Care and management of children with a totally implanted central venous access device: portacath.

Research and advances in technology have enabled children and young people with life-limiting conditions to live longer. To maintain their well-being and quality of life many of these children usually require some form of intravenous access for treatment. Children's nurses should have the skills and training to ensure they are competent to practise using totally implanted central venous access devices such as portacaths (ports).

Understanding the effect of miliary tuberculosis through the experience of one young person.

In the UK, tuberculosis (TB) is on the increase. Miliary TB affects the lungs and can leave lasting damage, and affect a person's quality of life adversely. Healthcare professionals need to co-ordinate services efficiently, to ensure a smooth transition from hospital to home, and ensure there is appropriate support in the community for as long as necessary.

Developing a spirometry protocol for children and young people.

The practicalities of obtaining technically acceptable spirometry results with children and young people demand a protocol that follows national guidance and is adjusted to local conditions. Although there is guidance for adults, to date there has been no equivalent for children and young people. The procedural structure should be developed to include consistent standards and values, acknowledgement of contraindications, competence of the testing procedure among clinicians, and constant recalibration and cleaning of equipment.

Confidentiality and children with HIV.

Aim: This study explored how healthcare professionals ensure confidentiality for children with HIV, whether these methods comply with the Data Protection Act and the Caldicott principles for confidentiality and whether the methods used enable healthcare professionals to manage disclosure of HIV status outside of the health service.

Method: Nineteen healthcare staff participated in semi-structured interviews that were tape recorded. Data were analysed using the constant comparative method.

Home intravenous therapy training for carers of children and young people.

Modernization of the health service has provided patients with an element of choice with health care, which has enabled parents and carers to carry out treatments such as home intravenous therapy (HIVT). Current literature has highlighted the importance of educational programmes for caregivers when undertaking HIVT. This article provides an overview of a training package, developed at Nottingham City Hospital by the children's respiratory nurses.