Synopsis Review of Negative Pressure Therapy as a treatment option for Diabetic Foot Ulcer

A synopsis review of four articles, which look at Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) as a treatment option for diabetic foot ulcers. Patients presenting with diabetic foot ulcers are on the increase which has a huge financial impact NHS, there is strong evidence that NPWT is a cost effective treatment. All four articles use a quantitative methodology. This synopsis will critically analyse the methodology, design, sampling, data collection and data analysis that the researchers have chosen to utilise. NPWT has been proven to be an effective treatment option for diabetic foot ulcers however the research is limited in regard to patient perspective of this treatment

Inequalities in Access to Health Care for Transgender Patients

AbstractThe last decade has seen a rise in the widespread recognition of trans individuals and a developing understanding of what it means to be trans. Although education is increasing across schools, communities and the National Health Service in the United Kingdom; are inequalities in access to health care services, a contemporary issue? Prejudice, stigma and discrimination on are the deterring fears of trans individuals when seeking health provision and interventions (House of Commons 2015). This paper will look at the campaigns, charities and Government publications on changing attitudes towards trans individuals; an analysis on care provision by nurses and health allies within the NHS, and the reasoning behind alleged transphobia in the UK.

Obesity and the nurses’ role in reducing health inequalities through health promotion.

The obesity epidemic currently costs the National Health Service £6.1bn each year (Public Health England, 2015). This, combined with the co-morbidities associated with obesity means that the epidemic needs to be addressed. Nurses play a key role in reducing this epidemic through health promotion. However, it has become apparent that health inequalities exist with regards to obesity. As a result, nurses must be aware of the wider determinants of health in order to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to successfully promote health. The present training and guidelines nurses receive needs to be readdressed so this can be facilitated

Using the Chapelhow Framework to deliver patient care

The aim of this piece of work is to look at two enablers from Chapelhow et al.(2005), Communication and the effect gender has upon the individual and the importance of being able to actively listen but also when speaking knowing the importance of the choice of language used. As this can be the difference between therapeutic relationship for the patient or an incident due to the patient becoming agitated. The risk management and why it is a grey area surrounding positive risk. In conclusion it was found that more work needs to be done on the effect gender has upon communication such as male care providers upon female patients and what the grey areas are surrounding positive risk and how this is applied with risk management

Lessons learned through reflecting on a classroom observation

Using non-participant structured observation of classroom teaching as a method of collecting data was experienced; during a one hour session, the researcher noted who was speaking at 5-minute intervals.  Preparation of a chart for 7 expected students became unwieldly when some 20 students attended, which was not anticipated.  It soon became obvious that 5-minute intervals were too long, as many students spoke up but not at the points where speaking was recorded, so the final chart was unrepresentative of the classroom behaviour being observed.  In addition, the researcher became involved in answering a question themselves, something that should not occur when using a non-participant approach.

The management of nutrition in palliative care

In order to improve quality of life, nutrition in palliative care should be one of the main goals when managing a patient’s care.  Malnutrition is a dominating factor when it comes to the palliative patient.  Poor nutrition can not only hinder the patient but also their families as they see changes in their loved ones.  The main aim of nutrition is to maximise food enjoyment and minimize food related discomfort. There are guidelines available for health care professionals to assist them in delivering high quality care to cancer and palliative patients.   Nurses and other healthcare professionals play a vital role in the management of nutrition by providing both physical and emotional support for both the patient and their families.  Ethical questions are also raised when it comes to artificial nutritional support which puts professionals, patients and family members in difficult positions.

A review into teenage pregnancy and the potential influencing socio-economic contributors

The purpose of this article is to review pre-existing socio-economic factors that could potentially influence teenage pregnancy. Research shows that teenage pregnancy within England consistently remains the highest within Europe and gaps in current literature regarding the topic fail to prove why. This article provides a combination of both the social and economic factors that could predispose an individual to a teenage pregnancy and offers suggestions as to how healthcare practitioners can intervene.The main themes discussed within the article relate directly to an individual’s level of education being a fundamental aspect in the determination of one’s ongoing future decisions; the socio-economic status of an individual potentially pre-disposing one to a teenage pregnancy and a systemic review of the health promotion strategies that can be used by the nurse to ensure safe sexual health

Chronic Kidney Disease: A Case Study

An exploration of chronic kidney disease (CKD) focusing on a patient’s experience on admission to a nephrology ward. Causes of the disease include hypertension, diabetes and acute kidney injury, and progression could be slowed by medication to reduce blood pressure and glucose levels, along with dietary and lifestyle changes. As the average wait for a kidney transplant is around 3 years, finding a donor match is becoming increasingly difficult. Patients have several different treatment options, the most common being haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, both with advantages and issues. Complications of the disease include respiratory problems and fluid overload, with possible interventions being fluid monitoring and restrictions on fluid intake. Effects of the disease on the everyday life of patients include the need for regular invasive dialysis treatment, the necessary behavioural changes surrounding fluid intake and diet, and debilitating symptoms such as nausea and respiratory difficulty