Pragmatic recycling of paper and cardboard in the operating theatre: an audit.

Despite recent legislation introduced in Scotland and motivated recycling at home, very little recycling exists within theatre environments. This study audited the introduction of recycling of paper and cardboard. All waste within a single operating theatre was collected by a dedicated team for 20 surgical cases.

Preassessment clinic interview and patient anxiety.

Background: It is widely recognized that patients have increased anxiety before elective surgery, however, previous research investigating the effect of preassessment clinics (PACs) on anxiety levels has been limited specifically to patient information literature or multimedia use, rather than the consultation process itself. The aim was to investigate the effect attendance at PAC had on patients' anxiety levels, associated with their subsequent surgery and anesthetic.

Materials And Methods: This survey consisted of a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based, quantitative study investigating patients' anxiety levels before and after attendance at the PAC.

A 5-year observational study of cancellations in the operating room: Does the introduction of preoperative preparation have an impact?

Background: Preoperative preparation (assessment) of patients reduces cancellations on the day of surgery. A Center for Reviews and Dissemination review (2007) concluded "the evidence was weak and it was uncertain that preassessment reduced cancellations." The aim of this study was to observe the impact of a preoperative preparation clinic on cancellations of operating room cases on the day of surgery, and in particular on those causes of cancellation on the day of surgery which were expected to be affected by preoperative preparation.

Increased use of Twitter at a medical conference: a report and a review of the educational opportunities.

Background: Most consider Twitter as a tool purely for social networking. However, it has been used extensively as a tool for online discussion at nonmedical and medical conferences, and the academic benefits of this tool have been reported. Most anesthetists still have yet to adopt this new educational tool.