The longitudinal effects of a physical activity programme on the physical fitness and disability of back pain patients: Service evaluation.

Objective: To evaluate the longitudinal effect of a group physical activity service to help patients self-manage un-resolving back pain.

Background: Back pain is one of the most common and costly conditions. Large scale trials have demonstrated a role for less traditional treatment including exercise, yet the long term effects of patient centred, group physical activity programmes remains unclear.

Reducing patients risk of venous thromboembolism.

As the largest professional group involved in direct clinical care, nurses have a vital role to play in venous thromboembolism prevention. This article describes the condition and its implications for patients. It discusses how nurses can reduce the risk of harm to patients through risk assessment and thromboprophylaxis, and by educating patients.