Evidence and Practice
How to manage PVL-associated Staphylococcus aureus infections in primary care
Why general practice nurses need education about cancer as a long-term condition
How to ensure better integrated care
Clinical
How to manage PVL-associated Staphylococcus aureus infections in primary care
Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium commonly found on human skin and in the upper respiratory tract. Although it is usually harmless, some strains of Staphylococcus aureus produce a toxin known as Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL) that can cause mild to severe health effects. If PVL is identified, public health action is recommended to prevent transmission. Health protection and primary care teams should work together to carry out a risk assessment and take appropriate action.
Why general practice nurses need education about cancer as a long-term condition
This article outlines the results of a survey of cancer training needs conducted with general practice nurses (GPNs) in South West London in 2018. The survey determined the nurses’ views about three areas of their work related to cancer: how they see their role in cancer care, their confidence in their cancer knowledge and their attitude towards cancer education. The survey was one of the early results of a Macmillan Cancer Support-funded, two-year project developing GPNs’ role in supporting patients living with and beyond cancer. It informed the development of an ‘education and influence strategy’ designed to embed in GPNs’ roles the management of cancer as a long-term condition. The authors recommend that undergraduate and postgraduate courses for primary care nurses should incorporate education about cancer as a long-term condition.
Improving women’s uptake of cervical screening in primary care
Strategies healthcare professionals can implement to improve the uptake of cervical screening
Measles: the role of health protection teams and primary care
Prompt notification by clinicians and appropriate public health actions can prevent infection
Death: a social disadvantage? How one hospice is addressing inequality at end of life
How a small independent hospice developed an equalities steering committee for the community
Brief health promotion in urgent care centres: a qualitative study
Patients’ and nurse practitioners’ attitudes to brief health promotion
CPD articles
How to make clear and compelling written arguments: advice for nurses
In healthcare clearly formulated arguments can mean nurses’ efforts are directed effectively
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.
Research focus
How to ensure better integrated care
Three recent studies look at methods to facilitate greater integrated care
How to treat eating disorders in primary care
Three studies highlight the growing incidence of eating disorders in primary care
Upper limb rehabilitation following a stroke
Rehabilitation for upper limb impairment, which occurs in a majority of strokes, is reviewed
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