How nurses can promote well-being in personalised care
Harnessing the strengths, skills and resources of people and communities to improve health
14 Oct 2020
CPD articles
Our continuing professional development (CPD) articles are designed to assist with your nursing skills and practice.
How to discuss the human papillomavirus infection with patients in primary care
An overview of HPV, including its types, transmission, links to cancer and testing
05 Aug 2020
Supporting people with dementia who mobilise excessively around and outside of the home
People with dementia who mobilise around and outside the home can present challenges
15 Jul 2020
How to support nursing students to develop community care planning skills
Nurses and nursing students should learn the principles of effective care planning
08 Apr 2020
Ethical challenges in delivering person-centred care
Exploring normative ethics and teleological ethics and how they are applied in everyday care
26 Feb 2020
How to make clear and compelling written arguments: advice for nurses
In healthcare clearly formulated arguments can mean nurses’ efforts are directed effectively
26 Nov 2019
Dengue fever
Nurses involved in travel health should be aware of the signs of dengue fever and what to do
18 Sep 2019
Tracheostomy care in community settings
Risks associated with tracheostomy cannot be eliminated, but they can be addressed
10 Jul 2019
Continuing professional development: lymphoma in primary care
This article summarises the diagnosis, treatment and long-term consequences of lymphoma
07 May 2019
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.
15 Mar 2019
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.
27 Nov 2018
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.
09 Aug 2018
Managing patients with multimorbidity
Multimorbidity is becoming an increasing problem with more patients having two or more long-...
20 Jun 2018
Improving outcomes for patients with irritable bowel syndrome in primary care, with...
Irritable bowel syndrome is a common disorder of gastrointestinal function with symptoms...
16 May 2018
Skin infections
This article outlines the issues involved in assessing and managing people who present with...
26 Mar 2018
Improving interpretation of spirometry for better diagnosis
Spirometry is the most widely used pulmonary function test. It is useful for identifying...
23 Feb 2018
Insulin safety: avoiding mistakes and reducing risk
Insulin is a powerful glucose-lowering agent which can save lives and have a significant...
26 Jan 2018
Skin infestations
Infestations can be found on the skin or cause skin reactions. There are many types of skin...
29 Nov 2017