Andrew warms to his research

The benefits of warming therapy to reduce post-operative wound infection are a hot topic for Andrew Melling. For the 28-year-old qualified nurse has won a national scholarship from the Smith & Nephew Foundation for his MPhil/PhD research study at the University of Teesside.

The warming therapy involves the use of a full-size blown air blanket or dressing. Early results from Andrew’s randomised controlled trial indicate that four percent of patients who were treated with the warming therapy before surgery became infected compared with 20 percent of patients who did not have the warming therapy. Andrew presented his findings to the Action Research Conference in London which was attended by the Duke of Edinburgh.

Andrew, who is based in the North Tees General Hospital's Professorial Unit of Surgery, said: "As a matter of procedure patients are only warmed during major surgery to prevent mild hypothermia and its effects. My research advocates warming therapy for major and minor surgery. Early research outcomes indicate that warming may be a viable alternative to prophylactic antibiotics in this type of surgery,

"I'm pleased to be undertaking this research at North Tees, it's a very supportive unit. I have always wanted to extend my hands-on nursing background into research and teaching and hope to do that on completion of my PhD."

Andrew can be contacted at North Tees on 01642 624087.

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