British journal of nursing (Mark Allen Publishing)最新文献

This patient case series investigated the impact that the urinary catheter Luja™ with Micro-hole Zone Technology (MHZT) has had on the daily life of patients using intermittent catheters. With intermittent catheterisation (IC) representing the gold standard for daily bladder management for people with urinary tract dysfunctions, the novel urinary catheter Luja is designed to perform differently to conventional eyelet catheters and to address known urinary tract infection risk factors. Using semi-structured patient interviews conducted by health professionals, the real-life experiences of a diverse group of IC patients using the Luja catheter were collected. During the interviews most patients reported positive feedback from using the Luja catheter. Most mentioned perceiving a lower frequency of urinary tract infections, and many mentioned perceiving easier, faster and complete bladder emptying with the Luja catheter compared with their previous conventional eyelet catheter. These findings highlight the advantages that patients using the Luja catheter may experience during daily bladder management.

This article critically explores the scope of nursing theory and knowledge, focusing on their influence on contemporary nursing practice. Through an epistemological lens, the article discusses routes of knowledge and ways of knowing, and the historical development of nursing theory. The article delves into Benner's novice to expert model, first developed in the 1980s, a theory still relevant in modern nursing education, analysing its application in guiding students' progression from novices to experts. Benner's theory is evaluated for clarity, simplicity, empirical precision, and generality. The article further examines the implications of Benner's theory in modern nursing practice and education, arguing that, without guiding frameworks, nursing risks losing its direction, purpose and professional relevance.

Background: A new catheter featuring Micro-hole Zone Technology (MHZT) was developed to facilitate a continuous urine flow that ensures complete bladder emptying without the need for repositioning; the aim is to improve clinical outcomes such as bladder trauma and residual volume, ultimately improving patient experiences and reducing urinary tract infection (UTI) risk.

Aim: To provide patient-reported and health professional evaluations of experiences with the MHZT catheter (Luja™, Coloplast A/S).

Method: Across 14 countries, 564 health professionals and 3103 patients who had used the Luja catheter evaluated the product by completing a questionnaire.

Findings: Patients, especially males, and health professionals reported less worry about UTI risks with the Luja catheter, and all patients had a feeling of complete bladder emptying when using this product. Furthermore, most patients found it easy to use. Health professionals also found it easy to train patients to use the Luja catheter, as no repositioning was needed. Patients and health professionals would recommend this catheter product to other intermittent catheter users, and health professionals preferred the MHZT over conventional eyelet catheters.

Conclusion: Patients reported improved confidence in bladder emptying and reduced UTI concerns with the Luja catheter, and health professionals, based on their observations, also reported easier training, supporting the benefits of the Luja catheter in intermittent catheterisation routines.

As people move through their life, different aspects of sexual health become important. Thoughts, expressions and outcomes of sexual health may be influenced by culture, friends and social media. They can also vary over time. This underlies the concept of sexuality. However, discussions about sexuality and sexual health can be difficult to have sometimes, due to embarrassment for both patients and health professionals. Nonetheless, it is important for health professionals to be knowledgeable enough to have these discussions and feel confident to initiate them with patients who are scheduled to have a stoma. This might include ways to explore sexual health with partners or how to manage sexual dysfunction should it occur. Staff with a greater understanding about this issue can increase confidence in initiating discussions with patients about sexual health.

Background: The challenges of transitioning from the role of clinical nurse to that of nurse educator in higher education are well documented, from loss of professional identity to lack of structure and clarity in the new role. There are recruitment and retention issues in both the nursing profession and in the nursing education sector in higher education institutions and the government has a 10-year health plan to address workforce shortages, increase recruitment and retention into nursing and develop more specialist skills. Therefore there is a need to examine the current experiences of those making the transition and to identify ways to improve the experience.

Aim: To capture the lived experiences of clinical nurses who have transitioned to the nurse educator role within higher education in the UK.

Method: An online survey designed to collect qualitative data from nurse educators in higher education who had transitioned from a clinical role in the past 5 years.

Findings: The transition is challenging, but ultimately the role is a rewarding one. The most positive aspects of the role are those that relate to students and teaching, with the more challenging ones being university processes and administration. Mentorship and informal support are important aspects of a positive transition.

Conclusion: Despite the transition being challenging, for the majority it has been a positive experience. Previous length of time in practice or the continuation of a clinical role alongside the academic one does not appear to influence the experience. What does appear to make a difference is the quality of support, both formal and informal. The importance of effective mentorship and communities of practice were identified.

Sam Foster discusses the importance of accountability, scrutiny and robust investigative measures throughout and beyond the whistleblowing process.

A cancer diagnosis is an emotionally and physically overwhelming experience. For patients with stomas, this journey is further complicated by unique challenges that demand specialist care and attention. The presence of a stoma introduces additional layers of complexity, making the role of a specialist stoma nurse indispensable. Their expertise not only helps in preventing severe complications but also ensures timely management of issues, empowering patients to navigate their treatment with confidence and dignity. This article explores common side-effects of systemic anti-cancer therapy and how these complications specifically impact stoma care, with specialist-tailored management strategies for each stoma type.