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.
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Br J Community Nurs · Mar 2014
Social isolation and loneliness in the elderly: an exploration of some of the issues.
Older people are more vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation, and are more at risk of a range of health and social issues which can be directly linked to loneliness. However, there are often complex problems which are unique to the older age group which can have a profound effect on the provision and budgets of both health and social care. Various schemes have been put in place across the country to try to reduce the effects of loneliness and there is some evidence to support the mentoring and befriending models, although more research would provide clarity regarding their effectiveness.
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Calls for a change in the law to allow strictly controlled forms of assisted dying in the UK have resurfaced following a much-publicised storyline on the subject on the TV soap opera Coronation Street and the impending debate on Lord Falconer's Assisted Dying Bill in the House of Lords. This article reviews the current stance of the law on euthanasia and assisted dying and considers Lord Falconer's attempts to reform the law through the Assisted Dying Bill.