How many times today have you clarified, explained or demonstrated something? Probably a lot because amongst all the other tasks you do, health professionals have a role as an educator too ... Read more
You wake up with a pounding headache and a throat that feels like you’re swallowing glass. What do you do? Well, If you’re like the majority of UK workers, you simply get up and struggle in to work ... Read more
The recent, high-profile case of Olaseni Lewis who tragically died from hypoxic brain injury during a restraint in Bethlem Hospital continues to highlight the dangers associated with restrictive practices in healthcare settings ... Read more
With mental ill health being such a complex field to work in, guidance to resolve conflict requires that staff understand the difficulties faced by patients ... Read more
Few healthcare professionals would argue with the sentiments of the Duty of Candour: being open and honest with patients and their families when things go wrong ... Read more
There are many definitions of culture, including the ‘customs, attitudes and social behaviours of a particular group, or society’, but more commonly organisations describe their culture in terms of values and behaviours ... Read more
There have been a number of high profile cases where healthcare professionals and/or organisations have not been honest, when harm has occurred as a consequence of error or omission of care ... Read more
Are your staff prepared to answer some commonly asked questions during a CQC inspection? CQC inspectors often report that the inspection day experience involves practice managers running around frantically sorting through paper trails ... Read more
In any given industry, if we standardise inputs and processes, we can significantly reduce variability in outcomes. For example, there are three variables in quality manufacturing: raw materials, quality processes (identical & validated), and trained operators. Looking at healthcare in a similar way ... Read more
Initiatives for self-management are placing the individual at the hub of care. In line with one of Simon Stevens first statements as NHS Chief Executive, the NHS has become “serious about patient power” and has “boost[ed] the critical role that patients play in their own health and care.” ... Read more
In November 2016, the Alzheimer’s Society released the third in a series of investigative reports on the experience of people affected by dementia in a range of health and care settings ... Read more
With the NHS challenged to make a further £30bn worth of cost savings by 2020, the pledge by nurses to be centred on individuals experiencing high value care reflects a continued focus by nurses on patient care and the kind of grit it will take to navigate health services through post-Brexit UK ... Read more
