On the 20th September 2011, four European patient organisations (European Alliance for Access to Safe Medicines, European Federation of Neurological Associations, European Men’s Health Forum & European Depression Association), published a consensus statement raising concerns about the unlicensed and off-label use of medicines, and calling for a professional Code of Practice. In light of this, Matt Griffiths discusses why practitioners should use licensed medicines whenever possible.
Professor Matt Griffiths RGN, A&E cert, BA (Hons), FAETC, NISP, Independent Nurse Consultant, Visiting Professor of Prescribing & Medicines Management, The University of the West of England, Bristol, Advanced Nurse Practitioner, The Avenue Surgery, Warminster, Wiltshire.
Article accepted for publication: December 2011
In Fiona Roscoe’s second article, the author outlines research undertaken with the aim to explore qualities of nurse partners in successful general practices in the UK.
Objectives: to provide information regarding the professional and personal profile of the average nurse partner, to describe how nurse partners performed in their dual roles of practitioner and business manager, and to discuss qualities that may influence and facilitate a successful partnership agreement.
Method: Six nurse partners of average profile were selected for one to one semi- structured interviews. A qualitative grounded theory design was applied to data collection and analysis of transcriptions.
Results: Descriptive codes applicable to all six nurse partners were identified. There was sufficient evidence to suggest that the partners were operating at advanced levels in a humanistic existentialist paradigm and were also exhibiting transformational leadership qualities.
Conclusion: Personable qualities in addition to visionary and progressive traits qualify nurse partner for effective team working and leadership essential to the delivery of primary care services.
Fiona Roscoe RN, DN, ANP, MSc, Pgdip, BSc(Hons) Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Sett Valley Medical Centre, New Mills & Derbyshire Health United Out of Hours Service
Article accepted for publication: September 2011
Community provision of nutritional support to patients who are unable to meet their nutritional requirements through oral intake alone is increasing. These patients often have complex clinical and social needs due to their diagnosis and social circumstances, and thus require input and support from a number of different healthcare professionals. This article, from a winner of the JCN Writing Awards, outlines how concerted team working can provide a seamless service for patients requiring home enteral nutrition.
Acknowledgements:
The author wishes to acknowledge the support provided by the staff of the Home Enteral Nutrition Service of Lewisham Healthcare NHS trust.
Dr Omorogieva Ojo BSc MSc PhD RPHNutr. Senior Lecturer in Primary Care, Department of Acute and Continuing Care, School of Health and Social Care University of Greenwich
Ileen Patel BSc Service Lead, Home Enteral Nutrition Team, Lewisham Healthcare NHS Trust
Gaye Kyle discusses the nurse’s responsibility for administrating medication in a safe and acceptable manner to patients with dementia and makes recommendations for practice in the light of current evidence.
Gaye Kyle RGN, BA(Hons), Dip Ed, MA, is an Independent Lecturer
Article accepted for publication: October 2011
The concept of child development is constantly evolving; the evidence base is taken from the sometimes disparate disciplines of philosophy, biology, psychology and sociology. The theoretical debates consider the processes of human uniqueness, human similarity, change, universality, context, ecology culture and anthropology. This article explores some of these concepts and how they have developed in relation to the historical understanding of the child
Marcella Kelly Lecturer, National University of Ireland, Galway, PhD student (Child and Youth Research) Child and Family Research Centre, NUI, Galway, MSc (Nurse Education), BSc (Community Health Studies, RGN, RM, RPHN, RNT
Article accepted for publication: January 2012
Whilst the risk of foot lesions and infection in people with diabetes is well documented and widely researched, fungal infections of the foot are common yet less often reported in the literature. Therefore, the importance of foot health and assessment cannot be underestimated. Knowledge of the main types of fungal infections, why they occur and how to treat them is useful for prevention and management strategies for community nurses who support people with diabetes. This article outlines the key issues surrounding fungal infections in patients with diabetes, and presents an introduction to prevention and management strategies.
Peter Roberts BSc(Hons) MSc, FHEA, Senior Lecturer, Division of Podiatry and Clinical Sciences, University of Huddersfield.
Phil Holdich, MSc Health Professional Eductions, BSc (Hons) Healthcare studies, Professional Dimploma in Diabetes care, NDN, RGN. Senior Lecturer, Division of Podiatry and Clinical Sciences, University of Huddersfield.
Article accepted for publication: November 2011
Complex and chronic wounds present many challenges to the community nurse, not least identifying the most appropriate dressing from the plethora available. Coupled with the imperative that care is delivered in the most cost and clinically-effective manner, a carefully considered and evaluated formulary can help guide dressing choice and facilitate monitoring of usage and costs.
In this article, a runner-up in the JCN Writing Awards, Caroline Swayne reflects on the impact of a formulary in her organisation.
Caroline Swayne ENG, RGN, DN, Bsc, Non Medical Prescriber, District Nurse/Team Leader in the Isle of Man
