Mental health is a serious public health issue that warrants attention and action by all involved in health and wellbeing strategies. The recent National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines for Common Mental Health Disorders highlights that Common Mental Disorders (CMD), such as anxiety and depression can be found in one in six people in the community at any one time. Of those identified, half will have significant symptoms that require interventions from healthcare professionals. In view of the suffering and impact that this has on the holistic aspects of the individual, family and society, it requires a whole systems proactive approach in detecting, managing and preventing further episodes.
Thomas J. Currid RMN, RNT, BSc (Hons) PGCE, Pg Dip (CBT), M.A., Senior Lecturer in Mental Health and Learning Disabilities, London South Bank University, London, UK
Marie Horgan RGN, RMN, Dip Mgt, CLTHE, MSc, Principal Lecturer in Mental Health and Learning Disabilities, London South Bank University, London, UK
Article accepted for publication: October 2011
Smoking has been identified as one of the major causes of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and smokers are almost twice as likely to have a myocardial infarction compared to non-smokers This article, a JCN Writing Award entry, will analyse the smoking-related disease process associated with nicotine. An appraisal of the cost of smoking prevalence on the National Health In relation to government strategy, an exploration of its efficacy, cost and uptake of the programme across the socioeconomic groups will be analysed.
Emma Sadler RGN, Staff Nurse, Leighton Hospital, Crewe
This article critically evaluates the evidence and guidelines relating to the current cervical screening policy in England. The findings are benchmarked against policies in the rest of the developed world to enable both a comparison of the interpretation of research and guidelines by other agencies, and identification of good practice worldwide. Evidence pertaining to the age at which screening is commenced will constitute the prominent discussion point.
Robyn Lotto, RGN, Dip HE, BA (hons), MSc (merit) NIHR Leicester Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit, Glenfield Hospital, Groby Rd, Leicester
Jane Williams, MA, BSc (Hons), RCNT, RNT, RGN., Senior Lecturer, Huddersfield University
Article accepted for publication: February 2012
The epidemic of diabetes mellitus affects all populations in both the developed and developing world. However, the distribution of prevalence is not uniform to all populations and societies; prevalence is much higher in certain distinct groups. This paper presents an overview of current issues in the aetiology and management of diabetes mellitus in people within the South Asian community. It also discusses current policy, service initiatives and education approaches, specific to improving the quality of life and health outcomes.
Phil Holdich RGN, D.N. Cert, BSc, MSc, Senior Lecturer in Adult Nursing and Honorary Diabetes Specialist Nurse, University of Huddersfield and Mid Yorkshire NHS Trust
Warren Gillibrand RGN, PhD, Senior Lecturer in Adult Nursing, University of Huddersfield
Carl Covill MSc, PGCE, Bsc Hons, Specialist community practioner, RN, QN professional qualifications is a Senior Lecturer in Adult Nursing, University of Huddersfield
Article accepted for publication: April 2012
In a short reflective exercise, the introduction of disposable Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) was shown to improve the patient experience of being managed in the community with a complex wound. District nurses and treatment room staff found the system easy to use and in their view, it extended the interval required between dressing changes and time taken to carry out wound care. This article considers the benefits of NPWT, illustrating these with patient reflections and comments.
Lynne Watret RGN, MA, MN, PGCert TLHE CNS Tissue Viability, Primary Care, Greater Glasgow & Clyde Health Board.
Article accepted for publication: January 2012
