British journal of community nursing
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In keeping with the Declaration of Helsinki, health-care research generally requires the informed consent of those who participate in the study. This approach upholds the autonomy of the participants but restricts research to subjects who have decision-making capacity. In order that people who lack decision making capacity can benefit from properly conducted research, the Mental Capacity Act 2005 introduced safeguards that enable researchers to investigate the care and treatment of people with incapacity while protecting this vulnerable patient group. This article outlines the requirements that must be met when conducting research with subjects who lack decision-making capacity.
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The Scottish Government promotes equity in palliative care delivery in Living and Dying Well (Scottish Government, 2008). Ten nurses, working in the community in Western Isles, participated in focus groups to discuss how palliative care needs of islanders may best be met. ⋯ They described a collaborative model of care in keeping with that recommended by Scottish Partnership for Palliative Care (2006). Further research could seek the views of island patients and families requiring long-term palliative care.
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The NHS is becoming increasingly primary care and community focused and the role of the community nurse is becoming more significant, not just in managing long-term conditions and end of life but in providing vital help and education. Helping people become more knowledgeable about maintaining both their own health and that of their families at home or within the community is vital - the desired end being less need for expensive hospital care. ⋯ Change in primary care is constant and increasingly it is the frontline deliverers of services that drive that change and help set the agenda. As more care and treatment is devolved from the secondary to primary care setting, there must be greater integration between general practice and the community nursing team, with each helping and informing the other to deliver a world class primary care service.