Timeout procedure in paediatric surgery: effective tool or lip service? A randomised prospective observational study.

Background: For over a decade, the preoperative timeout procedure has been implemented in most paediatric surgery units. However, the impact of this intervention has not been systematically studied. This study evaluates whether purposefully introduced errors during the timeout routine are detected and reported by the operating team members.

Impact of a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in an Emergency Department for Seniors.

Study Objective: This study assesses outcomes associated with the implementation of an emergency department (ED) for seniors in which a clinical pharmacy specialist, with specialized geriatric training that included medication management training, is a key member of the ED care team.

Methods: This was a retrospective cohort analysis of patients aged 65 years or older who presented at an ED between November 1, 2012, and May 31, 2013. Three groups of seniors were assessed: treated by the clinical pharmacy specialist in the ED for seniors, treated in the ED for seniors but not by the clinical pharmacy specialist, and not treated in the ED for seniors.

[Erythrocyte transfusion].

Red cells are the most important and usually the only necessary part of transfused whole blood. Transfusion of concentrated red cells involves several advantages for the recipient (decreased volume load, fewer transfusion reactions, better antianemic effect per unit). The plasma which is separated from whole blood during the preparation of packed red cells can be used for fractionation or for the preparation of platelet concentrates and other special products.