Bronchiectasis, formally known as non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, is the dilation of the small airways resulting in persistent cough, sputum production and recurrent chest infection, and develops as a result of insult and damage to the airways. The disease is more common in women than men and has an increasing incidence and prevalence. Early recognition of the signs and symptoms of bronchiectasis will support prompt investigations and management to reduce disease progression. This article gives an overview of bronchiectasis, its causes, treatment and management. It also discusses the role of general practice nurses (GPNs) in identifying and treating patients with the condition.
Skin tears are a common type of tissue injury, which often go unrecognised and misdiagnosed. Furthermore, classification and documentation of skin is often poor, resulting in chronic wounds with associated adverse patient outcomes. The International Skin Tear Advisory Panel (ISTAP) recently updated the International Best Practice Guidelines and definition of a skin tear based on emerging evidence and expert discussion and consensus. This article presents a discussion of the epidemiology, risk factors and causes of skin tears. In addition, the most recent best practice recommendations for the prevention, assessment, and management of skin tears is summarised.
Acne vulgaris is a common dermatological condition, with most adolescents experiencing ‘spots’ at some point. For most people, these will resolve by the time they are in their 20s. However, approximately 15% of people in the UK will seek treatment for persistent acne that does not resolve with the use of over-the-counter preparations. This equates to over three million visits per year in the UK to primary care clinicians, such as general practice nurses (GPNs), who are well-placed to support patients. This article outlines the types of lesions that patients can present with, provides guidance on effective skin care, and discusses the topical and oral therapies that may be prescribed and their side-effects. The authors also look at the optimal referral of patients for secondary care assessment, as well as signposting nurses to assessment tools that focus on the psychological, as well as the physical, signs of acne. The psychological effect of having a visible, albeit common, skin condition should not be underestimated.
Here, Tamsen Courtenay, writes about the people she met while researching her book
on the realities of homelessness (website: tamsencourtenay.com)
In each issue of the Journal of General Practice Nursing, we investigate a topic currently affecting our readers. Here Toby Capstick, consultant pharmacist, Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS trust, looks at why correct inhaler technique matters.
Why should general practice nurses (GPNs) be concerned about psychological care? It is relevant in two key ways: identifying and addressing mental health in consultations with patients; and identifying and addressing psychological distress (which may be temporary, e.g. coping with stress) in patients.
The recently launched campaign to transform the perceptions of nursing and midwifery aims to make young people know about the exciting breadth of careers available in nursing. The campaign also wants teachers and careers advisors to promote nursing and midwifery as a career of choice; nurses and midwives to reignite their pride in the professions; system leaders and decision makers to make sure that nursing and midwifery expertise is at the heart of shaping future healthcare policy; and the media and politicians to more accurately reflect our extraordinary careers.
