The Buckinghamshire nursing record audit tool: a unique approach to documentation

A project to examine the quality of manual nursing documentation using an action research approach, prior to the introduction of a computerized system is described. The findings showed that there was a general lack of understanding about care planning. There was therefore a need to find an audit tool which could identify and develop nurses' knowledge of documentation as well as identifying the strengths and weaknesses of existing documentation. A literature review revealed Phaneuf's audit tool, but this proved difficult to use. Two nurse teachers agreed to develop their own documentation audit tool, based on the UKCC document on record keeping, which identifies criteria for effective documentation. A tool was developed which adopts a facilitative educational approach enabling the practitioner to audit and learn simultaneously. Much interest is being shown by other areas, and the questions are worded so that it could be used in a variety of settings.     

Mental health crisis and respite services: service user and carer aspirations

There is emerging evidence that crisis resolution services can provide alternatives to hospital admission, reducing demand on inpatient beds. Following a public consultation exercise in Lancashire (England), a team of nurses undertook a study, using interactive research methodology, to gain an understanding of how users and carers define a crisis and what range of crisis services, resources and interventions service users and carers thought would help avoid unnecessary hospital admission. Data collection comprised postal questionnaires and 24 group meetings with service users and carers, which were held during 2006. Data were analysed, and seven themes were identified: (1) definitions of a crisis; (2) access to services; (3) interventions; (4) range of services required ( before , during and after crisis); (5) place of treatment; (6) recovery and rehabilitation; and (7) community support. We conclude that expressed preferences of service users and carers for pre-emptive services that are delivered flexibly will present a challenge for service commissioners and providers, particularly where stringent access criteria are used. Home-based pre-emptive services that reduce the need for unnecessary hospital treatment may avoid progression to social exclusion of service users.     

Learning from abroad: the benefits for nursing

Contemporary curriculum guidelines for nurse education advocate the development of a broader European or international perspective. This is enhanced by curriculum changes which now enable student nurses to undertake clinical experience overseas, either for observation or direct participation in health care. Such initiatives are to be welcomed, given the implications of the Maastricht Treaty and the transition to a single European market. Furthermore, changes within Europe and further afield may have an impact on nursing practice at a time when those involved in health care may be facing similar challenges in the UK in terms of diminishing health resources and demographic trends. If nurses are to adapt to these socio-economic challenges and develop pro-active nursing practice they need to be tolerant of cultural issues, and have an understanding of health care in the wider European and international context. The aim of this paper is to discuss the evidence for incorporating a European dimension into nurse education, before examining the benefits for nurses with reference to activities within one department of nursing.     

Cancer genetics

GOFF S, JACOBS C., ROBINSON L. & WEBB P. (2010) European Journal of Cancer Care 19 , 424
Cancer genetics This module will help health professionals understand how developments in the field of cancer genetics impact on patient care and in particular, individuals with a cancer family history.     

Education for community psychiatric nurses: content, structure and trends in recruitment

Under the auspices of the Standing Advisory Group for Community Psychiatric Nursing Education, annual surveys of the leaders of the UK's post-registration courses for community psychiatric nurses (CPNs) have taken place since the 1987-88 academic year. In this paper, findings are reported from the 1997-98 survey. Thirty-two of the 39 course leaders running post-qualifying programmes for CPNs (English National Board course 812 or equivalent, and Specialist Practitioner courses) in the 1997-98 academic year responded to a nine-page postal questionnaire. Responses suggested that the majority of courses for CPNs are now offered at first degree level, with most students completing their programmes of study and clinical practice in one full-time academic year. Most courses appeared to include education in key areas of specialist content pertinent to contemporary CPN practice. Examples included: evidence-based psychosocial interventions; collaborative working with users of mental health services; inter-professional issues; cognitive-behavioural interventions; reflective practice and clinical supervision; and medication-related issues. Overall, however, courses for CPNs appeared to be characterized by considerable variations in specialist content. Possible explanations for this are offered, along with suggestions for future research.     

Assessing the new public management: the case of the National Health Service

Aim : This paper reviews the origins, core principles and impact of New Public Management (NPM) in the UK public services, with particular attention paid to the emergence of NPM in the National Health Service (NHS). Background : NPM represents a distinct break from traditional forms of public sector administration. Whilst its origins are grounded in economic crisis and New Right ideology, NPM philosophies and practices have since found wider acceptance.
Origins of information : Selective review of key journal papers, books and policy documents.
Key issues : NPM is characterized by: managers being 'free to manage'; public sector disaggregation; competition; concern for efficiency; concern for outcomes; concern for quality; individualism rather than collectivism; and identification of the public service user as 'customer', 'consumer' or 'citizen'.
Conclusions : NPM has taken root in the NHS. Future reform of the health service is likely to modify some aspects of NPM, though many of the core themes of NPM in the NHS look likely to remain for the foreseeable future.