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Many patients in the community experience prolonged bedrest and are exposed to the risk of complications arising from inactivity, including the development of pressure injuries. Community nurses, with their wide-ranging expertise and position at the frontline of patient care, are well-equipped to make an impact on pressure injury prevalence. Francesca Ramadan explores evidence-based strategies for the assessment, prevention and treatment of pressure injuries, equipping the community practitioner with the necessary knowledge and guidance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world's population is rapidly ageing, with conditions such as urinary incontinence, which are especially prevalent among older adults, expected to rise in prevalence as a result. Urinary incontinence is particularly common in older women; however, despite its profound impact on every aspect of women's health and wellbeing, it is often minimised by both individual patients and the wider healthcare system. Francesca Ramadan delves into the prevalence of and psychosocial effects and patient-related factors related to urinary incontinence in older women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microneedling, a minimally invasive procedure involving repeated puncturing of the skin with sterilized microneedles, has gained popularity for treating various dermatological concerns. Its ability to stimulate collagen production makes it effective for skin rejuvenation, scar reduction, and hair regrowth. Recent studies demonstrate its enhanced efficacy when combined with other treatments, such as minoxidil, platelet-rich plasma, and exosomes for hair regeneration. Additionally, microneedling shows promise in managing conditions like vitiligo and melasma when used alongside topical therapies. The expanding applications of microneedling highlight its versatility, with combination therapies proving more effective than monotherapies for optimal patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While very much in its infancy in terms of becoming an established tool, the use of digital technology in community nursing is steadily growing, despite the persistent barriers to, and challenges encountered in its uptake and implementation. The mobile nature and high workload of a community nurse's daily practice should facilitate the rapid uptake of time-saving technology. However, there are indications that technology may not be the panacea it was originally proclaimed to be. Francesca Ramadan elaborates on the past and present applications of digital technology in community nursing and delves into the principles that should shape the future potential of tools such as artificial intelligence, automation technologies and clinical decision support systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many of the approaches for managing lymphoedema are straightforward and easily accessible, allowing individuals to take considerable charge of their care. As a result, nurses can play a vital role in lymphoedema treatment by equipping patients with crucial knowledge and offering practical assistance to foster self-management. Francesca Ramadan elaborates upon the aspects of patient education that the community nurse must promote and support to enable individuals with lymphoedema to take back control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Falls among older people present a significant public health concern. Community nurses, with their expertise, ability to leverage the therapeutic relationship and intimate access to their patients' lives and daily routines, have the capacity to effect real change in this domain. Francesca Ramadan explores the contributing factors underlying falls and shares the practical steps a community nurse can take to manage the risk of future falls and preserve their patients' independence and wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proposed as a non-invasive alternative to address a variety of patient concerns including cellulite, body sculpting, weight reduction and skin rejuvenation, mesotherapy remains a controversial therapy, with some arguing that it is ineffective at best and potentially dangerous at worst. However, other practitioners and researchers swear by its efficacy. Francesca Ramadan dives into the current evidence base, safety profile and applications of mesotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heightened public interest in and usage of non-invasive cosmetic procedures has translated to the practice of jawline and chin augmentation. Implants have historically been a cornerstone of chin augmentation; however, more recently, as non-invasive procedural techniques and modalities develop, questions have been raised as to whether there is still a need for implants. Francesca Ramadan explores the innovative options available to address even the most acute patient concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epilepsy is one of the most prevalent and disabling chronic neurological conditions, and continues to be a pressing issue for healthcare professionals and researchers in neurology. This is especially the case with drug-resistant epilepsy, which affects around 30–40% of people with epilepsy. As the neuroscience healthcare professional is likely to encounter patients with drug-resistant epilepsy in their practice, a foundational knowledge on the predictors, impact of and current and future treatment, as well as management options for this condition, is critical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Francesca Ramadan reviews the mechanisms, benefits and limitations of the most common peristomal skin complication treatments, empowering stoma care practitioners to provide more effective and personalised solutions for their patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill to pass into law has raised critical questions for nurses, who are now confronting the possibility of involvement in assisted death. While the provisional bill contains protections against coercion or punishment of healthcare professionals who do not wish to participate in the assisted dying process, many are left wondering about the challenges they may face, even if they are in support of medically assisted death. Francesca Ramadan provides insight into nurses' complex and often contradictory experiences of assisted dying and the research, education and guidance necessary for navigating personal and professional challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: An increasing number of patients are seeking out non-invasive modalities to address their concerns around fat reduction and body contouring. However, with so many options available, it can be difficult for a practitioner to choose the most appropriate modality for their patient. Here, Francesca Ramadan reviews the mechanisms, benefits and limitations of the most common energy-based treatments, empowering aesthetic practitioners to provide more effective and personalised solutions for their patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pregnancy-induced hyperpigmentation and melasma are extremely common. While not associated with mortality or morbidity, these phenomena can still have a significant impact on a patient's psychological wellbeing. If treatment does commence, to ensure the safety of mother and child, careful review of the available modalities is essential. Francesca Ramadan presents an overview of the options that are considered both efficacious and safe for use during pregnancy and lactation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wherever they work, nurses have the potential to become leaders at any stage of their career. In older people’s nursing, which often takes place outside of the structure of the NHS, the pathways to, and opportunities for, leadership may seem less defined. But RCN professional lead for older people and dementia Sally Wilson says there are leadership opportunities for every nurse, at every level of practice, in every working environment. ‘You just need to find them,’ she says. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an incurable condition, lymphoedema, whether primary or secondary, is a significant burden for patients, impacting every aspect of their lives, ranging from the personal to the professional. While daytime compression is a pillar of lymphoedema management, night-time compression delivery is also gaining credence. Health writer Francesca Ramadan summarises the exploration of this growing phenomenon in the literature, overviewing the benefits and dispelling the myths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although cosmetic and dermatological in nature, scarring from acne vulgaris can have a huge psychosocial impact on patients and merits its own treatment and management strategy. There is a plethora of modalities for the treatment of acne scarring, each with their own unique benefits and adverse effects; as such, it is critical to have an overview of the available options when consulting with patients to enable appropriate and effective person-centred treatment. Here, Francesca Ramadan discusses a selection of treatment modalities, providing evidence of their efficacy and reviewing their suitability for a range of scar presentations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to a group of diseases that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, which is caused by damage to the airways or other parts of the lung that blocks airflow and eventually makes it difficult for the patient to breathe. As COPD is terminal, the primary goals of treatment are to control symptoms, improve quality of life and reduce exacerbations and mortality. Community nurses can play a vital role in maintaining patients' quality of life and daily functioning, but the ability to access further education in the domain of COPD treatment and allocate dedicated time to patient care is necessary to achieving good outcomes. Francesca Ramadan provides an overview of the mainstays of COPD care, as a foundation for further education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of infection prevention and control (IPC), and accentuated the need for better health and safety measures to protect both healthcare professionals and their patients. In this article, Francesca Ramadan provides an overview of IPC measures for community nurses, such as hand hygiene and personal protective equipment, along with the safe management of care equipment and the care environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) is often treated a hygienic challenge, rather than a serious condition with potentially life-threatening consequences. More appropriate education on the management strategies specific to IAD is required, in order for personalised and effective care that reflects the critical nature of this condition to be provided. Francesca Ramadan provides an overview of the key elements of best practice in IAD management and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With their wide breadth of expertise and the ability to leverage the therapeutic relationship, community nurses are ideally placed to provide treatment and support to an extensive variety of patients with a diverse range of conditions. However, to date, oral health has remained a neglected domain in the community, especially in older demographics. Francesca Ramadan explores the barriers to community nurse provision of oral healthcare and the solutions proposed to overcome these challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A craniotomy is an intensive and invasive procedure, and many patients will be initially alarmed at the prospect of remaining fully or partially awake during such a major operation. Yet, the literature seems to suggest that awake craniotomies may be of greater benefit, with sustained consciousness throughout the procedure associated with improved cortical mapping and postoperative outcomes. However, as with all healthcare interventions, careful consideration of patient-related factors is key in maintaining an individual's functioning and quality of life. Francesc Ramadan elaborates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]