and Orthopaedics.Originality/valueThe results of this study suggest that a practical tool, such as the adverse event list has little impact on incident reporting levels.
Foundation years training and patient safety – a comprehensive introduction?
Authors: Cowan Jane , Kavanagh Sean 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo examine the content of the new Foundation Years Curriculum for newly‐qualified medical graduates in terms of its patient‐safety and risk‐management emphases. To examine briefly the impact the curriculum will have on medical trainers responsible for such issues.Design/methodology/approachRelevant sections of the curriculum are examined and reproduced within the article, along with the authors' reflections on theoretical and practical implications of its content, as applicable to current National Health Service (NHS) training of doctors. Areas of agreement with previous guidance given to the medical profession from other sources are discussed.FindingsThe curriculum gives an appropriate emphasis to patient‐safety issues. The practical achievement of its broad and ambitious aims will present major, though not insurmountable, challenges to those delivering the training of newly‐qualified doctors within the NHS.Originality/valueThis paper should help those involved in delivering the new curriculum consider the relevant patient‐safety and risk‐management issues that it raises and begin the process of practically achieving them. It should demonstrate the importance of maintaining a patient‐safety outlook as the focus of training for newly‐qualified doctors.
Evidence‐based medicine
Authors: Samanta Ash , Samanta Jo 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to provide a viewpoint on a controversial aspect of evidence‐based medicine (EBM) and its application to clinical decision making and healthcare policy. To draw attention to the potential for using EBM as a rationalising tool, as opposed to rationalising treatment options, and to discuss how legitimacy in the decision‐making process may be secured.Design/methodology/approachA range of academic commentary and case law is reviewed. A model for the legitimacy of due process is suggested through the application of the framework for the “accountability for reasonableness”.FindingsProvides information about sources indicating their relevance and where they can be found. Emphasises that NHS organisations and trusts need to enhance the legitimacy of due process through clinical governance.Research limitations/implicationsPresents a viewpoint designed to stimulate debate, which is based on a critical evaluation of the literature as well as contemporary quality initiative issues in the context of clinical governance.Practical implicationsA useful source of guidance for NHS Trust decision makers, healthcare practitioners and those involved with patient support initiatives.Originality/valueThis paper provides an original viewpoint on a topical and important issue and develops the concept of legitimacy and decision making that is delivered by the application of legal principles through clinical governance.
Injecting confidence: anticipating and reducing the risks of childhood immunisation
Authors: Cowan Jane , Haslam Jonathan 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to assess important changes made to the vaccines used for childhood and adolescent immunisation in August 2004. These changes resulted in a number of patient safety incidents.Design/methodology/approachThe changes are reviewed for the way that risk assessment and risk management were used in their development. An analysis of recent claims and complaints handled by the Medical Protection Society is then used to broaden the debate.FindingsThe August 2004 changes to the childhood vaccination programme contained unnecessary and avoidable risks of patient safety incidents, which could have been avoided if existing advice had been followed. Errors continue to be seen in the administration of childhood immunisation in primary care. These are driven both by systems and human factors.Practical implicationsThis paper will be of use to those working in primary care who wish to ensure that childhood and adolescent immunisations are carried out correctly.Originality/valueThe paper highlights risk‐management issues that are relevant to childhood and adolescent immunisation.
Fostering creativity and productivity through emotional literacy: the organizational context
Authors: Park James 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe research looked at how organizations could enhance productivity and creativity by paying more attention to the quality of communication and relationship between its people.Design/methodology/approachThe project involved ethnographic exploration and action research, leading to the development of an online survey. This tool is designed to discover how far people experience an organization as enabling them to feel capable, listened to, accepted, safe and included – the five dimensions of an emotionally literate organized identified by the research.FindingsThe research found that there was a correlation between the extent to which staff and students in a school experienced the five dimensions described above, and the extent to which they were able to be curious, resilient, creative, strategic and interdependent as well as manifesting other qualities associated with “learning power.”Practical implicationsThe implications of the research are that organizations are more likely to enhance productivity and creativity by focusing on the quality of their emotional environment than they are by setting targets towards achieving those outcomes.Originality/valueThe article provides a new set of concepts for exploring the link between an organisation's emotional environment and its performance.
Venture capital support for creating portfolio company organizational capabilities
Authors: Nisar Tahir M. 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to inform readers about the pivotal role of venture capitalists in the development of the companies they finance.Design/methodology/approachThe case study is based on interviews with the company and the investor, supplemented by desk research that includes company literature and press reports.FindingsThe paper shows how Care UK, which delivers social services to a number of clients in both the public and private sectors, was able to develop its training function and relevant organizational capabilities with the active support of Sovereign Capital – Care UK's venture capitalist. Training in both basic health and personal care has proved very successful in making the company a market leader in its particular market.Originality/valueProvides valuable insights into innovative management practices in the social services sector area.
Succession planning: a developmental approach
Authors: Clutterbuck David 
Published: January 2007

PurposeAims to focus on the issue of succession planning.Design/methodology/approachProvides some practical pointers that organisations should do to improve the efficacy of their succession planning processes.FindingsThese include making sponsorship a more open and managed process; stop putting people into boxes; adopt a more systemic view of performance; and continually re‐examine the qualities and experience required for significant roles.Originality/valueOutlines how the integration of succession planning with both coaching and mentoring is an inevitable outcome of the modern organisation's need to manage its talent pool.
Connecting head and heart: developing leaders in Visa Europe
Authors: Ahlfeldt Derrick , Cramb Jennifer 
Published: January 2007

PurposeThe paper is a case study of Visa Europe's leadership development program. The program is now in its fourth year and has evolved over that time. The paper describes the key elements of the program; its successes and benefits; practical lessons learned; and future plans for the program.Design/methodology/approachBoth authors are directly involved in the program. The article is based on their experience of working on the program, and interviews with other key stakeholders: the program manager; participants; the program sponsor.FindingsThe paper describes the key business benefits from the program, specifically: better engagement between the business and its managers; the increased confidence and leadership capability of participants; successful promotions; and better cross‐functional networks.Practical implicationsThe paper describes lessons learned from Visa Europe's experience. The practical implications for other organisations are: to create an exciting and stimulating program; to link the program directly into the business; to build genuine and visible high level sponsorship; to review and measure the program, and adapt it based on the results.Originality/valueThe paper is the first ever case study of Visa Europe's leadership development program. This practical case study will help to inform other organisations that are planning formal development for their key people.
How to buy successful e‐Learning: top tips for training buyers
Authors: Page Ian 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo give top tips on how to buy e‐Learning.Design/methodology/approachTo use five simple rules which will help training buyers to buy e‐Learning.FindingsResearch from SkillGate.Practical implicationsTraining buyers will be well informed when buying e‐Learning.Originality/valueThis paper is valuable for those buying training.
Application and validation of a desertification risk index using data for Lebanon
Authors: Dragan Massimo , Sahsuvaroglu Talar , Gitas Ioannis , Feoli Enrico 
Published: January 2007

PurposeTo investigate whether the desertification risk index (DRI) which was originally developed for the coastal area of Turkey in a previous work, could be used as an effective desertification indicator in other Mediterranean areas such as the Lebanon.Design/methodology/approachThe calculation of the DRI is based on the use of climatic factors and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). As a result, climatic data were obtained and spatial interpolation techniques were applied to derive temperature and precipitation maps within a GIS environment while the NDVI was derived from satellite imagery. Spatial models were employed in order to produce the DRI map of Lebanon. Geographical analysis and standard statistical techniques were employed to investigate the relationships between: desertification risk and two topographic factors, namely, elevation and distance from the sea and desertification risk and the type of land cover. The accuracy of the index was assessed by comparison with recently published official maps and documents.FindingsThe paper demonstrates the efficiency of a desertification index to identify areas at risk. The DRI map proved to be accurate when compared to the map of desertification prone areas recently produced by the Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture. The areas with the highest degree of desertification risk are located in the North‐Eastern part of the country, in the area of the Bekaa Valley. This is in agreement with the reports of the United Nations Convention for combating desertification. A strong correlation was found between desertification risk and distance from the sea (the larger the distance the higher the risk) while shrubland appears to be the land cover type with the highest risk of desertification.Originality/valueThis research work demonstrates how satellite imagery and modern spatial analysis techniques could provide an essential alternative to traditional methods.