In 2012 a national working party consisting of experts in the care of patients with learning disabilities and the management of swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) was convened to develop guidelines to assist with the identification of at-risk patients. The aim was to improve the diagnosis and management of dysphagia in this patient population. The guidelines were also designed to improve the protection of such patients by ensuring that they are treated in a fair and equitable manner. This article provides an overview of the guidelines (Wright et al, 2012) for the community nurse.
David Wright, Professor of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich
Tom Howseman, GP and Clinical Director of LD Commissioning, Nene and Corby CCG, St Luke’s Primary Care Centre, Northampton
Alison Briant describes the role of community nurses in raising awareness of breast awareness guidelines.
Jacky Sisson describes a group initiative designed to explore the use of evidence based practice in community nursing.
Jacky Sisson BA (Hons), RGN, DN (Cert), CPT is a District Nurse/Community Practice Teacher, Southampton City Primary Care Trust.
Article accepted for publication January 2001.
Louise McKeeney discusses the importance of using approved clinical guidelines to reduce the number of litigation cases associated with pressure ulceration.
Louise McKeeney, RGN, DNCert, DPSN, CHS, Clinical Nurse Specialist Tissue Viability Coventry Primary Care NHS Trust. Article accepted for publication March 2002.
Maureen Benbow gives an overview of wound dressing formularies
Maureen Benbow MSc BA RGN HERC is a Senior Lecturer, University of Chester
Article accepted for publication: February 2007
Edwin Chamanga discusses how one community health service is improving pressure ulcer prevention and treatment by means of accurate pressure ulcer assessments, documentation and implementation of innovative ideas
Edwin Chamanga RGN, MSc is a Tissue Viability Nurse, Tissue Viability Service, City & Hackey NHS, London
Article accepted for publication: March 2011
