Resources

Before the pandemic, the UK was spending only 9.8% of gross domestic product (GDP) on health care, which is one of the lowest in the developed world, and only had a bed capacity of 2.5 per 1,000 people (Maizland and Felter, 2020). Thus, when the pandemic hit, NHS frontline services were rapidly overwhelmed. They responded by postponing nonemergency procedures, closing nonemergency services, and redeploying specialists, which released necessary hospital beds. Unfortunately, these actions had negative consequences for older people and their carers.

Early diagnosis of bowel cancer is key to saving lives. It is the UK’s second biggest cancer killer with more than 16,500 deaths from the disease every year — one every 30 minutes (Cancer Research UK, 2022a). Yet, it is treatable and curable if detected early. Almost everyone diagnosed at stage I will survive bowel cancer, but sadly early diagnosis has remained stubbornly low with less than 40% of diagnoses at stages I and II (Cancer Research UK, 2022b).

The growing prevalence of venous leg ulcers in an ageing population presents challenges for wound care and management (McIntyre et al, 2021). Many people with leg ulcers are elderly, poor and alone, and experience reduced quality of life.

Modern day health and social care dementia practice, as with other conditions, is driven by its current evidence base. This is understood not only through a range of means, such as research, best practice, expert consensus about the most effective way to care for a person with dementia, but also through the lived experiences of people with the diagnosis and their families and supporters. Practice and care should also be guided by clinical ethics; often traditionally referred to as medical ethics.

The world of stoma care can be a complex one. Thousands of products are available on Drug Tariff in the UK, which provides the arsenal for stoma care nurses to successfully deliver care and solutions. Some of these products may be to enhance the effectiveness of the appliance used, and each appliance has a variety of characteristics that may dictate the suitability of use for each individual’s personal condition.

Many people who both attend and work in our services carry the impact of trauma. Their trauma state can be exacerbated by how they are spoken to and treated. It is a sad and shocking reality that people accessing health and care systems can find the experience worsening their condition when they are seeking help and healing.

At Coloplast, we know the formation of a stoma is a life-saving procedure for many, but it can also pose considerable challenges for individuals and takes time to adapt (Di Gesaro, 2016). This is why it is essential for everyone with a stoma to have equitable access to high quality care and specialist advice (Osborne et al, 2022).

Many healthcare professionals recommend absorbent pads for men with urinary incontinence. These can be seen as easy to use and convenient (Chartier-Kastler et al, 2011), but potential odour and skin irritation are a significant concern (Williams and Moran, 2006; Gray, 2007). They can also impact dignity and quality of life (Williams and Moran, 2006). To provide a high level of holistic care, patients should be made aware of all suitable management options appropriate for them to be empowered to manage their bladder accordingly.

This clinical series aims to demystify and simplify approaches to assessment and
management of chronic oedema in the community, including the promotion of selfcare,
to improve efficiency and the delivery of evidence-based care for patients with
chronic oedema. Part 4 looks at chronic oedema management, beginning with skin
care and exercise (Wound Care People, 2019).

Changes to skin integrity and damage to the skin can occur at the end of life (EOL), despite appropriate interventions that meet or exceed standards of care. It can also be difficult to determine which wounds can be prevented and which ones are unavoidable (Sibbald et al, 2010; Beldon 2011). It is therefore the role of the nurse and carer to consistently deliver the best end-of-life (EOL) care, support palliation of symptoms, and maintain optimal skin integrity. Best practice for EOL skin care is about maintaining skin integrity for as long as is possible, followed by a goal of a dignified death (Kennedy, 2016) in line with patient/family wishes. This article discusses factors associated with maintaining skin integrity, and how skin damage can be prevented and a skincare regimen managed in EOL patients.