Caseload management: a district nursing challenge.

The district nurse is accountable for the standard of nursing care that is delivered by the team they lead. One of the key challenges in ensuring the provision of a high standard of care is effective caseload management, and caseload management is a core component of the district nursing role. This article highlights the strategic drivers behind community care, outlines the challenges that impact effective caseload management and discusses why effective caseload management is significant in the delivery of community care.

An overview of the role of the district nurse caring for individuals with complex needs.

The role of the district nurse is imperative in the care of patients in a district nursing team's caseload. Through the role of care manager, district nurses are accountable for the overall coordination of the care patients receive. Their responsibilities include caring for acutely ill patients, those with long-term conditions and people who require end-of-life care, in addition to health promotion and patient education.

Care of patients with dementia in an acute trauma and orthopaedics unit.

Aim To increase awareness of the needs of patients with dementia in the trauma and orthopaedics unit of one acute hospital, and to collaborate with staff on the unit to identify ways of improving the care experienced by these patients and their families. Method An action research approach was used and three action research cycles were completed. Data were obtained retrospectively for 20 patients with dementia who were admitted to the unit for treatment.