EFOMP policy statement 17: The role and competences of medical physicists and medical physics experts in the different stages of a medical device life cycle.

MPPs are trained in the branches of physics associated with the practice of medicine. Possessing a solid scientific background and technical skills, MPPs are well suited to play a leading role within each stage of a medical device life cycle. The various stages of the life cycle of a medical device include establishment of requirements with use-case assessment, investment planning, procurement of medical devices, acceptance testing especially regarding safety and performance, quality management, effective and safe use and maintenance, user training, interfacing with IT systems, and safe decommissioning and removal of the medical devices. Acting as an expert within the clinical staff of a healthcare organisation, the MPP can play an important role to achieve a balanced life cycle management of medical devices. Given that the functioning of medical devices and their clinical application in routine clinical practice and research is heavily physics and engineering based, the MPP is strongly associated with the hard science aspects and advanced clinical applications of medical devices and associated physical agents. Indeed, this is reflected in the mission statement of MPP professionals [1]. PURPOSE: The life cycle management of medical devices is described as well as the procedures involved. These procedures are performed by multi-disciplinary teams within a healthcare environment. The task of this workgroup was focused on clarifying and elaborating the role of the Medical Physicist and Medical Physics Expert - here collectively referred to as the Medical Physics Professional (MPP) - within these multi-disciplinary teams. This policy statement describes the role and competences of MPPs in every stage of a medical device life cycle. If MPPs are an integral part of these multi-disciplinary teams, the effective use, safety, and sustainability of the investment is likely to improve as well as the overall service quality delivered by the medical device during its life cycle. It leads to better health care quality and reduced costs. Furthermore, it gives MPPs a stronger position in health care organisations throughout Europe.

A 5-year review of a pitch side radiology unit at an international sports stadium.

BACKGROUND: The increased strength and conditioning of elite athletes has led to greater potential for high impact injuries. With increasing concerns for player welfare, the decision to return to play after sustaining an on-field injury is complex. AIM: Review of a 5-year experience of a pitch side radiology unit (PSRU) at a large international sports stadium. METHODS: X-rays were acquired in a purpose built pitch side radiology unit (PSRU) within a large international sports stadium (Aviva Stadium) using a mobile digital X-ray unit. All x-rays were performed at the Aviva stadium's PSRU from October 2012 to March 2018. RESULTS: From October 2012 to March 2018, 89 competitive sport matches were held at the international sports stadium. 43/89 (48%) matches required the PSRU, with rugby matches having the highest utilization rates (34/47, 72.3%). In 89 matches, a total of 79 x-rays were performed (0.89 x-rays/match). The highest percentage of sports players undergoing imaging was rugby players (70/79, 88.6%). Overall, the majority of x-rays were of the upper limbs (49/79, 62.0%) and lower limbs (25/79, 31.6%). 17/79 (21.5%) x-rays demonstrated an acute bony injury, 15/17 (88%) of which were rugby players. CONCLUSION: The PSRU at the Aviva international sports stadium is well utilized and allows for a rapid diagnosis of osseous injuries sustained on the field of play. It provides a useful adjunct to the pitch side clinical assessment by medical staff. It provides a privacy and strategic advantage to players compared with hospital-based services. Consideration should be given to installing similar PSRUs at major sports stadiums around the world.

The contribution of the nursing service worldwide and its capacity to benefit within the dermatology field.

The nursing service is a significant element in the dermatological capacity to respond to skin care and dermatological needs worldwide. Although it is an area of development often neglected by dermatologists, it is one that is undergoing rapid and substantial evolution. This paper outlines the initiatives undertaken by nurses to enhance their contribution, and examines the development of nursing within the dermatology field. It argues for the need to develop a service delivery model in dermatology care that utilizes specialist-nursing expertise to cascade dermatological knowledge and skill through primary care. The paper summarizes the strategic importance of nursing in dermatology care delivery, whether in resource-rich or -poor countries, and its unmet potential in the capacity to benefit and meet skin care and dermatological care needs. The paper specifically focuses on the development work led by the International Skin Care Nursing Group (ISNG) to stimulate and develop the capacity of nursing to respond to these widespread needs through promoting service delivery models that operate interdependently with dermatologist-led care.

Evaluating a walk-in clinic for detecting skin cancers.

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of a walk-in clinic in detecting skin cancers. METHOD: Questionnaires were completed by 283 patients attending the walk-in clinic at a dermatology outpatients department. The questionnaire was used to gather data on demographics, sun exposure, and personal and family history of skin cancers. Completion of the questionnaire was followed by an examination by a dermatologist. RESULTS: Three patients were diagnosed with malignant melanoma as a result of evaluation at the walk-in clinic. CONCLUSION: The walk-in clinic was an effective method of identifying patients with melanomas who might not have seen a GP. The authors believe that though effective at the screening, the clinic could be refined and improved.