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.
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
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.