Here, Ellie Lindsay OBE, independent specialist practitioner, associate lecturer, CRICP, London and visiting fellow, Queensland University of Technology, and Laura Talbot, clinical audit consultant for the Lindsay Leg Club Foundation, discuss why effective communication is important in clinical practice to help improve the quality of life for individuals living with a PICC line in situ. This feature also recounts Ellie Lindsay’s own personal experience of watching her husband undergo a period of intense cancer treatment, and the difference made by the communication skills and teamwork of healthcare professionals involved once in the correct haematology unit.
Here, a focus group of tissue viability specialists (Box 1) look at the GIRFT programme and how by working together, clinicians and industry can help to prevent variations in wound care.
Indwelling urinary catheterisation is a common procedure especially within a community setting. However, healthcare professionals are sometimes unaware of what is current best evidenced-based practice. This article outlines the clinical indicators for insertion of a urinary catheter, rationale for catheter selection, including Charrière (Ch) or French gauge (Fg), length, balloon size and material of choice including any coating. Catheter insertion requirements are outlined and drainage and supporting/securing devices discussed. Complications of indwelling catheters, such as catheter-associated infections and encrustation are also discussed with recommendations for treating, and, finally, new innovations which may benefit in future care are identified — all with reference to current national guidance and best clinical evidence-based practice.
Thanks to everyone who entered the JCN/GPN Outstanding Practice in Wound Care Award 2018. We received a huge number of entries that demonstrated all the excellent wound care being delivered in the community around the UK. Read more about the winning team here.
The importance of an asthma review at least annually is clearly evidenced by guidelines and, importantly, was highlighted in the ‘National Review of Asthma Deaths’ report as an opportunity for assessment and education that could help prevent asthma deaths (Royal College of Physicians [RCP], 2014). Community nurses are in an ideal position to ensure that all patients with asthma have reviews. This article aims to clearly set out what these should include, give practical advice as to how to carry out an asthma UHYLHZDQGZK\WKHGLͿHUHQWHOHPHQWVRIDQDVWKPDUHYLHZ are important.
