Showing papers in "Professional nurse (London, England) in 2003"

Tablet crushing and the law: the implications for nursing.

Abstract: The practice of crushing tablets is thought to be widespread. Whether this is done to make swallowing a medication easier for a patient with physical difficulties or to disguise the administration of a drug, there are several legal implications for nurses. Health professionals must be very sure that their reasons for crushing tablets could be justified in a court of law.

A comparison of general nurses' and junior doctors' diabetes knowledge.

Abstract: People with diabetes may be hospitalised for the condition or another reason. Either way, they need special care to avoid diabetes-related complications. General ward nurses and trainee doctors were tested on their knowledge of diabetes, with poor results in some areas. The questionnaire used could prove a useful tool for identifying and addressing these problems.

A nurse-led community scheme for managing patients with COPD

Abstract: This paper describes the development of a community-based scheme for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The nurse-led scheme, which involves making regular visits to patients to help them manage their condition at home and to provide support and education, has resulted in early detection of problems and a reduction in hospital admissions.

The needs of people with young-onset dementia and their carers.

Abstract: Young people who develop dementia and their carers have all the distressing symptoms of older people who have this condition but with the added problems of having a career, financial commitments and often a young family. Getting a diagnosis can be difficult and carers may feel very burdened and isolated. This paper explores the condition and the help that is available.

An introduction to qualitative research concepts for nurses.

Abstract: Qualitative methods are increasingly used to explain complex concepts within nursing practice. This paper defines qualitative research and offers practical advice for getting started and interpreting such research. Phenomenology, ethnography and grounded theory are explored briefly, with examples of research projects. Data collection and analysis are also discussed.

Intermittent self-catheterisation for managing urinary problems.

Abstract: Intermittent self-catheterisation is mainly practiced by patients with urinary incontinence or voiding difficulties. In one trust it was offered as an alternative to urology patients who fail their trial without catheter. A review of this practice investigated frequency of patient ISC, concordance with treatment and views on care.

Multidisciplinary disease management in rheumatology.

Abstract: With an increasingly ageing population, the number of patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is expected to rise. High-quality patient education and self-management are essential in these chronic debilitating conditions. A multidisciplinary team has produced a template to guide the assessment, treatment and holistic care of patients in primary care.

Living with peripheral vascular disease: a review of the literature.

Abstract: Peripheral vascular disease is a debilitating condition that can significantly reduce a patient's quality of life. It affects mainly older people and causes severe chronic pain that can make even simple activities of daily living impossible. This paper reviews the literature on the management of PVD, with specific emphasis on the patient experience of living with the condition.

Measuring the prevalence and incidence of chronic wounds.

Abstract: Chronic wounds such as leg ulcers and pressure sores are a burden on resources and patients who have to live with them. Surveys of prevalence and incidence attempt to clarify the problem. However, it is vital that researchers give appropriate definitions and measurements, take case mix into account and compare like with like when publishing their findings.

The effectiveness of nurse-led surgical pre-assessment clinics.

Abstract: Recent health initiatives have put the focus on patient-centred care, with the result that an ever greater number of nurses now provide a high-quality patient-focused service through a variety of roles in surgical pre-assessment. This article charts the development of this role and the concomitant models of surgical pre-assessment that have evolved in the NHS.

Audit of wound swab sampling: why protocols could improve practice.

Abstract: Many nurses carry out wound sampling using a surface swab, to establish infection levels and determine treatment But reliability can be compromised by a number of factors This paper examines reasons for sampling and its limitations It describes how an audit of secondary and primary care nurses revealed wide variations in practice, and proposes protocols to improve care

Good practice for keeping stroke patients and carers informed.

Abstract: Stroke patients and their carers can have many questions about the mental and physical effects of the condition, hospital procedures and treatments, and prospects for the future. This paper discusses issues involved in giving information to patients - some of whom may be experiencing serious communication problems - as well as those looking after them, and offers solutions.

Pain assessment: how far have we come in listening to our patients?

Abstract: Nurses have a key part to play in assessing patient's pain. Listening to the patient is essential and where communication is a problem, for language or other reasons, so is observing patients and talking to those who know them. Various pain assessment tools can be useful but nurses should remain open-minded and, above all, believe what their patients tell them.

Smoking cessation: the case for hospital-based interventions.

Abstract: The second paper in our four-part Study series on smoking cessation looks at interventions that nurses can use with smokers in hospital. When admitted with an illness linked to their smoking, smokers may be at a point in life at which they are prepared to consider giving up. Armed with information and specialist training, nurses can help them achieve this goal.

Patient satisfaction with information received after a diagnosis of angina.

Abstract: Nurses in one coronary care unit were aware that patients who had experienced an episode of angina were not receiving the same amount of information about their condition as those who had had a myocardial infarction This led to the development of a questionnaire to determine patient's satisfaction with the information they received, with the aim of improving the service

Health-care challenges in rural areas: physical and sociocultural barriers.

Abstract: Important health and well-being issues for people living in the countryside include zoonotic diseases, accidents and mental health problems. Long distances from specialist centres can cause hardship, as can the financial cost. Sociocultural barriers to seeking medical help comprise another serious challenge. More research is needed in this area to support health staff.

A nurse-led randomised trial of pressure-relieving support surfaces.

Abstract: A nurse-led trial is currently collecting data comparing interventions for the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers. The aim is to provide reliable guidance on the relative merits of alternating-pressure mattresses and overlays for people at moderate to high risk of pressure ulceration. This paper outlines the main objectives, methodology and progress of the study.

Inadequate nursing care and the failure to keep adequate records.

Abstract: Lessons can often by learned by studying the outcomes of complaints made to the NHS by patients. We look at three recent investigations conducted and published by the Health Service Ombudsman. The first and second relate to poor care and lack of communication, and the third to care of a patient's diabetes and epilepsy in hospital and failure to record an outpatient consultation.

Are link-nurse systems an effective means for improving patient care?

Abstract: Link nurses are part of a system that shares information and provides formal, two-way communication between specialist teams and nurses in the clinical area. Many different clinical areas might employ such nurses, including tissue viability and diabetes. Link-nurse systems have the potential to promote and enhance clinical effectiveness and disseminate research findings.

The effects of passive smoking on adult and child health.

Abstract: Forty-two per cent of UK children live in a household where someone smokes. This paper, the third in a series on smoking cessation, presents a brief review of the evidence concerning the impact of passive smoking on adult and child health. It outlines some harm-reduction approaches aimed at reducing the impact of passive smoking at home, at work and in public.

Tackling childhood obesity.

Abstract: The number of overweight or obese children has increased markedly over the past 20 years in the UK. How can health-care staff best tackle sedentary lifestyles and poor eating habits?

Developing a framework to assess competence in leg ulcer care.

Abstract: To provide effective and safe patient care, it is imperative for all practitioners to possess a core set of skills. This paper describes the development of a framework for assessment of competence in carrying out Doppler assessments and compression bandaging for practitioners involved in caring for patients with leg ulcers in one institute of higher education.

Acute coronary syndromes: identification and patient care.

Abstract: Acute coronary syndromes comprise acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction, non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction and unstable angina. These three conditions share a very similar pathology, although treatments differ. This paper examines the pathophysiology, identification, classification and management of these conditions.

How a specialist nurse helps patients undergoing deep brain stimulation.

Abstract: Deep brain stimulation is becoming the most frequently used neurosurgical treatment for patients with complex Parkinson's disease. This paper reports on the creation of a clinical nurse specialist role in a Scottish hospital's movement disorder team to support patients going through this treatment and their families, working with the neuroscience nurses and multidisciplinary team.

Genetics education for nurses, midwives and health visitors.

Abstract: Advances in genetic science are leading to new roles for nurses, midwives and other front-line health professionals. But current educational provision on genetics is insufficient to enable practitioners to develop the knowledge and skills they need. The Department of Health and The Wellcome Trust are jointly funding the development of a strategy to address the problem.

Developing a patient pathway to deliver a new oral chemotherapy.

Abstract: Introducing service delivery changes is rarely straightforward and requires careful planning. This paper reports on the work involved in preparing for, and implementing, an oral chemotherapy programme to be delivered on an outpatient basis. It outlines the involvement of both hospital and community staff and stresses the importance of providing patients with information.

Protocol-based care: 1. How integrated care pathways work.

Abstract: This paper opens a series on protocol-based care by introducing the concept, revisiting its definitions and components, and considering the factors that influence the development of protocols Part one discusses the aims of integrated care pathways implemented by multidisciplinary teams and reflects on their benefits to patients, staff and organisations

Inhaler devices for asthma and COPD: choice and technique.

Abstract: Nurses caring for patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease need a good basic knowledge of the types of inhaler devices available and which may suit, for example, a very young child, an active young person or an elderly patient with dexterity problems. This Study describes the advantages and disadvantages of some commonly prescribed devices.