[Report] Clinical Supervision Toolkit

Written and published by Helen and Douglas House, this 2nd edition is aimed at practitioners in the palliative care field and beyond.  It provides an overview of the role of clinical supervision as a mechanism for supporting well-being and good practice, as well as tailored chapters and resources for participants, facilitators and managers, as well as organisations. 

Helen & Douglas House, 2014.  Clinical Supervision Toolkit. 2nd Edition.

Available on loan from the library or click here to download the Toolkit form the Helen and Douglas House web site. 

[Guidance] Mainly for Fathers - after the death of a baby

Published by SAND, the booklet Mainly for Fathers is based on what bereaved fathers said they needed to know following the death of their baby. It covers essential topics such as: the physical and emotional manifestations of grief, telling family and friends, creating memories and finding support.

SANDS 2014. Mainly for fathers. 3rd edition.

Available on loan from the library or click here to download copy

[Guidance] Sexual relations after the death of a baby

Published by SANDS, this guidance helps provide support and reassurance to couples after the death of a baby . It covers the emotional and practical physical factors of resuming a sex life, and tackles issues from both a male and female perspective.  The thoughts of both mums and dads are featured throughout.

SANDS, 2014.  Sexual relations after the death of a baby.  SANDS.

Available on loan from the library or click here to download guidance

[Article] I'm not the only one: a collaborative approach to developing a children and young persons' bereavement support group

This paper describes a collaborative partnership in developing a children and young persons' bereavement group.  The course consists of a series of four sessions which encourage children to share and express feelings.  The group uses a partnership approach.  Whereas previous groups were hospice counsellor led, the new model is for co-facilitation by the counsellor and a specialist nurse from a regional oncology centre. The success of this collaboration was demonstrated through positive evaluations from children and their families, and the facilitators.

Bull, S. & Pengelly, M. 2014.  I'm not the only one: a collaborative approach to developing a children and young persons' bereavement support group.  Bereavement Care, 33 (3) p 97 - 102

To request a copy, click here, fill in form and return to library.

[Article] Developing a group voice through the grief journey: the Grief Choir

This study reviews the use of music therapy with adult grievers and explains the theoretical foundation of the Grief Choir. It describes the various dynamic forces within the choir, illustrates various interventions, and examines challenges encountered in the choir. Excerpts from an original composition by the choir are included.

Wilkerson, A. & Di Mmaio, 2013.  Developing a group voice through the grief journey: the Grief Choir.  Progress in Palliative Care, 21 (2) p 89-92.

To access this article, click here, log in using your Athens username and password and search via the CINAHL database.

[Article] The spectrum of children's palliative care needs: a classification framework for children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions

This paper examines the potential of a new classification framework to facilitate identification of children with palliative care needs.  50 health and social care professionals applied the new framework, known as the Spectrum to clinical vignettes and their caseload.  The findings demonstrated that the framework appears to have a real value in allowing health professionals to convey a child's likely prognosis, changes in trajectory and approximate care goals.  However there were areas of concern around some aspects of reliability.  The results have been used to produce a revised version of the framework

Shaw, K.L., Brook, L., Mpundu-Kaambwa, C., Harris, N., Lapwood, S. & Randall, D. 2014.  The spectrum of children's palliative care needs: a classification framework for children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.  BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care. Published Online First: 4 March 2014 doi:10.1136/bmjspcare-2012-000407

To request a copy, click here, fill in form and return to library.

[Article] Leadership of a palliative care team - a personal view

What does the role of a palliative care team leader involve?  The authors discuss the attributes a good team leader requires and what the ideal palliative care environment should comprise of.

Najun, M. & Centeno, C. 2014.  Leadership of a palliative care team - a personal view.  European Journal of Palliative Care 21 (6) p 166 - 169.

To request a copy, click here, fill in form and return to library.

[Article] Music therapy preloss care through legacy creation

Written by a music therapist from an adult hospice, the article looks at the therapeutic work that can be done with dying patients and their families before the patients' deaths which can help the families when bereaved through the creation of legacies.  The article provides a definition, description and critique of preloss care in music therapy.  The work involves both children and adults.

O'Callaghan, C. 2013. Music therapy preloss care through legacy creation.  Progress in Palliative Care, 21 (2) p 78 - 82.

To access this article, click here, log in using your Athens username and password and search via the CINAHL database.

[Guidance] Information and support for grandparents: when a grandchild dies before, during or shortly after birth.

Published by SANDS, the guide covers essential topics including the physical and emotional reactions to grief, dealing with other people’s reactions to the tragic news and the choices available to create mementoes and keepsakes of the baby. It also includes information about how the parents might be feeling, which grandparents many find useful, as well as the importance of the grandparents finding support for themselves.

SANDS, 2013.  Information and support for grandparents: when a grandchild dies before, during or shortly after birth.  SANDS.

Available on loan from the library or click here to download a copy

[Article] Review of phase II and phase III clinical trials for Duchenne muscular dystrophy

This paper reviews evidence-based studies for corticosteroids as well as other Phase II and Phase III clinical trials involving potential pharmacological treatments, and replenishment of nutritional deficiencies.  The author also briefly reviews the current status of treatments for genetic mutations and gene therapy.

Sculley, M. A., Pandya, S. & Moxley, R. T. 2013.  Review of phase II and phase III clinical trials for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.  Expert Opinion on Orphan Drugs. 1 (1) p 33 - 36

To access electronically, click here, log in using your Athens username and password and search via the CINAHL database.

[Article] How to communicate with patients about future illness progression and end of life: a systematic review

This systematic review addresses how to communicate prognostic information and takes it's conclusions from 13 studies.  The paper gives an account of various approaches on how to open discussion and frame information.

Parry, R., Land, V. & Seymour, J. 2014. How to communicate with patients about future illness progression and end of life: a systematic review. BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care. 4 (4) p 331 - 341.

To request a copy, click here, fill in form and return to library.

[Article] News and updates from palliativedrugs.com

Provides a selection of items that have featured in the News and Latest additions sections in recent months in Palliativedrugs.com. 

Wilcock, A. & Charlesworth, S. 2014.  News and updates from palliativedrugs.com.  BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care, 4 (4) p 326-327.

To request a copy, click here, fill in form and return to library.

[Guidance] Deciding about a funeral for your baby

Deciding about a funeral for your baby clearly explains the steps that need to be taken and choices that can be made if parents decide to have a funeral for their baby.

Available on loan from the library or click here to download a copy

[Article] Family focused children's end of life care in hospital and at home

This article describes how nurses working with children and families in home, hospital and the community setting used the principles of person-centred practice to care to families at end of life and follow up bereavement support.  It outlines the "ways of knowing" that informed developments and how parent's priorities were kept central to the process.  Finally it discusses how the approach taken to practice develoment reflected the value of compassion in nursing practice.

Parker, H. 2014.  Family focused children's end of life care in hospital and at home.  Nursing Children and Young People, 26 (6) p 35 - 38

You can request this article from the library or download yourself using your Athens username and password.To request a copy from the library click here, fill in form and return to the library. To access electronically, click here, log in using your Athens username and password and search via the CINAHL database.

[New Book] Caring for children who have severe neurological impairment

Written by a US Paediatrician, for both parents and healthcare staff, the book provides detailed, practical diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to all aspects of caring for a child with severe neurological impairment.  Chapters include respiratory problems,  feeding difficulties, treatment of pain, spasticity, decision making and end of life care.  The book is written in a very accessible manner, with the aim to improve parent's knowledge and care.  Tables and key points summarise discussions while case studies and stories illustrate how different families approach decision making, communication, care plans and informed consent.  Useful for all staff caring for children with severe neurological impairment. 

Hauer, J. 2013.  Caring for children who have severe neurological impairment.  John Hopkins Press.

EACH Library Members - email the library to request a loan.

[New Book] Essential knowledge and skills for healthcare assistants

The book covers a range of topics, including information on accountability, delegation, communication skills, confidentiality, record keeping and reflection, and uses a light-hearted and accessible style.  Clinical skills include vital signs, basic wound care, skin care and respiratory measurements.

Rawles, Z. 2014.  Essential Knowledge and Skills for Healthcare Assistants.  CRC Press.

EACH Library Members - email the library to request a loan.

[New Book] Pocket Guide: Mentorship

This guide provides essential tips to both mentor and student to get the most out of the experience.  Topics include: planning for your student, establishing a relationship, accountability and responsibility, teaching strategies, assessment, evaluation, a summary of learning theories and a glossary of relevant terms.

Wilkes, Z. et al. 2011.  Pocket Guide: Mentorship.  Routledge.

EACH Library Members - email the library to request a loan.

[New book] Pocket Guide: Maths and Medication

This quick reference guide featuring basic maths concepts and medication administration, will help take the problem out of problem solving.  Topics include: maths revisited, useful tables, formula's used, applying drug calculations to formulas, and safe medication administration.

Reid-Searl, K. et al. Pocket Guide: Maths and Medication. 2nd Edition.

EACH Library Members - email the library to request a loan.

[New book] Pocket Guide: Essential Clinical Skills

This pocket sized guide provides concise information to provide safe, effective, everyday patient care. Topics include: infection control, moving and handling, vital signs, oxygen administration, catheter care and basis life support.

Carlisle, S. 2012.  Pocket Guide: Essential Clinical Skills.  Pearson.

EACH Library Members - email the library to request a loan.

[New Book] Pocket Guide: Wound Care

Ideal for quick reference relating to essential wound care.  Topics include: physical and psychological impact of wounds, wound assessment, wound types, treatment plan, dressing choice, record keeping and pressure area care.

Ryan, K. 2013.  Pocket Guide: Wound Care.  Pearson.

EACH Library Members - email the library to request a loan.