bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Managing a patient with a rapidly progressing neurodegenerative condition
Authors: Ramaswamy Bhanu , Sheppard Amy
Published: May 2014

Background

This case report details aspects of the care of a patient with motor neurone disease (MND) who transferred to a rehabilitation ward for intervention following a fall at home. It reports the context and the journey travelled by both staff and the patient, following her admission. Although MND is a recognized degenerative condition, the rapidity of decline was not anticipated, as the expectation was one of recovery and of a functional return home.

Content

This article explores how management strategies had to alter to deal with the unexpected deterioration, offering an insight into the experiences of staff dealing with this neurological condition, the psychological distress to all concerned, and of the occasional conflict caused by differences in the approach to the management of the patient.

Conclusions

As the available literature does little to support the day to day practicalities of managing such an issue, this article offers reflection on the dilemmas experienced by all parties, with practical suggestions recommended that might assist others who find themselves in this situation.
Charity Profile – The Shaw Trust: vocational rehabilitation support
Authors: Elsmore Karen
Published: May 2014

While most patients working with therapists will have a successful return to their previous job following ill health or a personal injury, others may need a new direction, or even complete career change ,and require one to one support in finding new or alternative employment.
Comparing and contrasting health profiles: one dimension of critical thinking
Authors: Castle Alan
Published: May 2014

Background

Critical thinking skills are seen as being important for health professionals to operate effectively in a modern health care setting. As a result of this, for example, an undergraduate radiography curriculum involves defining, teaching and assessing appropriate components of critical thinking skills.

Contents

Using the example of the radiography curriculum, the components of critical thinking skills are explained. These components include: investigation, interpretation, application, generation, evaluation and justification. Each of these components can be divided into two dimensions to encourage students to focus on a specific intellectual skill. One dimension of the investigation component is being able to compare and contrast information requiring students to understand, analyse and differentiate data from a range of sources. Since knowledge and understanding of the social context of health is important in the delivery of high quality care, the Health Profiles of England have been used to illustrate how students might go about demonstrating this skill.

Conclusions

The worked examples involve analysing the data from two unitary authorities in order to identify key similarities and differences in people's health in each area and with the England average. Finally, possible reasons for any variations in terms of social, environmental and lifestyle factors were explored.
‘Appearing the team’: from practice to simulation
Authors: Stephens John , Abbott-Brailey Hilary , Platt Alan
Published: May 2014

Background: The growing trend in the development of high fidelity simulation within undergraduate health care education has produced a range of frameworks and guidelines to structure learning opportunities offered through simulation. An attempt to articulate the process of learning through simulation based on clinical practice experience would appear to be a useful step in the development of simulation-practice links in the provision of further options to facilitate students' learning and continuing professional development.

Content: The experience of team identity and integration for undergraduate health care students (n=16, adult nursing, physiotherapy, radiography) undertaking their first critical care practice placement is explored and used to underpin a reflective model to inform learning opportunities offered through high fidelity simulation. The analysis of human interaction offered by Erving Goffman through the use of dramaturgical metaphor is applied to frame the key emergent themes of the critical care experience—'observation', fitting in’, and ‘making a difference’—and shape the developing reflective model.

Conclusions: Within the proposed model, the importance of ‘space for reflection’ and ‘meaningful dialogue’ within the context, participation, accessibility, and credibility (CPAC) schema are critical aspects that facilitate the integration and development of confidence in task/technical and interpersonal competencies supporting effective clinical outcome.
Including open-ended questions in quantitative questionnaires—theory and practice
Authors: Harland Nicholas , Holey Elizabeth
Published: May 2014

Background: Though mixed-method approaches to medical and associated research are now relatively common, their use in physiotherapy research of musculoskeletal conditions remains rare.

Contents: Argument for use of qualitative open-ended questions as an adjunct to common quantitative methods is given. Examples of results from a mixed-methods study are used to demonstrate the argument.

Conclusions: The article concludes that using a comparatively simple method of adding open-ended questions to a quantitative self-report based questionnaire methodology can add significant value and depth to both the results and conclusions of studies undertaken.
The effect of cryotherapy and exercise on lateral epicondylitis: a controlled randomised study
Authors: Cherry Elizabeth , Agostinucci James , McLinden John
Published: May 2014

Aims: The purposes of this randomised clinical trial were to determine the effect that exercise, cryotherapy, and exercise with cryotherapy have on treating lateral epicondylitis. The therapeutic efficacy of a newly designed controlled release cold pack was also investigated.

Methods: Grip strength and pain were measured, and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (DASH) was given before and after a home programme consisting of either exercise only, exercise with a conventional cold pack, exercise with a Cryo-MAX®, and Cryo-MAX® without exercise. Cryo-Max® is the commercial name given to the cold pack that remains consistently cold for an extended time.

Findings: ANCOVA showed significant improvements between pre and post-treatment values for DASH, pain level, and grip strength for all subject groups receiving treatment. No treatment group was superior to the other, indicating that exercise and cryotherapy alone was as effective as the combination of exercise and cryotherapy. In addition, the type of cold pack used (conventional or Cryo-Max®) also showed no significant difference.

Conclusions: Exercise and cryotherapy used in isolation or in combination reduces the symptoms of lateral epicondylitis. Cryo-MAX® was preferred over conventional cold packs but it did not have any additional therapeutic benefit.
An unusual cause of falls
Authors: Barnard Keith
Published: May 2014

Case study: Falls and nausea can be due to malignancy
Preventing threadworms
Authors: Blake Janet
Published: May 2014

Hand hygiene is the key to beating threadworms, says Janet Blake.
How to prevent and diagnose malaria
Authors: Davies John
Published: May 2014

Providing up-to-date information on malaria prevention is essential.
Perioral dermatitis versus seborrhoeic dermatitis
Authors: Stollery Nigel
Published: May 2014

A pictorial comparison of perioral and seborrhoeic dermatitis
Ten ways to improve time efficiency in general practice
Authors: Applebee Kathie
Published: May 2014

Developing the right mindset and taking practical steps to improve how we use our time can ease workloads and help surgeries run smoothly
Breast cancer screening
Authors: Locke Imogen , Eeles Rosalind
Published: May 2014

Breast cancer is the commonest female malignancy in the UK; one in nine women will develop it during their lifetime.
Systemic sclerosis or scleroderma
Authors: Car Josip , Sheikh Aziz
Published: May 2014

This article provides a definition of systemic sclerosis orscleroderma and its epidemiology
The benefits of baby massage
Authors: Pigeon-Owen Kate
Published: May 2014

Infant massage is popular, but what are the benefits? Kate Pigeon-Owen explains.
Offering patients exercise on prescription
Authors: Speed Cathy
Published: May 2014

The benefits of exercise are well known and a prescription may be an extra incentive for patients. By Dr Cathy Speed
The benefits and risks of prescribing HRT
Authors: Morris David
Published: May 2014

HRT remains a valid treatment option. Dr David Morris explains when and how to use it
Raising heart health awareness
Authors: Whitehouse Maria
Published: May 2014

An open and honest consultation can encourage patients to change their lifestyle, says Maria Whitehouse.
How should abnormal results for liver tests be investigated?
Authors: Keogh  , Neuberger
Published: May 2014

Deciding how to follow up an abnormal liver test result can be difficult, say Dr Belinda Keogh and Professor James Neuberger.
Fissured tongue vs geographic tongue
Authors: Gnanapragasam Vasa
Published: May 2014

Fissured tongue Discriminatory signs Also known as ‘scrotal tongue’ or ‘lingua plicata’. Benign condition; usually painless.One or more shallow or deep grooves or fissures, which extend to the edges of the tongue.Fissures vary in depth and length and
Prescribing for fungal nail infections
Authors: Sherley-Dale Andrew
Published: May 2014

A variety of agents can be used to treat fungal nail infections, says Dr Andrew Sherley-Dale.
Cauda equina syndrome
Authors: Kochhar Suneeta , Rao Sudhir
Published: May 2014

Taking a careful history will help you pinpoint the cause of cauda equina syndrome, write Miss Suneeta Kochhar and Mr Sudhir Rao.
Green practice for nurses
Authors: Hill Barry
Published: May 2014

With spiralling energy costs, it is important to adopt policies that can save money as well as the environment, writes Barry Hill.
Diabetes Year of Care
Authors: Barr Fiona
Published: May 2014

A radical programme promises to transform care for people with diabetes
Improving health in schools Improving health in schools
Authors: Wild Sarah
Published: May 2014

Health and education are working together to improve young people's health and wellbeing, writes Sarah Wild.
A serious cause for the ‘common cold’
Authors: Newson Louise
Published: May 2014

Acute gastroenteritis can be extremely serious if left untreated.
A swollen wrist and confusion
Authors: Warburton Louise
Published: May 2014

Case Study: A hot, swollen and tender joint may indicate septic arthritis, writes Dr Louise Warburton.
Volunteering to work overseas
Authors: Wild Sarah
Published: May 2014

The introduction of new pension safe-guards has removed a barrier that prevented nurses volunteering overseas.
Chronic kidney disease
Authors: El Nahas A Meguid
Published: May 2014

Identifying and treating chronic kidney disease.
When to order blood tests and how to interpret the results
Authors: Rogers Melanie
Published: May 2014

Nurses who are not confident about interpreting blood test results should follow some simple steps.
Leg ulcers: part 1
Authors: White Richard , Stephen-Haynes Jackie
Published: May 2014

Overall key points, by Professor Richard White
Child health - Managing bed-wetting
Authors: Markham Julia
Published: May 2014

Bed-wetting is common but can be treated in primary care, writes Dr Julia Markham.
Diagnostics - Telecardiology speeds referrals
Authors: Kelshiker Amol , Hannah Dee
Published: May 2014

Dr Amol Kelshiker and Dee Hannah describe a community-based service that delivers rapid diagnostics.
Looking out for meningitis
Authors: Thakkar Raj
Published: May 2014

Rapid diagnosis and treatment of this disease is vital, says Dr Raj Thakkar.
Implementing a PCT-wide CVD prevention strategy
Authors: Ridley Jill
Published: May 2014

Effective prevention of CVD involves a whole ‘general practice team approach’.
Achieving best practice in tonsillitis
Authors: Lovatt Penny
Published: May 2014

Is a PIL more appropriate for throat infection than a pill? Penny Lovatt assesses the evidence.
Encouraging children to take more exercise
Authors: Andrews Crispin
Published: May 2014

Collaboration between health and sports organisations is helping to engage young people
MIMS Digital Learning
Authors: Ridley Jill
Published: May 2014

An innovative new educational product can help nurses learn about multi-detector computed tomography.
Primary care management of acne
Authors: Tubb Clive
Published: May 2014

Early assessment of disease severity will aid the selection of suitable therapies.
How to promote good health to young people
Authors: Andrews Crispin
Published: May 2014

School health promotion stands need careful planning.
Managing the vomiting child
Authors: Lovatt Penny
Published: May 2014

Accurate assessment of the dehydrated child is vital to inform treatment.
How to avoid needlestick injuries
Authors: Hill Barry
Published: May 2014

Needlestick injury is second only to back injury in terms of occupational hazards to nurses.
Ophthalmology – Dealing with iritis
Authors: Vafidis Gilli
Published: May 2014

This uncommon condition responds well to topical steroids and cycloplegics, writes Ms Gilli Vafidis.
Pain relief with fewer side-effects
Authors: Ritchie Mark
Published: May 2014

The side-effects of pain medication can prove problematic and affect compliance. Dr Mark Ritchie explains.
Cost-effective management of dyslipidaemia.
Authors: Kassianos George
Published: May 2014

Achieving optimal clinical outcomes while keeping prescribing costs down is the challenge in lipid management, writes Dr George Kassianos.
The threat of influenza
Authors: Aziz Zara
Published: May 2014

Health professionals should remain vigilant for cases of swine flu, writes Dr Zara Aziz.
Going the extra mile in health visiting
Authors: Stuttard Jamie
Published: May 2014

Meeting the needs of local patients has led to one nurse being hailed an ‘NHS Champion’.
Diagnosing infective rashes in children
Authors: Dickson Terrina
Published: May 2014

Viral causes of rash in childhood are common.
Diagnosing urinary tract infections in childhood
Authors: Newson Louise
Published: May 2014

Non-specific symptoms mean UTIs are difficult to recognise in children, says Dr Louise Newson.
Rise of the GP-led health centres
Authors: Lepper Joe
Published: May 2014

As the new ‘super-surgeries’ open, we consider the possible opportunities for nurses.
Clinical Focus - Benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Rees Rowland
Published: May 2014

Epidemiology, assessment and management options
Chronic cough in children
Authors: Gupta Atul , Bush Andrew
Published: May 2014

Cough may be the first sign of a serious disorder, write Dr Atul Gupta and Professor Andrew Bush.
Recognising and managing infected eczema
Authors: Van Onselen Julie
Published: May 2014

Prompt recognition and treatment of infection in eczema is essential to reduce exacerbations.
Potential causes of heartburn
Authors: Hashmi Taqi
Published: May 2014

A variety of GI disorders present with heartburn. Dr Taqi Hashmi outlines the common diagnoses.
Diagnosing facial ulcers in children
Authors: Goodyear Helen
Published: May 2014

Many conditions can cause facial ulcers in childhood.
Practical prescribing - Insurance cover for the newly qualified
Authors: Courtenay Molly
Published: May 2014

Molly Courtenay helps resolve everyday issues for nurse prescribers.
Avoiding back pain in primary care
Authors: Hill Barry
Published: May 2014

Employers must take steps to protect nurses' health.
Considering insulin for type-2 diabetes
Authors: Page Renee
Published: May 2014

People with type-2 diabetes may need to try different insulin regimens to find the one that suits their needs, writes Dr Renee Page.
Initiating asthma care in children
Authors: McFeeters Melanie
Published: May 2014

Making the diagnosis of asthma in children can be a challenge, writes Melanie McFeeters.
How to write medical statements
Authors: Cornforth Paul
Published: May 2014

Nurses need to know how to prepare statements for lawyers and the police.
Clinical Focus - Hip and knee replacements
Authors: Jeys Lee
Published: May 2014

There are several types of both hip and knee replacements and after care is important.
Vaccinating for travel to exotic destinations
Authors: Grieve Sandra
Published: May 2014

Travel to exotic locations can expose individuals to an increased risk of disease.
Finding a cause for elevated cholesterol
Authors: Brown Harry
Published: May 2014

High cholesterol and an informed patient led to further tests, writes Dr Harry Brown.
Prescribing for children
Authors: Morris David
Published: May 2014

A prescription may not always be the answer but where medication is required then careful consideration is needed, says Dr David Morris.
Rethinking services to protect patient care
Authors: Griffiths Julie
Published: May 2014

Innovation is required in a tough economic climate.
Forging partnerships with the police
Authors: Lepper Joe
Published: May 2014

District nurses have emerged as unlikely heroes in the fight against crime.
Case study - Investigating weight loss in an elderly patient
Authors: Newson Louise
Published: May 2014

Abdominal pain and weight loss were a cause for concern.
Clinical Focus - Bronchiectasis
Authors: Sita-Lumsden Ailsa , Wilson Robert
Published: May 2014

Aetiology, epidemiology, diagnosis and management
Dealing with sexual disorders
Authors: Woolf Josephine , Denman Margaret
Published: May 2014

Nurses must facilitate discussion without embarrassment.
West Nile virus: a seasonal threat?
Authors: Hill Barry
Published: May 2014

With the report of an outbreak of West Nile virus in mainland Greece, Barry Hill provides an update on its prevalence and of its potential impact on UK blood services
Practical prescribing - Drug calculations courses
Authors: Courtenay Molly
Published: May 2014

Molly Courtenay helps resolve everyday issues for nurse prescribers
Understanding and managing hypergranulation
Authors: Vowden Kathryn , Vowden Peter
Published: May 2014

Careful assessment and management of hypergranulation can result in spontaneous resolution.
Practical prescribing - The blood transfusion service
Authors: Courtenay Molly
Published: May 2014

Molly Courtenay helps resolve everyday issues for nurse prescribers
Improving adherence in psoriasis
Authors: Maguire Susan
Published: May 2014

In the second part of this series on psoriasis, the issue of adherence is discussed by Susan Maguire
Clinical focus - Parkinson's disease
Authors: Waterhouse Catheryne
Published: May 2014

Epidemiology, aetiology, diagnosis, management and palliative care
Testing for HIV in primary care
Authors: Aziz Zara
Published: May 2014

Increasing uptake of HIV testing in more clinical settings could help to achieve earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
Diagnosing ear problems in the elderly
Authors: Wright Beverley
Published: May 2014

Nurses should be aware of ear problems that elderly people can develop and which will need prompt referral.
Practical prescribing - Flu clinics and healthcare assistants
Authors: Courtenay Molly
Published: May 2014

Molly Courtenay resolves everyday issues for nurse prescribers
Case Study - Supporting a patient with heart failure
Authors: Cornforth Amber
Published: May 2014

It can take time for a patient to accept their diagnosis, writes Amber Cornforth.
Pulmonary rehabilitation for COPD patients
Authors: Pitchforth David
Published: May 2014

Pulmonary rehabilitation can improve patients' quality of life.
Pharmacological options for smoking cessation
Authors: Morris David
Published: May 2014

Smokers should be motivated to quit before health professionals decide to prescribe pharmacological treatments, Dr David Morris advocates
Practical prescribing - Qualifying as a prescriber
Authors: Courtenay Molly
Published: May 2014

Molly Courtenay helps resolve everyday issues for nurse prescribers.
Testing for hepatitis C
Authors: Hill Barry
Published: May 2014

In the fifth of his case studies on the role of laboratory testing, Barry Hill discusses hepatitis C virus infection
Managing multiple sclerosis
Authors: Robinson Gina
Published: May 2014

Multiple sclerosis is a multifactorial condition, and specialist nurses can help to co-ordinate referrals to appropriate services, Gina Robinson explains
Nursing with kindness and compassion
Authors: Forrest Caroline
Published: May 2014

Nurses must reassert the importance of kindness and compassion in their practice, to enable delivery of high-quality patient care, writes Caroline Forrest
Diet and bowel cancer prevention
Authors: Phillips Frankie
Published: May 2014

Different foods have been identified as causing bowel cancer. Frankie Phillips outlines recent evidence and suggests diet and lifestyle changes to reduce risk
Diabetes and nursing research
Authors: Mongin-Bulewski Carole
Published: May 2014

The latest research presented at Diabetes UK 2011. Compiled by Carole Mongin-Bulewski
Consultations with children
Authors: Edwards Marilyn
Published: May 2014

Consultations involving children and young people can provide a number of challenges but may prove highly rewarding where good rapport is achieved and trust gained.
Overview of vulval conditions
Authors: Hamdy Diane
Published: May 2014

The majority of vulval conditions can be managed in primary care, and practitioners play a key role in their diagnosis and management.
Respiratory syncytial virus
Authors: Duncan Debbie
Published: May 2014

RSV is a commonly occurring virus that has a huge impact on primary and secondary care.
Clinical focus - Malignant hyperthermia
Authors: Morris David
Published: May 2014

Epidemiology and aetiology, clinical features, management and prevention and susceptibility.
Diagnosing whooping cough to save lives
Authors: Jenkinson Doug
Published: May 2014

When patients complain of a lasting cough, nurses should think of whooping cough and check for possible infection of vulnerable infants, says Dr Doug Jenkinson
SSRIs, back pain and CVD
Authors: Mongin-Bulewski Carole
Published: May 2014

In-depth analysis of the latest research.
Using hypnotherapy in practice
Authors: Young Ghislaine
Published: May 2014

Hypnotherapy is a legitimate medical tool that can be an effective adjunct to conventional practice.
Stepping down from high-dose steroids
Authors: Stonham Carole
Published: May 2014

Much attention is given to how to raise the dose of steroids during an exacerbation of asthma but much less to reducing them afterwards.
Continuing to develop knowledge and skills
Authors: O'Connor Carole
Published: May 2014

Ongoing learning enables nurses to help raise standards.
Patient-centred consultations
Authors: Forrest Caroline
Published: May 2014

The nurse/patient relationship can become one of equals who bring different expertise to the decision-making process.
Prescribing contraceptives
Authors: Proctor Tina
Published: May 2014

Clinical judgement is required when prescribing contraception to women with co-existing conditions.
Developing cultural competence
Authors: McGee Paula
Published: May 2014

Cultural competence, particularly in palliative care, is a good professional practice which will benefit both healthcare organisations and service users.
Nursing interventions for adults with autism
Authors: Barber Christopher
Published: May 2014

Primary care nurses may have a role in supporting adults with autism spectrum conditions before, during and after diagnosis.
Using arts to improve access to palliative care
Authors: Faull Christina , Thakkar Dipti P
Published: May 2014

Minority ethnic groups commonly miss out on palliative care, but grassroots projects can increase awareness.
Supporting men with urinary incontinence
Authors: Pellatt Glynis Collis
Published: May 2014

Nurses have an important role to play in assessing and managing urinary incontinence in men.
Supporting asthma patients to exercise
Authors: Holmes Steve , Scullion Jane
Published: May 2014

Nurses can support asthma patients to exercise and to take steps to avoid exercise-induced asthma.
Chronic constipation in adults
Authors: Farmer Adam
Published: May 2014

Dr Adam Farmer discusses the management of chronic constipation with a focus on the consultation
Managing diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Popat Reena J , Kon Sui Phin
Published: May 2014

Diabetic nephropathy has a significant impact on the morbidity and mortality of people with diabetes, write Reena Popat and Sui Phin Kon.
Practical commissioning: your questions answered about influencing clinical commissioning
Authors: Gupta Andrea
Published: May 2014

As a nurse member of my CCG's governing body (and lead for long-term conditions/community services), I am struggling to get the executive team to appreciate the issue of practice nurse development and governance. They view this as the sole responsibility of the employer. I am keen to ensure practice nurses can access training and development to evolve services to meet local needs.
TAKING THE INITIATIVE: DAVE DAWES PROVIDES PRACTICAL ADVICE FOR NURSE LEADERS AND ENTREPRENEURS
Authors: Dawes Dave
Published: May 2014

Q: I am just starting out on my own as a freelance health professional and I am unsure what I should charge for my services? Could you advise?
Addressing overweight and obesity in babies and infants
Authors: Stewart Laura
Published: May 2014

Managing childhood obesity is challenging, involving engagement with the child, his or her parents and whole family.
Boost health through warmth
Authors: Midwinter Elaine
Published: May 2014

An award-winning scheme is helping vulnerable people to heat their homes sufficiently.
TAKING THE INITIATIVE: PRACTICAL ADVICE FOR NURSE LEADERS AND ENTREPRENEURS
Authors: Dawes Dave
Published: May 2014

Is it worth investing time and effort in social media and what are the key options, pros and cons?
Boosting antibiotic awareness
Authors: Storr Julie , Gallagher Rose
Published: May 2014

Nurses have an important role to play in reducing antimicrobial resistance, write Julie Storr and Rose Gallagher
Supporting patients to choose appropriate contraception
Authors: Kipps Sarah
Published: May 2014

Long-acting reversible contraceptives can improve adherence but may not be suitable for all patients, writes Sarah Kipps
Managing wound infection
Authors: Young Trudie
Published: May 2014

Infection can slow the time it takes for a wound to heal.Trudie Young looks at the guidance available to help nurses enhance their practice
Supporting the families of learning-disabled children
Authors: Barr Owen
Published: May 2014

“Children with complex health needs and their families have life-long needs that must be identified and addressed”
Management of asthma care
Authors: Cornforth Amber
Published: May 2014

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory system that is variable in severity, episodic in nature and affects people of every age group.
Smoking, statins and fish oils
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: May 2014

In-depth analysis of the latest research, compiled by Mark Greener
Treating acute pain in children
Authors: Watkins Jean
Published: May 2014

Following initial assessment, repeated checks must be made in order to control pain, writes Jean Watkins
An early snapshot of nurse involvement in commissioning
Authors: Parr Chris
Published: May 2014

Nurse engagement and inclusion in commissioning remains patchy, writes Chris Parr
AF, alcohol and kidney function
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: May 2014

In-depth analysis of the latest research.
Chocolate, water and jaundice
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: May 2014

In-depth analysis of the latest research.
Recognising cases of Legionnaires' disease
Authors: Duncan Deborah
Published: May 2014

The incidence of Legionnaires’ disease has risen sharply in recent years and primary care nurses must recognise the symptoms.
Migraine
Authors: Ahmed Fayyaz
Published: May 2014

Headache is a common symptom with a lifetime prevalence of 95 per cent in the general population.

Migraine is the most common cause of moderate to severe headaches.

Migraine is genetic and runs in families.

Chronic migraine is the most disabling form of migraine.

Analgesic overuse often complicates migraine.
Pills, pollution and probiotics
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: May 2014

In-depth analysis of the latest research.
Contraception choices for women
Authors: Cooper Maggie
Published: May 2014

Women have a wide choice of contraceptive choices, all of which are free in the UK, so different options should be explained to patients
Alcohol and breast cancer
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: May 2014

In-depth analysis of the latest research.
Identifying common lesions and rashes in elderly people
Authors: Burr Sara
Published: May 2014

Skin changes in elderly patients should be monitored, assessed and managed
Practical advice and support for the infant weaning process
Authors: Kochhar Suneeta
Published: May 2014

NUTRITION

There is still controversy surrounding the age at which babies should move onto solid food, says Suneeta Kochhar
Patient self-examination and education in testicular cancer
Authors: Peate Ian , Cohen Frances
Published: May 2014

TESTICULAR CANCER

Testicular cancer rates are increasing but nurses can educate men about self-examination, explains Ian Peate
The Open Doors practice nurse development programme
Authors: Souster Vicky
Published: May 2014

EDUCATION

A practice nurse training scheme in Tower Hamlets is a stepping stone for nurses, writes Vicky Souster
PMS, herbal medicines and fractures
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: May 2014

In-depth analysis of the latest research,compiled by Mark Greener
Diabetes and older people: ensuring individualised practice
Authors: Phillips Stephen
Published: May 2014

Diabetes mellitus is increasingly common in older people, partly because diabetes outcomes and risk management strategies have improved and partly because people are living longer and healthier lives.
The assessment of backache
Authors: Brown Harry
Published: May 2014

It is important to identify back pain caused by a serious underlying condition.
The diagnosis and management of psoriasis
Authors: Ijaz Naveed , Ali Faisal , Yell Jennifer
Published: May 2014

Patients should be aware of the chronic relapsing remitting course of psoriasis to guide treatment expectations
Diabetes deaths, eczema risk and obesity
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: May 2014

In-depth anaysis of the latest research
Adapting to workplace change
Authors: Forrest Caroline
Published: May 2014

People may go through four stages when negotiating change in the workplace, writes Caroline Forrest
Skin conditions in diabetics
Authors: Watkins Jean
Published: May 2014

COMPLICATIONS

Nearly three million people in the UK are known to have diabetes and many remain undiagnosed. Jean Watkins discusses some common presentations that can be indicators of undiagnosed diabetes
Viral cutaneous warts, in images
Authors: Watkins Jean
Published: May 2014

WARTS

Warts are common and varied. Jean Watkins discusses the different presentations, diagnosis and treatment options.
Stroke, diabetic teens, COPD
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: May 2014

Journals Watch

In-depth analysis of the latest research. Compiled by Mark Greener
Diagnosing appendicitis
Authors: Burton-Shepherd Alison
Published: May 2014

Acute Condition

Appendicitis symptoms have many differential diagnoses but failing to spot the condition can have serious consequences. Alison Burton-Shepherd explains
Assessing and managing atopic eczema in children
Authors: Lawton Sandra
Published: May 2014

Paediatrics

Atopic eczema is not always recognised as serious, but it can have a significant impact on children's quality of life, explains Sandra Lawton
Risk factors for musculo-skeletal injuries in Australian paramedics
Authors: Bronieck Monica , Esterman Adrian , Grantham Hugh
Published: May 2014

This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the individual, physical and psychosocial risk factors associated with back, neck and shoulder musculoskeletal pain, injuries and claims in paramedics.

An internet-based survey of an Australian ambulance service was conducted between May and June 2011. The questionnaire included individual (demographic and psychological) items, and questions on the physical and psychosocial aspects of the job. The outcome measures included pain, injuries sustained and claims in the previous 12 months.

Variables associated with pain included perceived heavy manual handling, not being consulted about work changes and the high physical and psychological consequences of the job including feeling worn out, while increased alcohol consumption was also found to be associated with pain. Variables associated with injuries included heavy manual handling, being consulted about work changes, work organisation factors, lack of psychological support from the line manager and feeling worn out. Variables associated with claims were older age, being female, having a busy last shift rotation, repetitive and heavy manual handling, worry about patient violence and increased alcohol consumption.

Perceived injury risk mitigation strategies included reducing the physical job demands, including reducing the weight of kit and equipment.
Atlanto-occipital dislocation in children: saving a life in the trauma field
Authors: Colo Dino , Tomlinson Lauren , Drummond Denis S
Published: May 2014

Traumatic atlanto-occipital dislocation is (AOD) a serious injury of the cervical spine that occurs in children. It is more common than previously thought and is estimated to account for 6–8 % of all fatal traffic injuries. The cause is usually a high energy trauma, resulting in a disruption of the ligaments and membranes that give support to the craniocervical junction between the occiput and the proximal cervical vertebrae. These supporting structures are incompletely developed in children, thus predisposing the paediatric population to develop an atlanto-occipital dislocation under traumatic circumstances. Early recognition and improved pre-hospital care have increased the survival rate and yielded a better prognosis for these children. Therefore, every high energy trauma, for example a traffic accident, should raise suspicion of atlanto-occipital dislocation, especially if combined with a significant head injury. Furthermore, symptoms originating from brain stem and spinal cord injury may be another sign of a dislocation. Early recognition of a possible atlanto-occipital dislocation, stabilisation and management in the trauma field and rapid transportation to the hospital are measures that improve the survival rate and prognosis of these children.
The paramedics' role in safeguarding and protecting children and young people
Authors: Brady Mike
Published: May 2014

In the aftermath of well–publicised child abuse cases such as the United Kingdom examples of Baby P and Victoria Climbie governments, communities and professions have begun to question their role in the protection and safeguarding of children and young people. Safeguarding, protection, abuse, neglect and need are all distinctly separate terms within their own right and yet jointly play a part in the safety assurance of children and young people. This article reviews the current literature and investigates a paramedics' role in safeguarding and protecting children and young people. It introduces future research possibilities and raises questions as to the education paramedics currently have in such an emphatic and emotive area of practice.
The 18th World Congress on Disaster and Emergency Medicine
Authors: Amaratunga Carol
Published: May 2014

Carol Amaratunga reports on the World Association of Disaster and Emergency Medicine's 18th World Congress on Disaster and Emergency Medicine, held this year in Manchester
Looking at contemporary pre-hospital trauma care systems
Authors: Meadley Ben
Published: May 2014

Care for patients suffering from major trauma varies greatly throughout the world. This may range from no response at all, to advanced systems comprising multiple levels of response. Much of the understanding of the management of civilian trauma has been drawn from military experience in times of war. Holistic, integrated trauma systems are well-established in many parts of the developed world. These contemporary trauma systems are complex, can be costly, and are a significant undertaking to establish.

Controversy surrounds the level of pre-hospital response, and the in-field skills required to improve patient outcomes. The ideal resourcing for pre-hospital response to trauma is not agreed upon, and requires further investigation. However, significant reductions in morbidity, mortality, suffering and societal burden can be expected following the establishment of an integrated trauma care system. A tiered response, encompassing basic and advanced level providers, who ultimately deliver patients to Major Trauma Centres, appears to be current best practice.
A survey of community paramedicine course offerings and planned offerings
Authors: Raynovich William , Weber Michael , Wilcox Michael , Wingrove Gary , Robinson-Montera Anne , Long Susan
Published: May 2014

Introduction: This paper reports on the results of a survey that was sent to every recipient of a standardised Community Paramedic™ (CP) curriculum. The survey was sent out to 223 post-secondary educators and Government officials. Out of 223 total surveys, 68 (30.49%) responses were received. Forty-seven of the 68 responses (69.11%) answered the question: ‘When are you planning on giving a community paramedic course?’; 35 of the 47 respondents (74.46%) indicated that their institution had already conducted a CP course, was currently conducting a CP course, or are planning on conducting a CP course within the next five years; of the additional 12 programmes (25.53%), 6 (13.0%) were waiting for state approval, and the other 6 (13.0%) were unknown as to when they would be offering a course.

Conclusions: At the time of the survey, many CP courses were in planning stages by programmes that had received the standardised CP curriculum, both in the US and internationally. It appears that the CP curriculum that has been disseminated internationally has been broadly accepted and will be widely utilised.
The landscape is changing
Authors: Glasper Edward Alan
Published: May 2014

The field of children’s and young people’s nursing is celebrating nearly 18 years in its current configuration, following Project 2000. In that time the parameters of care delivery for sick children, young people and their families have changed beyond recognition. Journal of Children’s and Young Peoples Nursing has been launched in recognition of the changing landscape of this maturing profession.
Measuring compliance to the NSF for children and young people in one English strategic health authority
Authors: Coles Lesley , Glasper Edward Alan , Fitzgerald Catherine , LeFlufy Trish , Turner Sarah , Wilkes-Holmes Chrissie
Published: May 2014

The audit tool reported in this article, has been constructed to objectively measure hospital compliance to standard 7 of the national service framework for children, young people and maternity services. This article reports on levels of compliance to the benchmarked criteria of the standard, in five discrete children’s hospital units across an English strategic health authority children, young people and maternity network. The audit results demonstrate that there are a number of areas that will require further work before all the criteria of the standard are fully met within the specified time period envisaged by the Department of Health. This paper will also be of interest to children and young people’s nurses in other countries with similar policy drivers.
New code of conduct recalls Florence
Authors: Glasper Edward Alan
Published: May 2014

Florence Nightingale was born in Florence, Italy, in 1820 and died in 1910 after a long and dignified career as the nursing profession’s first great icon. As the daughter of William Nightingale of Embly Park it is fitting that she was buried in the family vault at St Margaret’s church in the Hampshire village of East Wellow. The most recent annual memorial service at St Margaret’s church was held on Sunday the 12th May 2007, the date of her actual birthday, to celebrate her life 187 years after her birth. At this service nurses from many parts of the world gathered to remember Nightingale’s legacy to health care. In the context of the new draft Nursing and Midwifery Council’s (NMC) Code of Conduct for nurses and midwives published in the same week it is salutary to note that Nightingale is attributed as saying to her probationer nurses ‘first do the patient no harm’, surely the precursor to the code itself.
Stand up and be counted!
Authors: Long Tony
Published: May 2014

Key values in interprofessional working with children and young people; improving child and adolescent mental health services; models for delivering advocacy services for children and young people; reducing inequalities in outcomes for children under 5 years of age–at least one of these issues must be of importance to you. All of these issues are the subject of current consultations from a variety of organizations and departments. So why is it that we are so reluctant to respond to consultations?
Valuing the views of patients
Authors: Coles Lesley
Published: May 2014

For many years, my colleagues and I working within our Children’s Unit have engaged with children, young people and their families by seeking their views on the services we provide. We work closely with the PALS team and with patient forums to try and meet the stringent policy standards related to public consultation. We hold twice-yearly meetings for children, young people and parents to share with us their experiences of being either an inpatient, or outpatient. We use these meetings to hear first hand their experiences of what it is like to be a patient and discuss any concerns or complaints they might have. We feedback to the individual wards or departments and provide feedback to the children and young people on how we have resolved the issues, or if we have been unable to do so, why this is the case. We try to keep the group informed of new developments within children’s services, for example different ways of working, and we ask for their views on any changes we make. Importantly we always ask for their opinions on leaflets, new policies/guidelines, benchmarking tools and patient diaries.
Challenges facing newly qualified children’s nurses communicating with parents of hospitalized children
Authors: MacDermott Siobhan
Published: May 2014

The nurse-parent relationship is considered to be the cornerstone of quality children’s nursing care (Espezel and Canam, 2003). Although this long-standing view is incorporated in the philosophy of family-centred care and widely promoted (Casey, 1995), it is unclear as to how successfully it is practiced. The extent to which nurses are able to communicate effectively with parents of sick children has not been well documented. While several studies in recent years have explored parental involvement in the care of their child (Fenwick et al, 1999; Kirk, 2001; Coyne, 2006) few exam communication as an essential element underpinning such interaction. In addition, few studies highlight the experiences of newly qualified nurses in relation to nurse-parent communication. Further, the congruency between parental expectation of nurse-parent interaction and the nurses’ ability to meet these expectations is even less certain.
The challenges of involving young people in the planning of a continuing professional development module
Authors: Fallon Sue , Smith Joanna
Published: May 2014

Health policy and education directives emphasize the need to involve service users and carers in the design, development and evaluation of programmes of study offered to healthcare students. This must be balanced with ensuring learning meets the needs of the students and the requirements of stakeholders involved in the commissioning of educational programmes. This project was undertaken to elicit teenagers and young people with cancer views in relation to the content of a continuing professional development module entitled ‘adolescents with cancer’ and analysis of the students’ evaluations of the module. The young people identified topics they felt were important to include in the module, with an understanding of and using humour given the highest priority. Making changes to the module in light of the young people’s suggestions resulted in apprehensions for the module team. The challenges included developing the knowledge and skills to effectively deliver a session relating to the use of humour in relation to caring for teenagers and young people with cancer, and ensuring changes to the module content were appropriate to meet the needs of the students. Overall the student’s evaluations of the module and the session relating to humour in nursing were positive.
Out of Athens, looking forward
Authors: Glasper Edward Alan
Published: May 2014

At the first international congress on paediatric nursing, hosted by The International Paediatric Association (IPA) as part of their 1998 congress meeting in Amsterdam, the nurses there launched the International Association of Paediatric Nurses (IAPN). The Dutch Association of Pediatric Nurses, with the support of the International Pediatric Association (IPA), was highly instrumental in developing the IAPN and subsequently the Paediatric Nursing Association of Europe, which was established in April 2003 as a regional group of the IAPN to encourage collaboration between professional organizations for nurses caring for children and young people in Europe. Prime movers in these initiatives have been JCYPN board members Corry van den Hoed-Heerschop, from the Dutch Association of Paediatric Nursing, and Dr Imelda Coyne, newly appointed associate professor and director of children’s nursing research at Trinity College Dublin. This is highly significant, not only because it demonstrates the growing maturity of a profession dedicated to the care of sick children everywhere, but also because of these individuals’ willingness to actively collaborate with other professionals in the pursuit of this goal.
The internet as an information source for parents in talking to children about genetic conditions
Authors: Plumridge Gill , Metcalfe Alison , Coad Jane
Published: May 2014

During the last 25 years there has been a gradual move towards more open communication with children and young people about the realities of chronic health conditions affecting themselves or members of their families. With genetic conditions, parents face not only telling children about the management of the condition, but also about potential future risks. Most parents want to discuss these issues with their children but have found little available help or support. The internet is one source of advice parents may consult.

For this aurvey the internet was searched for web pages advising parents about talking to children about genetic or other chronic health conditions. Fourteen pages from 12 websites were found relating to genetic conditions and a further 30 to other chronic health conditions. These were analysed for content and for issues relating to reliability.

The sites confirmed to parents that it was important to talk to their children and gave advice about how they should act when doing so, but little practical advice about how they could approach this task. Children’s feelings and emotions were rarely mentioned and there was very little advice about discussing genetics and heredity. Pages relating to other chronic illnesses gave a little more advice on what to tell children and a few more practical suggestions for how to do this. When compared to a meta-synthesis of previous research relating to family communication about genetic conditions, there was some mismatch between the information parents need and that provided by websites. Nurses must be aware of parents’ need for help in communicating with children about genetic conditions, and that if they search the internet the content and quality of advice they find will be variable and there will potentially be important areas that are not covered.