With the ever-expanding role of general practice nurses (GPNs), alongside increased clinical scope and capacity, and increasing pressures of targets, it can be easy to simply ‘tick the boxes’ during an asthma review. However, an asthma review is not only to get an enhanced view of the child or young person’s asthma control in general, but also their individual perceptions, triggers, along with their own agenda or drivers (which may not be the same as the clinicians). By considering social, family or emotional influences, the review can answer crucial questions, such as, ‘Why has this child been to A&E again?’, ‘Why is this child getting through four reliever inhalers each month?’, or, ‘Why have these siblings missed their review again when one was so ill last year?’. This article explores how GPNs are well placed to educate patients and their families about asthma, to discuss inhaler technique, medication use and asthma triggers, as well as to ensure that children and families are aware of the importance of attending their next asthma review. It also discusses the use of tools in assessment and planning.
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.
In this first of a two-part series exploring leadership in general practice, Jaqui Walker, general practice nurse/advanced nurse practitioner, Falkirk, Scotland, looks at the context for leadership in general practice nursing, our role as leaders, and perceived barriers to nurses fully utilising their leadership potential in the general practice setting. Part two will explore why we should lead, who can lead, leadership styles and behaviours for ANP/GPNs and how to develop leaders.
The current Covid-19 pandemic has thrown countries and societies into a crisis management situation, resulting in lockdowns and unprecedented high demand on health and public services. Here, Teresa Burdett, senior lecturer in integrated health care, unit lead for foundations of integrated care and person-centred services and unit lead for foundations of general practice nursing and Lee-Ann Fenge, professor of social care, both at Bournemouth University, look at integrated health and social care provision to improve existing care delivery methods and promote person-centred care.
Highly exuding wounds can affect people of all ages, often causing distress, anxiety and social isolation. Managing these challenging wounds can also represent a significant cost to the NHS. This article looks at exudate and the difference between normal and excessive exudate and examines the causes of a high volume of exudate and its effect on the patient. Exudate assessment is an important part of holistic assessment, which is also explored in the article. Strategies GPNs can employ to manage exudate, including wound dressings and other devices, are then discussed.
General practice nurses (GPNs) play an important role in prevention and must make every contact count to educate patients and help them be healthier. Based on calculations by the Cancer Intelligence Team at Cancer Research UK, when it comes to weight, people who are obese now outnumber people who smoke two to one in the UK.
In this new regular feature, Jaqui Walker chats about the highs and lows of general practice nursing and invites you to share your thoughts, frustrations and experiences.
Production of wound exudate is a normal part of the wound healing process (Bajjada, 2017). This exudate can be viewed as ‘good’ , since it is essential for:
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