Clinical
Our clinical nursing articles aim to inform and educate nurse practitioners and students. This is achieved through the publication of peer-reviewed, evidence-based, relevant and topical articles.
Nutritional interventions in older people with COVID-19: an overview of the evidence
Why you should read this article: • To better understand why older people are at high risk of infection with, and negative outcomes from, COVID-19 • To discern the role of nutritional interventions in supporting older people to recover from COVID-19 • To locate available guidance on nutrition in older people being treated for or recovering from COVID-19 Older people are a high-risk group for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) because of a range of factors, including age-related changes in anatomical pulmonary and muscle function, decreased immunity and increased inflammation. These factors partly explain why older people with COVID-19 experience more severe symptoms and higher mortality than younger adults and are more likely to require nutritional support. Furthermore, there is an association between suboptimal nutritional status and poorer recovery from COVID-19. Therefore, nutritional interventions are an important aspect of care for older people with COVID-19. All members of the multidisciplinary team, including dietitians and nurses, need to assess, treat and prevent nutritional deficiencies in older people with COVID-19. This literature review provides an overview of the evidence regarding the role of nutritional interventions in the treatment of, and recovery from, COVID-19 in older people.
‘Five things about me’ – enhancing person-centred care for older people
How person-centred care includes the whole person, including values, beliefs and aspirations
Exploring the use of music as an intervention for older people living in nursing homes
Why you should read this article: • To understand why enjoying cultural events such as music concerts is regarded as a human right • To enhance your understanding of why older people are often excluded from such events • To learn more about the health and well-being benefits of music for older people in nursing homes Background Enjoying cultural events such as musical performances is a human right as well as contributing to quality of life. However, older people who live in nursing homes are often excluded from such events. Music interventions for older people with cognitive decline have been shown to have a positive effect on their mood and behaviour, particularly in terms of anxiety, agitation and irritability. Aim To investigate the effect of musical interventions in nursing homes from the perspective of older people, their relatives and caregivers. Method Musical performances were held at 11 nursing homes in Sweden. These performances were followed by semi-structured interviews that aimed to capture the experiences of the older people, their relatives and caregivers. The interviews were analysed by qualitative thematic analysis. Findings Four relational themes were generated from the analysis: music enhances well-being for the body and soul, music evokes emotions and a ‘spark of life’, music adds a ‘silver lining’ to everyday life, and music inspires a journey of the imagination through time and space. Conclusion The music concerts had a positive effect on older people, their relatives and caregivers. Providing cultural encounters in nursing homes is an important caring intervention.
Organic versus mixed specialist older adult inpatient mental health units
Does care quality for people with dementia differ between mixed and organic wards?
Using video consultations to support family carers of people living with dementia
The experiences of a team of Admiral Nurses in setting up and conducting video consultations
The psychological effects of caring for a family member with dementia
An integrative review of the effects of caring for a family member with dementia at home
Frailty assessment and interventions for community-dwelling older adults: a rapid review
Nurses in primary care and community settings need to identify frailty and optimise care
Supporting older people with dementia to sleep well while in hospital
Sleep is essential for health, well-being and recovery but is challenging in acute hospitals
Understanding the issues experienced by older people undergoing emergency surgery
Outcomes for older patients are suboptimal when compared with younger people
Can the COVID-19 pandemic act as a catalyst for enhancing staff status and education?
The pandemic has brought the challenges experienced by care homes to the forefront
Nursing students’ experiences of dementia care in the acute hospital setting
Students need to be socialised in dementia care earlier during undergraduate nurse education
Improving medicine concordance in a patient with Parkinson’s and dementia: a case study
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition and can lead to Parkinson’s dementia