Aims This study aims to measure the estimated carbon emissions that could be saved if alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHRs), which have been shown to be as effective at antisepsis as antimicrobial soap and hot water (1), are used to scrub for all operations at a UK teaching hospital over 1 year. Methods The number of operations performed during October 2021 was obtained via hospital database. Across 25 cases, the volume of water per case was estimated by multiplying the time using water by the volume calculated per second flow. This data was used to calculate an estimate of the total volume of hot water used per year and therefore the carbon, cost, and water savings that could be made. Results Conclusion This study shows that 2.2 tonnes of carbon could be saved in a year if a single teaching hospital converted to ABHR. The outcome could contribute to the current Greener NHS trajectories: a Net Zero NHS by 2050. Reference 1. WHO Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Health Care: First Global Patient Safety Challenge Clean Care Is Safer Care. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2009. 13, Surgical hand preparation: state-of-the-art.
Aims Recently 2 national audits evaluating the management of small bowel obstruction (SBO) have been published, recommending areas for improvement (NASBO and NCEPOD: delay in transit). We conducted a retrospective audit to evaluate if the management of SBO at a University Hospital reflects these recommendations. Methods The audit questionnaire and standards were designed using recommendations from the national audits. Patients were identified using hospital coding data over a 6-month period: February-July 2021. Patient data was extracted using electronic patient records. Results 81 patients were identified. Adhesions (59%) and hernias (26%) were the predominant aetiologies. 53% were managed conservatively, 36% with early surgery and 11% with delayed surgery. 93% of cases received a CT; time to CT diagnosis was slower in patients also investigated with abdominal radiographs. Mean time from triage to CT diagnosis was 7.5 hours (2.2 days in NASBO). 84% of surgical cases arrived in theatre less than 72 hours after triage and 65% of conservatively managed cases received Gastrografin (28% in NASBO). Dietician review occurred in 68% of patients at moderate-severe risk of malnutrition (39% in NASBO). 48% of patients had urine output recorded within 24 hours of admission and AKI incidence was 14% (8% in NCEPOD: delay in transit). No surgical cases were successfully managed laparoscopically and 20% of frail patients had geriatrician input. Conclusion Whilst improvements have been made since the NASBO and NCEPOD: delay in transit, fluid balance consideration, care of frail patients, laparoscopic surgery and use of abdominal radiographs remain key areas for improvement.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.