bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Referencing
Authors: Dunbar Amanda , Stewart Heather
Published: May 2014

While reading articles in this Journal you will notice at the end of each article there is a list of references, which have been referred to throughout the article. This piece aims to introduce you to the world of referencing, and help you to make sense of it.
Distance learning course for HCAs working in primary care
Authors: Woodhead Helen , Bates Mavis
Published: May 2014

Distance learning training allows healthcare assistants (HCAs) in primary care to work at their own pace alongside a mentor. This is why we felt it necessary to set up such a facility that was university accredited and primary-care focused.
Your questions answered...
Authors: Nazarko Linda , Owen Marnel
Published: May 2014

In this section, members of the editorial board will answer your questions. To submit a question send it to bjhca@markallengroup.com or write to: BJHCA, St Jude's Church, Dulwich Road, London, SE24 0PB
New skills for HCAs: Management
Authors: Longbottom Anne
Published: May 2014

Healthcare assistants (HCAs) are playing an increasingly important role in healthcare in the UK. As numbers increase, the need for leaders within the profession becomes more important. This article explores key skills that HCAs need to effectively lead within their organizations.
Are we as caring as before?
Authors: Humphrey Deborah , Grainger Angela
Published: May 2014

As roles change and develop, many would argue that the caring role of the nurse is reducing as there is more of a focus on the technical skills. Deborah Humphrey and Angela Grainger debate whether nurses are as caring as before.
What is `Skills for Health'?
Authors: Eaton Anne
Published: May 2014

Have you ever wondered what are the competences you need to do your job and how they are developed; what are National Occupational Standards and National Vocational Qualifications; which of them are relevant to your role and who develops them? This article describes some of the work of Skills For Health, the Sector Skills Council for the UK health sector.
Coping with grief and advice on appropriate support
Authors: Wilson David , Becker Robert
Published: May 2014

David Wilson lost his two children in a terrible accident while on holiday seven years ago. He shares his experience of grief and Robert Becker, Macmillan Senior Lecturer in Palliative Care, gives some advice on how to care for grieving patients.
Research articles (part 2)
Authors: Dunbar Amanda , Stewart Heather
Published: May 2014

In clinical practice we strive to provide the highest level of care for our patients. One way in which we can ensure this is to incorporate the results of research into what we do, however, we need to be able to judge and evaluate the quality of a piece of research and the relevance to our patient groups. This article provides a framework for that evaluation. Most research articles will be structured in broadly the same way. When reading each section, key questions should come to mind. It is important to recognize that very rarely will a study exactly mirror your practice, so each section should be considered on a scale. If a study rates highly in each of the areas outlined below, you should strongly consider whether it is appropriate to change your practice in light of the research findings.
A community-based healthcare assistant
Authors: Grimshaw Maggie
Published: May 2014

Maggie Grimshaw is a community healthcare assistant who has been working in healthcare for 40 years and for the last 17 of those she has been in the community setting
A language barrier
Authors: Broderick Linda
Published: May 2014

A patient was admitted to my unit from another intensive therapy unit, she spoke no English and had a tracheostomy. Within thirty minutes we managed to find a healthcare professional within the hospital who could speak Italian, to explain to the patient that she was in hospital, quite safe, that her daughter had been informed and would be arriving in about an hour. When the daughter arrived, she was able to relay the patient's preferences and needs which we decided to not only record in her notes but to also make a list which was kept on the desk by her bed to make it easier for staff involved in her care. The daughter also wrote down lots of useful questions in both Italian and English, enabling us to try our hand at a bit of Italian and for the patient to point to any of the questions she wished to ask us. We also went on the internet and found some useful words we were able to use.
Evaluating the use of a reflective diary for assistant practitioners
Authors: Mackey Hazel , Whitfield Louisa
Published: May 2014

This article examines the use of a reflective diary approach to the supervision of assistant practitioners (APs). A qualitative methodology was used to understand the experiences and insight of APs and their supervising therapists. The evaluation took place in a single health-care trust and involved focus groups with two groups of stake holders: APs and their supervising therapists.

The findings came from a study which demonstrates that the reflective diary has the potential to be a valuable tool in the supervision of APs who are attempting to learn new skills, and balance expectations and performance as they define and clarify new working practices. Findings indicate that a reflective diary approach to supervision is useful to APs in developing clinical decision making skills and confidence. It is also a useful tool for supervising therapists to use, explore and reflect on competence and delegation issues.
Chaperoning guidelines
Authors: Peate Ian
Published: May 2014

All patients, regardless of their age, gender, ethnic heritage, culture, sexual orientation or mental status have the right, if they so wish, to have a chaperone present during care interventions; this is irrespective of organizational constraints or setting. Healthcare assistants (HCAs) and assistant practitioners (APs) who are requested to act as a chaperone should have the competence to carry out the role effectively.

The chaperone can be a formal, informal or virtual. The HCA or AP who has undergone training can provide patients with support during examinations and procedures, offering them comfort, reassurance and safeguarding against any unnecessary discomfort, pain, humiliation or intimidation. In general, the role of the chaperone is to ensure that the patient's privacy, dignity and wellbeing are protected at all times. This guidance is offered for the protection of patients and staff.
Ageing part 3: the digestive, endocrine, genitourinary and immune systems
Authors: Peate Ian
Published: May 2014

This third and final article in the series looks at how the gastrointestinal, endocrine, immune and genitourinary systems are affected by ageing. Ageing is a normal process that is accompanied by pathophysiological changes. Gastrointestinal problems experienced by the older person are common; age-related changes associated with some of these problems are caused by muscle weakness. The problems experienced by the older person can impinge on their ability to ingest, digest and excrete waste products. Age-related changes, for example, in those associated with the pancreas can cause a decrease in glucose tolerance and there can be an ineffective release of insulin from the pancreas. When a person ages there is a known general decline in immunocompetence, which could result in the older person developing chronic diseases and disorders. By the time a person reaches the age of 85 years of age renal function has reduced by half, this has implication for the person's health and wellbeing.

There is an ageing population and healthcare assistants and assistant practitioners are likely to care for older people in a variety of health and social care settings. Understanding more about the ageing population can help the carer help the older person in a number of ways; the outcome can have a significant effect on an individual's quality of life.
A general practice HCA
Authors: Smith Fiona
Published: May 2014

I have worked in the healthcare environment since leaving school, I started off in the local hospital as a clerical officer in the medical records department and as the years went on I worked in many other hospital departments within the hospital setting,
Euthanasia: the debate
Authors: Neville Lillian , Gawthorpe Dawn
Published: May 2014

People should have a choice about when to end their life. This supports a person's right to autonomy or self-determination. Mary Warnock, a philosopher now 83 years old reports that she dreads dying slowly without all the things she values and would wish not to become ‘an object of pity and terror’ (Warnock, 2007).
Unlocking and realizing potential
Authors: Smith Brenda
Published: May 2014

Every day in wards and departments in the acute healthcare setting we work as a team delivering quality evidence-based care to the best of our ability. But do you ever look at your colleagues and recognize potential? When we do recognize it, what can we do to help them unlock and realize this potential? What are the barriers? And how can they be overcome?

This paper tells the story of this very process, - how a small number of healthcare assistants aspired to be scrub practitioners in an obstetric theatre, and achieved it.
The prevention and management of skin tears
Authors: Lloyd Jones Menna
Published: May 2014

Healthcare assistants and assistant practitioners often work very closely with patients. It is therefore important to have a good understanding of skin tears so that they can be minimized or avoided completely where possible. This article outlines the different types of skin tears, lists the risk factors and explains how to treat them.
Small people, big challenges: working with children
Authors: Denyer Simon , Kemp Philip
Published: May 2014

This article explains the role of the healthcare assistant (HCA) in paediatrics from the point of view of an HCA working in paediatric theatre. The article serves as an introduction to a series of articles on paediatrics and the different duties, issues and expectations involved in the care of children and young adults.
A new way to manage GP appointments
Authors: Warren Jackie , Evans Justin
Published: May 2014

Making the most of GPs’ time is an ongoing challenge in primary care. A new system, developed by GPs at Stour Surgery in Christchurch, Dorset and launched to the NHS recently by the NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement, has been designed to improve patient access to healthcare and give GPs control over their working day.
Ordinary clothes for extraordinary people
Authors: Kelly-Smith Maureen
Published: May 2014

It was not the likes of Kate Moss or Naomi Campbell who turned out to model for a fashion show on November 10th 2007, it was seven extraordinary people, some of whom had battled cancer and other life threatening diseases, they modelled as part of an open day to raise money for charity. This was hosted by the Ileostomy Association Charity for Berks, Bucks, and Oxon, and supported by SecuriCare (Medical) Ltd. who also sponsor the Stoma Care Nurses who work at Wycombe Hospital.
Be prepared for the ban
Authors: Dickens Geoff
Published: May 2014

Healthcare assistants will be on the frontline when the ban on smoking in inpatient psychiatric units commences in July 2008. This article aims to give a realistic account of the issues, the implications of, and ethics associated with the ban.
An overview of bowel care: constipation
Authors: Foxley Susan , Vosloo Riette
Published: May 2014

Caring for patients who experience constipation is a common feature of clinical nursing practice, for some patients’ this is essential to their medical management. Constipation is a symptom and not a disease which is often a result of an underlying anatomical or functional problem. The term constipation can mean different things to different people. It can be a feeling of difficulty of passing stool, accompanied by excessive straining; or a complaint of infrequent bowel movements. Frequency of bowel movement varies widely in the population, and it is considered normal to pass stools between three times a day and three times a week.
Caring for the person with a pulmonary embolism
Authors: Peate Ian
Published: May 2014

Pulmonary embolism can be very dangerous and must be treated as soon as possible once diagnosed. If it is treated quickly there is a high chance of survival, however, if diagnosis is delayed or there is another underlying illness, likelihood of survival is reduced.

There is a glossary at the end of the article which provides definitions of words you may not be familiar with.
In a hospice
Authors: Tuffin Liz
Published: May 2014

For the past 13 years I have worked at the Severn hospice, Shrewsbury which is a registered charity receiving only 36% of its funding from the NHS. All services are given free of charge and specialist palliative care is provided by a multi-disciplinary team. The hospice has 21 beds over two wards and also a day unit. The majority of patients have cancer but we also provide care to patients who suffer from other progressive illnesses, for example multiple sclerosis (MS), motor neurone disease (MND) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The dos and don'ts of writing for publication
Authors: Barber Christopher
Published: May 2014

It's 10.30 pm on a Thursday evening. You have just finished a long shift and your colleagues have suggested a couple of pints at the pub. The conversation in the pub, for some strange reason, turns to the subject of writing. One of your mates says to you: ‘How does the idea of writing an article about the work that you do for the British Journal of Health Care Assistants grab you?’. You look at your mate with a mixture of amusement, puzzlement and incredulousness. ‘Yes, I dare you to,’ someone else pipes in and before you can engage your brain you hear yourself say ‘you’re on’! ...
Caring for the person with irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Peate Ian
Published: May 2014

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a collection of symptoms associated with the gastrointestinal tract and is also known as irritable colon, spastic colon or mucous colitis. One third of the population will experience symptoms at some time and it can occur at any age, with people typically seeking help between 20 and 40 years of age. This article considers causes, diagnosis and treatment of IBS.
An introduction to shock
Authors: Mulryan Chris
Published: May 2014

The early recognition and initial management of shock is a key role performed by healthcare assistants and assistant practitioners. Shock though is a complicated condition with multiple causes. In this article, the subject of shock will be explained, with the intention of increasing your confidence in caring for the shocked patient.
Human Rights Act 1998
Authors: Hughes Rhidian
Published: May 2014

Human rights were first defined after the second world war in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948 which was followed by the UK’s commitment to the European Convention on Human Rights in 1951. The Human Rights Act 1998 (HRA) was one of the first pieces of legislation the new Labour Government enacted and came into force on 2 October 2000. It enables human rights to be directly enforced in UK courts and provides the bedrock for all new legislation to be HRA compliant.
Body fluids: components and disorders of seminal fluid
Authors: Peate Ian
Published: May 2014

Healthcare assistants (HCAs) and assistant practitioners (APs) strive to provide care that is safe and effective. Understanding how body fluids work, their function and the changes that may occur in health and ill health can help the HCAs and APs offer care that is informed and sensitive. Seminal fluid is an important fluid associated with male reproductive health. Changes that occur with seminal fluid can have implications for a man’s ability to father a child; pathophysiological changes that take place can impinge on a person and his partner’s health and wellbeing. This article provides an overview of seminal fluid, spermatogenesis and semen analysis.
Pharmacology - a systems approach: female hormones
Authors: Hennefer Dawn , Lawson Elizabeth
Published: May 2014

This is the third and final article related to the endocrine system and centres on the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone. Initially the normal cyclic hormonal events of the menstrual cycle are described followed by an account of the use of hormones for hormonal replacement therapy and contraceptive purposes. Campbell and Pickard (2007) report on the National Statistics report of 2005 stating that 62 million prescriptions for combined oral contraceptives and 12 million prescriptions for progesterone only contraceptives were issued. This highlights the enormity of contraceptive use and the likelihood of the healthcare assistants and assistant practitioner encountering this medication.
Support for carers
Authors: Hughes Rhidian
Published: May 2014

Carers look after family, friends or neighbours who need help because of illness, disability or mental health needs. Support can take a number of forms, including help with basic household activities like shopping or laundry; encouraging people to do things for themselves; and undertaking personal care including washing, dressing and using the toilet.
Clostridium difficile: resistant spores can last years
Authors: Chapman Hazel
Published: May 2014

This article looks at Clostridium difficile (C. difficile). We examine its history and growth, and discuss how you can help to diagnoze, treat, and limit the spread of the infection. C. difficile bacteria is the major cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, and has received huge media coverage in previous years after large outbreaks and deaths occurred in English hospitals
Skills for Health launches core standards
Authors: Halford Kathryn
Published: May 2014

The recent publication of the Core Standards for Assistant Practitioners (APs) by Skills for Health is a welcome development for the healthcare sector, but the benefits won't only be felt by HR directors or workforce managers.
Book Reviews
Authors: Barber Christopher
Published: May 2014

Knowledge is power, according one of the contributors of this book. If it is the function of a book like this to share knowledge, and so give power to the reader, how well does Caring for People with Learning Disabilities fulfil this brief?
Be a star!
Authors: Hand Tanis
Published: May 2014

Well here we are, the start of a new era for me, just as 2009 draws to a close. Roll on 2010 and let's hope it's a good year for all of us! With Christmas approaching, it seems fitting to tell you about a bright star that I saw recently.
A new approach to oxygen therapy in adults
Authors: Mulryan Chris
Published: May 2014

Oxygen is one of the most commonly used drugs in hospitals. How oxygen is prescribed and administered though is not always based on the best available evidence. A new guideline recently published by the British Thoracic Society seeks to standardize how oxygen should be used in adults who are acutely ill. As healthcare assistants and assistant practitioners frequently care for patients who are the recipients of oxygen therapy, this guideline will have important implications for practice.
Caring for the person with otitis media
Authors: Peate Ian
Published: May 2014

Any health condition that impinges on the special sense of hearing can have a negative bearing on a person’s health and wellbeing as well as potentially impacting on their ability to carry out the activities of living and maintaining a safe environment. The healthcare assistant and assistant practitioner must have an understanding of the anatomy and physiology associated with the ear and hearing if they are to help those people who experience otitis media. This article provides an outline of the anatomy and physiology of the ear, the signs and symptoms associated with otitis media, an overview of the diagnosis and the treatment and care of the person with the condition. Finally a glossary of terms is presented.
Perioperative Theatre Assistant
Authors: Ledger Lorraine
Published: May 2014

Edith Cavell Hospital currently hosts five theatres which perform mostly elective surgery including orthopaedics, ear, nose and throat, ophthalmology, urology and general surgery consisting of breast and laparoscopic work. We also perform some emergency cases but unless it happens on my shift the ‘on call’ team have that pleasure. I work 37.5hrs a week and my shift pattern consists of four working days. Two days from 8am-6pm and one from 8am-5.30pm (which always feels like a half day!) Occasionally I am required to do an extra long 9am-7pm which tends to cause a collective groan on the home front.
A Titanic effort
Authors: Tremayne Vincent
Published: May 2014

The Royal Mail Steamship Titanic was built by the White Star Line for the transatlantic passenger and mail service between England and New York. On the 10th April 1912 the Titanic set sail from Southampton with 2200 passengers and crew. At the time of her maiden voyage, she was the largest vessel afloat and was famously thought by many to be unsinkable.
Caring for the person with gastritis
Authors: Peate Ian
Published: May 2014

Gastritis (inflammation of the lining of the stomach) can be acute or chronic. Healthcare assistants and assistant practitioners are likely to care for people with gastritis in a variety of care settings and so it is important that they understand the condition and the care required. This article provides the reader with a brief overview of the gastrointestinal tract along with the clinical manifestations associated with the condition and the investigations carried out that can lead to a definitive diagnosis. The care required for the person is outlined as well as an overview of some potential teaching opportunities. A glossary of terms is provided.
The NHS Constitution
Authors: Hughes Rhidian
Published: May 2014

This year Government introduced a bill of rights for health services known as the NHS Constitution (Department of Health (DH), 2009a). It sets out the underlying principles of the NHS, rights and responsibilities associated with health services for both people using health services as well as staff.
Have your say!
Authors: Mullen Chris
Published: May 2014

A national group was set up in October 2008 to review the role of the assistant practitioner (AP) in England. The group was coordinated by Skills for Health and supported by the author, other employers and educational providers. A scoping exercise was commissioned from MacKinnon Associates to gain understanding of the education and training that APs have undertaken. They also collected as much information as possible on the job that APs do through undertaking telephone interviews and collecting and analysing as many job descriptions as they could within the time frame available.
Race Relations Acts
Authors: Hughes Rhidian
Published: May 2014

The 1976 Race Relations Act serves to protect people from discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins. It is concerned with people's actions and does not cover opinions or prejudices. Amendments to the Race Relations Act came into force in 2001. This Act outlaws discrimination in all public and private sector bodies. The new legislation now places a duty on services to promote race equality, equal opportunities and positive race relations.
In an eye hospital
Authors: Adkinary Anita
Published: May 2014

Moorfields Eye Hospital is situated in central London; it is home to some of the most advanced and pioneering eye surgery being carried out worldwide. As well as having a total number of nine theatres on site, it also has theatres at six of the outreach sites, meaning that many patients only have to travel a short distance from home to receive their surgery.
HCAs: what is the problem?
Authors: Standfield Robert
Published: May 2014

Skills for Health are at the forefront of workforce development and competence-based workforce transformation. Our approach has been developed with employers in the NHS, independent and third sectors. The methodology has been proven to be effective in projects across the UK since 2002, from large-scale service transformation to incremental team changes.
Let's confer
Authors: Williams Joe
Published: May 2014

In previous professional incarnations, I have sometimes suspected that my attendance at conferences merely represented an alternative to actual work. There were times when working in other sectors that the value of train fares, taxi rides and hotel stays seemed highly questionable. Staring vacantly at the accumulating doodles on my branded note pad during my fourth day that working week away from my desk, listening to another presentation of tenuous relevance to the question at hand, I would sometimes half construct a question to voice at the end of a session, before taking in the urgency with which fellow delegates were eyeing the finger food buffet and realizing that any man who would prolong their endurance of our meandering presenter-and postpone their imbibement from the recently wheeled in coffee vats or delay their assault on the chicken satay-may never redeem himself among his fellow professionals.
Dual sensory impairment: causes and diagnosis
Authors: Swann Julie
Published: May 2014

The two senses of sight and hearing provide the majority of information that people gain from their environment but problems can arise at birth or during childhood and adult life. There are many causes of impairments of sight and vision that result in deafblindness, also called dual sensory loss. Patients who have dual sensory loss will have problems managing within a clinical setting and coping with everyday life.

Previous articles in this series have concentrated on vision and hearing as two separate entities. This article explains the reasons for dual sensory loss and outlines ways that HCAs and APs can ensure that patients are helped, particularly within a clinical setting.
Privacy please...Taking a sexual health history
Authors: Peate Ian
Published: May 2014

Sexuality is an integral aspect of our health and wellbeing, and needs to be addressed competently and confidently. This article outlines the principle elements of taking of a sexual health history.

We all have a right to enjoy sex and to access good sexual health services. Healthcare assistants (HCA) and assistant practitioners (AP) have a responsibility to care for people from a holistic perspective, providing individual and responsive sexual health care where appropriate.
Contraception choices: a focus on birth control for women
Authors: Cooper Maggie
Published: May 2014

There are many available methods of contraception both available and free in the UK. In spite of this unplanned pregnancy remains a problem. This article looks briefly at the current methods of contraception; how they work, efficacy rates and some of the advantages and disadvantages. Healthcare assistants can play an important role in educating the women in their practices about the types of contraception available and how they can be accessed.
Betrayed by targets
Authors: Green Barrie
Published: May 2014

Like many people, until the media frenzy that surrounded the Francis Report (2010) and the action of the Care Quality Commission (CQC), I was totally unaware of the detail of the scandal that had unfolded in Mid Staffordshire Foundation Trust. This area of middle England, surrounded by beautiful countryside, is typical of many parts of the UK. But the pursuit of foundation status, the drive to meet targets and the resultant ‘appalling’ standards of care are alleged to have led to 400-1200 deaths in three years (ibid). Can this be a typical town in middle England? If it was a war-torn nation we would be shocked and sickened.
Breast screening: questions and answers
Authors: Curtis Judi
Published: May 2014

The high incidence of breast cancer in women is a cause of much anxiety to them, to the extent that some are so scared of the disease that they prefer ‘not to know’, and avoid breast screening. Others have concerns and uncertainties about the procedure that put them off attending. The healthcare assistant and assistant practitioner can play an important role in explaining the statistics, answering questions about the process of breast screening, and giving women the reassurance they need to accept their invitations for screening and undergo this potentially life-saving procedure.
Tools for dealing with depression and anxiety
Authors: Carr Caroline
Published: May 2014

This article is the first in a short series on depression and anxiety. It explores the impact of depression and anxiety on the people who are close to the sufferer. Future articles will look at how HCAs can help patients who are depressed or anxious, and how the HCA can prevent depression, anxiety and other stress factors at work from affecting them.
Customer care: managing complaints
Authors: Peate Ian , Walsh Peter
Published: May 2014

Most of the time care provided to people in the National Health Service (NHS) and by other care providers such as those in the independent and voluntary sectors is of a high standard with positive outcomes. However, things do go wrong from time to time and complaints are made. This article provides an understanding of how concerns and complaints should be managed in health and social care settings, with the aim to make the organisation that employs Health Care Assistants (HCA) and Assistant Practitioners (AP) an organisation that listens, responds and learns from peoples' experiences, these can be in the form of compliments, complaints or concerns. The article focuses primarily upon the NHS and England. Health and social care providers in other countries of the United Kingdom may have their own complaints procedures as do the independent and voluntary sectors, nevertheless the principles discussed here can apply across the board.
Providing person-centred care in cognitive behaviour therapy
Authors: Rae Christopher
Published: May 2014

Patient-centred approaches are an important aspect of healthcare. This article reviews the concept of person-centred care and provides examples of some of the key skills required to facilitate it. Similarities and differences across the approaches to person-centred care are highlighted, and the case for considering the term ‘collaborative-centred care’ when describing person-centred approaches within a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) framework is proposed. The positive and negative consequences of adopting a person-centred approach are discussed. It is suggested that the term ‘person-centred’, in a literal interpretation, may be misguided, and that adopting a collaborative approach can be more beneficial. Although the emphasis is on patient-centred approaches within CBT, the issues raised will be applicable to healthcare workers or assistant/associate practitioners across a variety of services.
AP's role in cancer research
Authors: Arrowsmith Elisabeth
Published: May 2014

My name is Elisabeth Arrowsmith, and I am the assistant practitioner in the Stem Cell Processing Laboratory at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, one of Europe's leading centres in cancer research and development.
Teamwork: taking the leap
Authors: Hand Tanis
Published: May 2014

Well, now you know I have lost the plot-I have agreed to do a bungee jump in a couple of weeks time!
New government
Authors: Williams Joe
Published: May 2014

Much to my surprise, I quite enjoyed the spectacle of the election this year. Putting personal political affiliations to one side, it was difficult not to suspend the overwhelming cynicism that has come to dominate attitudes towards our political institutions and watch with fascination as events unfurled before us.
Caring for the person with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (part 1)
Authors: Peate Ian
Published: May 2014

This is the first part of an article which aims to provide an understanding of a common respiratory condition: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Although the condition can affect people of any age, this article will focus on older people. Respiratory disease can have a negative impact on a person's health and wellbeing. It may also impinge on an individual's body image and their ability to perform day-to-day activities, ensuring they need assistance.

An overview of the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory tract is presented. The pathophysiology underpinning the COPD is discussed. The role of the healthcare assistant (HCA) and associated practitioner (AP) is outlined, and care considerations are explored.
Understanding diabetes and eye disease
Authors: Nazarko Linda
Published: May 2014

As the number of people who have diabetes grows, increasing numbers of people are at risk of developing visual problems as a result of diabetes. Diabetes causes changes in retinal blood vessels that can lead to blindness. Early detection of diabetes, managing diabetes well and avoiding damage caused by hypoglycaemia and screening programmes can reduce the risk of sight loss in people with diabetes.
Healthcare and safety: coalition government outlines priorities
Authors: Hughes Rhidian
Published: May 2014

People who use services, as well as the general public, want to be confident that they are both of the highest quality and are safe. This is a right enshrined in the recently updated NHS Constitution (Department of Health, 2010a).
Venous disease, eczema and skin care
Authors: Nazarko Linda
Published: May 2014

Around 20% of people over 70 have venous disease (Nazarko, 2009). This article aims to enable readers to understand why venous disease develops. It uses a case study approach to explain how venous disease can affect the skin, how venous eczema is treated and how to care for skin to prevent further problems.
Developing foundation degrees in adult health services
Authors: Thurgate Claire , Jackson Carolyn
Published: May 2014

This article discusses the partnership work of a large, acute NHS trust and university in the south east of England that have designed and delivered an employer-focused foundation degree to support the development of Band 4 assistant practitioners in the local regional workforce. A graduate from the programme and a current student share their experiences of earning and learning and the impact that this has had on them personally, for their teams and the quality of services and care they provide. The article highlights challenges experienced through partnership working, which will be addressed in further detail in a follow up article.
Flea bites: diagnosis, treatment and prevention
Authors: Nazarko Linda
Published: May 2014

Flea infestations are increasingly common in today's centrally heated, carpeted homes. The consequences of fleabites vary: sometimes they are a minor nuisance, but on occasion they can cause allergic reactions and infections. This article uses a case study approach to outline how an 86-year-old woman was treated for infected fleabites and how her home and pet were treated to eliminate a flea infestation.
Violence risk assessment in mental health practice: part 1
Authors: Young Andy , Woodcock Ray
Published: May 2014

In the last 20 years, risk assessment has expanded to mean much more than a simple determination of how dangerous an individual is. In 2009, the concept extends well beyond establishing level of risk. Risk formulations now encapsulate the assessment process more generally, and provide the basis for the identification of treatment needs and the development of supervision and risk reduction plans. Recent legislation in the UK, for example, the Sex Offenders Act (1997), the Crime and Disorder Act (1998) and the Mental Health Act (2007) all emphasize the importance of effective community management of violence risk. Reviewing the recent growth in multi-agency approaches to meet this challenge, the authors consider how health, social care and criminal justice agencies can share information and collaborate effectively. This paper offers some practical guidance on improving techniques designed to minimize forensic risk.
Safeguarding vulnerable adults
Authors: Peate Ian , Potterton Joan
Published: May 2014

Healthcare assistants (HCAs) and assistant practitioners (APs) are privileged to work with a wide range of people in our society. However, many of these people may be seen as vulnerable. The safety, health and wellbeing of the public should be seen as an essential aspect of the role and work undertaken by HCAs and APs. This article provides information concerning the vulnerable adult, a definition of key terms and the ways in which the HCA and AP can recognize and respond when people they care for may be in vulnerable situations. HCAs and APs have a duty to put the interests of the people they care for first and to protect them if they feel they may be at risk of harm. It is important that HCAs and APs know how to raise concerns and escalate them in the most appropriate way.
The impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Ian Peate
Published: May 2014

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a global public health concern. It is a condition that is treatable but not curable; however, COPD is largely preventable. It is also a major source of disability that is often overlooked, depriving patients of a good quality of life. The support worker, as part of the multidisciplinary team, can help people deal with the physical and psychological disabilities that may be part of COPD. This article provides an overview of COPD, the epidemiology, risk factors, signs, symptoms and prognosis. The role of the support worker when working with other members of the multidisciplinary team to provide a pulmonary rehabilitation programme is outlined. The components of some specific aspects of a pulmonary rehabilitation programme are discussed. The article calls for a holistic approach to the care of people with COPD in order to enhance quality of life, health and wellbeing.
Supporting treatment in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Matheson Alex
Published: May 2014

Education and support are essential elements of any effective care plan for people with respiratory problems in the community. Healthcare assistants and assistant practitioners are taking responsibility for tasks such as these, especially within the Community Matron teams. It is, therefore, important to understand the treatments available to patients in the community and how best we can support them to maximum effect.
The inflammatory process and skin healing
Authors: Peate Ian
Published: May 2014

The human body has an amazing ability to heal itself. Skin healing is a complex and dynamic process. It is important for all healthcare assistants (HCAs) and assistant practitioners (APs) to understand the role of inflammation and the inflammatory response in wound healing if they are to provide confident, safe and effective care. Understanding can help to assess when the process is not progressing as desired and further intervention might be needed. This article provides an overview of inflammation and wound healing in the adult; the physiological processes involved in these complex activities are discussed. Action taken to enhance wound healing and those factors that have the ability to impede wound healing are described.
Managing rheumatoid arthritis: joint protection and treatment
Authors: Swann Julie
Published: May 2014

Rheumatoid arthritis causes pain, inflammation and stiffness in the synovial joints, turning simple daily activities into challenges. Part one of this series outlined the physical changes that occur in joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis and explained medical treatment. This article discusses how adopting alternative methods and using assistive equipment makes management of tasks easier for patients suffering with this painful disease.
Forensic risk assessment in mental health practice: part 2
Authors: Young Andy , Woodcock Ray
Published: May 2014

In the last 20 years, risk assessment has expanded to mean much more than a simple determination of how dangerous an individual is. Risk formulations now encapsulate the assessment process more generally, and provide the basis for the identification of treatment needs, the development of supervision and risk reduction plans. In the first part of this series, the fluid nature of violence risk was emphasized. Further to this, it was pointed out that violence risk often changes over time and is heavily dependent on context. Part 2 expands on some of these ideas by considering some basic principles of forensic risk assessment and identifying some key issues which touch on the risk assessment and management processes.
Reflective practice: responding when patients ask, ‘Will I die?’
Authors: Grainger Angela
Published: May 2014

At some point in their career, many support workers will be faced with a scenario in which a patient asks the direct question, ‘Am I going to die?’ In order to deal with questions such as this and meet patients’ needs, health professionals should develop an understanding of how their own reactions and responses might help or hinder difficult situations. This particular reflective practice exercise focuses on the various coping strategies that can be used.
Action Learning: making the most of the workplace
Authors: Jackson Carolyn , Thurgate Claire
Published: May 2014

Action learning is gaining in popularity as a way to improve performance, promote learning and position organizations and teams to adapt better in turbulent times. It is also seen as a way to develop the capabilities of individuals, teams, and overall organizations. It has the potential to create a sense of collective action and empowers practitioners to understand their role in transforming the workplace to manage change and improve standards. This article defines action learning, its theoretical underpinnings and its application to practice providing guidance for practitioners who wish to use it to develop themselves, their workplace and the quality of care they provide.
Preventing Falls by Reducing Risks and Encouraging Activity
Authors: Swann Julie I
Published: May 2014

Although people of all ages can suffer major injuries from a fall, older people are at an increased risk of falling. Many falls are caused by a loss of balance, slipping on a wet surface or tripping over a hazard. Even minor falls, trips or slips can lead to loss of dignity and adversely effect confidence and mobility. Healthcare assistants and assistant practitioners can help to reduce the risk factors of a fall by removing environmental hazards and being aware of a patient's medical problems. Exercise can also play an important part in the prevention of falls.
Gaining consent and protecting the rights of patients
Authors: Stonehouse David
Published: May 2014

Consent is not just an issue of concern for senior staff members within a health or social care setting. It is equally important for support workers and all other personnel involved in delivering day-to-day care. Consent therefore needs to be considered and understood if patient's rights are to be met and safe and quality care is to be provided. This article will explore the concept of consent and implications for healthcare assistants, assistant practitioners and other health practitioners.
Tackling infection control
Authors: Nash Allison
Published: May 2014

Allison Nash was nominated by her colleague, Kath Gough, Infection Control Specialist Nurse, at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust. Kath believes Allison to be the only assistant practitioner (AP) in infection control in the northwest of England. She brings to her role a wide range of qualities —enthusiasm, tact, communication gifts—in addition to her clinical skills, enhanced by continuing education, Kath says. Allison helped set up a leg café in East Lancashire, does bank work for tissue viability and has established a good rapport with the local general practitioners.
Sexually transmitted infections—4/6: syphilis
Authors: Collins Emma , Peate Ian
Published: May 2014

Syphilis is a major health problem across the globe, with 12 million new cases every year ( World Health Organization, 2007 ); there has been a substantial increase in rates of syphilis in the UK since 1997. Syphilis is caused by a bacterium and is treatable. It is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and can also be passed on from mother to unborn child. Syphilis is often asymptomatic. It facilitates HIV transmission. If left untreated, it can cause severe, long-term complications and is also a cause of stillbirth, premature birth and neonatal death. This article, the fourth in the series on STIs, provides the healthcare assistant (HCA) and assistant practitioner (AP) with information associated with this STI that will help them to provide safe and effective care. A glossary of terms is provided.
Death, dying and people with a learning disability (2/2)
Authors: Barber Chris
Published: May 2014

Death, dying and bereavement are natural and normal, yet deeply personal, life events that happen to each and every person. This article, the second of two that focuses on these specific areas of life in relation to those with a learning disability, will briefly explore issues around end-of-life care, legal issues around dying and death, capacity to consent, spirituality and the role of and support for HCAs in relation to dying, death and bereavement.
Healthcare has the H-Factor
Authors: Currie Lynne
Published: May 2014

This article describes some of the concepts associated with taking a human factors approach to patient safety in healthcare. It has been designed to help healthcare support workers understand the ways in which they interact with systems at work and how poorly-designed, flawed systems can have a potentially detrimental impact on their performance at work. The article describes a range of direct, indirect and managing factors that can impact on the performance of healthcare support workers when carrying out tasks while at work. The article briefly describes the development of online learning resources on human factors and patient safety which is being made available through the public-facing Royal College of Nursing website
The AP in the hospice setting: work-based learning
Authors: Brown Trish , Smith Joanne
Published: May 2014

This is the second in a series of 4 articles looking at end-of-life and palliative care, examining the introduction of assistant practitioners (APs) across a range of services through a foundation degree at the University of Bolton. The hospice development will be examined. Changes in attitude to care of the dying will be explored, in terms of the way in which the hospices challenged the notion that death was an inevitable failure; rather, dying is seen as a time when good quality care and support was more important than ever, enabling a good death.

The AP's role within the hospice setting will be explored, in terms of the skills they have developed and now utilise and where they fit into the teams they have become part of. The new role is providing important continuity of care; some of the successes and challenges in this new setting are examined.
Childhood obesity is largely preventable: HCAs/APs can help
Authors: Swann Julie I
Published: May 2014

The prevalence of obesity among schoolchildren appears to be increasing, highlighting major risks for the health of the future adult population. Excess weight can lead to serious health problems in adult life, but problems can also develop during childhood. This article outlines the causes and effects of childhood obesity, describing how healthcare assistants and associated practitioners can help families and children to understand obesity
Looking forward to the next steps on your learning journey
Authors: Clark Liz
Published: May 2014

All frontline staff need to update their knowledge and skills on a regular basis in order to maintain their competence and make an effective contribution to the multidisciplinary healthcare team and the delivery of high-quality, compassionate and person-centred care.

This article encourages readers to recognise all the different ways in which they learn, including the more invisible informal learning in the workplace, and to review their learning during the previous year and the impact it has had on patient experience and service delivery. It ends with a call to action to plan for and take control of their learning to achieve their aspirations, rather than just hoping that it will happen.