Dementia and hospital pad culture: an argument for a more humane approach
Hospital continence routines symbolise dementia care at the cost of independence and dignity
22 Sep 2022
Daniel Kelly
Challenges and opportunities of the executive nurse director role in the UK
A scoping review exploring issues affecting directors’ ability to deliver the nursing agenda
15 Oct 2020
Bringing a nursing perspective to Brexit
Brexit could result in significant issues for the UK's health services and cancer nurses must be aware of them to ensure the best possible outcomes
22 Feb 2018
Daniel Kelly: Cancer nurses are a rare commodity in some parts of Europe
The UK under the shadow of Brexit is not the only country worried about staffing its cancer services. The value of specialist nurses must be recognised across Europe, says the president of the European Oncology Nursing Society.
14 May 2017
‘Human costs’ of breast cancer among non-English speaking BME women
This article describes a qualitative exploratory research study aimed at determining how non-English speaking black and minority ethnic (BME) women with breast cancer access information about cancer and healthcare services. The research, which is in its early stages of investigation, indicates that despite the fact that all patients find it difficult to access information about cancer, BME women face a number of difficult challenges. These include accessing appropriate information, as well as dealing with culturally specific (often negative) attitudes about breast cancer. A key finding in the research relates to uncertaintly, particularly about breast cancer, how to access information about the disease and how to access healthcare services.
01 Jul 2007
Multiple myeloma: understanding the impact of the disease
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the red bone marrow and despite modern treatments, such as high dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplants, it remains incurable with a median survival of between three to four years (Hoffbrand et al 2001, Bradwell 2003). The aim of this article is to increase awareness and understanding of this relatively unknown cancer.
01 Feb 2007
Involving cancer patients in the education of healthcare professionals
Recent years have seen a move away from a hierarchical and paternalistic relationship between health professionals and patients towards one that respects autonomy, personal expertise and the contribution that users can make to service development. The central philosophy of this cancer education programme for non-specialist professionals emphasised the importance of enhancing communication and patient-centred care, and it was decided to invite former patients to participate in classroom settings. This article explores the issues that arise from such participation and makes suggestions for the effective involvement of patients in cancer care education. A case is made for further research into patient-led education.
01 Feb 2007
Healthcare assistants: the new registration route
A number of locally organised schemes now exist to help healthcare assistants access programmes leading to qualified nursing status. Although some schemes have been operating for some time, little has been done to evaluate their effectiveness. However, drawing on the literature that has addressed indicators of successful completion among entrants taking a more conventional route into nursing, it is possible to predict which individuals are most likely to complete courses and course-related factors that encourage successful completion.
28 Apr 2004
Training needs analysis: an evaluation framework
Training needs analysis (TNA) is the first step in the training and educational strategy of an organisation and is crucial to meeting the continuing professional development needs of the healthcare workforce and service. TNA must be carefully planned, conducted and have clear outcomes to ensure that training interventions are implemented effectively and that they lead to meaningful changes in service delivery. However, there is a dearth of literature on approaches to critique TNA. This article describes a framework developed specifically to evaluate the effectiveness of TNA. The framework combines approaches that have been used to evaluate conventional research studies and audit.
28 Jan 2004
Preparing nurse managers to mentor students
Aim To explore clinical nurse managers’ perceptions of factors influencing their ability to perform their clinical leadership role. Method A random sample of 15 clinical nurse managers in four acute NHS trusts was interviewed in depth to identify and explore factors that they perceived to be helping or hindering their performance. The qualitative data were analysed to identify recurrent themes, which were used to develop a survey questionnaire that was distributed to the remaining clinical nurse managers in the four trusts (n=152). Results The response rate was 65 per cent (n=99). Many of the clinical nurse managers reported poor preparation to undertake key aspects of their role and did not favour open learning as a method of continuing professional development. Conclusion The findings are of interest in the context of the new framework proposed by the English National Board (ENB) and the Department of Health for the preparation of nurse educators. Many of the findings are identical to the advisory standards set out for mentors in Preparation of Mentors and Teachers: A New Framework of Guidance ( ENB and DoH 2001a ). Attention to the development of clinical nurse managers, as well as new mentors, should continue to ensure that the proposed changes meet the needs of both groups.
28 Nov 2001
Clinical nurse managers’ perceptions of factors affecting role performance
Aim This study explored clinical nurse managers’ perceptions of the factors affecting role performance. Method Interviews were carried out with 15 clinical nurse managers in four trusts. Results Results highlight the main influences on the role, the barriers to successful role fulfilment, and the stressors that cause some of the postholders to consider leaving the NHS. Conclusion The findings of this exploratory study established the diversity of the clinical nurse manager role and showed that they continue to play a central role in healthcare delivery.
03 Jan 2001