Rediscovering the social model of childbirth.

The assumption is often made that women in a traditional birth culture are bound to benefit by its replacement with a medical system. In a technocratic system, birth usually takes place in an alien environment among strangers, with routine use of invasive procedures that are promoted by multinational drug and equipment companies. For many women, it is an experience comparable to rape that leads to posttraumatic stress disorder.

Student attitudes and educational support in caring for older people--a review of literature.

The ageing population is currently one of the main issues facing UK healthcare systems. Nurses of the future will be faced with the task of caring for this elderly population. Meanwhile, care standards and government policies have emphasized the need for preparing students to care for the older people.

Learning to learn self-regulation in practice: a 2 cohort evaluation.

The transfer of nurse training into higher education following 'Project 2000' dramatically changed the status of student nurses. While the majority received a grant or bursary, students were no longer regarded as belonging to the hospital staffing complement. Elcock et al.

HIV/AIDS awareness in those diagnosed with mental illness.

The spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continues to increase among the general population. Previous studies in this field focused mainly on the 'at-risk' groups such as homosexuals, prostitutes, intravenous drug users, bisexual men and women. Mentally ill men and women remain one of the subgroups understudied and yet continue to show disproportionately high levels of seroprevalence.

VOICES-Sexually sidelined Elizabeth Anionwu says that fresh air and spring flowers lift her spirits.

I have never understood why my mood seems to lift once January is over. Is it because I have submitted my online tax return by the dreaded deadline? Or maybe it is hope that the weather will start to improve.

Managing dysphagia in older people with dementia.

In the UK there is an increasing ageing population, bringing with it a host of degenerative conditions such as dementia. Dementia is a common condition among older people. In the UK there are estimated to be over 750 000 people with dementia and numbers are expected to double in the next 30 years (Comas-Herrera et al, 2007).

Integrative medicine - traditional Chinese medicine, a model ?

The paper explores the concept of integrative medicine (IM) in relation to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). It contrasts IM available in China to its availability in the West. The second part of the paper highlights tools which could facilitate opportunities for IM.

The Valued People Project: users' views on learning disability nursing.

A well-educated and trained workforce is undoubtedly crucial to the development of quality care for people with learning disabilities. Notwithstanding this, and unsure as to the need to continue to commission educational programmes for one part of this workforce-pre-registration learning disability nursing-South Central Strategic Health Authority commissioned the Valued People Project to undertake a detailed strategic review of educational commissioning, along with a review of the specialist learning disability health workforce more generally. This project has recently been completed, and provides a unique evidence-based expert evaluation of the future strategic direction of education commissioning and leadership for workforce issues in specialist learning disability services, as well as the wider NHS workforce.

A comprehensive systematic review of the use of simulation in the continuing education and training of qualified medical, nursing and midwifery staff.

Background: Simulation can be defined as a person, device or set of conditions made to resemble a real life situation. It is used in many high-risk industries particularly when reality is dangerous, critical events are rare and errors are costly in human and/or financial terms. The use of simulation in the UK is now considered an essential component of education programmes designed for healthcare practitioners.

Nursing care of patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation.

Stem cell transplantation (SCT) may be a treatment option for patients who have been diagnosed with a haemato-oncological condition, such as leukaemia, lymphoma or multiple myeloma. SCT is a complex and challenging treatment. In particular, allogeneic transplant significantly increases the risk of developing infections.

Responding to patient demand: community pharmacists and herbal and nutritional products for children.

The attitudes and behaviour of pharmacists working in a multi-ethnic community regarding herbal and nutritional products (HNPs) for children, were explored in depth. Qualitative interviews with four pharmacists were analysed using Framework Analysis. Quantitative diary recording of all HNP-related events for child customers in four pharmacies was carried out over two separate week periods between March and June 2008.

Improving care of chronic open angle glaucoma.

This article focuses on the nursing care and management of older people with chronic open angle glaucoma (COAG). It provides an overview of the condition, its pathogenesis, clinical features, aetiology, diagnosis and approaches to care and treatment. Patient education and promotion of adherence to medical therapy are paramount in establishing the confidence and independence required for the long-term self-management of COAG because the majority of older people with this condition are based in the community.

The mental health of men and boys: an overview.

This article provides insight and understanding into important issues of which nurses need to be aware when caring for men and boys with regard to their mental health. Inequalities in health care are discussed, and suggestions made concerning how all nurses can help redress these inequalities. The mental health of men and boys concerns all nurses; not just those working in mental health settings.

The integration of healing into conventional cancer care in the UK.

Healing encompasses Reiki, therapeutic touch and healing touch, and is often used by cancer patients to supplement their health care, but the extent of healing provision in conventional cancer care is unknown. This study used snowball sampling to map the healing provision in UK conventional cancer care settings. Sixty-seven individuals at 38 centres were identified who provided healing within conventional care, 16 NHS-based.

The physical, social and emotional effects of bowel dysfunction in Parkinson's disease.

Bowel dysfunction in Parkinson's disease can lead to embarrassment, social isolation and admission to long-term care. Nurses need to understand the reasons why bowel dysfunction occurs and how to assess patients for this problem.

Glycated haemoglobin and blood pressure-lowering effect of cinnamon in multi-ethnic Type 2 diabetic patients in the UK: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial.

Aims: To determine the blood glucose lowering effect of cinnamon on HbA1c, blood pressure and lipid profiles in people with type 2 diabetes.

Methods: 58 type 2 diabetic patients (25 males and 33 females), aged 54.9 ± 9.

Management of older people with dry and wet age-related macular degeneration.

This article focuses on the role of the nurse in the care and management of older people with dry and wet age-related macular degeneration. It provides an overview of the condition, its pathogenesis, classification, clinical features, aetiology and treatment. Health education, and effective communication and counselling skills are the key elements in the role of the nurse caring for and helping older people to adjust to the shock of visual loss and its effect on their quality of life.