Evidence for skeletal pin site care.

This article explores the management of skeletal pin sites focusing on the research that underpins current practice. The effectiveness of pin site care depends on assessment and delivery of appropriate care. Because pin site management varies greatly between clinical areas, it is important that clinicians are aware of the evidence base on which their current practice is founded.

What is the effect of preoperative information on patient satisfaction?

The aim of this literature review is to examine the relationship between the provision of written information given to patients' preoperatively and their postoperative recovery following elective surgery. It is not currently apparent which is the most effective method of delivering preoperative information, or at what stage of the preoperative phase is the optimum time to deliver such important information. The purpose of this review is to briefly outline the affiliation between anxiety experienced by surgical patients and the information received preoperatively and to examine the relationship between the provision of written information given to patients preoperatively and their postoperative recovery following elective surgery.

Philosophy, knowledge and theory in the assessment of pain.

Pain is generally accepted to be an unpleasant sensory experience that can affect patients' quality of life if not addressed adequately. Pain assessment is a key aspect in the nursing management and delivery of care within the clinical environment. Effective pain management is thus reliant on a comprehensive assessment of the patient and his/her pain.

Caring for patients with a diagnosis of cancer and spinal metastatic disease.

This article aims to provide a greater understanding of the process involved in diagnosing cancer, particularly that associated with spinal metastasis. The article focuses on the diagnosis of secondary cancer of the spine, however, the information and discussion might also be relevant to other anatomical areas.

Emotional and psychological preoperative preparation in adults.

Emotional and psychological surgical preparation plays an important role in many areas of nursing. However, it varies greatly in terms of its perception and delivery. The aim of this article is to familiarize the reader with the concept of emotional and psychological preparation for surgery and to explain how this may be achieved in nursing practice.