Article: The Me First communication model

Children and young people report that healthcare staff are good at explaining and helping them understand what will be happening to them, but don't feel they're involved in the decision making about their care or treatment.   Following a collaboration between Common Room consulting, Great Ormond Street, and Health Education England, this article describes a model that puts children at the centre of decision making and communication about their healthcare

Martin, K. et al. 2019.  The Me First communication model.  Nursing Children & Young People, 31 (2) p 38 - 47.

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Book Chapter: Care of children and young people at the end of life

The chapter covers recognising when a child is nearing end of life, the assessment and planning needs, symptom management, ethical issues, and the interdisciplinary approach required for caring for a child and family.  It also discusses the self-care required for professionals working with children at end of life.  A good overview for students or staff new to children's palliative care.

Price, J. & Heywood, M.  Care of children and young people at the end of life. In: Price, J & McAlinden, O, (eds) 2018. Essentials of Nursing Children and Young People.  Sage Publishing. p539-555-

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Book Chapter: Care of children and young people with life-limiting illness

When a child is diagnosed with a life-limiting condition, families need high quality, flexible support designed to meet their individual needs. This chapter looks at this care, illustrated through two case studies to encourage the reader to think from the child and family's perspective.   It covers what classifies as a life-limiting illness, the role of children's hospices, care of children, and transition to adult services.  A good overview for students or staff new to children's palliative care.

Menezes, A. & Lewin-Taylor, T.  Chapter 34: Care of children and young people with life-limiting illness.   In: Price, J. & McAlinden, O. (Eds) 2018. Essentials of Nursing Children and Young People.  Sage Publishing. p530-538

Book chapter: Care of children and young people with a malignant condition

Approximately 1,600 children under 15 in the UK are diagnosed with cancer each year, and an estimated 82% of children now cured.  Despite this statistic, the impact of childhood cancer is wide ranging, with children and families requiring intense care throughout the treatment and ongoing support for years afterwards.  This chapter unravels the needs of children and families and highlights the nurse's role during diagnosis, treatment and beyond.

Price, J. & Coulson, S..  Chapter 33: Care of children and young people with a malignant condition.  In: Price, J. & McAlinden, O. (Eds) 2018. Essentials of Nursing Children and Young People.  Sage Publishing. p512-528

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Article: The nurse-led model of hospice care

This paper describes the development of a nurse-led model of hospice care in a Welsh hospice when the medical model of hospice provision was no longer financially viable.   It describes how the model has developed, allowing the nurse practitioner role to be extended to an autonomous level of hospice care not practiced anywhere else in the UK.  The model has now secured the future of the hospice ensuring a sustainable service for the community it serves.

Hickish, D. & Roberts, D. 2019. The nurse-led model of hospice care.  International Journal of Palliative Nursing, 25 (3) p 143 - 149.

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Article: How grandparents experience the death of a grandchild with a life-limiting condition

Grandparents play an important role in the families of children with life-limiting conditions.  This research explored the experiences of 7 bereaved grandparents who's grandchild had died in a hospice in the North of England.

Tatterton, M. & Walshe, C. 2019.  How grandparents experience the death of a grandchild with a life-limiting condition.  Journal of Family Nursing, 25 (1) p 109-127.

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Article: It's a hard conversation to have: healthcare professionals' views concerning advance care discussions with young people affected by neuromuscular diseases: an interview study

Nine healthcare professionals involved in the care of young people with life limiting conditions were interviewed to explore the views and experiences of discussing end of life plans.  Several environmental and personal barriers were identified that lead to the avoidance of these emotionally challenging and difficult conversations.

Hiscock, A. & Barclay, S. 2019. Article: It's a hard conversation to have: healthcare professionals' views concerning advance care discussions with young people affected by neuromuscular diseases: an interview study.  BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care, 2019 e9.

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Article: Advancing the science of outcome measurement in paediatric palliative care

There is a lack of appropriate, validated person-centred outcome measures (PCOM) for paediatric palliative care.  This article discusses the findings of an expert group who met to discuss the domains and items to include in a PCOM and the initial steps required in this process.

Harding, R et al. 2019.  Advancing the science of outcome measurement in paediatric palliative.  International Journal of Palliative Nursing, 25 (2) p 72 - 76.

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Article: Communication with children and adolescents about the diagnosis of their own life-threatening illness

This article reviews the effect of communicating with children regarding their diagnosis of a life-threatening condition and how it effects their emotional, behavioural, social functioning, treatment adherence, and wider family relationships.  They consider the factors that influence communication including the barriers and challenges. It then outline the principles for effective communication with children, parents and caregivers, generated from a workshop of international experts.

Stein, A. et al. 2019. Communication with children and adolescents about the diagnosis of their own life-threatening illness.  Lancet 393 (10176) p1150-1163.

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Article: Creating new roles in healthcare

The nurse associate role is being introduced to improve the capacity and capability of the NHS to care for patients.  This article sums up the findings of a literature review on the introduction of the new role, using lessons learned from the past to provide guidance to leaders and workforce planners.  It notes the role of clinical educators is pivotal to the success of work-based learning.

Halse, J., Reynolds, L. & Attenborough. J. 2018.  Creating new roles in healthcare: lessons from the literature.  Nursing Times, 114 (5) p 34 - 37.

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Article: Engaging leadership - a better approach to leading a team

This article discusses a specific approach to leadership, called Engaging Transformational Leadership, and how it provides a framework for nursing leaders.

Alban-Metcalfe, J. & Alimo-Metcalfe, B. 2018. Engaging leadership - a better approach to leading a team.  Nursing Times, 114 (6) p 21-24

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Article: Decision-making around gastrostomy tube feeding in children with neurologic impairment: engaging effectively with families

Canadian research looking at the struggle many parents and families face when deciding to proceed with gastrostomy tube feeding.  A framework for shared decision making is discussed along with practical recommendations for healthcare professionals on engaging with families.

Mahant, S. 2018.  Decision-making around gastrostomy tube feeding in children with neurologic impairment: engaging effectively with families. Paediatrics & Child Health, 209-213.

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Article: Parents and clinicians: partners in perinatal bereavement research

This paper, written collaboratively by a parent, chaplain, bereavement specialist midwife and obstetrician describes their experiences of attending an annual International Stillbirth Alliance (ISA) conference, organised by bereaved parents, healthcare professionals and researchers.  Four key messages are voiced: the value of active partnership; the use of creativity as a unifying expression of grief; the value of collaboration with stakeholders, and the value of participating in research.

Rice, R. 2019. Parents and clinicians: partners in perinatal bereavement research.  BMC Research Involvement and Engagement, 5 (1) online.

Available to download

Article: Social media use in adolescents and young adults with serious illness: an integrative review

Adolescents and young adults with life limiting conditions are often socially isolated due to their illness or condition.  This article aims to summarise previous research about how and why social media is used by adolescents with life-limiting conditions.

Peat, G. et al. 2018.  Social media use in adolescents and young adults with serious illness.  BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care, 2018 online.

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Guidance on the use of cannabis-based products for medicinal use in children and young people with epilepsy

This interim guidance has been produced by the British Paediatric Neurology Association (BPNA) prior to the formal guidance by NICE anticipated to be published in October 2019.  It highlights the key questions specialist clinicians should address before considering prescribing cannabis based products along with guidance on appropriate dosage and treatment regimes.

Download guidance here

Article: Exploring patients' interest in complementary therapies in a specialist palliative care unit

This research took place in an adult hospice in Ireland over a 3 month period.  The findings indicated an overall level of patient interest of 87%, with massage and reflexology the most favoured  across a wide age range and regardless of diagnosis or level of disease. 

Harte, J. et al. 2019. Exploring patients' interest in complementary therapies in a specialist palliative care unit.  International Journal of Palliative Nursing, 25 (3) p 108 - 110

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New Book: Delegation

Aimed at people who are short on time, this condensed and accessible book is aimed at helping managers who are responsible for the performance of others.  Recommended for those new to management or find it difficult to delegate work.

Brian Rothwell. Delegation. Directory of Social Change Speed Reads.

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New Book: Interviewing

This short and easy to read book covers the essential elements to make sure you get the right people in the right job.  Includes top tips, examples and case studies.

Heather Brierley.  Interviewing.  Director of Social Change Speed Reads

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New Book: Motivating staff

This short easy to read book aims to support managers to create the right conditions to get their best from their team.  It's also useful for those planning to move into a more management role.

Chrissie Wright. Motivating People.  Directory of Social Change Speed Reads.

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New Book: Presentations

Many people have a fear of speaking in public.  This short and easy to read book helps sweep away anxieties and provides skills to present with confidence.

Maria Pemberton  Presentations.  Directory of Social Change Speed Reads.

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New Book: Team Building

Aimed at people who are short on time, this condensed and accessible book provides guidance on how to ensure that team building works well and, as a result get the best from their team.

Rothwell, B. 2009.  Team Building.  Directory of Change Speed Reads.

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