Evidence and Practice
Hepatitis A infection: public health management and the role of the primary care nurse
Evaluating sleep quality in patients with hypertension
Exploring the attitudes and behaviours of community nurses towards patient self-care
Clinical
Hepatitis A infection: public health management and the role of the primary care nurse
Why you should read this article: • To gain knowledge of the prevalence, epidemiology and prevention of hepatitis A • To understand the risk factors for transmission and treatment of hepatitis A • To know who to contact and what action to take in a suspected case Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver, with debilitating symptoms and jaundice. It is primarily transmitted through contaminated food and water. Infections such as hepatitis A require prompt public health action to identify a source and put in place measures such as immunisation to mitigate infection or prevent transmission. The practice nurse facilitates these processes, offers health promotion advice and assists with contact tracing and immunisations where necessary. This article is one of a series describing the joint working between the local Public Health England Health Protection Team and primary care in preventing the spread of infectious disease, referencing Public Health England guidance.
Evaluating sleep quality in patients with hypertension
Discussion of sleep quality should form part of the overall lifestyle advice for patients
Exploring the attitudes and behaviours of community nurses towards patient self-care
A focus on self-care must be integral to the function and purpose of community nursing
Preventing measles outbreaks: a global health challenge
Why you should read this article: • To understand the factors that can lead to a measles outbreak • To familiarise yourself with the benefits of a vaccination programme • To improve your knowledge of the measures that can prevent a measles outbreak Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. In late 2019, Samoa experienced an epidemic of measles, which resulted in overwhelming pressure on local healthcare services and a significant number of deaths. Gaining control of the epidemic required assistance from healthcare professionals from other countries and the implementation of a vaccination programme. This article will review the series of events that led up to the outbreak and consider the role of primary healthcare, policymakers and governments in preventing a measles outbreak elsewhere in the world.
Using play to educate children about asthma
Why you should read this article: • To recognise the importance of improving asthma knowledge among children and their families • To understand the potential benefits of using play to provide education about asthma • To consider the play interventions you could incorporate into asthma reviews and consultations Asthma morbidity and mortality rates continue to rise, and it has been identified that many adults and children with the condition do not receive basic asthma care and education. In this article, the author details her history of severe childhood asthma and how she has used her experience to create an innovative health literacy approach for primary school-aged children called BreathChamps, with the organising principles of fun and play. The article discusses the evidence for play improving asthma health literacy in children and their families, and outlines some methods that nurses can use to provide asthma education in their practice.
Can general practice nurses increase the uptake of long-acting reversible contraception?
A systematic review of accessibility barriers
CPD articles
How to support nursing students to develop community care planning skills
Nurses and nursing students should learn the principles of effective care planning
Ethical challenges in delivering person-centred care
Why you should read this article • To understand the difference between normative ethics and teleological ethics, and how they are applied in everyday care situations • To enhance your knowledge on ethics derived from the principles of person-centred care • To count towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD, or you may wish to write a reflective account (UK readers) • To contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers) Nurses working across community and primary care settings face a number of ethical issues in their everyday work. Ethical principles underpin optimal practice. There are two main approaches to ethical reasoning: normative ethics, based on the rights and obligations of an individual; and teleological ethics, based on anticipating the consequences of an action. Issues can arise when ethical principles based on the obligations of the nurse or an analysis of the possible consequences of an action are applied to care. Nurses have to manage patients’ expectations, service protocols and economic constraints, as well as proceed in a person-centred and ethical way. This article explains the two main approaches to ethical reasoning, before identifying their limits and proposing some person-centred principles of care negotiation that will enable nurses to provide care that is principled and practical.
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
Research focus
How primary care nurses can identify and manage self-harm
Primary care nurses need to be able to identify and manage self-harm. This research focus explores high risk groups and management strategies
How can community and primary care nurses support and treat people with hoarding...
Three studies highlight the complexity of this disorder – and the provision of treatment
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