Patients at high risk of malnutrition include those who have recently been discharged from hospital, those with chronic diseases, progressive neurological disease, acute illness, frailty, social issues, undergoing rehabilitation or end of life/palliative care (Holdoway et al, 2017). Community nurses are often the first-line of care for these patients and can play an important role in ensuring that they get the best nutritional care. This article discusses some of the areas for consideration when assessing malnutrition risk and outlines a number of new resources designed to assist nursing teams in identifying, monitoring and managing patients at risk of malnutrition.
The knowledge needed to diagnose skin conditions in primary and community care can be elusive, daunting and confusing. By using thorough history-taking, excellent physical assessment skills and thinking ‘outside the box’, healthcare professionals can formulate a differential and working diagnosis to improve patient access to appropriate management, including medications, lifestyle changes and referral as needed. Simple history-taking tools, relevant mnemonics and good resources can help patients to be managed quickly and effectively, and thereby improve outcomes and reduce the need for time delay in diagnosis. This article intends to demystify the dermatology conundrum and give healthcare professionals the tools to simplify the treatment of common skin conditions.
Phil Ratcliffe argues that far from strengthening the position of carers in society, the Carers Act (1995) further endorses the patriarchal oppression of women in the UK.
Mark Collier reflects on a foreign visit in which he experienced first hand the true realities of limited resources in wound management.
Mark Collier, B.A (Hons), RNT, RCNT, ONC, RN is Lead Nurse - Tissue Viability, United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust, United Lincolnshire Hospitals Tissue Viability Collaboration (ULHTVC), c/o Pilgrim Hospital, Sibsey Road, Boston, Lincolnshire.
Article accepted for publication February 2001.
Cate Parker looks at the difficulties faced by visually impaired people with continence problems.
Cate Parker RGN, BA, PGCE, Project Development Worker, PromoCon.
Article accepted for publication August 2001.
Dr James Britton gives an overview of infectious skin conditions.
James Britton BM, BS, BMedSci (Hons), MRCP (UK) is a Specialist Registrar in Dermatology, Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds. Article accepted for publication: January 2003
