Germany: Promised Land for Spanish medics?
While German medics leave the country in search of better conditions, foreigners fill the gaps. Spain, with its troubled economy, provides a major source.
Staff management
Tumour boards cause staff problems
About 20 years ago the first tumour boards were set up in Germany. Initiated and led by surgeons, they not only invited oncologists, radiotherapists and radiologists to conferences but also, increasingly often, pathologists.
Violence in the hospital
Aggression and violence towards hospital staff by patients and their relatives and visitors alike is an under-reported and an under-discussed issue. A French webside wants to inform employees how they can prevent and react on aggressions.
Re-evaluating the multidisciplinary approach to cancer care
A 2012 study analysing the care of cancer patients in the USA in 138 Veterans’ Administration hospitals (pub: Journal of the National Cancer Institute) questions the effectiveness of tumour board review. The study measured effectiveness by comparing the presence of tumour review boards with stage-specific quality of care and patient outcomes.
Hygiene: Fighting infections
The motive was clear. Lowering Germany’s comparatively high nosocomial infection rate – the reason for an amendment to the Hygiene Act passed in 2011 – called for improved hygiene management within the hospitals.
Ambulatory surgery
Massive and increasing cost pressure urges many hospitals to look for alternatives to expensive in-patient surgery.
To survive radiologists must become visible and valued
Radiologists work in dark, strange places often hidden in the basement of hospitals. Few doctors or medical staff visit these labyrinths, and for good reason.
Rogue Dutch doctor prompts calls for EU early warning system
There are too many loopholes that allow bad or fraudulent physicians to beat the system.
The pros and cons of tabletcomputers in radiology
Although not yet suitable for primary readings, tablet technology does offer potential for second opinions, sharing information with patients and clinicians, and seeking expert support, according to radiologist Dr Erik Ranschaert from the Jeroen Bosch Hospital, Den Bosch, The Netherlands
Male and female Doktors
Whether it was a constitution of sorts writ on cavernous rock at the dawn of mankind no one knows. What is clear is that since the inception of the first rudimentary societies the male always expected to rule and the female to follow and obey.
Europe’s pressing need for transcultural competence
Patients with a migration background can create underestimated difficulties in healthcare systems in Western countries.
‘The perfect murder is one that isn’t actually discovered’
Austrian specialist: If the science is not used the impact on crime detection will be negative.
Tonio Borg appointed as commissioner for health and consumer affairs
On Wednesday, 21 November, the Members of the European Parliament voted in favour of Commissioner-designate Tonio Borg following a period of extensive investigation.
Increased automation speeds up results
Siemens platform provides tracking, biochemistry, haematology, serology and coagulation services in a single automated laboratory solution
MBAs versus MDs
Are physicians poor managers? Do trained managers kill humanity? EH sought answers from Dr Markus Schwarz from the international executive search consultancy Egon Zehnder. Report: Michael Krassnitzer
“Work-life balance not yet a topic in thoracic radiology”
This year sees the 20th anniversary of the European Society of Thoracic Imaging’s inaugural meeting. However, the ESTI 2012 in London will not only look back at the beginnings of the organisation but, as always, towards the future of thoracic imaging.
ICN stresses critical need for evidence-based approach to nursing services
On the occasion of International Nurses Day 2012, the International Council of Nurses calls for an increase in evidence-informed decision making and practice. Nurses are often best placed to supply important information not only about care but also about context, population health and the role of key policy and social factors.
Seeing eye to eye
Heidelberg’s doctor/nurse equal partnership concept raises staff/patient satisfaction. For the past decade the surgery and anaesthesiology departments at Heidelberg’s 340-bed University Hospital have encouraged cooperation between doctors and nurses that has set the standard for other hospitals within its remit.
The Max Harry Weil Lecture at the ISICEM 2012
With his clinical and experimental research on the acute care of critically ill patients through round-the-clock monitoring of the vital functions Max Harry Weil revolutionised intensive care medicine and became known as its founding father. He died in 2011 in California, aged 84. Thus the first Max Harry Weil Lecture will be held in his honour at this ISICEM.
Fylde Coast Medical Service is one of the first out-of-hours care providers in England
Fylde Coast Medical Service (FCMS) is one of the first out-of-hours primary care providers in England to pilot the Department of Health’s new initiative, NHS 111, using Advanced Health & Care’s (Advanced’s) Adastra system.
Birmingham hospital leads the way on hourly nursing rounds
Patients in the new Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham are already enjoying the benefits of the scheme which aims to tailor nursing care to their individual needs via hourly nurse rounds. The Care Round initiative was introduced to all 28 inpatient wards at the hospital in March 2011 with the aim of supporting nursing on the wards.
Europe`s healthcare sector faces strained labour relations
Current staff crises are leading Europe`s hospitals to show strong interest in talent management, according to human resources management software provider unmantis.
World’s first Curve Image Guided Surgery system now operating in Germany
This week, university hospital Klinikum rechts der Isar in Munich, Germany, is the first hospital in the world to operating Brainlab’s Curve Image Guided Surgery system. Curve is Brainlab’s latest generation of image-guided surgery systems. The new technology provides surgeons with better guidance and control during surgery enabling faster, more precise and safer interventions.
Of mounting importance
They are rarely noticed but nevertheless they carry a lot of weight in a hospital: intelligent mounting solutions for medical equipment and monitors. While the eyes of physicians, nurses and patients alike tend to be fixed on the device, hardly anybody ever looks at the way, the device is fixed to the wall or the ceiling. The engineers of CIM med, based in Munich, Germany, however did have a…
