If you want to know how computers and other technology is used in Healthcare, then read on. From making the experience for the patient much more efficient and effective, to saving the NHS money, and reducing the amount of administration, healthcare systems are revolutionising the way that the NHS runs and the way that patients receive treatment.

Here are 7 ways in which IT is used in medical environments.

1. Patients no longer have to wait several weeks for their records to be moved when they move house and change doctors thanks to electronic patient records. Test results can now be viewed by patients at home by logging into secure websites. If a patient has medical treatment in a different town, then their medical records will be instantly updated, so that their GP knows what treatment they have had. This means that records are always up to date and accurate so that whoever is treating the patient knows about allergies and reactions.

2. Patients can have their prescription sent directly to pharmacy of their choice electronically by their GP. This reduces the amount of paper used, and so is much better for the environment. Approximately 70% of prescriptions issued are repeat prescriptions, using IT means that patients won’t need to visit their doctor to get a repeat prescription. This saves both time and money.

3. Hospital Staff can view x-rays on computer, meaning that images such as ultrasounds and X-rays taken in different places can be stored digitally and seen immediately without having them having to be physically sent by mail or courier. This is much more efficient, as previously around 1 in 5 X-rays went missing.

4. Patients can make hospital appointments at the time of their choice, and at the hospital most convenient to them. Cancellations can be made and appoints rescheduled online. This dramatically reduces the number of people who fail to attend their appointment, and means that appointments can be seen in real time.

5. Dentists and GPs can see what treatment a patient has had in hospital, and what medication they are on, and so can prescribe the right medication, and perform the most appropriate treatment based on the patient’s medical history.

6. Dedicated healthcare systems are needed to ensure the smooth running of surgeries, pharmacies and hospitals. These computer systems need to be able to retain millions of records of patient data, be able to cope with the demands of modern hospitals and services and be easy to use. If healthcare systems are difficult to use and unreliable, then staff will be reluctant to use or trust them.

7. With all patient data stored electronically, and easily shared between departments, security is of paramount importance. A patient will only have to provide their details once whilst being treated, as their records will be updated and available to all staff who need access to them. This means that different staff need different levels of access. A dentist wouldn’t need to be able to see ultrasound results for example.

Hopefully you won’t need to see a doctor, or go to hospital, so you may never see the benefits of these improvements. However, if you do need the NHS, you can be sure that the service has improved, and processes have become more efficient, all thanks to better use of IT and healthcare systems.

By: M James

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Although the two terms are often used interchangeably, there is a crucial difference between plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery.

Plastic surgery is generally used to correct, restore, or repair skin and tissue problems caused by congenital defects, illness or injury, especially where the defect seriously affects health or quality of life.

Cosmetic surgery, on the other hand, is usually used to improve the patient’s appearance, for purely aesthetic reasons. Unlike plastic surgery, most cosmetic surgery is elective surgery – that is, the patient chooses to undergo the procedure even though it is not essential for their health.

However, these definitions are flexible, and there are often cases where surgery that would normally be considered cosmetic, such as breast reduction, can also be essential for health if it is causing back or shoulder problems.

This flexibility is important since most plastic surgery is covered by the NHS, whereas purely cosmetic surgery is not and can cost many thousands of pounds. Your GP will be able to advise you whether the treatment you would like is covered by the NHS or not.

Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery is used in a wide range of circumstances, including:

Skin repair of badly burnt or scarred tissue

Facial reconstruction or congenital disfigurement

Prosthetic reconstruction after breast or testicular cancer surgery

Nose, ear, or eye reshaping where their function is impaired

One of the most common procedures is the skin graft, where healthy sheets of skin from the thigh or back are used to repair or replace skin lost elsewhere. This vastly improves healing and reduces the impact of long term scarring. These techniques have been advancing rapidly in recent years, culminating in a successful full-face transplant in France.

Plastic surgery will usually be carried out free of charge on the NHS where there is a health issue involved.

Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery can be chosen to enhance, augment, or improve almost any area of the body, including:

The removal of unsightly marks such as moles, birthmarks, and tattoos Breast enhancement by the use of implants (augmentation mammoplasty) Breast reduction through skin and fat removal (reduction mammoplasty) Nose reshaping (rhinoplasty) Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) Pinning back prominent ears (otoplasty) Face lift (rhytidectomy) Liposuction

Over 70,000 people have cosmetic surgery in the UK each year, and its popularity is growing all the time with treatments up 50% over the last five years.

Unlike plastic surgery, which usually involves considerable invasive procedures, cosmetic surgery can range from simple, non-surgical techniques, such as Botox or collagen injections, to major surgery such as a tummy tuck. Naturally, the price rises in line with the complexity of the operation and the length of stay at your chosen clinic.

Why choose plastic or cosmetic surgery?

In cases where plastic surgery is necessary for your health or well-being the decision to have surgery is quite straightforward. The risks in these cases are generally far out-weighed by the rewards.

For cosmetic surgery, however, the process is more complex. It’s important that you have the surgery for the right reasons and that you have realistic expectations of the results. For example, there can be many reasons for a lack of self-esteem, and cosmetic surgery will not necessarily put any of these right. That said, many patients benefit immensely from increased confidence as a result of surgery, and consider it worth every penny.

Your GP and surgeon may well ask you to undergo a psychological assessment or counselling before they agree to your treatment, to be sure that surgery is the right course of action. Since the effects are often dramatic and permanent, it’s vital you give informed consent, fully understanding the implications of your treatment.

The next step

It is important to consult your GP, even if you’re having your cosmetic surgery done privately. Not only do they know you and your medical history, and can therefore offer you the best advice, but a GP referral also gives your surgeon full access to your medical records.

There are many factors that will affect you choice of surgeon, including location, experience, and of course, price. However, there are certain checks you should always apply to be sure of a safe, successful procedure:

Make sure your surgeon is registered with the General Medical Council They should also be a member of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons The clinic should be registered with the Healthcare Commission The clinic should allow you access to their inspection reports

Given the importance and lasting nature of the surgery, it’s well worth spending time comparing clinics both through brochures and websites as well as in person, before making your choice. Remember, cost is not the only factor you should consider.

By: J. Griffiths

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There are various types of surgical procedures. Of these, the more common are appendectomy, cesarean section, episiotomy, hysterectomy, and laparoscopy. In the area of plastic surgeries, breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, and liposuction are three of the most popular procedures today. During a surgery, the surgeon basically makes an incision on the area and after performing the necessary procedure, closes it off using various methods. The varying ways with which doctors close a surgical wound will now serve as the most important consideration in proper wound management.

Different Types of Wound Closures
With advancements in this area of medical practice, various technologies have been applied in closing off surgical wounds. In the old days, only sutures were used for this purpose, nowadays, doctors have also begun using clips, staples, and skin glue. Some of these may be used to close off the muscle tissues and the rest used to close off the skin layer. Depending on the wound, a doctor may also prefer using a combination of these. In case a doctor used staples or sutures, removing them should be painless, depending on the proper wound care you have performed.

Proper Wound Care
Post-operation, the wound will be covered by bandage to alleviate pressure and protect it from contaminants that could infect the wound. The surgical dressing is normally removed after the first day. Having a nurse or doctor remove the surgical dressing after the first day and checking if the wound looks like how it should is an important step in ensuring proper healing. This is also why it is important that the wound be kept clean and dry for the first 72 to 96 hours.

Afterwards, daily cleaning and bandage replacement must be performed as required. When doing so, one’s hands must always be washed with soap and water. The dressing must also be clean and contaminant-free-you want to keep the wound clean and not introduce things that could cause an infection. Depending on the wound closure, the doctor may also advice that daily bandage replacement be foregone as long as the area has been checked. In cases when the doctor used dissolvable sutures, ideally, these should gradually disappear from one to three weeks and minimal management could be performed in such a case. As for non-dissolvable stitches, these should be removed by the GP.

Problems and Other Concerns
The major problem associated with improper sound care is infection. Some of the tell-tale signs of infection include excessive pain in the affected area, blood or pus discharge, unpleasant odor, and swelling and extreme redness. If these are observed, contact your GP immediately and schedule an appointment. If a patient has diabetes, know that it could also effect the healing period he or she must undergo.

Another problem, although a minor one, is itching. In such cases the wound must not be scratched at all costs. If the itch proves to be too be unbearable, a doctor can prescribe a topical cream to alleviate the discomfort.

Understanding proper wound care is certainly the best way to ensure that any surgical wound heals well and on time.

By: Brent McNutt

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The current appointment time for an individual patient attending their surgery is ten minutes, which 90% of GP’s believe should be raised to twenty minutes. There is a general consensus amongst British physicians that time constraints are felt more conspicuously now compared to the situation five years ago.

The report also highlighted the statistic that two thirds of patients experience a rushed appointment due to the limitations placed upon their local GP. With the new government promising improved access to, and a greater choice of GP’s, it seems that the situation may be set to get better.

However, the impending NHS cuts make it difficult to see how this progress will manifest itself. For example, it is believed that £2 billion has been allocated in England for the restructuring and redundancy costs of the NHS.

In the face of looming spending cuts in an attempt to lower the public deficit, and the revelation of overstretched General Practitioners, the option of private health insurance is becoming an increasingly attractive one. For those with the means of paying out a monthly premium, it can provide a more efficient and reliable service in what will be a financially austere period.

Even for those who are unsure whether they can afford such an expense, there are policies available for as little as £10 per month; a reasonable cost for the luxury of stable and efficient treatment in a comfortable and focused environment.

So, in an uncertain financial era, perhaps it is time to consider the benefits of private health cover, and avoid rushed and distracted consultations from an NHS which is set to face some difficult times ahead.

By: Harvey McEwan

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Are the days of the good old family doctor gone forever, the archetypal doctor who knows your medical history first hand?

Sadly it seems so, with GP’s in Britain busier than ever before, dealing with more constrictions, and time limitations, leaving patients feeling un-listened to and hurried.

With more people taking an active interest in health issues and in particular the detrimental effects of stress on the body, along with an abundant medical resource at their finger tips in the form of the colossal encyclopedic internet, patients often now diagnose their own symptoms before visiting their GP.

The growing interest in the use of complementary health treatments has seen a definite shift in patient attitudes, with many combining orthodox treatments with Acupuncture, Shiatsu, or Reflexology to help specific problems, but also as a preventative treatment to help keep their body in good balance.

Patients are now recommended Reflexology treatments by many GP’s and Reflexologists are working alongside nurses across the country in hospices and voluntarily in NHS hospitals.

“Research has shown that approximately 20% of the UK population use complementary healthcare, with nearly 50% of GP practices offering some form of access to complementary treatments.” The Prince of Wales Trust for Integrated Health

The change has been slow in up take, but is gathering momentum fast, with more GP’s seeing the positive benefits of Reflexology, and pioneering organisations such as the Prince of Wales Trust for Integrated Health, pushing for regulation, integration and ultimately funded referrals, change is afoot, quite literally!

It is a very positive time for integration with orthodox medicine which has been saving thousands of lives since the middle of the 19th century and in the past fifty years has given the UK the free health treatment we all want and need on the NHS which was established in 1948.

Eastern complementary medicines, practised for centuries are seamlessly merging, creating a well rounded and diverse health system, giving the patient more choice, more time and most importantly, more treatment.

Now that GP’s are referring patients for Reflexology, the next push is for funded referrals, at the moment only those who can afford Reflexology are enjoying its benefits and often the people that cannot such as the elderly for example, are the most in need.

There are some complementary health clinics and some Doctors surgeries that do offer funded referrals, which is a really positive step, but currently they are the exception rather than the rule, the fact that its happening is very encouraging for patients, practitioners and for the recognition of Reflexology as a treatment that really works.

How we can all help:

Patients using Reflexology: Tell your GP’s how you’re benefiting from Reflexology and make inquiries about funded treatments.

Reflexologists: Encourage patients to ask their GP’s for funded treatments, the more people asking, the louder the message will become.

By: Amy Brennan

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Locum means working in a temporary position as a substitute for another person for a fix period of time. The term locum originally related to physicians only but is now used as a generic term for temporary employees. Locum doctors are used as temporary staff by a hospital or a clinic for a specified period of time through various locum agencies in the UK.

Locum agencies have experienced locum doctors, GP locums and allied health professionals on their books. These doctors are made available to the National Health Service, private sector hospitals and GP surgeries. Agencies recruit doctors across the full range of grades and specialisations. Some agencies have a wide network of contacts and work hard to place you in the right working environment.

Locums are flexible workers and available to cover positions at short notice. To register with a locum agency, you must have the relevant medical qualifications and certification, registration with the NMC or GMC, minimum 6-12 months UK experience in your relevant specialty, valid UK working visa, EU passport or Right to Abode certificate, Hepatitis B and C immunization.

Locum salaries will be paid by the agency or the employer. Locums will generally get an hourly rate of pay according to their grade and specialisation. Hourly rates can vary depending on the time of day or night, weekday or weekend. Agencies treat their doctors well so that they can approach them for future work placements.
Tips for Locums

* Have a contract that details the working hours and payment rate

* Be able to exercise a level of control over where, when and for how long you work

* Keep a record of your work

* Develop your own contacts

* Claim for travel and subsistence where appropriate

* Keep copies of all correspondence and contracts

* Always confirm your hourly rate of pay

Summary : Locum agencies provide temporary positions to physicians. Agencies will specialise in certain areas so it is important to make contact with the right agency for your needs.

By: Robert Stiff

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There was a time when contact lenses were not an option for people suffering from astigmatism. Nowadays, people with this common eye condition can not only take advantage of this vastly available and affordable eye treatment, they can also choose between different types and colors.

Astigmatism is not a disease like most people believe. It occurs naturally in the human eye just like aging. However unlike aging, astigmatism can be corrected. There are four types of lenses that correct astigmatism.

o Gas Permeable (GP) Lenses
o Toric Lenses
o Hybrid Lenses
o Orthokeratology Lenses

GP lenses are the most common way to treat astigmatism. They provide clear and stable astigmatic correction by acting to make the surface of the eye spherical. These lenses may cost more initially than regular soft lenses, but they are very durable and one pair can potentially last for several years. The only disadvantage is the initial discomfort of having to attach a soft piece of plastic on the eyes. It could take a few weeks to get used to them.

Soft toric lenses come with the ease of adaptability and feel comfortable on the eyes. They come in different colors and options such as disposable wear (daily) and extended wear (overnight). They also cost significantly less than regular eye glasses. Their biggest disadvantage, however, is potentially fluctuating vision. This happens when the vision is clear the first minute and blurry the next due the fact that all toric lenses no matter how well they fit the eye, are prone to rotation and movement.

Hybrid lenses are created in various styles using different materials. They combine the benefits of both GP and Toric lenses and are best for eyes that are difficult to fit or suffering from irregular astigmatism.

Lastly, Orthokeratology lenses are in fact a type of GP lens. They are specifically worn while sleeping in order to mold the eye and reshape the cornea by pushing on the steep areas. This creates a flattening affect which enables the person to see clearly in the day without using any contacts. These are perfect for those who suffer from very light astigmatism or mild nearsightedness.

As always, it is best to consult with an eye doctor as to which type of lens would be appropriate for you. The first step of course is getting your eyes examined. Keywords: Astigmatism, Eye treatment.

By: George W Walker

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Dometic pharmacy medical fridges are a perfect solution for any situation where temperature performance and silence is an important factor. Suitable locations where these medical fridges would be used are hospital wards, small pharmacies, GP doctor surgeries, health centres, children’s nurseries and retirement homes where the storage of any heat sensitive medicines and vaccines between the temperatures of 2-8°C are required.

These purpose built medicine fridges are lockable in line with current guidelines and include cutting edge new digital thermostatic controller for excellent temperature control.

New features include a door alarm which sounds after 20 seconds to alert the user that the door remains open. If the door remains open a more intense alarm will sound after one minute to re-affirm that the door has not been closed. The door alarm is a great way of ensuring that the contents of the fridge are stored at their optimal temperature and are fit for use.

The addition of an internal fan gives an increased circulation within the fridge leading to improved cooling performance and also a marked reduction in frost build up on the cooling fins.

A second layer of protection from external ambient temperature is provided with the set of interior drawer protective fronts resulting in markedly improved cooling performance.

To further aid the process of situating a drug storage fridge in a possibly restricted space all medical pharmacy fridge sizes have an option to be wall mounted. These custom made wall bracket sets are designed to be attached to any sound wall surface.

By: Terry John O'Brien

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A leaking heart valve fortunately, does not always mean valve surgery. And, heart valve surgery, if it becomes necessary, does not always have to mean that you’ll need an open-heart surgery.

In fact, most people with a leaking valve disorder, are totally unaware of their valvular disease. Their mildly leaking valve condition goes undetected because it just never progresses to the point of needing treatment.

Symptoms which might indicate that your leaking heart valve also called valve regurgitation is worsening to the point of needing some form of treatment are: unexplained fatigue, shortness-of-breath especially when you exert yourself, heart palpitations, an awareness of your heart beat, fluttery or irregular heart beat, chest pain also referred to as angina, dizziness or fainting, and swollen ankles or feet.

The heart valves are made to move your blood through your heart in one direction. When there is valve leakage, the valve leaflets fail to close properly, and some of the blood is regurgitated backwards in the wrong direction.

In severe heart valve leakage or regurgitation, the heart has to work much harder to re-pump the blood back through your heart and into your body. This “over-work” causes enlargement of the heart.

If you begin to notice that your normal everyday activities are tiring you out, and you’re experiencing one or more of the symptoms we’ve already mentioned, it may be time for you to visit your Doctor or cardiologist.

For example, do you notice that walking up your drive to the mail box is exhausting, or maybe just bending over to take clothes from the dryer causes chest pain, or do you experience breathlessness just from being outdoors the heat? These could all be signs of heart valve disease.

Your GP can listen to your heart with a stethoscope. Often, just listening to your heart can tell your Doctor if you have a heart murmur. Depending upon the severity of the murmur he or she hears, your GP may refer you to a cardiologist.

The cardiologist’s diagnosis will probably include one or more of the following tests:

- an electrocardiogram (ECG), a test that measures the electrical activity of your heart to see how well it is working
- an echocardiogram, an ultrasound scan that produces a picture of the inside of your heart
- a chest X-ray
- a heart cath, a small tube (catheter) is threaded up to your heart through an artery – usually in your groin. A dye that shows up on X-rays is injected into your blood stream and X-rays are taken to produce an image of the blood flowing through your heart
- a cardiac CT scan that uses X-rays to make a three-dimensional image of your heart.

If these tests show that your have a severely leaking heart valve, then, you will probably require some form of heart surgery. When possible, heart valve repair surgery is always preferable to valve replacement surgery because your own heart tissue is being used to make the repair; however, if you need a valve replacement, the artificial and pig valves are overwhelmingly successful.

As of this writing, the only approved option for treating severely leaking heart valves is open-heart surgery with heart-lung bypass. But, if your problem is a leaking mitral valve, you just might be in luck, some 30 hospitals across North America are now participating in an FDA-approved clinical study of an experimental device for repairing a leaking mitral valve, which does NOT require open-heart surgery.

This is truly exciting news! Amazingly, this minimally invasive procedure can repair a leaking mitral heart valve while the heart is still beating. In this FDA-approved clinical study, an experimental device and procedure use a catheter inserted into a vein in the groin.

By: Lanie Dills

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