MEDIAWATCH: Rejection of scientific advice by the writers of a BBC thriller based on the consequences of genetic modification of wheat with an antibiotic-resistance gene renders the plot absurd, writes Bernard Dixon.

BACKGROUND The role of music during surgery has been studied, including its effect on theatre staff, users and patients. However, little attention has been paid to its application especially in our environment. METHODS It was a prospective study, involving theatre staff, users, and patients. Their opinions on acceptability and the role of music in operating theatre were determined. Informatio...

BACKGROUND Despite dedicated emergency theatre, emergency surgery can be often delayed due to competing urgencies, suggesting a need for innovative theatre time management. AIM To investigate if a change in the emergency theatre prioritisation affects outcomes for a common urgent operation such as appendicectomy. METHODS We prospectively recorded data from 67 patients undergoing appendicect...

UNLABELLED Nurses' perceptions and experiences of communication in the operating theatre: a focus group interview BACKGROUND Communication programmes are well established in nurse education. The focus of programmes is most often on communicating with patients with less attention paid to inter-professional communication or skills essential for working in specialised settings. Although there ar...