End of life can be a frightening and uncertain time for patients and families and the role of the community nurse can be vital in easing this phase of life. This article outlines some of the issues that community nurses should be aware of when caring for a patient who is dying at home. It identifies the signs which signify that death is approaching, and explains the need for a change in care emphasis at this point. The author also outlines some key management aspects that can improve the quality of a patient’s death, including communication, care coordination, symptom and pain control, and support for nurses and carers.
Deborah Flynn gives an overview of a project designed to increase people in care homes access to continence services
Deborah Flynn RGN, DN Cert, Dip Prof Studies. At the time of writing she was employed as a DN Team Leader, now working as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (Continence), North Devon PCT.
Article accepted for publication: May 2003
Emma Fawcett discusses the evidence behind recent changes to the cervical screening programme in the UK.
Emma Fawcett RGN, DipN, BSc (Hons) is a Practice Nurse in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.
Article accepted for publication: December 2006
In her second article Maureen Benbow identifies the need for nurses to be aware of their accountability particularly within the fields of wound healing/management.
Maureen Benbow MSc, BA, RGN, HERC is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Chester.
Article accepted for publication: November 2006
