Potential questions?

One of the hot topics at the moment in hospitals is something called the "Saving Lives Campaign", basically all about reducing HAI (hospital acquired infections). If you don't know anything about it, don't worry too much, BUT you should be aware that there are several potential questions for the SAQ and the viva brewing as a result of it.

One of the two main drives is about cannulation and insertion of intravenous lines, and how to reduce infection as a result of careful use of skin cleansing for both peripheral AND central lines (Not sure there's a huge amount of evidence for that as far as peripheral lines are concerned - Ed.) Also, insertion of urinary catheters has been targeted, use of enteral feeding systems, and how to do it properly, and the prevention of spread of infection by hand washing, safe sharps disposal, good aseptic technique and use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). (See this page at www.clean-safe-care.nhs.uk (!! When will the Vieux Boulogne come to an end? - Ed.))

I would just like to bring to your attention this quote from the RCOA Commentary on the April SAQ

The SAQ paper was set on February 28th 2008. At this meeting the members of the SAQ group noted
that some of the repeat questions continued to be poorly answered, and that questions relating to
issues of public interest and patient safety were poorly done. Although matters relating to patient
safety are not textbook knowledge, they will continue to be part of the syllabus and candidates can
expect that the examiners will emphasise this important aspect of the College’s work.

What this means is that you definitely need to be aware of stuff coming out of the NPSA and NICE as related to anaesthesia and medicine in general, and we will bring you some more information on those kinds of things when the new website goes live at the beginning of next week! More on that in another post...