bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Watkins Jean
Published: May 2014

Overall key points

The cause of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is unknown, although it is recognised as an autoimmune disease. The progress of RA is generally downhill, with increasing disability, morbidity and mortality. Referral for specialist opinion should ideally be within three months of onset of symptoms. A combination of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) is the first line of treatment.
Arsenic, CVD and fruit juices
Authors: Mongin-Bulewski Carole
Published: May 2014

In-depth analysis of the latest research.
Practical prescribing-Prescribing controlled drugs
Authors: Courtenay Molly
Published: May 2014

Molly Courtenay helps resolve everyday issues for nurse prescribers
Prescribing update on smoking cessation
Authors: Percival Jennifer , McEwen Andy
Published: May 2014

By providing information and making a referral to stop smoking services, nurses can reduce the death toll from tobacco use.
Haemoglobinopathies
Authors: Hill Barry
Published: May 2014

Overall key points

Inherited haemolytic anaemia is a group of congenital disease that affect red blood cells. The most common types of inherited haemolytic anaemia are sickle cell anaemia, thalassaemia and hereditary spherocytosis. Antenatal screening is offered to all pregnant women in England. Primary care professionals have an important role in screening and care.
Infective conjunctivitis
Authors: Watkins Dr
Published: May 2014

Overall key points

Infective conjunctivitis is a common infection of the mucous membrane on the surface of the eye.

Adenoviruses and herpes simplex virus are the most common causes of viral infection.

It is sometimes clinically difficult to differentiate between viral and bacterial infective conjunctivitis.

There is a high rate of spontaneous resolution of bacterial conjunctivitis, within two-five days.

A topical antibiotic is recommended if there is no improvement/worsening after two-three days.
Post-transplant care in the primary setting
Authors: Murphy Fiona
Published: May 2014

“Fiona Murphy advises on the discharge procedures for patients in primary care following renal transplantation, and highlights adherence issues and comorbodities”
Treating diabetes: skin complications
Authors: Phillips Anne
Published: May 2014

Skin-related complications associated with diabetes need to be recognised and treated individually through partnership with patients.
Available options for debridement
Authors: Benbow Maureen
Published: May 2014

A clear understanding of the need for debridement and available options is necessary for the clinician to make the best choice.
Using emollients for dry skin conditions
Authors: Dyble Tina
Published: May 2014

Dry skin conditions may not always be considered important and, as a consequence, treatments are often underprescribed.
Clinical focus - Endometriosis
Authors: Kochhar Suneeta
Published: May 2014

Epidemiology and aetiology, diagnosis, management and other options
The management of faecal incontinence
Authors: Ness Wendy
Published: May 2014

Faecal incontinence is a distressing and socially debilitating condition. Wendy Ness discusses its prevalence and assessment, and simple conservative treatments
Childhood continence issues
Authors: Welford Heather
Published: May 2014

Before specialist help is enlisted and medication given to the child with continence problems, simple methods should be considered, writes Heather Welford argues
Volunteering for London 2012
Authors: Johnson Wendy
Published: May 2014

Working as a nurse volunteer in the Olympic polyclinic brought a range of rewards.
Boosting the NHS Constitution
Authors: Lepper Joe
Published: May 2014

Ministers aim to strengthen the NHS Constitution and raise awareness about its purpose, writes Joe Lepper
Promoting use of reminiscence therapy in community settings
Authors: Stringer Heather
Published: May 2014

A health team in Bradford is training volunteers to facilitate reminiscence therapy for older people.
Community-associated MRSA
Authors: Millar B. Cherie , Moore John E , Bill Richard
Published: May 2014

Community-associated MRSA differs from the better known healthcare-associated MRSA.
Involving patients in asthma management and self-care
Authors: Kaufman Gerri
Published: May 2014

Gerri Kaufman discusses the importance of partnership working, treatment adherence, and self-management in asthma care
The management of urinary incontinence in women
Authors: Kochhar Suneeta
Published: May 2014

It is important to assess the severity of incontinence and its impact on patients’ quality of life, writes Dr Suneeta Kochhar
Tailoring care for older people with diabetes
Authors: Phillips Stephen , Phillips Anne
Published: May 2014

A focus on patient-centred care planning and partnership approaches in care are vital for older people with diabetes, write Stephen Phillips and Anne Phillips
The management of allergic rhinitis
Authors: Scullion Jane , Holmes Steve
Published: May 2014

Allergic rhinitis can significantly reduce quality of life and may interfere with school and work attendance, write Steve Holmes and Jane Scullion
Cognition, GLP-1R and obesity
Authors: Goodrick Steven
Published: May 2014

In-depth analysis of the latest research. Compiled by Steven Goodrick.
Prostate cancer screening
Authors: Hill Barry Hill
Published: May 2014

Overall key points: The incidence of prostate cancer has increased in the UK in past 20 years. Prostate cancer is initially diagnosed by measuring circulating levels of PSA. PSA screening does not distinguish between benign and malignant growth. The lack of specificity means that many people have unnecessary and invasive procedures. New biomarkers need to be identified to improve screening for prostate cancer.
Quit smoking support
Authors: Duncan Deborah
Published: May 2014

Helping patients to quit smoking involves communicating in a sensitive and client-centred manner
Continence management in patients with dementia
Authors: Kyle Gaye
Published: May 2014

A detailed assessment of toileting difficulties and incontinence is essential for organising specific care.
Treating asthma in children: the stepwise approach
Authors: McMurray Ann
Published: May 2014

Children's asthma symptoms can be difficult to diagnose and a full history is necessary.
Filling the gap in stroke care
Authors: Lambie James
Published: May 2014

James Lambie outlines the potential role of general practice nurses in reducing risk of recurrent stroke and aiding long-term recovery from stroke in primary care
Supporting children with nocturnal enuresis
Authors: Wootton Janet , Norfolk Sally
Published: May 2014

Bedwetting can have a serious impact of a child's self-esteem and emotional wellbeing. Sally Norfolk and Janet Wootton provide and overview.
Using mobile technology in community health services
Authors: Par Chris
Published: May 2014

Mobile devices can reduce administration and improve continuity of care.
Universal flu vaccination for children gets underway
Authors: Craig Laura
Published: May 2014

INFLUENZA

Workloads will increase but benefits should include fewer cases and lower mortality rates. Laura Craig, explains the influenza immunisation programme
Diagnosis of venous disease and use of Doppler assessment
Authors: Yarwood-Ross Lee
Published: May 2014

Nurses can have a positive impact on managing venous disease using non-surgical techniques, writes Lee Yarwood-Ross
In your workplace
Authors: White Graham
Published: May 2014

NHS Trust HR director Graham White offers advice on employment issues affecting nurses.
Managing conditions of the prostate gland in primary care
Authors: Peate Ian
Published: May 2014

Primary care nurses are ideally placed to help men with the spectrum of prostatic diseases, writes
Chronic pain, heartburn and CV risk
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: May 2014

In-depth analysis of the latest research, compiled by Mark Greener
The cleansing of chronic wounds
Authors: Jones Menna Lloyd
Published: May 2014

Routine wound cleansing can be detrimental to fragile new tissue, so it is vital to adapt a plan of care to meet the needs of the the patient, writes
Promoting confidence in HRT
Authors: Abernethy Kathy
Published: May 2014

Kathy Abernethy presents a case study of providing support to a woman who is reluctant to start hormone replacement therapy
Practical advice and support for the infant weaning process
Authors: Kochhar Suneeta
Published: May 2014

There is still controversy surrounding the age at which babies should move onto solid food.
Improving dementia care in prisons
Authors: Woods David
Published: May 2014

Prisons should introduce routine dementia screening for older patients and training for prison officer.
Effective nursing regulation
Authors: James Andrea
Published: May 2014

Healthcare regulators perform four core functions for patients and registrants, writes Andrea James
Managing menopause naturally
Authors: Abernethy Kathy
Published: May 2014

Kathy Abernethy highlights how to promote a healthy menopause without the use of hormone replacement therapy
A child with groin swelling
Authors: Henning Sarah , Thayalan Meera , Paul Siba Prosad
Published: May 2014

Nurses must carefully examine swellings of the groin in children in case emergency referral is needed.
Diagnosing nail infections
Authors: Watkins Jean
Published: May 2014

Common nail infections may be acquired through ordinary activities such as gardening or cleaning and require accurate differential diagnosis followed by swift, appropriate treatment
Insomnia,noise and depression
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: May 2014

In-depth analysis of the latest research.
A role for community nurses in commissioning local services
Authors: Leach Katherine , Shepherd Alison Burton
Published: May 2014

Nurses should become involved in clinical commissioning because they know about local population needs, write Katherine Leach and Alison Burton Shepherd
Looking back on a career in nursing
Authors: Aslett Chris
Published: May 2014

Recently-retired nurse practitioner Chris Aslett reflects on her career and concludes nursing is a challenging, diverse and, rewarding profession
Management of exacerbations
Authors: Bostock-Cox Beverley
Published: May 2014

Asthma exacerbations may be moderate, severe or life threatening, says Beverley Bostock-Cox but careful and swift assessments will help clinicians
Treating STIs in male patients
Authors: Peate Ian
Published: May 2014

Primary care nurses must extend their current knowledge of sexually transmitted infections in male patients and improve their skills in assessing risk, writes Professor Ian Peate
How austerity harms health
Authors: Higgins Bernadette
Published: May 2014

Health and social care go hand-in-hand, so if the government cuts social funding, people's health will suffer, writes Bernadette Higgins
Assessing and managing skin tears in older people
Authors: Clothier Annie
Published: May 2014

WOUND CARE

Maintaining the integrity of aging skin can pose a challenge for healthcare professionals working with older people, says Annie Clothier
Improving the lives of patients with diabetes
Authors: Walker Lisa
Published: May 2014

Half of all diabetes specialist nurses are expected to retire in the next 10 years. Lisa Walker explains what the role involves and why she loves it
The growing trend of simulation as a form of clinical education: a global perspective
Authors: Davies Joanne , Alinier Guillaume
Published: May 2014

Simulation as a credible mode of advanced clinical education is becoming well established throughout Europe, North America, and Oceania; however, similar developments are becoming increasingly visible outside of these continents. Educational concepts using simulation are better understood when people see beyond the ‘tool’, however technologically advanced it might be ( Alinier, 2007a ) and start to recognize the importance of the ‘technique’ employed to use it ( Gaba, 2004 ). Reported activities emerging from Africa and predominately Asia is continuing to grow. From psychiatry objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) training in Iran ( Taghva et al, 2010 ); the use of virtual patient simulators in Japan ( Taguchi and Ogawa, 2010 ); to using simulators to teach advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) to paramedics in India ( Delasobera et al, 2010 ), simulation as a form of clinical education is advancing globally. This article aims to highlight the recent advancement of simulation through examples of workshops and research occurring outside of Europe, North America, and Oceania, and begins to highlight some of the current simulation education centre projects that are being planned across the globe. Categories of simulation within this article refer to simulation education using standardized patients, patient simulators, mannequins, part-task trainers, computer-based simulation, and virtual reality simulators, primarily used for surgical skills training. This article aims to give readers a glimpse into some of the projects and research that is occurring within simulation education outside of the western world.
Collaboration in pre-hospital care research: the pan asian resuscitation outcomes study
Authors: Soon Swee Sung , Shin Sang Do , Tanaka Hideharu , Huei-Ming Ma Matthew , Ong Marcus Eng Hock
Published: May 2014

The Pan-Asian Resuscitation Outcomes Study (PAROS) Clinical Research Network is a unique, low-cost, self-funded model of a collaborative research network in the Asia-Pacific region formed in 2010. Currently, research into pre-hospital and emergency care in the Asia-Pacific region is largely inadequate and poorly coordinated owing to the marked variations in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems and outcomes reporting. With conditions such as Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA) being one of the leading causes of death worldwide, the dearth in the understanding of trends and research in pre-hospital and emergency care underscores the urgent need for more collaborative research in this area. By creating a platform to connect serious researchers, PAROS Clinical Research Network fosters an environment conducive for intellectual exchanges and for research ideas to be shared and implemented. This article describes the enablers pertaining to governance, frameworks and people in the formation and development of the PAROS Clinical Research Network. The Network has concentrated on building a supportive environment through having proper governance structure, efforts to harmonize the data dictionary for the registry, supportive frameworks that promote ethical and proper collection and use of data, and efforts in seeking opportunities to educate and equip its members with relevant knowledge and research capabilities. These descriptions are presented to provide a research framework for others in the field and to increase international collaboration for research in pre-hospital and emergency care.
Children’s and young people’s views of hospitalization: ‘It’s a scary place’
Authors: Coyne Imelda , Conlon Joy
Published: May 2014

Hospitalization remains a stressful experience for many children despite unrestricted parent participation and considerable improvements in hospital environments. This article reports on children and young people’s experiences of hospitalization. In-depth interviews were conducted with children and young people (n=17) aged seven to sixteen years from three hospitals in Ireland. Data were analysed with the assistance of qualitative analysis software. The children expressed a range of fears and anxieties that were collated into two main themes: fears of ward environment and hospital staff and fears about investigations and treatments. Health professionals should be aware of how children can feel threatened and fearful about many aspects of the hospitalization. It is important that preparatory procedures and preadmission programmes are made available for children. Nurses should promote a safe and supportive environment to help reduce children’s anxieties, increase their understanding and facilitate overall coping. Helping children to express their fears and concerns and responding to those concerns is essential for successful outcomes. Parents play a significant role in reassuring their children and providing security and normality. Therefore nurses should involve parents in the delivery of information so that they can help relieve children’s anxieties. Efforts should be directed towards reducing the need for hospitalization of children through increased use of day surgery and outpatient care and tertiary care only used as a last resort.
Does clowning benefit children in hospital? Views of Theodora Children’s Trust clown doctors
Authors: Glasper Edward Alan , Prudhoe Gill , Weaver Katie
Published: May 2014

This paper reports on one part of a service evaluation designed to assess the impact of clown doctors in English children’s hospitals and children’s units. With the objective to gain the opinions of Theodora Trust special clowns, senior fully trained and experienced clown doctors (n=5), and trainee clown doctors (n=7), were asked what works best and least during a clown encounter with a sick child in hospital.

Focus group meetings using the nominal group technique were held in two centres in London. The main outcome measures were the description and analysis of those factors that inhibit or enhance clown doctor encounters with sick children and their families.

The results provide five voted items of importance of what works best when a clown doctor (junior or senior) visits a sick child in hospital, including gaining the child’s consent. Five voted items of what works least best during a clown encounter, including disrespect of hospital procedure and staff were also recorded.

The clown doctors were very supportive of the use of humour for sick children and their families in hospital, believing it to be beneficial, but were critical of some elements of the visit arrangements, including prejudice by some staff.
The future of post-registration education for children’s and young people’s nursing: a SWOT analysis
Authors: Ellis Judith , Glasper Edward Alan , McEwing Gill , Richardson Jim
Published: May 2014

The primary aim of this paper is to elucidate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats surrounding the arena of post-registration education provision for children’s and young people’s nurses in the UK. The authors of this paper were approached by the Association of Chief Children’s Nurses (ACCN) in the autumn of 2006 and asked to conduct the analysis.

An email letter was sent to the head of each children’s and young people’s nursing department in all higher education institutions offering children’s nursing in all four countries of the UK (n=63) inviting them to participate in the SWOT analysis. There was a tight timescale in which to prepare the presentation for the symposium and therefore two reminder emails were subsequently sent to the participants. Seventeen (26.9% of the sample) university child health departments representing the four countries of the UK participated in the analysis, generating useful data which was subsequently collated for presentation at the symposium.

The respondents identified a number of strengths to the existing provision across the UK, including the availability of a good range of appropriate modules that promote evidence-based practice and strong partnerships with care providers. A number of weaknesses were highlighted, including difficulties experienced by managers in releasing staff from practice. Opportunities were identified, particularly that of collaborative working and changes to the way in which post-registration education is designed and delivered. The primary threat to post-registration education delivery was perceived to be financial cuts to the education budgets within NHS care provider institutions and within the higher education sector itself.
The development of the Glamorgan paediatric pressure ulcer risk assessment scale
Authors: Willock Jane , Baharestani Mona Mylene , Anthony Denis
Published: May 2014

A pressure ulcer is localized injury to the skin and/or underlying tissue usually over a bony prominence, as a result of pressure, or pressure in combination with shear and/or friction. Pressure ulcer risk assessment scales are used to identify patient risk, level of risk and type of risk. Most paediatric pressure ulcer risk assessment scales have been derived either from adult risk assessment scales, clinical observation or literature review.

Detailed questionnaires were developed based on a review of pressure ulcer literature and discussion with experienced paediatric nurses. These were used to collect detailed data on the characteristics of 336 children (61 with pressure ulcers, 275 without pressure ulcers) who were inpatients in 11 hospitals in England and Wales. Using chi-square analysis, the significance of the children’s characteristics in relation to the presence of pressure ulceration was calculated.

Eleven patient characteristics had a significance level of p<0.01. A paediatric pressure ulcer risk assessment scale (the Glamorgan Scale) was developed using the results of the analysis. Weightings for risk characteristics were devised using the significance values as a guide. Using the same data set, the sensitivity and specificity of the Glamorgan scale were calculated to be 98.4% sensitive and 67.4% specific at a cut off score of 15.

With this data set, the Glamorgan scale was demonstrated to out perform the Braden Q scale paediatric pressure ulcer risk assessment scale. However, more work needs to be done with a new data set. The inter-rater reliability of the Glamorgan scale also needs to be determined.
The future of pre-registration nursing education: what every children’s and young people’s nurse needs to know?
Authors: Richardson Jim , Alan Glasper Edward
Published: May 2014

In the biggest shake up since project 2000 implentation in the 1980s, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has, in November 2007, launched a UK-wide consultation on the future shape of pre-registration nursing education. The NMC consultation, which runs in parallel to the Modernizing Nursing Careers: setting the direction consultation (Department of Health (DH), 2006), is predicated on future changes in health-care policy and in the delivery of health-care services. Significantly, one of the five broad pathways that are contained within the Modernizing Nursing Careers consultation is that of children, family and public health. The pattern of nursing careers in the future will clearly be influenced by the decisions the NMC make about pre-registration nursing preparation after their consultation is completed in February 2008. Although the NMC are mandated to secure a ‘fit for purpose’ workforce the research evidence on which current assumptions about the efficacy, or not, of the current fields of practice configuration is woefully lacking.
Assessing communication between health professionals, children and families
Authors: Wales Sandra , Crisp Jackie , Moran Phyllis , Perrin Michelle , Scott Ella
Published: May 2014

A great deal of work has been done worldwide addressing the rights of the child and their families to ensure they are involved in the decision-making processes of the management of the child’s health. Of equal importance is the need for all parties to be fully informed about the treatment strategies and plan of care. For an organization to be certain, effective communication does occur between the staff, the children and their families; systems, policies, and practices need to be in place and adhered to.

International organizations with interests in child health, including CAI, WHO and UNICEF, have collaborated to set up the Child Friendly Healthcare Initiative (CFHI) (Southall et al, 2000; Nicholson and Clarke, 2007). The CFHI has developed 12 standards that have universal applicability across child health-care services. These standards focus on different aspects of child and family-friendly approaches to the delivery of health services.

At our children’s hospital we aimed to gain an understanding of the level of communication that existed to enable us to develop recommendations for improvement. An overall assessment of communication within the hospital using CFHI–Standard 5 (parents and children will be kept fully informed and involved in all decisions affecting their care) was utilized. The assessment highlighted there is a satisfactory level of communication practices in place, however, the process has enabled the gathering of information to develop intervention strategies to further improve communication for parents and children.
The demedicalisation of health care versus the medicalisation of beauty
Authors: Collier Helena
Published: May 2014

For years, aesthetic nurses have been fighting tooth and nail for their field to be perceived as a recognised branch of health care. However, there is still a common misconception that cosmetic medicine comes under the umbrella of beauty therapy. In this thought-provoking debate article, Helena Collier argues that aesthetic nurses need to work hard to re-establish their speciality
Ptosis explored: a known complication following facial botulinum toxin injections
Authors: Collier Helena
Published: May 2014

Ptosis refers to an abnormal lowering or prolapse of an organ or body part. The term is often used in medical aesthetics to describe a drooping of the upper or lower eyelid, which can be congenital (from birth) or may develop later in life. Types of ptosis include myogenic, when the lids sag because of a muscular problem; neurogenic, when the nerve supply is affected; mechanical, when the weight of the eye lid is too great for the muscle to lift; and involutional, when the muscular connections in the eyelid weaken). However this paper will explore the most relevant ptosis to aesthetic nurses, drug-induced ptosis, which is a known complication that can develop post administration of botulinum toxin injections. Drug-induced ptosis can be an iatrogenic consequence of the practitioners’ clinical practice, a result of poor patient concordance in relation to post-injection after care instructions, or an idiosyncratic physiological or structural patient characteristic.
Nutrition and skin ageing: the impact of oxidation, glycation and inflammation
Authors: Pearson Kim
Published: May 2014

The medical aesthetic industry's approach to ageing rarely takes into account the positive effect that changes in lifestyle and improved nutrition can make to patients' skin and wellbeing. Although patients are able to access a vast and attractive range of treatments which provide a quick fix for the client, in combination with a revised approach to nutrition the effects can be significant in reducing the progression of skin ageing. The free radical theory of ageing has been under examination since the 1950s, this article explains the theory behind oxidative stress along with a review of the impact of inflammation and glycation. The author takes a practical approach to counteracting the effects of skin aging through an improved nutritional regime and demonstrates that managing diet is not solely about weight loss.
Understanding the Yellow Card Scheme: a short guide to incident reporting
Authors: Goddard Rachel
Published: May 2014

In this article, the author will summarise the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency's (MHRA) guidelines on the Yellow Card Scheme. The Yellow Card Scheme has been running for around 40 years and collects information from both health professionals and members of the general public on suspected side effects of medications. The article aims to raise awareness of the Yellow Card Scheme and educate aesthetic practitioners of its importance and why they should be aware of the procedure as nurses. The history of the Yellow Card Scheme will be explained, as well as providing information on who can report and methods of reporting. The article will provide readers with information on what exactly happens to reports, signal detections, data mining, signal protection and prioritising.
Acyclovir in aesthetic practice: mechanisms of action, medical uses and precautions
Authors: Fromage Gemma
Published: May 2014

Antiviral medications are used to treat viral infections such as herpes simplex virus, hepatitis B and human immunoficiency virus (HIV). Antivirals do not destroy their target pathogen; instead, they inhibit their development. Acyclovir was the first effective antiviral used for the herpes simplex and varicella-zoster viruses. Whereas the herpes simplex virus is known to cause mouth ulcers, cold sores, conjunctivitis, mouth ulcers and genital herpes, the varicella-zoster virus causes shingles and chickenpox. A herpes simplex reaction can be triggered by trauma, surgery and cosmetic interventions such as dermal fillers, chemical peels, micro-needling and laser procedures. The soft tissue damage caused by penetration of the skin in dermal fillers is sufficient to trigger the virus in susceptible patients. Although no large trials or studies have been carried out, it is widely accepted that when prophylactically administered, acyclovir can reduce the risk of herpes simplex virus reactivation.
Treating adult acne vulgaris: a summary of the topical and oral preparations
Authors: Brackenbury Julie
Published: May 2014

Previously, the most effective therapeutic modality for treatment of this type of acne has been the administration of topical preparations and oral antibiotics; however, more recently, experts claim that oral isotretinoin, which is still a controversial treatment, is more effective than any other treatment. The problem of antibiotic resistance still exists and non-concordance is a major contributory factor in the failure of acne treatment. This article demonstrates how dermatology and aesthetic medicine combined can benefit patients with this skin condition. Hormonal therapies are not discussed in this article.
Raising standards in medical aesthetics education: a multidisciplinary approach
Authors: Senior Yvonne
Published: May 2014

The Private Independent Aesthetic Practitioners Association (PIAPA) held yet another successful education event this February, bringing together a multidisciplinary audience who listened to a variety of high-quality presentations from leading professionals in the industry. Yvonne Senior, co-founder of PIAPA, gives an insight into an event that encouraged delegates’ learning potential
Dr Rita Rakus Clinic, London: experiencing an exclusive combination treatment
Authors: Zadah Kate
Published: May 2014

When providing advice on running a successful clinic, nothing is better than experiencing the patient journey yourself, from the reception to the treatment room. In this practice management series, PR professional Kate Zadah travels the UK visiting clinics and reviewing their layouts, customer service, treatment menus and follow-up care. She will also highlight areas for improvement for each one
Merz Aesthetics Partnership in Practice conference: The King's Fund, London
Authors: FRIEDMAN TRUDY
Published: May 2014

The recent regional Merz Aesthetics Partnership in Practice conference brought together several cosmetic nurses and doctors to discuss the management of complications and demonstrate best practice when injecting the upper, middle and lower regions of the face. Aesthetic nurse Trudy Friedman reflects on the highlights of this educational event and gives it her stamp of approval
A clinical approach to scoring obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Lewis Sara J , Salem Galal
Published: May 2014

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) or sleep apnoea syndrome is a sleep disorder which is caused by obstruction of the upper airway. It is characterised by pauses (apnoea) within breathing patterns during sleep and each apnoea can last between 20 and 40 seconds at a time.
Risks and rewards of early musculoskeletal assessment
Authors: Miller Joyce , Fontana Marcella , Jernlås Karin , Olofsson Henny , Verwijst Ida
Published: May 2014

Newborn screening for life-threatening conditions does not take into account mild or moderate injuries, which can lead to significant problems. The authors aimed to evaluate the need, benefits and risks of a musculoskeletal screen in the newborn. Search strategy was designed to capture peer-reviewed biomedical literature related to birth injury and musculoskeletal assessment of the injuries. Thirty-seven relevant articles were located, most indicating mild to moderate birth injuries. Up to 73% of infants had one or more asymmetry stemming from birth. The evidence suggests that infants may receive musculoskeletal injuries through both traumatic and non-traumatic births. Currently there is no complete screen for musculoskeletal conditions of the newborn in the UK. A musculoskeletal screen may be of benefit to find conditions that might affect discomfort in some positions and pain syndromes of infancy. Furthermore, the musculoskeletal screen can be considered safe for the infant.
Birth and beyond: Supporting parents in the antenatal period
Authors: Hogg, Sally
Published: May 2014

Pregnancy is not only a critical period for babies' development, but also a time when parents are receptive to support. Despite this, opportunities to support disadvantaged parents during the transition to parenthood are often missed. The NSPCC has worked with Warwick University to develop a new perinatal education programme for vulnerable parents called Baby Steps. This evidence-based programme aims to strengthen protective factors such as family relationships, social support and emotional wellbeing during pregnancy. It uses a variety of interactive approaches to engage and support parents, and to help them recognise and respond to their babies' cues. The service is being piloted in eight areas of the UK, and early evaluation results are positive.
Exploring perceptions of listening, empathy and summarising in the health visitor–parent relationship
Authors: Seal Joanne
Published: May 2014

The ability of health visitors and their teams to engage and build effective relationships with families is fundamental in working together to reduce health inequalities and achieving positive outcomes for children and their families. Inorder to intervene early and deliver the Healthy Child Programme ( Department of Health,2009 ), the health visiting service needs a workforce that has the necessary qualities and interpersonal skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships with parents. For early intervention to be successful, it is vital that the parents' perspective is heard and that practitioners are given the opportunity to equally prioritise parents' needs in conjunction with organisational and/or policy agendas. Within a health visiting service in the South West, a study was undertaken to explore workforce listening skills with a specific focus on the quality of empathy and summarising skills, from the perspective of parents, practitioners and an independent researcher. A range of practitioner qualities was found to be vital when working with parents, as well as the ability to listen and remain empathic. Practitioners appreciated the opportunity to discuss their performance following observations, and were keen to build and develop their communication skills.
Advancing professional practice: Why is it necessary for health visiting?
Authors: Baldwin Sharin
Published: May 2014

What constitutes advancing professional practice has been widely debated, as the term ‘advanced practice’ is associated with a range of nursing roles. Sharin Baldwin considers the skills, competencies and attributes required to advance health visiting practice.
Inaugural meeting a success for North of England Research Group
Authors: Whittaker Karen , Peckover Sue
Published: May 2014

Karen Whittaker and Sue Peckover established the North of England Research Group to provide a forum for health visitor practitioners and academics in the region to discuss research interests. Its first meeting saw lively debate and sharing of ideas.
The Lead Professional: Getting it right to coordinate care for children with exceptional health-care needs
Authors: Smith Joanna , Smith Annetta
Published: May 2014

Care coordination is a key aspect of supporting children and young people's health and wellbeing ( Kirk and Glendinning, 2004 ; Bachmann et al, 2009 ). The need for one person to coordinate care of children with complex and exceptional health-care needs is made clear in both research findings and current policy frameworks. The aim of this study, conducted in one health board in Scotland, was to identify existing coordinated care provision for children with exceptional health-care needs and whether the role of Lead Professional was enacted. A retrospective case-note review was conducted to identify current coordinated care provision and the Lead Professional. Findings suggested that there is a level of coordinated care in place for children and their families; however, aspects of the Lead Professional role need further investigation. In practice, enactment of the role of Lead Professional for children with exceptional health-care needs is variable. Further investigation of the Lead Professional role is needed so that coordinated care can be enhanced for children and their families.
Combating female genital cutting in the UK: The role of the health visitor
Authors: Dike Priscilla , Umoren Idongesit
Published: May 2014

Over the past 30 years, the prevalence of female genital cutting (FGC) in the UK has increased, despite legislation making the practice illegal. The Government has recognised the need for health professionals to become knowledgeable in both the health implications and the cultural aspects of this practice. Health visitors are well placed, given their proximity to families during the early years of a child's life, to identify girls at risk of FGC and enact interventions and strategies that will help to reduce its prevalence in affected communities. It is necessary to examine how the current role of the health visitor can be developed to aid the prevention and reporting of FGC in the UK if the aim of eradicating the practice is to be achieved.
Research roundup: May 2014
Authors: Condon Louise , Seal Joanne , Potter Barbara , Lewis (nee Smith) Lisa
Published: May 2014

In this section, a range of brief synopses of recently published articles that may be of interest to health visitors is presented. The aim of this roundup is to provide an overview, rather than a detailed summary, of the research papers selected. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided.
Peer supervision in health visiting
Authors: Bailey Beverley
Published: May 2014

Observation and peer review can be useful in developing professional practice. Bev Bailey considers the necessary elements of a successful approach to peer review.
An introduction to the role of the manager in the renal care setting
Authors: Ellis Peter , Abbott Jane
Published: May 2014

This article is the first in a series reviewing the fundamentals of the renal manager's role. It provides an overview of the key ingredients for good management and an insight into how new renal managers can use the skills they developed as practitioners and apply them to their new role.
Setting up an assisted automated peritoneal dialysis service
Authors: Hurst Helen , Manley Grace
Published: May 2014

In this article, Helen Hurst and Grace Manley describe how their team in Manchester set up an assisted automated peritoneal dialysis (aAPD) service. Their experiences demonstrate the use of aAPD in the UK, highlighting some of the drivers and literature in the field.
Green nephrology in Australia: recirculating reject water
Authors: Perkins Anthony , Simmonds Rosemary , Boddington Janeane , Hungerford Raelene , Agar John WM
Published: May 2014

Anthony Perkins and his colleagues describe how a renal medical unit in Australia is making considerate efforts to protect the environment. He outlines how the high-grade reject water gained through reverse osmosis (RO) is collected and recirculated, instead of being sent down the drains.
The role of the physiotherapist in the renal unit
Authors: Greenwood Sharlene
Published: May 2014

Renal physiotherapists are well placed to assess, counsel and prescribe exercise for patients at all stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Sharlene Greenwood describes the various areas in which physiotherapists have become involved to provide physical activity for patients with CKD.
Causes of stress in the renal unit
Authors: Ellis Peter , Abbott Jane
Published: May 2014

There is an increasing body of professional literature and discussion within the nursing press highlighting the impact of work-related stress both on nurses and on the development of nursing. It is therefore imperative that renal nurse leaders and managers gain a greater understanding of the causes of stress in nursing and implement strategies to overcome and address these. In this paper, we will examine some of the causes of stress for nurses in general and for renal nurses in particular.
Using motivational interviewing to encourage behaviour change
Authors: Pursey Victoria A
Published: May 2014

Have you ever experienced trying to get patients to change their lifestyle choices? Motivational interviewing could benefit you, your patients and clinical practice by eliciting positive behaviour change, as renal physiotherapist Vicky Pursey explains.
With thanks to Sarah Mackie, a founding member of this journal
Authors: Jenkins Karen
Published: May 2014

Since the launch of the Journal of Renal Nursing in 2009, cofounder Sarah Mackie has dedicated significant time and energy to the publication's development, and has played a major role in shaping it into the high-quality resource it is today. Following the news that Sarah will be stepping down from the editorial board, Karen Jenkins bids farewell to an inspirational nurse.
Intensified home haemodialysis: the good, the bad and the future
Authors: Tennankore Karthik K
Published: May 2014

Haemodialysis in the home environment has enabled the use of flexible, longer and more frequent treatment regimens. However, although there are numerous benefits, there are also risks associated with intense dialysis schedules. Karthik K Tennankore shares the findings of his recent review on the pros, cons and target populations for intensified home haemodialysis.
Chronic wounds and nursing care
Authors: Lindholm C. , Bergsten A. , Berglund E.
Published: May 2014

This study has collated data on the prevalence of chronic wounds and the demography of patients with these wounds. Diagnostic methods, nursing care, the presence of diabetes and pain are analysed, as well as data on healing, amputation and mortality three months post-study. A total of 694 patients were identified: 406 with leg or foot ulcers, 117 with pressure ulcers and 171 with other wounds. Most patients were treated in the community. Leg ulcer aetiology was verified with ultrasound Doppler examination. There was a correlation between low Norton score (< 20) and severity of pressure ulcer (Stage III or IV). The use of 113 different wound dressings or combinations of products was reported. Time spent on dressing changes was the equivalent of full-time employment for 57 nurses. Wound cleansing was not predominantly performed with tap water, as recommended, but with saline. Almost all patients with venous leg ulcers (88%) were treated with compression but in 35% of these support stockings were used.

Pain was present in almost half of all patients, more commonly in Stage III or IV pressure ulcers than in Stages I and II, and was most often reported in older patients.

Diabetes was present in 25% of all patients with leg and pressure ulcers, and in 57% of patients with foot ulcers. At three-month follow-up, 28% of pressure ulcers, 40% of leg ulcers and 61% of other wounds had healed. Mortality was 35% in patients with pressure ulcers, 4% in those with leg ulcers and 7% in those with foot ulcers.

These data have been presented to politicians in the county, resulting in allocation of resources for a wound healing centre.
Infection control properties of some wound dressings
Authors: Bowler P.G. , Jones S.A. , Davies B.J. , Coyle E.
Published: May 2014

The ability of some wound dressings to sequester and retain micro-organisms associated with wound fluid is perceived to provide beneficial properties regarding infection control. This study used an in vitro model to investigate and compare such properties in a range of fibrous absorbent dressings (alginate, hydrofibre and hydrophobic) . Dressings were challenged with a simulated wound fluid containing common wound pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Bacterial sequestering and binding levels were monitored over time.

A hydrofibre dressing and two calcium alginate dressings were shown to effectively sequester challenge organisms from a simulated wound fluid. However, the hydrophobic and hydrofibre dressings produced statistically significant results in their ability to adsorb and retain challenge organisms (p < 0.05).

These investigations have demonstrated that a hydrofibre dressing effectively sequesters and retains micro-organisms upon exposure to simulated wound fluid, and may therefore provide a passive mechanism for reducing the microbial load in wounds and in the surrounding environment. Further in vivo studies are required to investigate these dressing properties.
Enterocutaneous fistulae
Authors: Metcalf C.
Published: May 2014

A review of the types of enterocutaneous fistula and their management
Ulcer care in the Middle Ages
Authors: Naylor I.L.
Published: May 2014

A historical review of a document from 1392 detailing wound and ulcer care.
The aetiology and management of pilonidal sinus
Authors: Banerjee D.
Published: May 2014

A review of the treatment options for patients with this painful condition, which can be complex and difficult to treat
Management of chronic venous leg ulcers using a new autologous skin graft system
Authors: Beldon P.
Published: May 2014

This case report describes the treatment of extensive, long-standing venous leg ulcers using a new keratinocyte autograft in conjunction with esterified hyaluronic acid.
Motivation and compliance in wound management
Authors: Papadopoulos A. , Jukes R.
Published: May 2014

A review of health psychology research identifying factors that may influence outcomes in wound management.
A simple severity index for pressure ulcers
Authors: Emparanza J.I. , Aranegui P. , Ruiz M.M. , Perez E.
Published: May 2014

The aim of this study was to design and test a pressure ulcer severity score based on assessment by experienced clinicians.

Fifty pressure ulcers were each evaluated independently by seven experienced clinicians, using a scale that ranged from 0 (mildest damage) to 10 (most severe). Ulcer characteristics were analysed to determine which factors related to the assessments.

A second set of 50 ulcers was used to test the validity of the resulting scoring system. Inter- and intra-observer reliability were tested in a further 10 pressure ulcers.

A multivariate linear model was produced, based on the following three variables: colour (CO-matched-matched) in the wound base; depth (DE)?of the ulcer; and mean diameter (D)?of the wound (‘CODED’).

The coefficients for each variable were rounded to yield points in an additive equation, the CODED score. This score had a high correlation (r = 0.92, P<0.001) with the second set of evaluations, used to test the score performance.

The CODED score is a simple and valid tool to quantify the progress of a pressure ulcer. It has a high correlation with the severity assessment of experienced clinicians and is reliable when used by non-experienced observers.