Causes, assessment and treatment of malnutrition in older people.

Malnutrition is a growing problem in the UK with as many as 14% of people aged over 65 at risk. It is of particular concern in care homes where more than one third of residents are undernourished. Weight loss is not the only symptom of malnourishment and nurses should examine any changes to a person's health and well-being to identify causes.

An observational, retrospective, UK and Ireland audit of patient adherence to subcutaneous interferon beta-1a injections using the RebiSmart(®) injection device.

Background: Poor adherence to disease-modifying drugs is associated with an increased risk of relapse in patients with multiple sclerosis. However, adherence is difficult to assess objectively. RebiSmart(®) (Merck Serono SA, Geneva, Switzerland), a device for subcutaneous (sc) injection of interferon (IFN) β-1a, features an electronic injection log that can assist in objective monitoring of adherence.

Towards evidence based emergency medicine: best BETs from the Manchester Royal Infirmary. BET 2: Can ultrasound be used to diagnose clavicle fractures in children?

A short cut review was carried out to establish ultrasonography was as good as radiography at detecting fracture clavicles in children. 580 papers were found using the reported searches, of which 5 presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of these best papers are tabulated.

Negotiated dying: a grounded theory of how nurses shape withdrawal of treatment in hospital critical care units.

Background: The process of withdrawal of treatment in critical care environments has created ethical and moral dilemmas in relation to end of life care in the UK and elsewhere. Common within this discourse is the differing demands made on health professionals as they strive to provide care for the dying patient and family members. Despite reports that withdrawal of treatment is a source of tension between those nurses and doctors involved in the process, the role of the nurse in facilitating withdrawal of treatment has received relatively little attention.