The MS Trust is a national charity which works to make a positive difference for people with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Receiving a diagnosis of MS is life-changing; there is no cure and the disease is characterised by uncertainty and often progressively worsening disability, with between 30–40% of people in the UK will develop advanced MS (Roberts et al, 2016).
The Bladder & Bowel Community has recently launched a number of new services aimed at improving the welfare of those who use this hub of information and advice. Most significantly, the Bladder & Bowel home delivery service marks a significant leap forward in the organisation’s tangible offerings to a community directly affected by bladder and/or bowel conditions.
It has been argued by psychologists and other professionals for many years that quite often the outcomes of situations can be influenced simply by our attitudes.
medi’s World of Compression is now launching three fashion elements for mediven 550 flat-knit leg garments and toe caps in the UK. The new colours and patterns offer patients with oedema nine possible combinations. The fashion elements have already been distinguished with the iF Award in the ‘Product Design’ category, as well as the 2017 Red Dot Design Award.
Throughout the summer, our readers had the opportunity to complete selected e-learning modules from the learning zone section of the JCN website (www.jcn.co.uk/learning-zone/)and be entered into a prize draw to win a brand new iPad or a £50 Amazon voucher.
Clare Mechen, nurse manager and advanced nurse practitioner, The Adam Practice, Poole; clinical development nurse, Lindsay Leg Club Foundation
The provision of end of life care is important core work for community nursing teams. Once end of life has been recognised, a focus on palliation of symptoms and an emphasis upon assisting people to ‘live well until they die‘ becomes paramount. Breathlessness is a common distressing symptom for patients, significantly affecting their quality of life and is sometimes the cause of unnecessary admissions to hospital. This article explores the pathphysiology of breathing and breathlessness and offers some thoughts on history-taking and physical assessment, skills that nurses in advancing practice roles are now undertaking in the community setting to enhance the care they deliver to patients. This article aims to support community nurses to gain knowledge to inform the provision of effective evidence-based care and assist patients and their families to manage breathlessness at end of life.
Compression is the key to management of lymphoedema and multilayer bandaging has been considered the gold standard. This article looks at adjustable Velcro compression devices as an alternative to multilayer bandaging. The author finds that the devices enable patients to maintain the required pressure in between consultations with healthcare professionals. They also allow for changes in limb volume and can help with concordance, as well as cutting down on the time clinicians need to spend with patients as the devices promote self-management.
Improvement of wound outcomes is a priority for the NHS if the cost of wound management is to be reduced. Failure to undertake a full holistic wound assessment can result in inappropriate and ineffective treatment, resulting in delayed healing, which can have a negative effect on patient quality of life and healthcare resources. NHS England has commissioned a CQUIN scheme for 2017–19. This comprises 13 indicators which seek to improve quality and outcomes of care for NHS
patients, while supporting local areas in delivering their sustainability and transformation partnerships (STPs). The tenth national indicator focuses on ‘improving the assessment of wounds’. This article provides a practical guide to systematic wound assessment for community nurses so that CQUIN targets can be met, and also introduces a new tool from BSN medical, an Essity company, to help nurses in this area.
