Clinical Issue: Exploring the benefits of reusable diathermy mats in neonatal surgical procedures
Importance: Patient safety, Cost-effectiveness, Impact on the Environment, Resource Allocation, Clinical Outcomes
Scope of Practice: As a scrub nurse, I must prioritise the safety and efficiency of surgical procedures, especially when caring for vulnerable populations like newborns. Being familiar with reusable diathermy mats is valuable as it enhances my capability to deliver high-quality patient care while supporting cost-saving measures and environmental sustainability efforts.
Evidence to consider?
Literature Reviews: Systematic reviews and research papers on electrosurgery and diathermy mats.
Guidelines: NICE guidelines and recommendations from professional bodies like AORN and AfPP.
Local Policies: Hospital protocols and policies regarding the use of diathermy mats.
Product Information: Manufacturer data and independent reviews of reusable diathermy mats, such as the MEGADYNE MEGA SOFT and OKLand pads.
To answer my question and improve my learning ability, what skill should I focus on developing?
I need to improve my ability to critically assess information. This will allow me to carefully judge the quality and significance of the evidence I find, ensuring that my conclusions are based on strong and relevant research.
What resources do I need to access to help me to develop this skill?
Appraisal module
Guides on critical appraisal
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Neonatal surgery is essential in healthcare as it deals with both congenital and acquired conditions in newborn babies that require surgical treatment. The hospital is known for its dedicated surgical care and offers complete support to newborn babies with challenging surgical requirements that are often detected before or right after birth.
A new approach at surgical theatres involves using diathermy mats during surgeries replacing the conventional electrode pads that can be harsh on the delicate skin of newborns. These reusable diathermy mats could enhance safety by reducing the chances of burns and also support environmental sustainability by cutting down on medical waste.
When using traditional diathermy pads, there are specific issues to consider especially the possibility of burns at the electrode pad location due to direct skin contact that could result in burns if the contact area is affected or if there is a malfunction during surgery. This is a worrisome scenario, especially in neonatal surgeries because of their delicate and sensitive skin condition. The adhesive on these pads can potentially harm the skin which is a significant concern regarding the delicate skin of newborns. Moreover, these pads are typically designed for one-time use and are disposed of after each surgical procedure. This practice significantly contributes to the accumulation of waste in healthcare institutions and procurement costs.
In this essay, I will explore the advantages of utilizing reusable diathermy mats during surgeries on neonates in contrast to disposable diathermy pads and emphasizing its effects on patient outcomes, safety, cost-efficiency and environmental sustainability.
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Introduction: setup the problem concisely
every statement made must have an evidence to support it and explain why it is relevant
tell the incidents of skin burns/irritation caused by using adhesive diathermy pads.
cant use own experiences alone but should be accompanied by up-to-date literature
Introduction (400 words)
Context
Brief Background
Brief Argument
Set out plan of attack briefly and accurately
Roadmap
Argument (1100 words)
Looking for evidence about the essay topic and proving the evidence found
Other points of view need to be taken into account
What are the logical connections between ideas
Are there clear signposts
use uptodate academic literature (at least not 10 years older)
if possible use references found in the United Kingdom
in every 100 words there should be academic reference
The remaining 500 words is to show how I developed an academic skill as a lifelong learner, ex how you developed critical appraisal
The essay should be written in the third person
Write your assignment in Microsoft Word.
Apply double or 1.5 line spacing.
Add a margin of 2.5cm on the left-hand side of the page.
Include a full and correct reference list.