British journal of community nursing
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Br J Community Nurs · Apr 2014
Pilot study of an assessment tool for measuring head and neck lymphoedema.
Head and neck lymphoedema (HNL) is a persistent symptom for many patients following head and neck cancer treatment. There is limited research into the benefits of lymphoedema treatment with this population. This pilot study (n=8) employs the Assessment of Lymphoedema of Head and Neck (ALOHA) system to evaluate treatment changes in this clinical population. ⋯ Baseline measures were taken at the start of treatment and were repeated when the participants had reduced one level on the MD Anderson Cancer Centre HNL rating scale. The MoistureMeterD and three of the four tape measurement points showed a statistically significant change over time. This indicates the ALOHA system was useful in objectively detecting changes associated with clinical improvements.
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Br J Community Nurs · Apr 2014
The impact of the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programme on community nursing.
Early discharge from hospital as a result of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programmes can be both positive and frightening experiences for surgical patients. In a recently published article by the authors in the British Journal of Nursing, participants described mixed reactions to the ERAS programme, highlighting the period of home convalescence as being particularly challenging. ⋯ The interventions that have already been established locally as a result of this research are explored, as is the potential impact that both these short hospital stays and further necessary interventions might have on community nursing. The article examines whether health professionals are sufficiently easing the pressures of self-recoveryto fill the apparent'void' that the study participants described as existing between hospital care and community follow-up.