Debate part 1: should adding ‘none of the above’ to ballot papers be a priority for UK political reformers?

Is adding ‘None of the Above’ to ballot papers a good idea, and would it make any real difference? Democratic Audit has carried pieces from firm advocates and sceptics of the proposal. Here, Emma Rome (an advocate of the reform), and Richard Berry debate its merits in the form of an exchange of emails, which we publish below

Debate part 2: should adding ‘none of the above’ to ballot papers be a priority for UK political reformers?

Democratic Audit UK recently hosted part one of a debate between Emma Rome and Richard Berry on the pressing need – or otherwise – to add a ‘None of the Above’ option to UK ballot papers. Proponents argue that true democracy cannot exist without this option, whereas sceptics argue that the measure would have a marginal impact and that political reformers should have far greater priorities. Part one can be found here

Research, #Huh? Improving research awareness in NHS Grampian through a website and more

We would like to thank all of the public, participants and staff who have helped with this work, both in Grampian and across Scotland. Their support and help have been invaluable. We would also like to thank the Chief Scientist Office for funding the creation of the website.Peer reviewe

A study of the professional values and perceptions of social workers, by Coetta Lou Berry, Emma McDonald Dawson, Moragh Lesslie Shepherd and Sally Hall Wood

Thesis (M.S.)--Boston Universit

Immediate access arteriovenous grafts versus tunnelled central venous catheters: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Background Autologous arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) are the optimal form of vascular access for haemodialysis. AVFs typically require 6 to 8 weeks to “mature” from the time of surgery before they can be cannulated. Patients with end-stage renal disease needing urgent vascular access therefore traditionally require insertion of a tunnelled central venous catheter (TCVC). TCVCs are associated with high infection rates and central venous stenosis. Early cannulation synthetic arteriovenous grafts (ecAVG) provide a novel alternative to TCVCs, permitting rapid access to the bloodstream and immediate needling for haemodialysis. Published rates of infection in small series are low. The aim of this study is to compare whether TCVC ± AVF or ecAVG ± AVF provide a better strategy for managing patients requiring immediate vascular access for haemodialysis. Methods/design This is a prospective randomised controlled trial comparing the strategy of TCVC ± AVF to ecAVG ± AVF. Patients requiring urgent vascular access will receive a study information sheet and written consent will be obtained. Patients will be randomised to receive either: (i) TCVC (and native AVF if this is anatomically possible) or (ii) ecAVG (± AVF). 118 patients will be recruited. The primary outcome is systemic bacteraemia at 6 months. Secondary outcomes include culture-proven bacteraemia rates at 1 year and 2 years; primary and secondary patency rates at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months; stenoses; re-intervention rates; re-admission rate; mortality and quality of life. Additionally, treatment delays, impact on service provision and cost-effectiveness will be evaluated. Discussion This is the first randomised controlled trial comparing TCVC to ecAVG for patients requiring urgent vascular access for haemodialysis. The complications of TCVC are considered an unfortunate necessity in patients requiring urgent haemodialysis who do not have autologous vascular access. If this study demonstrates that ecAVGs provide a safe and practical alternative to TCVC, this could instigate a paradigm shift in nephrology thinking and access planning.</p

“Using humanity to change systems” – Understanding the work of online feedback moderation : a case study of Care Opinion Scotland

Funding The authors disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This project was funded by The Healthcare Improvement Studies (THIS) Institute as part of a PhD fellowship, LL’s role is supported by the Chief Scientist's Office, Scotland. Acknowledgements We would like to thank Care Opinion for their support and help with this research and the wider PhD. We would also like to thank the PhD stakeholder group for their input and support to the project. Finally, we wish to thank the reviewers for their suggestions during peer review, which strengthened the paper.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

The Normalization and Inclusion of Free Tampons in Furman Bathrooms

Group Projec