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Clinical research nurses (CRNs) have been recognised as drivers of success in the conduct of clinical research and clinical trials. However, despite its popularity as a career option, the CRN role is unclear and misunderstood by most clinical nurses. A survey questionnaire was developed and distributed to clinical nurses in the renal unit of a large London hospital to ascertain their understanding of the role of the CRN. Although about 90% of clinical colleagues believed that research was beneficial to patients, a significant proportion (40%) misunderstood the role and 60% were found to have limited or basic understanding. Lack of communication between the CRN and clinical nurses, and research information dissemination emerged as the major contributing factors for this. Developing an approach to address this issue to bridge the gap between these two key nursing specialties is pivotal not only to increase research output but also to augment research awareness and improve working relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Menopausal symptoms are commonly experienced in women treated for breast cancer. This project aimed to identify the types and prevalence of menopausal symptoms women experience and assess how well such symptoms are managed by means of a clinical audit. The authors also wanted to identify whether patients and health professionals require further education in this area to enhance patients' quality of life. Method: A pilot audit was initially undertaken. Twenty women were recruited from medical and clinical oncology clinics spanning a 2-week period. The main audit was conducted over a 3-week period (19 March 2012 to 6 April 2012). A total of 215 patients were surveyed from 11 consultant-led and 1 nurse-led clinic per week. A menopause rating scale (MRS) developed by Heinemann et al (2003) was used to assess the types and severity of symptoms. Results: Findings from the main audit provided preliminary evidence that certain breast cancer treatments can cause either the early onset of menopausal symptoms in pre-menopausal women or the return or aggravation of menopausal symptoms in peri-menopausal or post-menopausal women. This indicated that, for many women, symptoms are inadequately managed and supported. Discussion: A more detailed exploratory study of the management of menopausal symptoms is needed. Health professionals should consider discussing such symptoms when patients start treatment and assess these symptoms at follow-up appointments to identify potential interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol health workers (AHWs) have been identified as an effective means of tackling alcohol-related hospital admissions. However, there is no understanding of the national coverage, or the extent and diversity of the services provided by hospital-based AHWs. Using a cross-sectional questionnaire, this is the first study to explore the current provision and remit of AHWs in acute hospitals across England. The data was analysed using SPSS. Significant differences were found with regards to the extent and diversity of AHW provision across England. This research provides a point of comparison for current and future hospital-based AHW provision. Further research is necessary to examine different 'service types', establish effective ways of working, and determine whether sources of funding could and should more accurately reflect the remit of hospital-based AHW roles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) nurses and the amount of biological therapies being used in IBD has proliferated over the past ten years. Coordinating and managing a biologics service requires highly skilled specialist nursing knowledge and awareness of the support, assessment, administration and monitoring required in supporting the patient through this pathway. This article explores the role of the nurse and clinical issues in managing patients receiving biological therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advances in diagnosis mean that prostate cancer can be detected in the early stages, when options such as surgery and radiotherapy offer curative approaches and active surveillance is appropriate. However, advanced or metastatic disease continues to challenge medical management, which offers only palliative approaches. With such a prognosis, effective treatment of metastatic and metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is an important element of the management of these patients. The second article of this two-part series focuses on the main management approaches, emerging therapies and nursing roles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuberculosis (TB) is a multi-faceted illness associated with a long and fascinating history. Although much has changed in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of TB over the past six decades, many of the challenges remain remarkably similar. In developing solutions to these challenges, key stakeholders and politicians would do well to learn from some of the more effective strategies from the pre-chemotherapy era. Despite working with insufficient resources, nurses have historically contributed significantly to the work of the multidisciplinary teams in delivering care to patients and families, as well as in implementing national TB control and prevention programmes. The current resurgence of TB in the UK makes it imperative to achieve consistently and appropriately-funded TB services across the country. Whether NHS commissioners and politicians will engage with nurses and others in the reconfigured NHS to achieve this, however, remains to be seen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Against a background of rising tuberculosis (TB) rates, increasing incidence of TB and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection, coupled with the emergence of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB), the need for effective TB infection control has never been more vital (World Health Organization (WHO), 2009). TB infection control has been defined as 'a combination of measures aimed at minimizing the risk of TB transmission within populations' (WHO, 2009: p.ix). Health professionals are frequently confused about appropriate infection control measures when caring for patients affected by infectious respiratory tuberculosis (Mohandas and Cunniffe, 2009). This article aims to address the key infection control measures required to optimize patient care and reduce the risk of TB transmission within hospital and community settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are many ethical issues regarding kidney transplantation as the supply of cadaveric (deceased) organs does not meet the increasing demand for organs. The proportion of organs from living donors is increasing in the UK. This has many benefits for the recipient but raises many ethical issues. The aim of this article is to outline these ethical issues that the nurse and other members of the multidisciplinary team need to consider when caring for both donors and recipients of living kidney transplantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The following two articles explore the role of the nurse in caring for and educating the patient both pre- and post-renal transplantation. The nurse plays a pivotal role in assisting the patient facing the many challenges that are associated with transplantation. Renal transplantation is considered the optimal treatment of choice for patients with end stage renal failure (ESRF) and who are receiving dialysis. This first article will explore the role that nurses play regarding the care of the patient pre-transplant, including the physical, psychological and educational support required to assist the patient and family members deal with the many challenges associated with transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atopic eczema is a significant disease, being the most common skin disorder in children, affecting 12-15% of all school-age children (Emerson et al, 1998). It is an inflammatory skin condition, which is genetic in origin but is triggered by many factors, such as detergents, emotional distress or dust mites (Buxton, 1998) and often starts in the first year of life. It is characterised by dry and itchy skin. This often breaks down and becomes infected, partly as a result of the close relationship of atopic eczema and the organism Staphylococcus aureus, which is found on the skin of most children with atopic eczema (Goodyear, 1993). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reviews a specific finding from a research project that examined the experiences of students, teachers and clinicians involved in a nurse practitioner degree programme. The development of advanced clinical nursing roles has presented challenges to the professional structure of nursing, particularly in the area of the unregulated and confusing array of titles adopted by nurses that infer advanced clinical practice. Over a 2-year period, practitioner ethnography was used to examine a sample of 10 student nurse practitioners who were undertaking a clinical degree programme (BSc (Hons) Nurse Practitioner). Data were also collected from 11 other individuals involved in the degree programme: teachers, medical mentors and senior academics. The data were systematically analysed and structured, leading to the inductive identification of themes and frameworks. The sample's experience of the development of advanced clinical nursing roles led to consideration of the evolution of new career structures and identities associated with advanced nursing practice. This evidence enabled a view of advanced clinical nursing roles within a framework of advanced nursing practice. The development of advanced clinical nursing is dependent on the cooperation of clinical nurses, educators, managers, doctors and politicians. Nevertheless, that development can only succeed if strategic policy is backed by the development of a professional clinical nursing [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the National Service Framework for Diabetes: Standards (Department of Health, 2001), with the main focus on Standard 9: diabetes and pregnancy. It concentrates on pre-conception care and support for women with pre-existing diabetes to optimize the outcome of their pregnancy. The rationale for this is the need to understand how this standard affects women with diabetes during childbearing age. Following an introduction to aetiology and epidemiology of diabetes, the author examines the importance of pre-conception care for women with diabetes. An acknowledgement of the deficits within the clinical environment aids recommendations on improvement of education and knowledge for nurses. Health promotion and patient support is emphasized to facilitate an understanding of the impact of diabetes on pregnancy and the necessity of the multidisciplinary team involvement before, during and after birth. INSET: KEY POINTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article revisits the various issues that surround the nurse caring for a patient with a stoma (colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy). Understanding the basic anatomy, reasons for stoma formation and the surgical operations, including variations such as continent stomas, can assist the nurse in caring for this patient group. The article discusses briefly the various stoma appliances that can he used by the nurse or ostomate (person with a stoma). Practical tips on pre- and postoperative nursing care of the patient with a newly-formed stoma are provided for the nurse. In some cases, unfortunately, complications may occur following stoma-forming surgery; these are discussed and nursing advice provided. One of the most important ways in which the nurse can support the patient is to teach the patient his/her stoma care, ensuring independence before discharge and showing empathy and compassion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article covers the nursing role within an ear care clinic in the hospital setting. The range of conditions managed in the clinic are listed and some of the current issues affecting ear care and ear, nose and throat (ENT) are discussed. The author conveys her enthusiasm for the appropriate management of wax encouraging colleagues to appreciate the negative affect wax impaction can have on patients. Hearing impairment is briefly mentioned and a screening list is provided to assess the hearing of older adults. Patient care is discussed and there are suggestions for the improvement of the provision of ear care within the community. The nurse practitioner discusses how to facilitate the sharing of knowledge with community practitioners. Study seminars, publications, the use of the hospital intranet site, treatment and discharge summaries can all be used to communicate new developments in patient care. INSETS: Ear care advice for patients;How to insert olive oil drops into the ear canal;Untitled;KEY POINTS [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]