Evidence and Practice
Improving women’s uptake of cervical screening in primary care
How to make clear and compelling written arguments: advice for nurses
Measles: the role of health protection teams and primary care
Clinical
Improving women’s uptake of cervical screening in primary care
Why you should read this article: • To enhance your knowledge of how cervical screening is used to prevent cancer • To understand the reasons why some women do not attend cervical screening appointments • 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) The number of women attending cervical screening appointments has been declining in recent years. As a result, cervical abnormalities are not being detected early and women are at increased risk of developing cervical cancer. This increased risk means that healthcare professionals in primary care need to devise strategies to improve the uptake of cervical screening. This article outlines the data on non-attendance at cervical screening appointments and identifies the cohorts of women who are at the highest risk of non-attendance. The article also discusses strategies that 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
‘Why didn’t I say something at the time?’ A reflective account of a public incident
A reflection on an incident observed while commuting relating to the issue of data protection
Family members’ and carers’ perceptions of palliative care provided by district nurses
This literature review identifies the challenges of delivering consistent palliative care
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
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
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