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

Background: Parkinson's is a neurodegenerative condition that has a critical impact on every aspect of the affected individual's life and also on their caregiver. A neurosurgery procedure called deep brain stimulation (DBS) has improved motor symptoms in some patients. DBS is one of the options offered to eligible candidates affected by Parkinson's; however, this pathway may cause both physical and psychological problems for patients and their caregivers.

Aims: To explore the experiences of caregivers of patients with Parkinson's who have undergone DBS, to further understand their needs, and to identify possible mechanisms of future support.

Methods: Qualitative semi-structured interviews have been conducted using an online platform with a convenience sample.

Findings: Six themes and one subtheme were identified: suboptimal communication from the service provider; poor healthcare support that also increased the risk of the subtheme 'burnout'; carers' feelings of invisibility; impact on the carer-patient relationship; personal sacrifices of caregivers; and social isolation.

Conclusion: DBS impacts on the relationship between caregivers and patients. Carers require more information on post-DBS life from service providers, as well as education on the management of patients after DBS.

Background: Research indicates that approximately 2.2% of children in Ireland are bereaved through the loss of a parent. The death of a parent is one of the most frightening and shocking events a child must endure. As part of their role, specialist palliative care nurses commonly encounter children sitting at the bedside of their parent in inpatient palliative care settings. The study was carried out in Ireland between 2023 and early 2024.

Aim: The study aimed to explore nurses' experiences of supporting children whose parent has a terminal illness in a specialist palliative care setting.

Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was used with semi-structured interviews. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed drawing on Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis framework.

Findings: Three themes were identified: the privileged supporter, fear feeding avoidance and professional knowledge and skills. Most nurses said that, while medical social work held leadership in this area, nurses played a crucial role in supporting families due to the nature of their role and their presence at the bedside over the 24-hour period. They also reported a need for more age-appropriate knowledge and information.

Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of strengthening the nurse's ability to support both children and their parents to improve the overall outcome for the bereaved children after the parent's death. It is suggested that this could be done through interactive education sessions where shared experiences can assist learning.

This article explores the confidence, preparedness, and training of inpatient diabetes specialist nurses (DSNs) in managing continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and hybrid closed loop (HCL) systems. Using data from a national survey conducted in May 2025, the study identified high confidence levels with CGM among inpatient DSNs, but lower confidence and training gaps regarding HCL systems. Thematic analysis revealed recurring challenges, including infrastructure limitations, role ambiguity and safety concerns. The authors recommend NHS-led training, improved digital access, standardised protocols and strengthened workforce planning to support the safe adoption of diabetes technology in hospital settings.

In this article, the author argues that the neurodiversity paradigm must be integrated into nursing care. Neurodivergent groups, such as autistic and ADHD people (which this article focuses on), are prevalent worldwide, with diagnoses steadily increasing as societal awareness and understanding continue to grow. Neurodivergent patients may have needs that differ from the majority, making it essential for nurses to provide care that accommodates these differences. To achieve this, the neurodiversity paradigm must first be integrated into the theoretical foundation of nursing. This article offers a new perspective on the human being in nursing and emphasises its importance for clinical practice.

Sam Foster reflects on the limitations of the exit interview as a tool to address staff retention and the problems with a culture that values 'quiet coping'.

Background: There have been many recent advances in diabetes technology, and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems have grown in use and popularity.

Aims: This study evaluated the accuracy and efficacy of the Yuwell Anytime CT3 CGM system in participants with type 2 diabetes.

Methods: Forty participants were recruited to take part. They were asked to monitor their glucose levels for 10 days using two devices, a continuous glucose sensor (Yuwell Anytime) and an Accu-chek blood glucose finger-prick test.

Findings: The overall mean absolute relative difference (MARD) between the two measurement systems was 6.9%, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.92 (P<0.0001). The reliability of the sensor was preserved across the full observed range of glucose concentrations.

Conclusions: The Yuwell Anytime had excellent agreement with a standard finger-prick blood test of glucose in free-living type-2 diabetics.

Disorders of the musculoskeletal (MSK) system affect a significant part of the population, with 20% of GP consultations relating to MSK issues. Health professionals need to have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the MSK and its associated disorders to provide person-centred care and meet patient's needs from a holistic perspective. This article provides a brief overview of the MSK system, its most common problems, patient assessment strategies and investigations as well as support for self management.

John Tingle, Associate Professor, Birmingham Law School, University of Birmingham, discusses several recent reports that reveal major NHS patient safety challenges.