Topological relationships between perivascular spaces and progression of white matter hyperintensities: A pilot study in a sample of the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936.

Enlarged perivascular spaces (PVS) and white matter hyperintensities (WMH) are features of cerebral small vessel disease which can be seen in brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Given the associations and proposed mechanistic link between PVS and WMH, they are hypothesized to also have topological proximity. However, this and the influence of their spatial proximity on WMH progression are unknown.

Developing a 'model of transition' prior to preceptorship.

It has long been recognized (Kramer, 1974) that the transition from student to qualified nurse or midwife is a steep learning curve which Kramer famously described as a 'reality shock'. The University Hospital of North Staffordshire (UHNS) NHS Trust has recently taken its established preceptorship programme a step further by integrating 'key' components into the final module (module 9) of nurse/midwifery training, now referred to as the 'transition' module. The development of this new and exciting 'shared learning' approach has been the result of collaborative working with the tutors at Keele University and the clinical education team at the UHNS Trust.

Reducing the incidence of back pain: student nurses' recommendations.

National Back Care week (3-9 October 2009) embraced the promotion of back care. However, over a decade has pasted since the RCN Safer Patient Handling campaign (1996), and reports continue to highlight the high incidence of back pain within the nursing profession. This article reveals student nurses' experiences of back pain and their recommendations to reduce the incidence of back pain in the workplace.

Erasing the word 'lift' from nurses' vocabulary when handling patients.

The incidence of back injuries is catastrophic to the nursing profession. It is paramount that individual practitioners attempt to significantly reduce the number of back injuries in nursing teams. Erasing the word 'lift' from nurses' vocabulary when handling patients can empower patients and promote good safe practice.