In each issue of the Journal of General Practice Nursing we investigate a topic currently affecting our readers. Here, Jason Beckford-Ball, looks at the UK’s decision to leave the European Union and asks What will Brexit mean for GPNs?
With so many new inhaled therapies available for treating asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), how does the busy healthcare professional make a prescribing decision which is safe and effective?
There is widespread recognition that respiratory disease has been under prioritised and neglected for many years (All-Party Parliamentary Group [APPG], 2014). Those of us who work in primary care feel this is improving, although we recognise we still have a long way to go. We have welcomed guidance and guidelines that promote good respiratory care, as the patient, not the diagnosis, is key to what we do.
It could just be another public campaign, but it’s not. This one is a bit different. Here’s why.
The launch of a ground-breaking epidemiological study into lung disease in the UK has revealed some stark outcomes. The results of the three-year research project were launched by the British Lung Foundation (BLF) in the ‘Battle for Breath’ report on 27 May, 2016. The project aimed to compile a comprehensive overview of the extent and impact of lung disease across the UK, and is the first time data on this scale has been gathered since 2006.
A review of a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by the general practice nurse (GPN) will usually include measures such as spirometry, smoking cessation advice, and a check of inhaler technique to name just a few. However, it also provides an ideal opportunity to assess the patient’s nutritional status and determine the level of risk this may pose. This article explores the need for nutritional assessment, how to stratify risk, how to plan interventions and, importantly, how to incorporate this vital element of care into everyday interactions with this group of patients.
Migraine is a frequent, disabling and distressing disorder, which needs positive diagnosis and management. Some physicians in primary care still have limited awareness of treating this disorder (Minen et al, 2016). This two-part paper aims to help with this, rather than fully investigate the evidence behind recommendations. The literature abounds with reviews freely available if the reader wishes to explore the evidence in more depth. This first paper gives the reader a grounding in migraine to improve confidence in diagnosing and treating migraine, which in turn will improve patient treatment and outcomes
The trend for tattoos and body piercings has become increasingly popular in Europe and Western countries (Kluger, 2013). It has been estimated that 20% of the United Kingdom population has a tattoo and 10% of the adult population has a piercing of some kind, with a self-reported complication rate of 28% (Bone et al, 2008; White, 2012). It is therefore quite likely that general practice nurses (GPNs) will encounter wound-related problems, such as infection, associated with tattoos and piercings during their day-to-day clinical practice. This article explores some of the complications that can arise and provides an overview of how to manage them effectively.
The influenza immunisation programme in the UK started in the 1960s and has since been extended to offer protection to those groups most vulnerable to the infection. The extension of the programme to children aims to directly protect them and reduce transmission of the virus to those around them. Early results from pilots run in England reveal reduction of influenza in areas where all primary school-age children were offered immunisation. Uptake among pre-school children has remained low in the first three years of the programme and there are opportunities to increase acceptance among parents. General practice nurses (GPNs) are among those most trusted in informing and reassuring parents about the benefits of immunisation. This article gives GPNs the background and rationale for the programme, and outlines supporting information available to assist them in this challenging and important role as an immuniser.
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.
Success!