Planning surgery for young people with learning disabilities
Evaluation of the journey through spinal surgery of young people with learning disabilities
21 Sep 2020
Cheryl Honeyman
Halt to funding for chest deformity surgery is a cruel blow
Specialist children's nurse says ending funding is wrong without further research
22 Oct 2019
Why adolescents need their parents during admission to hospital for elective surgery
The literature about adolescence and healthcare tends to focus on the quest for independence and the importance of peer support. This article discusses the continuing importance of parental support during adolescence, especially when young people are admitted to hospital for surgery. It discusses why adolescents who are admitted to hospital for elective surgery will have different needs to young people who are admitted regularly for long-term conditions or those who are admitted due to risk-taking behaviour or mental health problems. It is suggested that elective admissions for surgery in otherwise fit and well young people may create a temporary change in developmental level, resulting in the need for parental support, rather than independence and peer support as recommended in the literature.
09 May 2017
Patients’ experience of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis surgery: a phenomenological...
Background Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is a three-dimensional curvature of the spine of unknown cause that occurs in often otherwise fit young people. A complex surgical procedure is required for the most severe curves. Quantitative literature suggests scoliosis surgery improves patients’ lives, while qualitative literature focuses on patients’ concerns rather than their experience. Aims To explore how adolescents interpret their perioperative experience. Method Six participants, aged 15-18, were interviewed and transcripts were analysed. Findings Four themes were identified: shock, fears and worries; parental interaction; coping; and motivation and positivity. Conclusion Participants were reluctant to share concerns, however those they shared related more to fear of the unknown and lack of control than specific issues such as pain. Participants depended on their parents, especially their mothers, during the perioperative period, and they recognised their parents’ stress. Participants coped well, were motivated and had a positive outlook.
12 Sep 2016
Raising awareness of scoliosis among children’s nurses
Scoliosis affects up to 3% of adolescents, some babies and young children, and many children with existing neuromuscular and syndromic conditions. It is the most common spinal deformity. Not all children with scoliosis require active intervention, but for more significant, progressive curves, bracing and/or surgery may be required. Bracing studies have historically been of low methodological quality, but a recent randomised controlled trial ( Weinstein et al 2013 ) has shown the efficacy of bracing in decreasing curve progression, thus reducing the necessity of surgery for some patients. Modern surgical techniques are effective in correcting scoliosis, but the surgery is major, with significant risks. Early identification of scoliosis is vital to maximise effective treatment, support the child and family, and optimise holistic health.
10 Jun 2014
Recognising mental health problems in children and young people
Nurses who work with children and young people need to have a basic knowledge of the symptoms of children’s mental health illnesses so that they can make appropriate referrals. This articles highlights the risk and protective factors involved and the tools that are used to assess the mental health of children and young people.
01 Oct 2007