[Article] The HCA's guide to modern dressings

The articles provides information on modern dressings, their composition, and the way they interact with the wound surface.  It also provides hints and tips on application, and where appropriate removal.

Lloyd-Jones, M. 2015.  The HCA's guide to modern dressings.  British Journal of Healthcare Assistants, 9 (9) pp 427-434.

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[Article] Last offices: nurses' experiences of the process and their views about involving significant others

This research explored nurses and healthcare asssistants experiences of carrying out last offices in hospices and community settings. Four main themes emerged: last offices were viewed as a care activity; a learning and coping challenge; a time of transition and a demonstration of respect and support.  Participants had limited experience of involving significant others in this area of care and had been concerned about potential negative psychological effects.  The findings show that further research is required into the potential benefits and harms of invovling significant others.

Martin, S. & Bristowe, K. 2015.  Last offices: nurses' experiences of the process and their views about involving significant others.  International Journal of Palliative  Nursing, 21 (4) p 173-178.

You can request this article from the library or download yourself using your Athens username and password. To access electronically, log in using your Athens username and password and search via the CINAHL database.

[Article] Mothers' experiences on the perinatal loss of a co-twin: a qualitative study

Fourteen mothers were recruited from a neonatal intensive care unit.  The mothers had experienced a loss in pregnancy or the neonatal period and had a surviving twin on the neonatal unit.   Where the surviving co-twin remained in hospital for many weeks, the mothers described the emotional support of health professionals as crucial to their well being. Few mothers sought formal bereavement support, instead they kept their grief "on hold" in order to support their surviving twin.  The authors conclude that relatively small changes in practice made a significant difference to the wellbeingof mothers during their time in hospital with their surviving twin.

Richards, J., Graham, R., Embleton, N., Campbell, C. & Rankin, J. 2015.  Mothers' experiences on the perinatal loss of a co-twin: a qualitative study.  BMC Pregnancy & Childbirth.

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[News] New Child Funeral Charity

News article about the Child Funeral Charity which can help bereaved parents by contributing towards to cost of a baby or child's funeral.  The Chief Executive explains their role, and in what situation they can provide financial assistance.

Gale, R. Providing financial support at the time of greatest need. 2014. British Journal of Midwifery 22 (10) p 692.

You can request this article from the library or download yourself using your Athens username and password. To access electronically, log in using your Athens username and password and search via the CINAHL database.

[Article] Skilled feeders improve the lives of people with swallowing difficulites

Many of the feeding difficulties that the elderly with cognitive impairment experience, are relevant to working in children's palliative care.  This article looks at dysphagia, the consequences of dysphagia, and some safe swallowing strategies and guidance.

Miles, A. 2015.  Skilled feeders improves the lives of people with swallowing difficulties.  British Journal of Healthcare Assistants, 9 (8) p394-399.

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[Article] Neonatal seizures - part 1: not everything that jerks, stiffens and shakes is a fit.

The neonatal period is the most frequent time of life to have epileptic seizures.  However neonates can also exhibit unusual movements that are not epileptic seizures. This article reviews which neonatal movements are likely to be epileptic seizures and which are not, and discusses epileptic seizure classification.

Hart, A., Pilling, E. & James, J. P. 2015. Neonatal seizures - part 1: not everything that jerks, stiffens and shakes is a fit. Archives of Disease in Childhood Education & Practice, 100 p 170-175

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[Article] Neuropathic pain in people with cancer (part 2): pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain management.

Management of neuropathic pain is significantly different from management of nociceptive pain.  Neuropathic pain is complex, and specific drugs may be effective for some patient, but not all; therefore ongoing and comprehensive assessment and management are required.

Taverner, T. 2015  Neuropathic pain in people with cancer (part 2): pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain management.  International Journal of Palliative Nursing, 21 (8) p 380 - 384.

You can request this article from the library or download yourself using your Athens username and password. To access electronically, log in using your Athens username and password and search via the CINAHL database.

[Article] Analysis of drug interactions at the end of life

As death approaches, patients are at their most frail, but an increasing symptom burden often necessitates  an increase in medications.  This study used case notes from 266 adult patients referred to specialist palliative care.  The study found that the mean number of medications prescribed was 10.8 with 72% of patients at risk of one or more drug interaction.  The authors conclude some drug interactions may be recognised as an acceptable risk, but more research is required to improve recognition of potential drug interactions and the rates of morbidity or associated mortality associated with this. Greater use of computerised prescribing software and closer liaison with clincal pharmacists is recommended.

Morgan, N. A., Rowett, D. & Currow, D. 2015.  Analysis of drug interactions at the end of life.  BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care.  5 (3) p 281-286.

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[Article] Parents' experiences of care decisions about children with life-limiting illnesses

Research with 3 bereaved mothers' regarding their experiences of making decisions, and revising and implementing end of life care plans. The research showed that parents understand the importance of planning for the end of their child's life but find the process difficult.  They also find it difficult to verbalise their decisions and value having the decision partly taken away from them.  The author concludes professionals can assist parents by using a non-dissent model of decision making.

Popejoy, E. 2015. Parents' experiences of care decisions about children with life-limiting illnesses.  Nursing Children and Young People 27 (8) p 20 - 24.

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[Article] Parents and end of life decision making for their child: roles and responsibilities

Research from the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia on whether parents want to be and should be the decision-maker for their child in end of life matters. 25 parents were involved in the study.  Their findings showed that parents actively wish to be involved in this role, and can manage its consequences. Furthermore, not being the end of life decision maker was identified in some cases as being detremental to parents' well being.

Sullivan, J., Gillam, L. & Monagle, P. 2015. Parents and end of life decision making for their child: roles and responsibilities.  BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care, 25 pp 240 - 248.

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[Update] Batten Disease - Clinical Trials

Update from Batten Disease Family Association (BDFA) on research studies and a number of clinical trials currently underway.

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