The terms sexually transmitted diseases and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are used to cover a number of individual conditions that vary in their presentation, treatment, management and risk, and severity of complications. Statistics indicate that the prevalence of some diseases is rising, while others are falling. Yet, in spite of these findings, in 2017 there were 422,147 new diagnoses of STIs made in England alone (Public Health England [PHE], 2018). Current data shows that young people experience the highest diagnosis rates, thought to be likely due to more frequent rates of partner change among younger adults, with females more likely to be diagnosed than males (PHE, 2018). Early detection and treatment is key if complications and avoidance of spread are to be achieved. Given the incidence of some STIs, it is likely that general practice nurses (GPNs) and GPs will be approached by patients asking for help and advice. This article gives an overview of some of the more common STIs, with the aim of improving knowledge and confidence in this area of clinical practice.
Perinatal mental health is a critically important part of understanding the journey of life. Pregnancy and childbirth are a time of great excitement and change, which impacts both personally and professionally on the vast majority of the population. For at least 20% of pregnant women, this life event will also bring emotional disturbances and for some it will have an effect on their mental wellbeing for years after the birth. Consequently, it is vital that healthcare professionals recognise the diversity of mental illness that can impact on the childbearing population, including the need to commission effective services and be aware of how best to support women, fathers and their families during this time. This is particularly relevant for general practice nurses (GPNs) and those working in community settings, as well as nurses and midwives working with women who are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or who have recently given birth.
Around 12 million people in the UK have been diagnosed with hypertension (i.e. blood pressure [BP] greater than or
equal to 140/90mmHg) and over five million people have undiagnosed hypertension, which, if left untreated, can lead to premature ill health and death (Blood Pressure Association, 2008).
The risks associated with increasing BP are continuous — with each 2mmHg rise in systolic BP there is a 7% increased risk of mortality from ischaemic heart disease and a 10% increased risk of mortality from stroke (Lewington et al, 2002). However, although BP-lowering strategies have been shown to significantly reduce the risk, population-based studies consistently demonstrate that patients are unaware of the causes and effects of hypertension, and around two-thirds of those diagnosed remain untreated or inadequately controlled (Falaschetti et al, 2009; Antikainen, 2010). This article re-examines the evidence and guidelines to see how we can improve practice within this important area of cardiovascular disease prevention.
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK, affecting 40,000 people (Patnick and Atkin, 2011). It is likely therefore that general practice nurses (GPNs) will encounter patients at risk of, or with the disease during everyday practice. This article gives GPNs a brief understanding of colorectal cancer, including identifying patients who may be at risk of developing the disease and who may benefit from screening and health promotion. GPNs can play an active role in managing patients with colorectal cancer, providing clinical interventions, while also offering advice and support.
