Evidence and Practice
Dengue fever
Identifying barriers to engaging older adults with primary care sexual health services
Nurse-led advanced cardiovascular assessment: a case study
Clinical
Identifying barriers to engaging older adults with primary care sexual health services
Despite the prevalent cultural stereotype that people’s sexual activity declines or ceases as they grow older, adults in the UK remain sexually active throughout later life. This review of the literature investigates the factors influencing older adults’ engagement with primary care sexual health services and makes recommendations about potential interventions.
Nurse-led advanced cardiovascular assessment: a case study
A study of the process of diagnosing a patient and other factors
Preparedness of practitioners to care for people with motor neurone disease at home
Qualitative study on how health and social care staff perceived their preparedness
Invasive meningococcal infection
An understanding of the need for immunisation against meningitis is essential in primary care
The lived experience of women with faecal incontinence after childbirth
Bringing together women’s perspectives using a thematic synthesis
Reflections on appraisal training for practice nurses
This article reflects on the value and outcomes of two projects commissioned by NHS England and Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group. The projects demonstrate how a robust strategy can empower practice nurses (PNs) to change practice and provide a sustainable way forward in appraisals, revalidation and continuous professional development. The project encompassed clinical supervision and its value for PN teams and contributions to appraisal. The projects trained a sufficient number of appraisers for PNs across the geographical areas involved to be able to access an appraiser local to them. The appraisal portfolio developed for the projects has been adopted by many PNs who want to use a system that is easy to access and is an alternative to online portfolios.
CPD articles
Dengue fever
Nurses involved in travel health should be aware of the signs of dengue fever and what to do
Tracheostomy care in community settings
Risks associated with tracheostomy cannot be eliminated, but they can be addressed
Continuing professional development: lymphoma in primary care
This article summarises the diagnosis, treatment and long-term consequences of lymphoma
Understanding the health risks of varicella zoster virus in pregnancy
Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is a common illness that causes varicella (chickenpox) and shingles. It is prevalent mostly during childhood but there are additional co-morbidities from this disease for a woman and her fetus, if she contracts it during pregnancy. Many developed countries vaccinate children who have not acquired immunity to prevent their developing complicated varicella as adults. Countries that have implemented widespread vaccination have fewer hospital admissions for such complications. The UK does not have a national VZV vaccination programme and there is no strategy for reporting and documenting the incidence of the illness, so it is difficult to determine the potential prevalence of gestational VZV and its associated outcomes. The aim of this article is to provide an understanding of the aetiology of VZV and the potential health risks to unimmune women who may contact it during pregnancy, to advise them about their healthcare choices.
Increasing use of long-acting contraception in primary care
Long-acting, reversible contraception is a safe and effective way to control fertility, enabling women to have the sex life they want without the risk of pregnancy. Nurses working in primary care are important in providing contraception and promoting long-acting methods. Actively reviewing staff’s knowledge about the accessibility and availability of all contraceptive methods and identifying any gaps informs decisions concerning investment in their training and development. Sexual health and the provision of contraception, as well as the promotion of long-acting contraception, can be achieved by embracing social media and technology, not only with the practice population but with staff accessing e-learning and training pathways.
Migraine in primary care: myths, management and medication overuse
This article is aimed at primary care nurses and covers the presentation of migraine across the whole lifespan. It reminds the reader that migraine is a genetic condition, and gives an overview of presentation, phases of migraine attacks, triggers, treatment strategies and situations that may be seen in primary care. It discusses the differences between migraine with and without aura and the importance of accurate diagnosis. Issues pertinent to pregnancy, breastfeeding, contraception, perimenopause and children are discussed, as well as when to scan and when to refer patients with headaches. The article is intended to provide insights into the effects of this diagnosis on adults and children. It also highlights the causes and solutions of the common problem of medication overuse headache.
Research focus
Dementia therapy through music
Three studies examine the benefits of music-based therapies for people with dementia
Sleep health and insomnia treatment options
A look at three studies relating to sleep health, insomnia and cognitive behavioural therapy
Parkrun promotes physical activity and community spirit
Three studies explore the benefits of parkrun, a free 5km event held weekly around the UK
Social prescribing offers options and support
Three studies examine how social prescribing promotes a health and social care partnership
Care of children dependent on long-term ventilation
Three studies examine the rise in long-term ventilation to support respiratory function
Examining the effects of knife crime on health services
Three studies explore the prevalence of knife crime in London on children and young people