German health insurance funds do not use their customer data sufficiently, according to a study by consultancy agency Kienbaum, which also found that health insurers do not `cultivate a client-oriented culture´. (Clients = the medically insured).
Following the launch of the Action Alliance on Patient Safety (High 5s) initiative, launched in 2006 by the World Health Organisation (WHO) Collaborating Centre on Patient Safety (Solutions), the World Alliance for Patient Safety and the Commonwealth Fund, in June 2008 the WHO introduced a Surgical Safety Checklist, as part of the Safe Surgery Saves Lives Campaign. Over 300 organisations,…
Professor Rudolf A Weiner, head of the surgical department at Sachsenhausen Hospital, Germany, reports that some developing procedures result not only result in weight loss but also in the systematic elimination of metabolic disorders, and that many new developments in the field promise hope for both the obese and their doctors
Tissue removal is currently the only way to verify suspicious lesions in the prostate. It is also a key requirement before treating prostate carcinomas. The standard biopsy is performed with transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) to guide the needle in the right direction.
The Wound Care Unit at the Clinic Pasteur in Toulouse, France, was successfully set up to deliver a multidisciplinary approach to diabetic wound care.
A new partnership between BreastHealth UK (BHUK) and Lab21 Ltd aims to offer women predictive genetic testing for breast cancer risk. BHUK, which offers personalised, private breast screening services, has launched a Breast Health Risk Assessment Service.
Scientists have developed a new test for detecting kidney disease, according to a paper published online in April by Kidney International (www.nature.com/ki/). The technique will allow researchers and clinicians to identify kidney disease or injury within 15 minutes of testing in both rats and humans.
22-26 May Milan, Italy
Analogue screening systems are gradually being replaced by digital mammography systems, and breast cancer screening programmes are increasing sales. The majority of European countries have implemented in European countries, but in some others their introduction is slow, but steady. Additionally, Europe has significant geographic diversity, and remote places served by mobile screening units…
Many randomised trials have shown that endoscopic colonoscopies as well as virtual colonoscopies via CT scans are equally efficient in detecting colon polyps and tumours. With an endoscopic examination suspicious mucosal findings can be investigated by biopsy and polyps can be removed. However, causes for argument against this method include the incomplete examination, often severe pain and a…
Definiens, the number one Enterprise Image Intelligence company, launched its first computer-aided detection (CAD) application, Definiens LymphExpert at the annual European Congress of Radiology (ECR) in Vienna, Austria. Now commercially available for European radiologists, the application assists in tracking lymph nodes of interest, facilitating earlier detection of the metastatic spread of…
A series of expert presentations organised by European Hospital in cooperation with the ECR addressed the latest issues affecting hospital management, information technology and fincance and attracted more than 400 attendees. Click here to read the summary of the five Management speeches.
SecondLook Digital from iCAD is Philips' new computer aided detection solution for early breast cancer detection. It supports physicians in identifying and marking suspicious areas. The software performs optimally with both Philips DR and CR mammography solution and seamlessly integrates in Philips PACS and Philips viewing workstation MammoDiagnost VU.
Early detection currently remains the most promising way to optimise the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, lower the mortality rate resulting from this disease, and improve patients' quality of life.
To date, there is insufficient knowledge as to the cause of this disease, or how to prevent it. We asked some of our EH correspondents to report on measures taken in their countries to ensure that men are made more aware of this disease and whether screening services are provided for early prostate cancer detection.
Accreditation and standards of Excellence in Europe
The number of prostate cancer cases is increasing rapidly.
To date, there is insufficient knowledge as to the cause of this disease, or how to prevent it. We asked some of our EH correspondents to report on measures taken in their countries to ensure that men are made more aware of this disease and whether screening services are provided for early prostate cancer detection.
To date, there is insufficient knowledge as to the cause of this disease, or how to prevent it. We asked some of our EH correspondents to report on measures taken in their countries to ensure that men are made more aware of this disease and whether screening services are provided for early prostate cancer detection.
Current procedures are still imprecise and speculative; without a subsequent biopsy suspicious PSA levels, images and the results of palpation cannot be correctly evaluated. Thus there is an energetic pursuit to discover new imaging technologies. Dr Thilo Eggert at the Urological Clinic of the Ruhr University Bochum at the Marienhopital Herne, is among the investigators.
Cancer may well surpass cardiovascular diseases as the primary case of death in Europe by 2012. To prevent this from happening, cancer therapeutics have to shift in focus from the treatment of symptoms to offering a total cure, despite the complex, multifactorial nature of cancer indications.
Less acute heart attacks in Italy five months after the introduction of a smoking ban in indoor public places.
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and GE Healthcare plan to establish over 25 local cancer centres in various countries within the coming decade.
The lower life expectancy of men is mainly due to insufficient uptake of healthcare services and an unhealthy life style Low social status influences men's health far more than women's health Medical care must address men at work, at sports centres, and other gatherings
An innovative scheme using mobile technology to identify patients 'at risk# of developing CVD by effectively establishing smoking status has recently proved a great success for NHS Hammersmith and Fulham.