Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a progressive and non-curable disease of the lungs, which is known to be on the increase. Unlike cancer, end-stage COPD is more difficult to recognise and to determine a prognosis. Symptom control, open discussions with patients and their families along with advanced care planning are germaine to delivering good care. This article outlines how to recognise end-stage COPD and discusses the issues in planning end-of-life care and management to facilitate a comfortable and peaceful death.
Margaret Barnett RGN, MSc in Nursing Studies, Diploma COPD & Asthma, COPD Nurse Specialist
Article accepted for publication: February 2012
Psoriasis is a common, recurring inflammatory condition that affects the skin, scalp and joints. It can have a profound effect on an individual’s self-image, self-esteem, and sense of well-being and can negatively affect all aspects of life.
This paper will outline the physiological and psychological impact of psoriasis on the individual and discuss its subsequent impact on adherence to treatment. It will also examine the benefits of self-management of long-term conditions, such as psoriasis and look at the role nurses can play in helping to support self-management.
Susan Maguire, RN, BA (Hons), Professional Officer, British Dermatological Nursing Group, 88 Kingsway, London WC2B 6AA
Article accepted for publication: February 2012
The importance of a well trained workforce to support the needs of those approaching the end of their life and the needs of their carers is readily acknowledged, yet relatively few healthcare professionals are specifically trained to manage palliative and end of life care. Access to suitable education is often patchy and many health and social care providers have difficulty accessing relevant education and training. This paper reflects on a Palliative and End of Life project for assistant practitioners being delivered in the North West of England.
Joanne Smith BA Hons, MSc, PGCE, Programme Leader, Foundation Degree, Health and Social Care, University of Bolton
Trish Brown RGN, PGDPNS, MA Gerontology Work Based Education Facilitator, UHSM Academy
Article accepted for publication: February 2012
With the introduction of the Health and Social Care bill, the challenge to district, community and public health nurses has never been greater. Strong leadership is required at all levels from the government down to team leaders.
As the architecture is put into place, one of the key appointments, the Director of Nursing and the Government's Principal Advisor on Public Health Nursing has been filled.
Here, Deborah Glover, JCN's editor, reports on her recent meeting with the post holder, Professor Viv Bennett, outlining her role and how she sees the future for JCN readers
People who are incontinent of urine and/or faeces are at greater risk of developing localised redness, irritation, skin peeling and fungal infections around the perineum, sacrum, groin, ischial tuberosities and hips. In addition, the risk of skin breakdown and pressure ulcers in association with moisture can be increased. This article will explore best recommended practice in the management of skin damage caused by incontinence.
Maureen Benbow MSc BA RGN HERC Senior Lecturer, University of Chester.
Article accepted for publication: January 2012
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
