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Features
Encephalitis resource collection
To mark World Encephalitis Day, we have brought together a selection of our articles.
Today is World Encephalitis Day, the global awareness day for people who have been affected by encephalitis.
To show our support for the initiative, we have gathered together a selection of our content from Nursing Standard and specialist journal Emergency Nurse, for you to read for free, simply by registering to our website.
Encephalitis is a swelling of the brain which is caused by either an infection invading the brain or through the immune system attaching the brain. Around 500,000 people are affected globally each year.
RCNi is pleased to have teamed up with encephalitis research nurse Claire Matata and the Encephalitis Society to raise awareness of the condition.
Research findings
Ms Matata has recently completed a research study looking at the challenges of providing nursing care for patients affected by encephalitis. This study found that the nurses interviewed lacked time to give the proper care these patients needed, lacked knowledge of the condition and lacked access to rehabilitation for patients affected by encephalitis.
What you can do
Help raise awareness of encephalitis by reading the content in this resource collection and sharing it on social media using the hashtag #encephalitis.
All this content and more is available to RCNi subscribers throughout the year. Find out more about your subscription options by clicking here.
Opinion
World Encephalitis Day: Learn more about the neurological condition
On World Encephalitis Day, lead nurse for acute and emergency clinical research Claire Matata discusses why nurses need a better understanding of encephalitis and to treat it as a neurological emergency
Evidence and practice
Managing patients with encephalitis
This article provides an overview of encephalitis and addresses its diagnosis, some of the common presenting signs and symptoms, and the different aspects of nursing care required for these patients. In particular, it addresses how to explain encephalitis to the patient’s relatives, the rehabilitation needs of these patients, and important aspects of discharge planning.
Management of febrile convulsion in children
This article discusses the aetiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and management of children with febrile convulsion, and best practice for care in EDs. It also includes a reflective case study to highlight the challenges faced by healthcare professionals who manage children who present with febrile convulsion.
The Encephalitis Society can provide training for health, education and social care professionals on the topic of encephalitis, acquired brain injury and outcomes for those affected and their families.
The Society has a full range of information for professionals, and offers free professional membership. Contact mail@encephalitis.info for further information.