British Journal of Community Nursing最新文献

Promoting professionalism and establishing a therapeutic relationship based on trust is integral to all aspects of nursing practice. However, at times the nuances of delivering care in the community, poses additional challenges to maintaining these professional boundaries. The author addresses the challenges of balancing personal disclosures to foster positive outcomes with a sense of separation from patients. The article also examines how to apply the principles of professionalism to the use of social media while embracing its benefits. The practical challenges of supporting student nurses in the community are explored, with a focus on providing a supportive environment to inspire career choices and an inclusive learning environment that can adapt to meet all requirements.

There is very little documented evidence on the experiences of healthcare professionals caring for their own family outside of their role. This article explores the differences in the care received as the author shares her perspectives of caring for her mother, who was diagnosed with dementia. The author reflects on the care received and the impact of communication, as well as the ethical limitations of caring for a member of her own family. Significant references to communication barriers already exist within the literature, relating to end-of-life conversations. The presence of a relative who has a healthcare background may further impact the communication approach of healthcare professionals. Communication barriers also influence conversations about future care needs and preferences, including access to advance care planning, specialist palliative care and anticipatory medications, which may be difficult to access for patients with a non-cancer diagnosis such as dementia. While they may be challenging, effective and empathic end-of-life conversations open up patient choices, prevent inappropriate palliative care and may even impact the bereavement process.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to a group of diseases that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, caused by damage to the airways or other parts of the lung, which blocks airflow and eventually makes it difficult for the patient to breathe. While COPD is a terminal condition, opportunities remain to improve affected individuals' symptoms and, thereby, their quality of life. Inhaled therapies are a mainstay of pharmacological treatment for COPD, but their efficacy is limited under certain conditions and in specific populations. Francesca Ramadan explores the research investigating the ways COPD and various drug therapies can impact cell processes and gene expression, providing the means through which COPD patients can receive more effective treatment.

Urinary incontinence significantly affects an individual's quality of life, impacting both physical health and sexual wellbeing. In community healthcare settings, district nurses play a crucial role in addressing these sensitive issues through holistic, patient-centred care. This article explores the relationship between urinary incontinence and sexual wellbeing, examining the multifaceted impact on patients' physical, emotional and psychosocial health. It also critically analyses the role of district nurses in assessing, managing and supporting individuals experiencing urinary incontinence, with particular focus on maintaining dignity, promoting open communication and overcoming barriers to care. The author discusses current guidelines, evidence-based interventions, and the importance of education and empowerment in continence care. This article highlights the need for district nurses to approach urinary incontinence and sexual wellbeing proactively, integrating comprehensive continence assessments into routine care and promoting environments that encourage sensitive discussions to improve patients' overall wellbeing.

The rising prevalence of diabetes, particularly in older people, is placing an unsustainable burden on district and community nursing teams. District and community nurses now handle complex diabetes management, including insulin administration, glucose monitoring, foot screening and patient education, despite workforce shortages. Hospital discharges often add to their workload, as many people with diabetes lose confidence in self-management and rely on district and community nurses for insulin injections. Without proper training and support, district nurses struggle to provide holistic care, leading to poorer patient outcomes. Better collaboration between hospital teams, diabetes specialists and primary care providers is essential to address this issue. Investing in nurse education and technology, such as continuous glucose monitoring, could reduce home visits and ease the pressure on district nurses while improving diabetes care.