Wound infection following Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgery – a measure of predictive surgical and transmission factors and patient outcomes.

Reference Number: SciEng-KW-2018-1

Patients undergoing complex hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) operations are at high risk for surgical site infection. Factors that contribute to these outcomes include preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables and transmission from hospital or patient sites. This project aims to evaluate a range of pre, intra and postoperative factors and hospital ward surfaces to determine if they potentially lead to an increase in SSIs. The markers of infection within the blood will also be analysed to detect indicators of Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS). This information will be used to advise NHS improvement channels and reduce the development of these infections in future patients following surgery.

Requirements

The applicant must have excellent people skills and will require the ability to communication with patients in a caring and considerate manner, alongside being able to undertake the NHS core values, since this project will involve dealing with patients.

The candidate must have a first class honours in microbiology ,immunology or a related degree, and must demonstrate a strong knowledge of traditional and /or molecular microbiology with experience of relevant laboratory skills. The candidate must be flexible in order to work on a multidisciplinary hospital and research based project. The candidate must be highly motivated, extremely dedicated and driven, and possess exceptional presentation skills in order to be able to communicate complex concepts clearly to a wide-ranging audience.

The candidate must be able to develop an understanding of the different scientific disciplines involved in this work, be willing to work on all aspects of the project, and understand how such multidisciplinary concepts translate across all areas. There is an essential requirement for the candidate to display a talent for multidisciplinary work and for them to have the initiative and engagement to learn techniques and data analysis in disciplines other than their own.

Aims and Objectives

This study aims to prospectively measure the effects of pre-, intra- and postoperative care on the incidence of SSIs.

Objectives:

Determine whether the pre, intra, and postoperative care, treatment and surgical interventions that adults who are having Hepatopancreatobiliary surgery, has an impact on the incidence of SSI’s.

Assess how the incidence of SSIs in adults who have undergone Hepatopancreatobiliary surgery may increase or decrease with respect to bacterial contamination/transmission from the ward or clinical environment.

Analyse established markers of infection within the blood from adults who have undergone Hepatopancreatobiliary surgery to determine how the incidence of Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) indicators demonstrate that an infection has occurred but has not been identified.


Deadline for receipt of applications: 30th June 2018

Interview dates/ periods: July - August

When is the student expected to start?
3rd September 2018