Clinical Skills Resources

The third part in our series on pressure ulcer prevention and management discusses
the different types of pressure redistribution devices currently available in clinical
practice. The modes of action of the different types, together with patient suitability
and selection are also discussed, as well as what to do and not to do when nursing
patients on these devices.

This clinical series aims to demystify and simplify approaches to assessment and
management of chronic oedema in the community, including the promotion of selfcare,
to improve efficiency and the delivery of evidence-based care for patients with
chronic oedema. Part 5 concludes the series and looks at chronic oedema management,
finishing with compression therapy, concordance and self-management (Wound Care
People, 2019).

This clinical series aims to demystify and simplify approaches to assessment and
management of chronic oedema in the community, including the promotion of selfcare,
to improve efficiency and the delivery of evidence-based care for patients with
chronic oedema. Part 4 looks at chronic oedema management, beginning with skin
care and exercise (Wound Care People, 2019).

This clinical series aims to demystify and simplify approaches to assessment and management of chronic oedema in the community, including the promotion of self-care, with the aim of improving efficiency and delivering the best evidence-based care for patients with chronic oedema. Part 1 explains what chronic oedema is, its prevalence, causes and appearance.

The fourth and final part of the JCN continence clinical skills series identifies how continence problems, which may not have responded to conservative treatment/interventions, can be managed by the appropriate use of equipment/devices and products. The range available is vast and variable and some are more suitable to specific conditions than others. Healthcare professionals need to understand how they work to offer the best solution for individuals and their lifestyle. Products include, for example, commodes, urinals, sheaths, catheters, anal irrigation and pad products. This article specifically looks at equipment/devices and products for urinary retention, e.g. catheters; urinary incontinence, e.g. sheaths, pubic pressure devices; and faecal incontinence, e.g. anal plugs, transanal irrigation (TAI) and pad products. 

This JCN clinical skills series looks at dif ferent aspects of continence care in the community, with useful tips on patient care and improving practice.

The third part of the JCN continence clinical skills series identifies what conservative therapies and treatments are available to treat bladder and/or bowel dysfunction. This includes a range of treatment options which can be provided by practitioners/clinicians from a multitude of healthcare professional disciplines. It highlights simple interventions, such as lifestyle changes, i.e. from diet, fluid, smoking and weight loss advice, up to the more complicated treatment options such as pelvic floor rehabilitation, bladder retraining and use of medication.

This JCN clinical skills series looks at different aspects of continence care in the community, with useful tips on patient care and improving practice.

The second part of the JCN continence clinical skills series looks at the requirements to undertake a basic continence assessment for bladder and/or bowel dysfunction. Assessment is the first step in identifying the type of continence issue an individual may suffer from. It should identify, for example, key elements of underlying medical history, presenting symptoms and duration of problem, medications, allergies, mobility and cognitive ability. This assessment should be supported by investigations, e.g. bladder and/or bowel diary, fluid/dietary intake, urinalysis, assessment of any post-void residual urine and pelvic floor/rectal examinations (if competent in skill).

This JCN clinical skills series looks at dif ferent aspects of continence care in the community, with useful tips on patient care and improving practice.

Continence is not a life-threatening condition, but does affect patient quality of life. The first part in this new continence clinical skills series explores continence issues and how to improve patient care. It looks at the prevalence of the condition, different types of continence issues, how they can affect quality of life and the complications that can occur when poorly managed.

The JCN clinical skills series looks at different aspects of wound management in the community, with useful tips on patient care and improving practice. The fourth and final part focuses on dressing selection.

The last part of our clinical skills series looks at dressing selection. Wound dressings should create an environment that supports the wound healing process. However, with an ever-increasing array of dressings available, selecting the correct product can seem daunting. Holistic patient assessment, including assessment of the wound environment, needs to be undertaken before choosing a dressing and will help in the decision-making process. This article explores the principles of appropriate dressing selection and how they can be applied in clinical practice.

The new JCN clinical skills series looks at dif ferent aspects of wound management in the community, with useful tips on patient care and improving practice. The third part gives a practical overview of identifying and managing wound infection.