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A small-scale study carried out by student nurses revealed ward curtains to be a source of contaminants and bacteria, including MRSA. Patients and medical staff can contaminate and be contaminated by bacteria which may be a source of cross-infection. Recommendations from the study included the promotion of further research in this area and more frequent laundering of curtains.

High levels of faecal incontinence and laxative use in long-term care settings for older people are revealed in this study. Further research, together with more considered prescribing policies are needed, the authors suggest.

The aging game, a simple yet effective educational method for teaching gerontology and geriatric medicine, is described. Groups of up to 20 students participate. A series of 100 cards bearing statements about old age, some of which are true and some of which are false, are distributed among them. By exchanging cards and by gradual grouping of the students, the participants endeavor to secure a hand in which all the statements are true. The game ends with all cards being reviewed by the teacher and the participants together. The aging game has been used with physicians, medical students, nurses, therapists, social workers and mixed groups of health professionals. A modified version has been used in pre-retirement education and public education on aging.