Nursing times
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Reversing the rise in emergency hospital admissions is an NHS priority. These admissions impact on elective capacity and waiting times and are unsustainable. The risk of hospitalisation for people with diabetes is almost twice that for others. Commissioners need to address admissions associated with diabetes and new guidance offers best-practice solutions.
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An increase in minimal-stay surgery has reduced opportunities for nurses to discuss patients' anxieties about anaesthesia and the procedures that they will undergo. To allay patient anxieties and therefore promote a good recovery from surgery, nurses need to put in place a planned programme of information provision for patients. They are in a good position to promote patients' feelings of control and ability to cope, and help them to think positively.
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Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders encountered in clinical practice. Its prevalence increases with age and it is more common in the female population. Although often trivialised as a common and minor problem, chronic constipation is associated with considerable impairment of quality of life and is a significant burden on healthcare budgets. This article gives an overview of the management of constipation in adults, including assessment and treatment.
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If adherence with therapy is to be achieved, when selecting a suitable device it is important to take into account individuals' ability to use inhalers as well as their attitude towards their disease, therapy and the acceptability of the selected device. Adherence and inhaler technique should be assessed at every consultation.