The annual review of patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a routine element of practice care. With an average practice having a coronary heart disease (CHD) register of around 5% of the practice population (Health and Social Care Information Centre, 2015), along with those living with other conditions that make up the spectrum of CVD (Figure 1), this accounts for a significant requirement of clinical time. The Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) lists a number of clinical indicators to be attained in this population and in most practices the nursing team delivers much of the routine care. This article looks at how to make the most of CVD reviews to ensure that the clinical benefits are optimal and patients receive a quality service.
Statistics suggest that one in four adults are obese, and up to 33% of school-aged children are overweight or obese (National Obesity Forum, 2015). Thus, on a daily basis, it is likely that general practice nurses (GPNs) will engage in consultations with patients who are overweight or obese, quite often while presenting for advice for another condition. This article explores how to broach this sensitive issue and the GPN’s role to reduce weight stigma in line with the new Nursing and Midwifery Council Code (NMC, 2015). Practical advice for GPNs to support patients in managing their weight, and identifying appropriate onward referrals, including for bariatric surgery and eating disorders, will also be discussed.
Success!