Providing context to aid patients who repeatedly attend the emergency department

Professional networks should be established to disseminate best practice in RSE programmes

Arts and crafts activities can stimulate discussion on mental health and well-being 

In this population, functional loss could be an early indicator of dementia

Mental health concerns among people with intellectual disability and the role of nurses

Delegation is essential in nursing, and doing it effectively will mean that every member of your team will see the benefits

A nurse-assisted, community-led health initiative, part of a Canadian-Irish project called ‘Transformative Praxis: Malawi’, has been developed with the aim of empowering community volunteers to become leaders in their community’s health. This paper traces the growth of this initiative over the past 3 years and explains some of the challenges that have been experienced. It explores how a grass-roots approach, linked to a community hospital, and working in close collaboration with other healthcare providers in the region, provide a platform for future health developments.

<p>The first two articles in this series described the anatomy and physiology of the vertebral column and spinal cord, and examined the aetiology and patho-physiology of spinal cord injuries (Sheerin 2004, 2005). These provide a basis for understanding the presentation and management of spinal cord injuries.</p>

<p>The incidence of spinal cord injury worldwide stands at about 20 new cases per million of population a year (Glass 1999), but is double this figure in the US (DeVivo 2002).</p>

<p>The imminent arrival of spinal injured patients at emergency departments often sparks fear in all but the most experienced clinicians.</p>

<p>The ongoing international debate on the management of spinal cord injured patients has been reflected in the Irish healthcare system by a move over the past ten years from a conservative to a surgical approach.</p>