Peter’s Journey: An Example of Shared Decision Making – The Centre for Perioperative Care 

The Centre for Perioperative Care has published a new video illustrating what shared decision making should look like. Peter’s journey: An Example of Shared Decision-Making highlights the collaborative efforts from clinicians and patients to make informed choices based on patient values and evidence. Evidence indicates shared decision making enhances patient knowledge, communication, adherence, and satisfaction while curbing over-diagnosis and over-treatment. View the full article and video to learn now about shared decision making and models to support this. 

 

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RCP Response to Spring Budget – Royal College of Physicians 

The Royal College of Physicians has responded to the Chancellor’s Spring Budget. The Spring Budget allocated £2.5bn extra revenue for NHS in England 2024/25, vital for immediate needs. Long-term investment in healthcare workforce and facilities is crucial. £3.4bn for tech investment aims to improve productivity and IT equipment, addressing frustrations. New duties on vaping and tobacco aim to reduce harm, but government urged to expedite legislation. Social care remains neglected, a critical issue needing resolution for broader NHS improvements. 

 

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Black children at four times greater risk of complications following emergency appendicitis surgery compared with white children, study reveals – Association of Anaesthetists 

A study led by Dr Amaki Sogbodjor, from Great Ormond Street Hospital shows that for children undergoing emergency surgery for appendicitis in the UK, black children had a four-times greater risk of postoperative complications compared with white children.

 

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NHS staff report record levels of discrimination from the public – NHS England 

The latest NHS staff survey reveals record levels of discrimination faced by frontline workers, with one in 12 experiencing discrimination while treating patients, the highest since 2019. Despite this, over half of respondents report looking forward to work, and there's a decrease in burnout. Alarmingly, sexual harassment from the public affects over 58,000 workers, prompting initiatives like the Sexual Safety Charter. While there's progress, medical staff's confidence in raising safety concerns declines. Flexible working options improve, supported by the NHS People Plan, aiming to retain staff. Staff experience enhancements amid pressure, attributed to initiatives like the People Promise Programme. 

 

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Celebrating International Women’s Day 2024 – Global Women Leaders Programme – Royal College of Physicians 

The Global Women Leaders Programme (GWLP) launched in 2022 aims to empower women in healthcare worldwide. Run in collaboration with the RCP Education Team, it's piloted in Pakistan. The GWLP targets women at career transition stages, providing guidance and support. Participants like Dr Amina Afzal, head of dermatology, share how the programme empowers them. They aspire to break barriers, initiate reforms, and empower others. Dr Nazish Imran, a champion of the programme, highlights its role in promoting gender equality in healthcare leadership. Both women cite personal inspirations and advocate for changes in medicine, including recognizing women's contributions and supporting work-life balance.