Communication Resources

Several crucial documents have identified the need for integrated care to meet patient requirements in the current financial climate, developed from the concepts of self-care and joining up care to improve health outcomes. These include the Five Year Forward View (2014), Next Steps on the Five Year Forward View (2017), NHS Long Term Plan (2019) and now the introduction of the Health and Care Act (2022) — all of which provide a contextualised approach to care. Integrated care is aimed at the way that organisations work together to support self-care (which incorporates the principles of holistic care considering physical, emotional, social, spirtual and ecomonc health [Mills, 2017]), with a commitment to improve patient outcomes by avoiding confusion and repetition. It  enhances comprehensive care planning by listening to patients — perhaps best summed up by the phrase, ‘No decision about me, without me’ (Department of Health [DH], 2012).

There has recently been an increased focus on the use of patient information leaflets as a means of communicating key information and engaging patients in preventative measures. The prevention and management of pressure ulcers depends on proactive and effective communication between nurses and other healthcare professionals and the patients themselves. This is particularly important in community settings, with the increasing responsibility placed on patients to self-manage their conditions. However, despite the use of patient information leaflets as part of the nursing process, there is little research evidence to support their use with regards to pressure ulcer prevention and, in particular, whether patients themselves engage with and understand the information. This article discusses the existing literature and knowledge around patient information leaflets, looking at it in light of a recent study around pressure ulcer prevention in Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Trust.

Statistics suggest that one-in-four adults are obese, and up to 33% of school-aged children are overweight or obese (National Obesity Forum, 2015). Thus, on a daily basis, it is likely that general practice nurses (GPNs) will engage in consultations with patients who are overweight or obese, quite often while presenting for advice for another condition. This article explores how to broach this sensitive issue and the nurse’s role to reduce weight stigma in line with the new Nursing and Midwifery Council Code (NMC, 2015). Practical advice to support patients in managing their weight, and identifying appropriate onward referrals, including for bariatric surgery and eating disorders, will also be discussed.

Coleen Gradwell & Anna Reeves look at the issue of networking & communication when managing patients with leg ulcers.

Mark Lovatt details how change in practice methods can be achieved and how improved communication can benefit patient care.

Vicky Wilson describes a qualitative research study designed to measure if district nurses are meeting the needs of families caring for terminally ill cancer patients at home.

Kirstie Davison reports on the South Cotswolds memory project. April 1999-October 2000.

At the time of writing Kirstie Davison MCSP was a Project Worker for Dementia Voice, Blackberry Hill Hospital, Bristol. She is now employed as a Resource & Training Officer, Age Concern, Herefordshire & Worcestershire.
Article accepted for publication
September 2001.

Emily Griffiths discusses the need for a multi-professional approach to clear communication in palliative care.
Emily Griffiths M.Phil, B.Nurs (Hons), DN Cert RGN, is a District Nursing Sister, Bay Community NHS Trust, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria.
Article accepted for publication August 2001.

Margaret Barnett gives an overview of the management and nursing care of patients living with a tracheostomy in the community
Margaret Barnett RGN, SCM, BSc, COPD Dip is a COPD Specialist Nurse at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, Devon. Article accepted for publication: July 2004

Angela Hall gives a brief overview of the role of community nurses in breaking bad news to patients/clients.
Angela Hall, MSc, BSc (Hons), DN, RGN, PGCE, is a Community Tutor, University of Wales Swansea, previously Macmillan Clinical Nurse Specialist in Breast Care with Carmarthenshire NHS Trust.
Article accepted for publication: March 2005