bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of faecal incontinence in graft-versus-host disease
Authors: Woodward Sue
Published: May 2014

Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), a common yet serious complication of allogeneic haemopoietic stem cell transplantation, can cause significant morbidity and negatively impact on patients' quality of life. The gastrointestinal tract is frequently affected resulting in nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain and profuse diarrhoea ( Washington and Jagasia, 2009 ) which can be both distressing and humiliating for patients. The volume of watery, green diarrhoea produced can be greater than 2 litres per day ( Ferrara et al, 2009 ) and is one indicator of the severity of GvHD. It may, in some cases, lead to faecal incontinence. Management of GvHD-associated diarrhoea involves the use of high-dose steroids to control the exaggerated immune response, anti-diarrhoeal medication, management of fluid and electrolytes, and nutritional management. It may also require management of faecal incontinence and prevention of incontinence-associated dermatitis. This paper describes the pathology of GvHD, the management of GvHD-associated diarrhoea and faecal incontinence and discusses the potential use of a faecal management system in appropriately selected individuals with uncontrolled diarrhoea and limited mobility.
Implementation of nurse authorisation of blood components
Authors: Pirie Elizabeth S , Sinclair Charles
Published: May 2014

A collaborative project between the Better Blood Transfusion teams in the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) and NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) explored the feasibility of nurses prescribing blood components, and clarified that blood components are not considered medicinal products, so the term prescription does not apply. No legal barriers to trained, competent nurses and midwives undertaking this role were identified and nurse authorisation of blood components was seen as having the potential to improve patients’ experiences. A number of NHS Scotland boards showed interest in implementing this but there are challenges to ensuring that a robust governance structure is in place to support role development. Progress has been made with support from the Scottish Government Health Department and using a governance framework that was developed to support nurses who wish to undertake this role.
Does the Care Quality Commission need to be strengthened?
Authors: Glasper Alan
Published: May 2014

Professor Alan Glasper discusses the role and function of the Care Quality Commission, and details nurses' views of the organization's position in contemporary health care
Coronary artery bypass grafting: quality of life of patients in Karachi
Authors: Barolia Rozina , Ali Fauziya , Jaffar Salma , Sami Shahid
Published: May 2014

In the Third World, cardiac patients often suffer not only from the nature of their illnesses, but also the insufficiency of the facilities available. Although the effectiveness of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is being evaluated in terms of mortality, complications or recurrence of symptoms, empirical studies assessing the change in patients' quality of life (QOL) after CABG within the Pakistani cultural context are lacking.

Aims:

The aims of the present study are to assess and compare the change in health-related quality of life before and 1 month after CABG and to assess the differences in QOL with respect to age, gender and cardiac rehabilitation programme attendance.

Method:

A prospective single group pre- and post-study design was used, whereby patients completed a questionnaire before and 1 month after surgery. Questions considered the person's physical capacity, psychological wellbeing, social relationships and satisfaction from their health condition.

Results:

The results indicated a significant improvement in patients' physical and psychological health, satisfaction with social relationships and overall health status. Younger patients showed significantly lower scores on the social domain (reflecting greater dissatisfaction with their sex life and personal relationships). Female participants showed significantly lower scores in psychological health post surgery. Lastly, participants of the cardiac rehabilitation programme scored significantly higher in psychological health compared with non-participants.

Conclusion:

QOL improved from prior to and 1 month after CABG while differing (in specific domains) with respect to age, gender and cardiac rehabilitation programme attendance. The findings can be used to develop interventions to improve health and QOL in specific domains with respect to specific groups.
How to use reflection as a learning tool
Authors: Botten Emma Louise
Published: May 2014

Emma Louise Botten is a second-year nursing student at King's College London and a regular contributor to the BJN Student Column. In this issue, Emma shares her experiences with reflection to illustrate its importance and usefulness as a learning tool for student nurses, and how it might enrich clinical learning, enhance personal growth, and facilitate the delivery of good care
The ageing population: is it time for an international convention of rights?
Authors: McHale Jean V
Published: May 2014

An increasing ageing population gives rise to many challenges for healthcare delivery.The need to ensure that there is respect for the rights and the dignity of older patients has been a consistent theme over the last decade. However, the vulnerability of this group of patients was highlighted again recently in a highly critical Health Service Commissioners Report. This article explores the case for a more overt form of rights protection and whether there is a case for a Human Rights Convention for the Older Person.
Any qualified provider and its role in bladder and bowel care
Authors: Wells Mandy
Published: May 2014

The Department of Health's Any Qualified Provider (AQP) policy blindsided specialist continence services in 2011. Continence AQP services, once qualified, can bid to provide additional continence services to areas in the country where local commissioners have decided they would like competition in the local area to give patients greater choice in service provision and drive up clinical standards. This short article looks at this subject in more depth.
Adults posing as children and gender dysmorphism: a case study
Authors: Gormley-Fleming Liz , Campbell Anne
Published: May 2014

This article explores a case of a female who presented herself as a male to an accident and emergency department, where her father collaborated with her. This case is explored from many perspectives. Safeguarding is considered from both the welfare of this young person, and from their desire to be admitted to a children's ward. Gender dysmorphisim is becoming increasingly more recognised in the UK, yet it remains rare and is considered here as many nurses will not have encountered it. In a challenging situation, as presented here, the role of the nurse remains unchanged and a family-centred care approach must continue to be practised, while ensuring the care environment is safe for all concerned.
Reducing needlestick injuries: a review of a community service
Authors: Aziz Ann-Marie
Published: May 2014

Community nurses provide care to patients in a variety of settings; for example, health centres, community hospitals, patients' homes, and residential and nursing homes. Administering intramuscular (IM) injections to patients in the community is an everyday activity for many nurses in clinical practice. A great deal of problems related to being ‘sharps safe’ are common to both community nurses and hospital staff. There had been a reported six needlestick injuries (NSIs) from community clinics administering depot IM injections, which required a review. An audit of practice was undertaken in clinics administering depot injections. The audit was undertaken to monitor compliance in sharps management and investigated how community nurses were administering IM injections. The review highlighted a lack of resources, gaps in knowledge and training deficits. The infection prevention and control nurses worked hard to improve practices and procedures. After a year, there had been a significant reduction in NSIs.
The new health and social care system and how it works
Authors: Glasper Alan
Published: May 2014

Professor Alan Glasper reports on how the Government is to inform the public about the configuration of the new health and social care system
Providing safe and good quality care for people with dementia in care homes
Authors: Tingle John
Published: May 2014

John Tingle discusses a recent report from the Alzheimer's Society that presents new evidence about experiences of and views on people with dementia living in care homes.
Anxiety and depression in care homes in Malta and Australia: part 1
Authors: Baldacchino Donia R , Bonello Lilian
Published: May 2014

This cross-sectional comparative study, conducted in two phases, assessed the levels of and factors contributing towards anxiety and depression in older people in residential homes in Malta and Australia. A mixed-method approach was adopted and the cognitive theory of stress and coping ( Lazarus and Folkman, 1984 ) guided the study. Maltese residents were recruited from four church-run homes in Malta and Australia and two state residences in Malta. Response rates were high, with phase 1 at 94.48% (n=137; mean age=72.8 years) and phase 2 at 89.4%, (n=42, mean age=71.9 years). All the residents were mobile, were Roman Catholics and had lived in the homes for at least 6 months. In phase 1, quantitative data was collected using a demographic questionnaire and the hospital anxiety and depression scale. Normal ranges of anxiety and depression were found (anxiety: mean=3.53–4.35; depression: mean=2.67–4.72). No significant differences were found in anxiety and depression between countries, demographic characteristics and some other variables. The only significant difference lay in depression by mobility (F=5.263; P=0.006; df=2), with wheelchair users scoring the highest mean (mean=6.77; SD=5.847; P=0.007). Mobility was linked to functional abilities, which appeared to control anxiety and depression. Recommendations are made for rehabilitation and cross-cultural longitudinal research to investigate other influencing variables such as spirituality and caring relationships.
RCN issues red alert to the nursing profession
Authors: Glasper Alan
Published: May 2014

Professor Alan Glasper discusses the Royal College of Nursing's red-light warning to the profession following the publication of the long-awaited Francis report
The use of the Mental Capacity Act Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards
Authors: Tingle John
Published: May 2014

John Tingle discusses a recent report by the Care Quality Commission on the use of the Mental Capacity Act Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.
Better protection for nursing: reporting poor practice
Authors: Griffith Richard
Published: May 2014

The government has responded to criticism about a legal loophole in the protection of those who report poor practice in the interest of the public. The gap in protection, which limited any liability for the detrimental treatment of whistleblowers to their employers and excluded detriment caused by co-workers, threatened to derail plans for the introduction of a duty of candour on health-care providers as recommended by the Francis Report. In this article, the author describes how changes to the law set out in the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 will improve protection for nurses who report poor practice and explains the role of Public Concern at Work in providing advice and support to nurses who wish to report poor practice.
Celebrating 30 years of nursing at the University of Southampton
Authors: Carpenter Di , Glasper Alan , Jowett Ros , Nicholls Peter
Published: May 2014

This paper describes the evolution of undergraduate nurse education within the University of Southampton. It highlights the continuing responsiveness of the university to the rapidly changing policy initiatives and landscape of healthcare delivery with subsequent workforce needs.
Reflecting on my career journey, so far
Authors: Easby Deborah
Published: May 2014

Deborah Easby is a third year student nurse at Sheffield Hallam University, now nearing the end of her studies. With 20 years of experience in healthcare behind her and two children in tow, Deborah decided to become a nurse. In this issue's column, Deborah reflects on her career journey so far, including her achievements and some of the obstacles she has had to overcome
African and Afro-Caribbean men's experiences of prostate cancer
Authors: Anderson Beverley , Marshall-Lucette Sylvie , Webb Patricia
Published: May 2014

It is well documented that prostate cancer presents a significant health problem for middle-aged and elderly men in the UK, with further evidence suggesting that the disease is more prevalent in men of African and Afro-Caribbean (AAC) ethnicity. There is also evidence that these men are diagnosed much later and that the disease is more aggressive than in Caucasian men. Aim: To explore AAC men's experiences of prostate cancer and their understanding of its associated risks. The purpose was to gain an insight from these men's perspectives and ascertain whether a more focused health promotion strategy, and specific UK-based research, was needed in this area. Method: A purposive sample of seven AAC men was recruited from a hospital trust's patient list after gaining approval from a research ethics committee. In-depth face-to-face interviews were carried out and the transcripts analysed thematically. Findings: The four main themes that emerged were: disease-prompted awareness, checking up as a necessary evil, defining and constructing factors influencing prostate cancer screening uptake, and appraising perceived myths about prostate cancer through personal beliefs. Conclusions: Among this group of AAC men, socioeconomic status, such as education and professional background, were factors that influenced their level of awareness of prostate cancer and prompted their decisions to seek help. However, it is evident from these men's perspectives that a more specific health education strategy that promotes early detection and management, targeting AAC men, would help in demystifying prostate cancer and encourage them to seek help earlier. Further research studies and health education in prominent social outlets are recommended in increasing AAC men's awareness of prostate cancer and its associated risks.
Cardiac rehabilitation outcomes: modifiable risk factors
Authors: Chatziefstratiou Anastasia A , Giakoumidakis Konstantinos , Brokalaki Hero
Published: May 2014

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) plays a significant role in management of heart diseases resulting in an improvement in patients' physical activity and quality of life and a decrease of healthcare costs. The purpose of this article was to review studies that examine outcomes of CR regarding the modifiable risk factors. Literature published between 1995 and 2012 was researched using PubMed and MEDLINE and reference lists of articles. Five hundred and eight studies were indentified, however, only 16 met the inclusion criteria. The majority of studies included patients with any coronary heart disease. The study concluded that CR improves patients' self-care; a reduction in cholesterol and body mass index was observed. In addition to this, patients tended to quit smoking and increase their exercise activity. This suggests that the establishment and development of CR services is essential for the most effective management of heart condition.
Lived experience of being a nurse from a male and female perspective
Authors: Rowlinson Louise
Published: May 2014

The phenomenological psychology approach was used here to encourage reflection on the experience of nursing from both male and female perspectives, then to explore and analyse the experience and compare and contrast the findings with current literature. The research question being explored was ‘Is the lived experience of being a nurse different depending on your gender?’ Using individual semi-structured interviews, questions were asked of two participants. These interviews were transcribed, analysed using an interpretative or ‘hermeneutic’ approach to identify main themes and, together with reflexive field notes written during the study, used to complete a qualitative analysis. The main themes identified in the analysis of the transcripts were intersubjectivity, career versus vocation and gender stereotyping. The experience expressed by the two research participants suggests that the gender of a nurse influences the lived experience when compared and contrasted. As no previous gender comparative research could be found during the background literature search, this study is novel.
A child with high fever: Kawasaki disease
Authors: Paul Siba Prosad , Heaton Paul Anthony , Routley Christine
Published: May 2014

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a systemic vasculitis and it predominantly affects young children. Fever with rash is a common presentation in children and is mostly due to a viral illness needing symptomatic treatment. However, KD should be considered if the child has a high fever lasting for more than 5 days and has got other cardinal features of KD. It is important to get the diagnosis correct as cardiac complications can only be reduced when intravenous immunoglobulin is administered within a critical time frame (maximum 10 days) from the onset of the illness. Nurses play a vital role in managing and supporting children and their families, both in the community and the hospital setting.
Personal health budgets: common myths and misconceptions
Authors: Morris-Thompson Trish , Singh Smriti , Scarsbrook Karen , Marks-Maran Di
Published: May 2014

Personal health budgets (PHBs) were introduced at 61 sites across England; 20 of which were evaluated in a report published in November 2012. There has been collective resistance to PHBs and negative reporting in the professional healthcare press. However, there is some early evidence that PHBs are proving to be successful. Nurses in the community are having a pivotal role in their implementation. This article addresses a number of negative and often misleading myths about PHBs that have been publicised in some areas of the professional press.
Supporting children and young people: the 15 Steps Challenge
Authors: Glasper Alan , Evans Kath
Published: May 2014

Professor Alan Glasper and Kath Evans discuss The 15 Steps Challenge
Caring for people with arthritis and a stoma
Authors: Bowles Theresa , Readding Linda
Published: May 2014

It is understood that 10 million people currently live with arthritis and that there are two main types: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (Arthritis Care, 2013). As the numbers of people with arthritis grows, and the population ages, it is likely that nurses may be presented with increasing numbers of people who require advice, not only when they have their stoma fashioned, but later in their life. The purpose of this article is to consider the impact of arthritis upon stoma care and make practical suggestions for stoma management. Sources of further help and information for people living with a stoma and arthritis have also been included. It is hoped that by reading this article the nurse will be more familiar with the impact that arthritis may have on a person with a stoma and how they can be assisted to manage as independently as possible.
Patients' experiences of pancaking while living with a colostomy: a survey
Authors: Perrin Angie , Redmond Caroline , Cowin Caroline , Wiltshire Neil , Smith Amanda , Carlson Gordon
Published: May 2014

Anecdotally, pancaking is recognised as troublesome within stoma care, leaving many people with ostomies feeling exasperated in trying to deal with this difficult problem. Stoma care nurses offer strategies to help alleviate it, but when strategies fail and appliances continue to leak, or require changing owing to risk of leaking, individuals often feel helpless, demoralised and quality of life can be damaged. A postal survey was carried out to try and identify some of the issues relating to pancaking. Eighty two percent of respondents were likely to experience some degree of pancaking and an alarming 58% changed their pouch more often as a management technique. Therefore, as a consequence of pancaking, the health economy is affected because each individual who suffers from pancaking uses a higher number of appliances. This results in increased costs for the NHS. There is currently no published research regarding pancaking, meaning an integrated approach to finding solutions is needed.
The use of subcutaneous infusion in medication administration
Authors: Gabriel Janice
Published: May 2014

The subcutaneous administration of medications is an area that receives little attention compared with other types of parenteral therapy. Parenteral administration is used by many thousands of patients who self-administer their medication on a daily basis—for example, those using insulin to manage diabetes, recipients of some types of hormone therapy and so on. It is also an effective route for the continuous administration of medication(s) in individuals who are terminally ill. Patients approaching the end of their life may be unable to tolerate the administration of oral medication to control their symptoms and make them more comfortable. This paper will discuss how subcutaneous infusion can be used to deliver these medications, but at the same time how important the selection of the most appropriate subcutaneous infusion device is to the overall comfort of the patient, and to reduce the potential for sharps-related injuries to healthcare workers. Appropriate device selection, together with its management, is an important contributing factor to patient safety and comfort. It will diminish the potential for premature device loss, which can lead to repeated insertion procedures for the patient, as well as delaying their medication. There is also a resource implication for the NHS, as the replacement of any device involves the use of additional equipment and staff time. Additionally, the use of any infusion device poses a risk to healthcare workers of acquiring a bloodborne infection should they experience a percutaneous injury. Knowledge of what equipment is available will reduce the potential risk to these staff.
Pain associated with negative pressure wound therapy
Authors: Waldie Karen
Published: May 2014

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has emerged as an effective treatment option for a variety of complex wounds. However, pain is anecdotally a common side effect of NPWT affecting quality of life and even precluding some patients from continuing with the treatment. This literature review examines the evidence relating to pain management for patients undergoing NPWT with a view to identifying methods of administration that could minimise pain and allow more patients to benefit from the treatment. The Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), British Nursing Index (BNI), Embase and Medline databases were accessed to identify relevant studies. Ten studies were found that matched the review inclusion criteria. These demonstrate some potential areas for further research but more evidence is required before any recommendations can be made.
Francis Report: the Government accepts recommendations
Authors: Tingle John
Published: May 2014

John Tingle discusses the Government's full response to the 290 recommendations made by Robert Francis QC, following the public inquiry into the shocking care failings at Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust.
Impact of formal educational level on clinical specialist role activity
Authors: Wickham Sheelagh
Published: May 2014

Aims:

This study, set in Ireland, aimed to explore demographics of the clinical nurse specialist and clinical midwife specialist population and their role activity, particularly in the educational role.

Background:

The clinical nurse/midwife specialist is recognised as an important part of nursing today. In Ireland, formal recognition of the specialist role occurred as recently as 2001.

Methods:

Following ethical approval, a questionnaire was circulated to the total population of specialist nurses and midwives in Ireland. The questionnaire captured the formal educational level held and individual educational role activity.

Results:

The study articulates the individual educational role elements (e.g. patient education, peer education) and captures the level of activity but the level varies between different educational role elements. Formal education level held has an impact on role activity, with higher education levels resulting in greater activity levels.

Conclusions:

The clinical specialist has tremendous potential for a positive impact on patient care in his or her education role. The majority are active in this role but the analysis shows there is room for growth. Combined with the finding that the level of activity rises with the level of formal education, this gives a strong reason why there should be continuing focus on further education and life-long learning
Nappy changing and nurse training: a balancing act
Authors: Freshwater Ed
Published: May 2014

Ed Freshwater is in his second year of nurse training and joins us as a student contributor to the British Journal of Nursing. As a new dad, Ed is learning how to balance student life with fatherhood
A small world, and a busy one
Authors: Reyes Selina
Published: May 2014

Selina Reyes is a second-year nursing student in Gibraltar. Here she reflects on the particular challenges and rewards that nursing in the territory presents, with many tourists and other travellers from all over the world requiring help
Problems with use of a Foley catheter in enteral tube feeding
Authors: Ojo Omorogieva
Published: May 2014

This article discusses the unlicensed use of a Foley catheter in home enteral tube feeding in the community. It is now clear that patients on long-term enteral feeding in the community may require replacement of their feeding tubes due to deterioration, damage or tube dislodgment. Often, these conventional feeding tubes such as percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy and radiologically inserted gastrostomy tubes are replaced with similar tubes or with balloon gastrostomy tubes. However, the use of a Foley catheter in place of conventional feeding tubes as replacement tube has been observed in a number of patients in practice and documented in literature.

The Foley catheter is significantly less expensive and easily accessible than conventional feeding tubes or balloon gastrostomy tubes. However, its use as an enteral feeding tube has implications for practice in terms of its use as unlicensed product, consent, ethics and professional responsibilities. Issues relating to body image and quality of life are also discussed.
Early intervention, parastomal hernia and quality of life: a research study
Authors: North Jacqui
Published: May 2014

Parastomal hernia continues to be a common and distressing problem for stoma patients. But are they preventable? In 2005 and again in 2007, Thompson and Trainor reported that by introducing a simple prevention programme that advised the wearing of support garments for heavy lifting for 1 year after stoma surgery, they significantly reduced the incidence of parastomal hernias. They also found that most of the hernias occurred in the early months after stoma surgery (their intervention programme started 3 months after surgery). The current study builds on Thompson and Trainor's work by introducing an intervention programme at a much earlier stage, with specific advice to wear a lightweight support garment on discharge from hospital in place of normal underwear. Advice was also given about lifting and participants were started on an abdominal exercise programme. Quality of life was monitored at discharge, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year. The results show reduced hernia rates and an increased quality of life for these patients. The aim was to improve on the results of Thompson and Trainor in reducing parastomal hernias, improving quality of life and reducing costs to the NHS through fewer complications associated with hernias, and wasted prescriptions for unused, inappropriate or ill-fitting support wear.
The smoking ban in English mental health units: a smokescreen?
Authors: Lawton-Smith Simon
Published: May 2014

The present government (Labour, at the time of writing) has set out unequivocal views on smoking in A Smokefree Future (HM Government, 2010).
Correspondence
Authors: Sines David , Carter Peter , Barron Derek T
Published: May 2014

Nurses at last month’s Royal College of Nursing congress in Bournemouth attended an event that officially launched the British Journal of Wellbeing. Speaking at the launch, Malcolm Rae, a BJW board member and joint strategic lead at the Acute Care Programme, National Mental Health Development Unit, said the journal had ‘great potential to inform and lead change in thinking, practice, and lifestyle’.
Mind poll shows impact of recession
Authors: Lamb Julia
Published: May 2014

Mental health charity Mind has launched a five-year campaign to improve the wellbeing of the UK workforce. As the recession bites deeper, Julia Lamb reports on the results of a poll of employees that shows many of them are working harder than ever
The mindful way to living well
Authors: Burch Vidyamala , Duff Colin
Published: May 2014

Mindfulness is a mental and physical health intervention that is growing in popularity, particularly in the treatment of depression. Vidyamala Burch and Colin Duff from Breathworks describe how mindfulness works and how it is helping people in North West England to manage chronic pain and other problems
Continuing Professional Development: Fostering resilience in children and young people
Authors: McDougall Tim
Published: May 2014

The importance of resilience as part of emotional health and wellbeing has been recognised for many years. Resilient children are healthier, happier and more successful in school. As adults they are likely to live longer, are more settled in relationships and are less prone to depression. This article offers readers an opportunity to reflect on their practice and complete a multiple choice questionnaire
The book that changed my life
Authors: Cooper Cary L
Published: May 2014

In keeping with this month’s theme of bibliotherapy, Cary Cooper reflects on the book that has most influenced his professional life
The therapeutic value of writing
Authors: Gillam Tony
Published: May 2014

Tony Gillam asks whether there is any evidence to support the use of creative writing in mental health. He also considers the nature of the relationship between ‘writing as therapy’, writing in general and mental wellbeing
Enhancing the Healing Environment
Authors: Dooher James , Kozlowski Clare
Published: May 2014

A new low secure unit was able to significantly reduce incidents of violence and aggression through implementing the ‘Enhancing the Healing Environment’ programme. James Dooher and Clare Kozlowski explain how a Midlands NHS Trust listened to the service user voice, and took steps to achieve positive results for all
Anger: recognition, treatment and management
Authors: Green Barrie
Published: May 2014

This article discusses the common human emotional state of anger, and explores one mainstream approach to treating anger problems. The mental health professional’s role in recognising the clinical features of anger and managing anger problems will be explored. The article includes some self-assessment to test the reader’s knowledge
How the IAPT programme has delivered
Authors: Richards David
Published: May 2014

The most significant mental health initiative in the UK in decades has achieved many successful recoveries. David Richards argues that this, along with cross-party political support and other countries clamouring to adopt it, is strong evidence that the IAPT programme is fulfilling its promise
Malcolm Rae
Authors: Rae Malcolm
Published: May 2014

Malcolm Rae has worked in a wide range of roles and is universally regarded as a man of enormous energy and enthusiasm. He has been responsible for innovations and service developments and has been called upon on several occasions to provide leadership of services in times of trouble. BJW asked him about his views on wellbeing
Creating family wellbeing: pregnancy to early parenthood
Authors: L Nolan Mary L
Published: May 2014

The current emphasis in maternity services on risk creates stress in women that may adversely affect the neurological development of the unborn child. Wellbeing across the transition to parenthood requires a paradigm of care that focuses on building self-efficacy rather than infantilising mothers and fathers.
Professor Dinesh Bhugra
Authors: Bhugra Dinesh
Published: May 2014

Dinesh Bhugra has been President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists since 2008. He has been instrumental in developing various training packages for health service professionals and developing strategies for psychiatric education.
An inpatient group with a difference?
Authors: Williamson Tracey
Published: May 2014

Tracey Williamson reports on the progress of an inpatient group at Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and how it is offering support to service users
Make room for clinical supervision: using an educational DVD resource
Authors: Hanlon Pauline , Sloan Graham
Published: May 2014

While there is a collection of useful texts on clinical supervision for nurses and allied health professionals, there does not appear to be a DVD resource demonstrating how to engage in clinical supervision. In response to findings from a recent audit, a small group of staff collaborated on the development of a DVD educational resource. The DVD aims to provide description, explanation and demonstation of the nuts and bolts of how to do clinical supervision so that staff can engage in a useful way, and with adequate self-confidence. This article provides a description of, and rationale for, the contents of the DVD.
Cholesterol: an overview
Authors: Beary Michael
Published: May 2014

Michael Beary discusses cholesterol. He provides an overview of its history, its properties, and its role in maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle
‘I am not ‘ginger’, I am Edward!’: labelling and chronic illness
Authors: Green Barrie
Published: May 2014

Barrie Green shares his experiences of living with a long-term condition and being ‘labelled’
What price mental health?
Authors: Gournay Kevin
Published: May 2014

Kevin Gournay contemplates health and illness priorities
Life on the psychiatric ward: a qualitative study
Authors: Reveley Kathie , Ciclitira Karen
Published: May 2014

The aim of this study was to explore former psychiatric inpatients’ experiences of mental healthcare provided by the NHS. Eight participants were recruited from a mental health drop-in centre in London and interviewed individually. The interviews were semi-structured and analysed using thematic analysis ( Braun and Clarke, 2006 ). The principal themes to emerge from the analysis were patient disempowerment, dissatisfaction with care and inadequate provision of therapy. The findings suggest fundamental shortcomings in mental healthcare for some psychiatric patients. The conclusions from this study include suggestions that further resources are required for the improved wellbeing of psychiatric inpatients. These include more staff being made available, various kinds of therapies being on offer, and that an intrinsic culture of disempowerment needs to be changed to encourage patient empowerment, self-reliance and wellbeing.
Epilepsy part 2: Treatments and emergency medication
Authors: Flower Diane
Published: May 2014

In this second article of a series, Diane Flower looks at anti-epileptic treatments prescribed to children, including possible side effects, improving compliance, and the use of emergency medication to treat a prolonged seizure.
Effects of poor nutrition on school performance
Authors: Caswell Heather
Published: May 2014

New school food guidelines are intended to help improve children’s health as well as their performance. Heather Caswell provides an overview of what these new guidelines entail, as well as the positive effects of dietary adequacy and breakfast consumption.
Developing physical activity in maintained schools
Authors: Andrews Crispin
Published: May 2014

There is a well-developed and entrenched school and community sports infrastructure with whom school nurses can work, Crispin Andrews explains how to access these different networks to develop physical activity in schools.
Teaching tips for school nurses:Organizing pupil focus groups
Authors: Ainsworth Paul
Published: May 2014

In the fourth article of a series on teaching tips for delivering PSHE, for school nurses with no previous classroom experience, Paul Ainsworth provides guidance on the organization of pupil focus groups.
Healthy schools coordinator: Amanda Coombes’ day
Authors: Coombes Amanda
Published: May 2014

I have worked as a school nurse in Coventry for the past 5 years but have recently started working as a Healthy Schools Coordinator. My post is newly created and has been jointly funded by NHS Coventry and the City Council. It is both exciting and daunting but, if the first few weeks are any indication, it will be interesting and challenging.
The spread of infectious diseases in schools
Authors: Winter George
Published: May 2014

With noroviruses back in the headlines and the recent influenzavirus H1N1 outbreak, it is important for school nurses to be well-informed on infectious diseases and how they can be controlled. George Winter looks at the differences between bacteria and viruses.
Childhood and adolescence are crucial times for public health
Authors: Clark Peder
Published: May 2014

Health in childhood and adolescence can often determine health in adult life. The UK Faculty of Public Health have identified 12 steps towards addressing some of the worst inequalities and burdens of disease in the UK. One of these points is a stronger school nursing workforce.
Preventing scabies outbreaks in schools
Authors: Watkins Jean
Published: May 2014

Scabies can spread rapidly in schools through close and prolonged contact between pupils. It is therefore important that school nurses are able to recognize its symptoms. Jean Watkins looks at the diagnosis and treatment of the condition.
Sickle cell disease, part 1: Understanding the condition
Authors: Addis Gulen
Published: May 2014

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most common genetic blood disorders in the world and effects approximately 12500 individuals in the UK. This article looks at the definition of SCD, symptoms and treatments, and practical tips to prevent sickle cell crises.
Abortion: Offering advice and support to young men
Authors: Myers Amanda , Nevill Michael
Published: May 2014

Young men experiencing abortion often have feelings of relief but can also suffer from emotional distress and feelings of powerlessness. It is important that they too have access to information and emotional support.
Raising awareness of the issue of forced marriage
Authors: Lamb Suzanne
Published: May 2014

Child protection committee guidelines on forced marriage say that understanding possible motives behind forced marriage does not justify the actions of a parent forcing a young person into marriage (Child Protection Committee Bradford Area, 2010). The subject is very sensitive, even though the Department of Children, Schools and Families reported that 2089 pupils were absent from schools in areas with a high incidence of forced marriage, areas identified were Tower Hamlets, Leeds, Birmingham, Bradford, Luton, Leicester and Derby (The Times, 2008). A poster campaign saw some resistance as staff did not want to upset parents or offend anyone. However, Margaret Moran, Labour MP at the time on the select committee, described schools’ resistance to displaying the posters as ‘shocking’, as reported in the Mail Online (2008)
Seen and not heard? Living with long-term conditions
Authors: Gray Shelley
Published: May 2014

Shelley Gray looks at the difficulties faced by children and young people with long-term conditions in Scotland and the crucial role school nurses can play in helping to support them.
Starters: Setting the right mood for a PSHE session
Authors: Faber Krista
Published: May 2014

Teaching tips for the delivery of PSHE, for school nurses with little or no previous classroom experience. Krista Faber looks at a variety of lesson starters that can help set the mood for the session.
Developing a collapsible spacer device for children with asthma
Authors: Watson Paul
Published: May 2014

Professionals working in school nursing teams may identify needs in children and young people and develop innovative solutions. Paul Watson developed the idea of a collapsible spacer device to improve and encourage spacer use among children with asthma.
Development of the role of the practice teacher
Authors: Sherwin Sarah , Stevenson Liz
Published: May 2014

The role of the practice teacher is pivotal in supporting the development of students undertaking Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) approved Specialist Community Public Health, School Nursing (SCPHN) programmes. It is a mandatory requirement that students of school nursing are supported and assessed by a named practice teacher, who must have met the requirements defined within the practice teacher standard (NMC, 2008).

In this series of short papers, Sarah Sherwin and Liz Stevenson explore the developing role of the practice teacher in relation to school nursing, since the advent of the revised standards. Although specifically geared towards practice teachers within the school nursing arena, mentors who provide support to a range of students within the community health setting may also find the series useful.
Developing a central source of information for schools
Authors: Hodge Selwyn
Published: May 2014

Selwyn Hodge reports on an inaugural ambassadors meeting, which was held this summer, kick-starting the development of a new programme by the Royal Society for Public Health.
A school nursing conference report: Building a brighter future
Authors: Richardson-Todd Barbara
Published: May 2014

Barbara Richardson-Todd reports on the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) conference for school nurses, which took place in Birmingham in August.
The ADHD integrated care pathway and school nursing
Authors: Mangle Lisa
Published: May 2014

ADHD is estimated to affect 3–5% of the childhood population. This article looks at the core features of the condition, greater impacts on society and how school nurses, with the help of an integrated care pathway, can identify and support young people with ADHD.
Developing health services designed for young people
Authors: Tall Hannah
Published: May 2014

The Healthy Child Programme sets out an evidence-based, preventive programme supporting current research which demonstrates lifestyles and habits established during childhood, adolescence and young adulthood influence a person’s health throughout their life. Healthy Lives Brighter Futures identifies the importance of targeting services toward young people, ensuring they receive high quality support and advice on making healthy choices such as alcohol, drugs, smoking, sexual health. During the developmental stage of adolescence young people strive for independence and begin to make decisions that impact on the rest of their lives.

School nurses are skilled in leading teams that promote health improvement. They working within a progressive model where services are both universal and targeted towards those with specific needs. If young people are involved in service design and delivery they are more likely to access services and promote them within their peer group. Consultation with young people also allows effective evaluation of the service ensuring quality is maintained and service delivery improved. The article explores the role of the school nurse when involving young people in service development and the implications this has for future practice.
Using self-evaluation as a tool to improve teaching
Authors: Faber Krista
Published: May 2014

This month Krista Faber provides some suggestions to help school nurses, with little experience in teaching PSHE, on how to use self-evaluation to further improve teaching.
The importance of teaching emergency life support
Authors: Mason Ellen
Published: May 2014

Ellen Mason explains why it is important that children and young people are equipped with emergency life support skills and why these should be included on the national curriculum.
Provision of sex and relationships education is still not good enough
Authors: Emmerson Lucy
Published: May 2014

Lucy Emmerson discusses how sex and relationship education in schools is often inadequate, and how young people feel it is ‘too little, too late and too biological’.
Debate continues over need for statutory PSHE curriculum
Authors: Hayward Melanie
Published: May 2014

Sex and Relationships Education (SRE) and the argument whether or not there should be a statutory PSHE curriculum have recently sparked a lot of debate. Melanie Hayward comments on the recent developments and looks at the role school nurses could play in delivering SRE.
Recognising the signs and symptoms of meningitis
Authors: Watkins Jean
Published: May 2014

Meningococcal infection is a potentially fatal condition. It is vital that schools nurses are able to recognise the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia, and are able to advise school staff and families on the necessary precautions should a case occur in the school. This article looks at some of the most common symptoms of meningitis and prevention.
Symptoms and treatment of menorraghia in adolescent girls
Authors: Perry Margaret
Published: May 2014

The onset of menarche can be a difficult time for adolescent girls. Menorraghia is a condition consisting of excessive menstrual bleeding over an extended period of time. Although rarely life-threatening, the condition can affect quality of life and participation in school activities and sport.

School nurses can play an important role in providing information and advice on the condition.

This article is part of a series looking at male and female puberty issues, it provides an overview of menorraghia, including prevalence, symptoms and treatment.
School nursing for autism specifc needs: A positive contribution
Authors: Fellows Julie
Published: May 2014

In this article, Julie Fellows, a school nurse working exclusively with children and young people with autism, shares her experience and recommendations on caring effectively for their specifc needs.
Refractive errors among 7–16 year old children
Authors: AlBashtawy Mohammed , Hameed Sinan , Mansi Kamal , Aljezawi Ma'en , Tubaishat Ahmad
Published: May 2014

Objective: This study aims to help school nurses gain a better insight into the prevalence of refractive errors (RE) in children in the Mafraq Governorate, and how it compares with other Jordanian provinces and internationally.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out to assess visual acuity and refractive errors among school children in Mafaraq-Jordan. Subjects were chosen using a multistage random sample. Children in grades one through ten in the selected schools were interviewed using a standard questionnaire. Visual acuity was screened using Snellen chart.

Results: 1 303 school children completed all the process of the screening and completed the questionnaire. A total of 1 230 (94.4%) had normal visual acuity without any correction, 73 children (5.6%) had RE, and 42 children (3.2%) tested for low vision.

Conclusions: Results from this study showed a considerable number of school children with RE. Accordingly, screening programmes for visual acuity should be conducted in all schools at the beginning of each academic year.