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The general opinion is that as executives advance into the '90s, there will be a smaller number of executives with larger responsibilities (Braham, 1988). These changes will demand executives to be healthier physically, mentally, and emotionally (Braham, 1988).

Two of the emerging issues for the health‐care sector in the 1990s are occupational health and safety, and iatrogenic issues. Both of these issues are implicated in the use of pre‐powdered latex gloves. Hospital healthcare workers are exposed to latex in many ways: gloves, intravenous sets, ventilator circuits, dental products, resuscitation equipment, anaesthetic equipment. Post‐operative complications, delayed wound healing, scar formation, and the potential for misdiagnosis, in the presence of starch powder, have been well documented in the literature with the need for thorough glove rinsing prior to surgery. Another route for glove powder to enter wounds is through a barrier breach. For an institution to ensure it provides the most durable and effective barrier for health‐care worker protection and patient safety, knowledge is needed regarding the various factors which lead to glove barrier failure. The primary aim of the study was to evaluate the in‐use durability of the surgical gloves in current use against powder‐free gloves. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data, in addition a cost analysis was calculated. The results of this study demonstrated clinically important differences between existing glove products in terms of barrier quality.

The purpose of this paper is to review available literature targeting the assessment and management of individuals with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) admitted to high secure psychiatric care (HSPC). Key areas of examination include the prevalence of ASD in HSPC, how individuals with an ASD differ from other patient groups in clinical and cognitive characteristics, the views of staff regarding patients with an ASD, an exploration of the experiences and quality of life of patients with an ASD, as well as treatment and interventions.

A review of the published literature.

Although individuals with an ASD comprise a relatively small proportion of the total HSPC cohort, they appear to be over represented relative to the general population prevalence. Several research projects suggest that individuals with an ASD present with difficulties and needs different to other patient groups, as well as being viewed by staff as potentially vulnerable and requiring a different care approach. Individuals with an ASD report both positive and negative aspects to life in HSPC.

Suggestions are made with regard to how individuals with an ASD might be better managed in HSPC. Following the spirit of various pieces of government legislation such as the Autism Act (2009) and the Equalities Act (2010) the role of a specialist ASD HSPC service is proposed.

This paper provides a detailed review of the research to date exploring the assessment and management of individuals with an ASD detained in HSPC. It outlines key research findings, highlights limitations with it and provides a personal perspective on future research and clinical targets.