Clean Bed Research Articles

Surgical patients’ assessment of healthcare encounters after elective surgery: A descriptive study

IntroductionA Norwegian-Danish research team identified a gap in research regarding how surgical patients felt about their post-operative care needs being met in hospitals. A study was subsequently developed to understand their subjective assessments of how they value the perceived fulfilment of their actual care needs. The study was further informed by international calls to focus on the fundamentals of care practice. Our aim was to determine the extent to which surgical patients receiving elective treatment experience the physical environment, atmosphere and collaboration with staff as supportive of their care and treatment, and what this means for them after treatment. In addition, we aimed to document the extent to which patients experienced being understood and having influence in their care. MethodsA descriptive observation study using a cross-sectional design. The validated Perioperative User Participation Perspectives (POUP) questionnaire was completed on the day of discharge by 194 adult (male and female) patients (mean age: 56 years) who had undergone elective surgery on gynaecological, internal medicine or orthopaedic wards. Agreement between the subjective importance of nursing care for patients and the perceived reality was determined. ResultsAgreement regarding the physical environment, a clean bed and clean surroundings was between 91.7 and 96.2%, and agreement with regard to a good relational atmosphere with staff it was 94.2 to 96.7%. In terms of the relational aspects of care, being understood and having influence the agreement was calculated to be 89.4 to 94.4%. However, 42.6% of the patients reported they were involved in drawing up a care plan. For those patients who valued collaborating in their care planning the congruency was 80%. ConclusionA conducive atmosphere and a keen eye for the patients’ wishes and needs is of particular importance at the time of discharge after elective surgery.

Observing and identifying fouled ballast bed: On-site testing with infrared thermography (IRT) and uncovering thermodynamic transfer mechanisms within the ballast bed

The ballast bed serves as the foundation of the ballasted track, and its performance is maintained through periodic ballast cleaning. Early detection of fouled ballast bed significantly reduces maintenance workload and capital investment. Some scholars have studied the feasibility of utilizing infrared thermography (IRT) for detecting fouled ballast bed (DBF) and have made some progress. Existing studies have predominantly employed simulated boxes to simulate the ballast bed. To better reflect real-world conditions, this study established two sections of ballast bed on a newly constructed line: one with clean ballast and the other fouled, with a volumetric fouling rate (VFR) of 27.6 % (FI ≈ 21.5 %). Moreover, this paper takes a pivotal step in exploring the thermodynamic transfer mechanisms within the ballast bed, the influences of meteorological factors on the detection effectiveness of IRT, and other detection indicators that could be used for DBF.The results demonstrate that the different void fractions and composition substances of the clean and fouled ballast beds (CFB) contribute to their distinct thermodynamic properties. Furthermore, the high specific heat capacity of water exacerbates the thermodynamic property difference between the CFB. In terms of meteorological factors, both the solar radiation intensity (S) and air temperature (T) have a significant positive impact on the temperature of the ballasted structure (STT) and the temperature difference between the CFB (CF-S). Throughout the day, as the S and T increase, the ballast bed surface absorbs more solar heat than it loses, leading to an increase in its surface temperature. When it exceeds the soil temperature (S-S), heat is transferred downward. Since the poor heat conduction of the clean ballast bed, it has a higher surface temperature. As the S and T decrease, heat convection and conduction become dominant, leading to a decrease in the surface temperature of the ballast bed (BT-S). When the BT-S is lower than the S-S, heat is transferred upward, causing the surface temperature of the fouled ballast bed (F-S) to potentially exceed that of the clean ballast bed (C-S). Furthermore, the humidity (H) has a strong negative impact on the STT, while on sunny days following rain, it has a significantly positive impact on the CF-S. The effects of wind speed (W) on the STT and the CF-S are not prominently observed due to its low values during the experiment. Without considering rainfall, higher S and T, combined with reduced W, result in a greater CF-S and are more conducive to advancing fouling detection. Hence, the CF-S can reach up to about 3 °C on a sunny day and may even rise to about 5 °C after rainfall. Nonetheless, the CF-S is only around 0.71 °C on a cloudy day and 0.25 °C at night. Unexpectedly, there is a significant temperature difference between the sleeper and the ballast bed or the steel rail. These indicators could potentially be used for DBF on cloudy days. Overall, these findings demonstrate the feasibility of using IRT for DBF in the field, provding a broader theoretical support for its advancement and implementation.

Debridement for surgical wounds.

Debridement for surgical wounds.

Topical desiccating agent (DEBRICHEM): an accessible debridement option for removing biofilm in hard-to-heal wounds.

It is now assumed that all hard-to-heal wounds contain biofilm. Debridement plays a key role in wound-bed preparation, as it can remove biofilm along with the devitalised tissue, potentially leaving a clean wound bed that is more likely to progress towards healing. The gold standard methods of debridement (surgical and sharp) are the least used, as they require specialist training and are often not readily available at the point of need. Most other methods can be used by generalists but are slower. They all need regular applications. The topical desiccating agent DEBRICHEM is an innovative alternative, as it is fast, effective and can be used in all clinical settings, as well as typically requiring only a single use. This article describes best practice for achieving optimal outcomes with its use.

A study on characteristic indexes of railway ballast bed under high-frequency radar

PurposeIn this paper, a high-frequency radar test system was used to collect the data of clean ballast bed and fouled ballast bed of ballasted tracks, respectively, for a quantitative evaluation of the condition of railway ballast bed.Design/methodology/approachBased on original radar signals, the time–frequency characteristics of radar signals were analyzed, five ballast bed condition characteristic indexes were proposed, including the frequency domain integral area, scanning area, number of intersections with the time axis, number of time-domain inflection points and amplitude envelope obtained by Hilbert transform, and the effectiveness and sensitivity of the indexes were analyzed.FindingsThe thickness of ballast bed tested at the sleep bottom by high-frequency radar is up to 55 cm, which meets the requirements of ballast bed detection. Compared with clean ballast bed, the values of the five indexes of fouled ballast bed are larger, and the five indexes could effectively show the condition of the ballast bed. The computational efficiency of amplitude envelope obtained by Hilbert transform is 140 s·km−1, and the computational efficiency of other indexes is 5 s·km−1. The amplitude envelopes obtained by Hilbert transform in the subgrade sections and tunnel sections are the most sensitive, followed by scanning area. The number of intersections with the time axis in the bridge sections was the most sensitive, followed by the scanning area. The scanning area can adapt to different substructures such as subgrade, bridges and tunnels, with high comprehensive sensitivity.Originality/valueThe research can provide appropriate characteristic indexes from the high-frequency radar original signal to quantitatively evaluate ballast bed condition under different substructures.

Hybrid Generalized Regularized Extreme Learning Machine Through Gradient-Based Optimizer Model for Self-Cleansing Nondeposition with Clean Bed Mode of Sediment Transport.

Sediment transport modeling is an important problem to minimize sedimentation in open channels that could lead to unexpected operation expenses. From an engineering perspective, the development of accurate models based on effective variables involved for flow velocity computation could provide a reliable solution in channel design. Furthermore, validity of sediment transport models is linked to the range of data used for the model development. Existing design models were established on the limited data ranges. Thus, the present study aimed to utilize all experimental data available in the literature, including recently published datasets that covered an extensive range of hydraulic properties. Extreme learning machine (ELM) algorithm and generalized regularized extreme learning machine (GRELM) were implemented for the modeling, and then, particle swarm optimization (PSO) and gradient-based optimizer (GBO) were utilized for the hybridization of ELM and GRELM. GRELM-PSO and GRELM-GBO findings were compared to the standalone ELM, GRELM, and existing regression models to determine their accurate computations. The analysis of the models demonstrated the robustness of the models that incorporate channel parameter. The poor results of some existing regression models seem to be linked to the disregarding of the channel parameter. Statistical analysis of the model outcomes illustrated the outperformance of GRELM-GBO in contrast to the ELM, GRELM, GRELM-PSO, and regression models, although GRELM-GBO performed slightly better when compared to the GRELM-PSO counterpart. It was found that the mean accuracy of GRELM-GBO was 18.5% better when compared to the best regression model. The promising findings of the current study not only may encourage the use of recommended algorithms for channel design in practice but also may further the application of novel ELM-based methods in alternative environmental problems.

Novosorb® Biodegradable Temporising Matrix (BTM) and its Applications

The NovoSorb® Biodegradable Temporising Matrix (BTM) (PolyNovo Biomaterials Pty Ltd, Port Melbourne, Victoria, Australia) is a fully synthetic dermal matrix that can be used to reconstruct complex wounds. It consists of a 2mm-thick NovoSorb® biodegradable polyurethane open-cell foam covered by a non-biodegradable scaling member. Application involves a two-stage procedure. In the first stage, BTM is laid onto a clean wound bed, and in the second stage, the sealing membrane is removed and a split skin graft is applied to the neo-dermis. BTM has been used to reconstruct deep dermal and full-thickness burns, necrotising fasciitis, and free flap donor sites in the early phase. This review documents examples from a comprehensive series of cases in which BTM was applied to a wide range of complex wounds, ranging from hand and fingertip injury, to Dupuytren’s surgery, chronic ulcers, post excision of cutaneous malignancies, and hidradenitis suppurativa. BTM can be applied to a wide range of complex wounds which may otherwise require a more challenging reconstruction. It should be considered an important adjunct to the reconstructive ladder.

Case studies 1-3: leg ulcers.

Case studies are presented here by a tissue viability nurse consultant and an advanced podiatrist demonstrating the use of ChloraSolv in clinical practice. The first set of cases is from a community setting, where the tissue viability nurse and district nurse successfully used the product to fully debride hard-to-heal leg ulcers in patients who mostly had been unable to tolerate other forms of debridement. The second set illustrates its use in a podiatry clinic, where the gel removed dry, adherent slough. 'These case studies show that ChloraSolv can be used by any health professional to achieve a clean wound bed'.

Well Log Interpretation and Petrophysical Modeling to Evaluate Zubair Reservoir in North-Rumaila Oil Field

This study uses well log interpretation and petrophysical modeling, which is one of the most influential tools for the evaluation of Zubair Reservoir in the X Oil Field. Understanding reservoir parameters and boosting output by picking the optimal location for future drilling candidates will be helped by these interpretations and modeling. 3D seismic and well log data were used to create and describe a petrophysical model in this investigation. Each parameter was upscaled when interpreting well logs and calculating petrophysical characteristics. The petrophysical model was created using geostatistical approaches such as Gaussian simulation, variogram, and Monte Carlo simulation. Techlog, Petrel, and HRS Software were used in this study. As a result, we analyzed porosity, shale volume, and water saturation for four wells named A, B, C, and C using a set of commercial software and applying the different well logs like; gamma-ray (gr) log, spontaneous potential log, porosity logs (Density Log, Neutron Log, and Sonic Log), and resistivity log. The range of porosity values is 0.23 to 0.30, the water saturation is around 10% in the crest and 60% in the flank, and Vsh is interbedded with sand and the value is decreasing 25% in the clean sand bed. This formation is characterized by clean sand and is interbedded with a sharp boundary. The sand in the main pay is characterized by homogeneous and uniform porosity patterns. The homogeneous nature of the sand leads to uniform saturation of water to fill this entire sand unit with oil and the absence of a transition zone.

Effectiveness of Debridement Treatment in Neonatorum Epidermolysis Bullosa: A Case Report

Introduction: Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) is an autosomal genetic disorder that characterized by blistering of the skin and mucosa following mild trauma such as frictional trauma. There is no definitive treatment has yet to be developed. The goal of surgical debridement is to achieve a clean wound bed in fastest way, reduce bacterial burden, remove as much nonvital tissue, speed up the healing process, which will shorten the length of stay in hospital. Case Finding: We have 3 days old newborn with clinical appearance similar to a second degree burn lesion bullous lesions and epidermal damage on her both feet, gluteal, and genital regions but without previous history of contact with thermal trauma consulted to patients. General physical examination showed no fever and vital within normal condition. In the perinatal history, the baby was delivered by caesarean section from a 37 years-old G3P2A0 mother with preeclampsia comorbid, normal gestational age, her birth weight was 3800 grams, her birth length was 51 cm, and with APGAR her scores of were 9 and 10 the 1st and 5th minute respectively. Our newborn patient was looked like 2nd degree burn injury with blisters and epidermolysis but without previous history of contact with thermal trauma. Consulted to plastic surgeon for further evaluation and management. The Baby was discharged day 9 or after 3 days debridement management in stable condition. Conclusion: The surgical debridement demonstrated greatly effective and efficient in achieving these aims. Observation on day 3 did not reveal any sign of infection, showing controlled symptoms and good healing process. We suggest that performing debridement on Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) patient would shorten the duration of hospitalization. Therefore, it provides low-risk nosocomial infection and low-cost hospitalization.

Research on the working performance of fouled ballast bed under the multi-scale effect

In order to explore the influence of different particle size gradations of dirty materials on the service performance of the ballast bed, the clean track bed, the completely fouled ballast bed polluted by coarse coal and fine coal, respectively, were studied based on the discrete element method. In order to explore the influence of the multi-scale particle size gradation of the dirty material on the service performance of the ballast bed, the clean ballast bed, the completely dirty ballast bed polluted by coarse-particle coal, and the completely dirty ballast bed polluted by coarse-particle coal were simulated, respectively, based on the discrete element method, which are used to analyze the dynamic response of track bed under different working conditions under cyclic load. The model is verified by the lateral resistance and vertical stiffness of the ballast bed to prove the accuracy of the discrete element model. On this basis, the dynamic cyclic load is considered to analyze and study the mechanical response and change law of the ballast bed with different degrees of contamination. Studies have shown that after the ballast bed is contaminated, its lateral resistance and vertical support stiffness are reduced, the amount of settlement increases, the coordination number between ballasts is declined, and the fine-grained dirty material has a worse effect on the ballast bed; The displacement value of the ballast particles decreases with the increase of the depth of the ballast bed; The displacement value of the ballast particles under the rail is the largest, and the ballast particles on the ballast shoulder appear dilatancy; The displacement of the ballast particles at the laterally symmetrical position of the track structure is close to but not completely same; Dirty materials aggravate the frequency of ballast particles, and the impact of fine-particle coal powder is particularly significant.

Lead phosphate deposition in porous media and implications for lead remediation

Phosphate addition is commonly applied as an effective method to remediate lead contaminated sites via formation of low solubility lead phosphate solids. However, subsequent transport of the lead phosphate particles may impact the effectiveness of this remediation strategy. Hence, this study investigates the mechanisms involved in the aggregation of lead phosphate particles and their deposition in sand columns as a function of typical water chemistry parameters. Clean bed filtration theory was evaluated to predict the particle deposition behavior, using Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek (DLVO) theory to estimate particle-substrate interactions. The observed particle deposition was not predictable from the primary energy barrier in clean bed filtration models, even in simple monovalent background electrolyte (NaNO3), because weak deposition in a secondary energy minimum prevailed even at low ionic strength, and ripening occurred at ionic strengths of 12.5 mM or higher. For aged (aggregated) suspensions, straining also occurred at 12.5 mM or higher. Aggregation and deposition were further enhanced at low total P/Pb ratios (i.e., P/Pb = 1) and in the presence of divalent cations, such as Ca2+ (≥ 0.2 mM), which resulted in less negative particle surface potentials and weaker electrostatic repulsion forces. However, the presence of 5 mg C/L of humic acid induced strong steric or electrosteric repulsion, which hindered particle aggregation and deposition even in the presence of Ca2+. This study demonstrates the importance of myriad mechanisms in lead phosphate deposition and provides useful information for controlling water chemistry in phosphate applications for lead remediation.

Experimental study and discrete element analysis on lateral resistance of windblown sand railway

The lateral resistance of ballast bed is an important parameter to prevent track expansion and maintain track stability. The invasion of sand particles can cause the change of lateral resistance of ballast bed and affect the stability of track structure, but little attention has been paid to the change characteristics of nonlinear lateral resistance of sandy ballast bed. In this paper, the field tests on the lateral resistance of windblown sand ballast bed were carried out to establish a multiscale three-dimensional discrete element model of sleeper-ballast bed. A systematic analysis on the evolution of lateral resistance, resistance to lateral deformation, micro-contact characteristics and lateral stability of ballast bed is performed. The results show that sand intrusion can increase the lateral resistance of ballast bed, which is approximately 40 % higher than that of clean ballast bed. In nonlinear strengthening stage and yield stage, the enhancement effect of sand particles on the lateral resistance of ballast bed is relatively weaker in comparison with the linear growth stage. With the increase in sand intrusion depth, the lateral resistance and resistance work of ballast bed both gradually go up, and the contribution of ballast shoulder to lateral resistance tends to play a leading role. Sand intrusion can increase the lateral stiffness of ballast bed and reduce the elasticity of track structure. Therefore, the maintenance operation should be carried out in time for the section with severe sandstorm.

Sediment transport modeling in non-deposition with clean bed condition using different tree-based algorithms.

To reduce the problem of sedimentation in open channels, calculating flow velocity is critical. Undesirable operating costs arise due to sedimentation problems. To overcome these problems, the development of machine learning based models may provide reliable results. Recently, numerous studies have been conducted to model sediment transport in non-deposition condition however, the main deficiency of the existing studies is utilization of a limited range of data in model development. To tackle this drawback, six data sets with wide ranges of pipe size, volumetric sediment concentration, channel bed slope, sediment size and flow depth are used for the model development in this study. Moreover, two tree-based algorithms, namely M5 rule tree (M5RT) and M5 regression tree (M5RGT) are implemented, and results are compared to the traditional regression equations available in the literature. The results show that machine learning approaches outperform traditional regression models. The tree-based algorithms, M5RT and M5RGT, provided satisfactory results in contrast to their regression-based alternatives with RMSE = 1.184 and RMSE = 1.071, respectively. In order to recommend a practical solution, the tree structure algorithms are supplied to compute sediment transport in an open channel flow.

Experimental study and discrete element analysis on dynamic mechanical behaviour of railway ballast bed in windblown sand areas

Due to the limitation of the geological environment, many railways around the world are built in desert areas. The intrusion of sand particles can increase the stiffness of ballast beds and cause corrosion and fracture of fasteners, turnout blockage, etc., even affecting the service safety of railways. In the paper, based on the results of field and laboratory tests, a three-dimensional discrete element model of the sandy ballast bed is developed to study the effect of sand intrusion on the load sharing ratio of sleepers, contact forces between ballast particles, displacements of ballast particles, and energy dissipation in ballast beds. The results show that the axle load in sandy tracks is mainly shared by three sleepers under the single-axle load and six sleepers under the dual-axle load. The maximum contact force under the sleeper in the sandy ballast bed is about 80% larger than that in the clean ballast bed and its normal and tangential contact forces are also larger than that in the clean ballast bed. The ballast particles at the ballast shoulder of the clean ballast bed move downward in the direction of less than 45°, while those in the sandy ballast bed move outward at the direction of 90°. The sand intrusion inhibits the movement of ballast particles and may cause a rheological phenomenon of ballast particles at the ballast shoulder. The intrusion of sand particles mainly affects the elastic strain energy and damping energy in ballast beds but has less effect on friction energy and kinetic energy.

Design of Free Stalls for Dairy Herds: A Review

Lying is an important behavior of dairy cattle. Cows should spend more than 50% of a day lying as it has a high impact on their milk yield and animal welfare. The design, size, and flooring properties of the free stalls influence the time cows spend lying, the way they lie down, and their rising movements. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the currently available information with the aim to assist farmers and advisors to come to an optimal design of the free stalls. The design of the free stalls should enable the cows to move and lie in positions as natural as possible. Cows should rest, with all parts of the body, on a clean, dry and soft bed, be able to stretch their front legs forward, lie on their sides with unobstructed space for their neck and head, and rest with their heads against their flanks without hindrance from a partition. When they stand, they should not be hindered by neck rails, partitions, or supports. A comfortable place for cows to lie down helps cows to stay healthy, improve welfare, and increase milk yield. Hence, the probability of a longer productive life for the cows increases and the number of replacements per year decreases.

A rare case of retained sabot after close-range shotgun injury

BackgroundShotgun injuries are a relatively uncommon type of trauma, and therefore may present a challenge in management for trauma surgeons. This is particularly true in the case of surgeons unfamiliar with the unique characteristics of shotgun wounds and the mechanics of shotguns. In many cases, the shot pellets are the primary source of injury. However, a broad understanding of shotgun mechanics is important in recognizing alternative presentations. This article details a case of sabot (a stabilization device used with certain projectiles) retention after a close-range shotgun injury, reviews underlying shotgun mechanics, and discusses strategies for the detection and mitigation of these injuries. The aim of this case report is to increase awareness of and reduce the potential morbidity of close-range shotgun injuries.Case presentationA middle-aged female presented to the Emergency Department with wounds to her right hip and flank after suffering a shotgun injury. A contrast computed tomography scan demonstrated no evidence of hollow viscous or vascular injury, but was otherwise severely limited by scatter artifact from the numerous embedded pellets. The patient was admitted for wound care and discharged 2 days later with a clean wound bed and no evidence of tissue necrosis. Six days after injury, she reported an “unusual” smell associated with severe pain in her right hip wound. She was evaluated in clinic where examination revealed a retained foreign body, identified to be a shotgun shell sabot, which was removed in clinic. She presented again several days before scheduled follow-up with a persistent foul smell from her wound and was noted to have necrotic tissue at the base and margins of the wound that required hospital readmission for operative debridement and closure with negative pressure wound therapy. The patient had an uncomplicated recovery after surgical debridement.ConclusionsAlthough shotgun sabot penetration and retention are rare, they are associated with significant morbidity. Sabot penetration should be considered if injury narrative, physical examination, or radiographic characteristics indicate a distance from shotgun to patient of less than 2 m. A high degree of suspicion is indicated at less than 1 m.

Osteoradionecrosis and microvascular free flap failure managed with negative pressure wound therapy: A case report

A 56-year-old female with a history of meningioma status post subtotal resection (Simpson grade IV) and extensive radiation therapy presented with osteoradionecrosis (O.R.N.) managed previously with a microvascular free flap (MVFF). The evaluation revealed worsening O.R.N. and a scalp defect of 15 × 10 cm. The patient underwent MVFF reconstruction utilizing a free latissimus muscle flap covered by meshed split-thickness skin graft (STSG). Her surgery was complicated by delayed free flap failure and Serratia marcescens growth, which occurred sometime after discharge from the hospital. This was managed with removal of the free muscle flap and skin graft, serial debridement’s, antibiotics, and replacements of a synthetic dural matrix and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). Once a clean wound bed was again obtained, the patient underwent fasciocutaneous anterolateral thigh (A.L.T.) MVFF reconstruction, which was complicated by left hypoglossal nerve injury, dehiscence of the flap inset, and dehiscence of the neck access incision requiring revision surgery. On the last follow-up 2 weeks after her surgery, the patient had 100% flap viability and a 2 × 1.5 cm on the left parietal aspect of the flap healing be secondary intent. We demonstrate that NPWT is successful in managing open calvarial wounds due to O.R.N.

Weighted instances handler wrapper and rotation forest-based hybrid algorithms for sediment transport modeling

Sediment transport modeling has been known as an essential issue and challenging task in water resources and environmental engineering. In order to minimize the adverse impacts of the continues sediment deposition that is known as a main source of pollution in the urban area, the self-cleansing method is widely utilized for designing the sewer pipes to create a condition to keep the bottom of channel clean from sedimentation. In the present study, an extensive data range is utilized for modeling the sediment transport in non-deposition with clean bed condition. Regarding the effective parameters involved, four different scenarios are considered for the modeling. To this end, four standalone methods including the M5P, reduced error pruning tree (REPT), random forest (RF) and random tree (RT) and two hybrid models based on rotation forest (ROF) and weighted instances handler wrapper (WIHW) techniques are developed and result compared with three empirical equations. Based on the results, the hybrid WIHW-RT and WIHW-RF models provide better performance in particle Froude number estimation in comparison to other standalone and hybrid models. Performances of the most of the models are found accurate except RT and REPT standalone models. The outcomes revealed that the empirical models have considerable overestimation. Generally, hybrid data mining methods yield more precise estimations of sediment transport in contrast to the regression equations and standalone models. Particularly, both WIHW-RT and WIHW-RF models provide almost the same performances however, as WIHW-RT can better capture the extreme particle Froude number values, it slightly outperforms WIHW-RF. Promising findings of the current study may encourage the implementation of the recommended approaches in alternative hydrological problems.

Escaping the gilded cage: Could COVID-19 lead to improved equine welfare? A review of the literature

Traditionally, UK equines are kept in “gilded cages”; sanitised spaces which aim to provide every comfort, whilst shielding the horse from any form of harm or distress. Horses are typically provided with a “bedroom”; a private space where they may rest on a comfortable clean bed, wear fashionable and warm clothing, enjoy plentiful food, and perhaps play with some toys. These safe spaces may extend to the provision of individually isolated turnout in relatively small, sterile squares of grass. Yet, these spaces are a far cry from the natural lifestyle of the horse. Horses are grazing animals which would naturally live in herds and cover wide spaces while seeking food with their herd-mates, and inevitably many horses whose needs are not met display unwanted behaviours such as biting, bucking, or barging. Despite this, the equine community traditionally perceives isolated, comfortable lives as the ideal for horses, often describing them as “living like kings”.The COVID-19 pandemic presented an interesting turning point: during the initial lockdown (March-May 2020), horsepeople themselves experienced life in a gilded cage. Suddenly, the human population was plunged into many of the same conditions which are seen as optimal for our horses; we had to “stay at home”, experienced a lack of social contact, restricted movement and, perhaps most importantly, a lack of choice.In this paper, we review published equine welfare research to compare the ways in which human lockdown reflects standard equine management. We compare the ways in which published literature about human responses to lockdown give insight to common equine management issues, and finally we consider the literature around human-animal relationships during lockdown, and how the culmination of these fields might alter human-equine relationships and equine welfare as we move forward.These changes have implications for the long-term treatment of equines in the UK, as well as for other companion animals who traditionally live their lives in “gilded cages”.