Urinary tract infections are often seen in community settings and can be debilitating for patients, involving dysuria (painful urination), increased urinary frequency and urgency, suprapubic pain, haematuria (blood in the urine), and polyuria (excessive urine production). This article takes an in-depth look at these symptoms, as well as the diagnosis and management of this common problem, which mostly affects female patients.
Chetan Shah, Senior Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice/Public Health, University of Hertfordshire
Stephen Goundrey-Smith, Consultant Pharmacist, PDC Healthcare Ltd, Leicestershire
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a collective name for a number of conditions such as Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn’s Disease (CD). It produces uncontrolled, chronic inflammation of the intestinal mucosa. IBD is characterised as a chronic illness that is punctuated by disease exacerbation and remission; patients require an individual, multidisciplinary/multimodal approach to care. There is currently no permanent cure for either CD or UC, therefore treatment strategies focus on good symptom control, modification of the disease process and improving quality of life.
This article gives an overview of the condition and presents a personal patient experience.
Kathryn Foskett Senior Colorectal Clinical Nurse Specialist, The Hillingdon Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Middlesex
Kathryn.odey@thh.nhs.uk
Article accepted for publication: March 2013
Despite many advances in the treatment and management of bladder dysfunction, there are still some patients who require an indwelling urethral or supra-pubic catheter, or intermittent catheterisation to help maintain urinary continence. This article builds upon the principles of catheterisation presented by Booth and Clarke in the May/June 2012 issue of JCN, outlining fundamentals such as privacy, dignity, harm minimisation and the use of care bundles.
Ann Winder, RGN Independent Continence Clinical Nurse Specialist, Director ARC Healthcare Ltd., Chairperson, Continence Clinical Supervision Group England
Article accepted for publication: July 2012
The prevalence of incontinence is significant in care settings. However, care is often focussed on containing the problem rather than establishing and treating the underlying cause. In order to assess the appropriateness of product usage, and therefore give an indication of quality of continence care within our organisation, we undertook a review. This article, a previous entry in the JCN Writing Awards, describes the methodology and results and identified areas for practice improvement.
Tendayi Masuko, Bsc. Hons. Health and Social Care, BSc Hons. Specialist Practitioner/ District Nursing, Dip. Higher Education (RGN), PG Cert. Dev. Mgt, Nurse Independent/Supplementary Prescriber. Continence Nurse Specialist, Project lead, Lewisham Healthcare NHS Trust
Urinary catheterisation is one of the most common procedures undertaken in both primary and secondary care. However, the process carries a number of inherent risks, such as the potential for trauma and the introduction of infection. In addition, the inappropriate use of a catheter can cause long-term damage. This article outlines the indications for their use and the type to be used according to patient requirements.
Frank Booth RGN, DN Cert. Freelance Continence Specialist
Melanie Clarkson RGN Dip. He. Clinical Nurse Specialist, Continence Service for Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS
Foundation Trust
Article accepted for publication: March 2012
Psoriasis is a common, recurring inflammatory condition that affects the skin, scalp and joints. It can have a profound effect on an individual’s self-image, self-esteem, and sense of well-being and can negatively affect all aspects of life.
This paper will outline the physiological and psychological impact of psoriasis on the individual and discuss its subsequent impact on adherence to treatment. It will also examine the benefits of self-management of long-term conditions, such as psoriasis and look at the role nurses can play in helping to support self-management.
Susan Maguire, RN, BA (Hons), Professional Officer, British Dermatological Nursing Group, 88 Kingsway, London WC2B 6AA
Article accepted for publication: February 2012
Jeanette Haslam describes the differing types and uses of biofeedback and neuromuscular stimulation when treating incontinence.
Claire Smith describes a small pilot study which questioned the attitudes of health workers towards incontinence.
Linda Smith & Paul Smith review continence training approaches used in the treatment of people with learning disabilities.
