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- Talk
- 22/09/2021
- UK
Microbiologist Approach to Infected Joints Postoperative Setting / MDT Approach
Description
In this informative session, Dr. Bridget Atkins from the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre shares her insights on managing infections in orthopedic patients, particularly those with infected joints. She opens by expressing her gratitude for being invited and emphasizes the practical nature of the morning's discussions. Dr. Atkins highlights her dual expertise in infectious diseases and microbiology, underscoring the evolving approach to training in these fields in the UK.
She explains her role in the multidisciplinary team (MDT) focused on addressing infected joints, describing the increased referrals her unit has experienced recently. Dr. Atkins details the assessment process, including the importance of thorough patient histories, clinical examinations, and various diagnostic tests that may indicate an infection.
The talk shifts towards patient management, discussing collaborative clinics with orthopedic and plastic surgeons, where infection experts help assess patients. Dr. Atkins stresses the need for a comprehensive management plan post-operatively, which includes antimicrobial therapy and the significance of sampling and lab processes.
She elaborates on the decision-making involved in types of surgeries, including the need for aspiration prior to operations and the critical role of microbiology in guiding these processes. Dr. Atkins also emphasizes the importance of taking multiple samples to accurately diagnose infections, outlining the challenges presented by chronic infections and biofilms.
Towards the end, Dr. Atkins touches upon the ongoing research in predictive factors for antibiotic resistance, the use of historical definitions for infections, and the evolving understanding of optimal antibiotic duration post-surgery. The session concludes with an invitation to engage further in this specialty during upcoming meetings, encouraging collaboration among healthcare professionals.