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Biomedical subjects

Ann Shuttleworth

Publications and source records attributed to Ann Shuttleworth.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

Genetics education for midwives.

Advances in genetic science have increased the number of health interventions undertaken with regard to genetic disorders. Genetics is therefore expanding into the domains of national screening programmes, disease prediction and pharmacogenetics. This expansion means that a growing range of health professionals, including midwives, need skills and knowledge in genetics in order to take on new roles. The government is increasingly recognising the importance of genetic science for health and an expansion of genetic services is now underway. It is acknowledged that education of a wide range of health professionals will be required, although current educational provision does not reflect this. A growing range of genetic disorders can now be detected by prenatal tests, including chromosome disorders and single gene disorders. Pregnant women may choose to discuss their concerns with midwives, who therefore need to understand genetic testing, and know what disorders can be detected and when to refer women to specialist genetic services. Their clients would also benefit from midwives having sufficient skills to understand the processes of genetic counselling, which would enable them to discuss the decision to undertake a test, help women to cope with the result and minimise its effects on the family. Educational provision on genetics for midwives is insufficient and has not been coherently planned. A strategy is being developed to provide a framework for genetics education for front-line healthcare professionals. This aims to meet the needs of practising professionals who are already being asked to take on genetic roles, and also ensure future practitioners receive pre-registration education in genetics. Practising midwives and their teachers are invited to take part in this process.

Female↗
PubMed2003

Genetics education for nurses, midwives and health visitors.

Advances in genetic science are leading to new roles for nurses, midwives and other front-line health professionals. But current educational provision on genetics is insufficient to enable practitioners to develop the knowledge and skills they need. The Department of Health and The Wellcome Trust are jointly funding the development of a strategy to address the problem.

Breast Neoplasms↗
PubMedDate not supplied

CPR: is it cruel or is it kind?

When people have a cardiac arrest, whether in hospital or the community, there is a presumption is that cardiopulmonary resuscitation should be attempted in all but exceptional circumstances. This is based on ethical, legal, political and cultural principles. However, few patients leave hospital with their faculties intact following CPR, which often simply postpones death for a short time. The authors argue that this represents a poor use of public resources and condemns many patients to severe debilitation. They suggest that the focus should move towards preventing cardiac arrest, so that scarce resources can be redirected to interventions with proven benefits.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A health website for children.

Knowledge about the special needs of children and adolescents in hospital has advanced in the past 40 years. There is now general acknowledgement that they should have services tailored to their emotional and developmental needs, and should be cared for by specially trained practitioners. However, admission to hospital is a stressful experience even for those going into the most child-friendly environments. Preparation can do much to relieve anxiety, and a new website has been set up to give children the information they need about their health and what to expect in hospital.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The role of nurses in reducing the use of tobacco.

Smoking is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the UK, and the government has funded a range of local and national smoking cessation initiatives. Supporting people as they attempt to give up smoking requires specialist skills and knowledge, often provided by nurses who have received appropriate training. However, non-specialist nurses can also play a role in cutting smoking rates by encouraging patients to consider giving up and directing them towards specialist services. This article focuses on the role that hospital-based nurses can play in encouraging patients to give up smoking.

Health Promotion↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Food allergies, food intolerance and food-related anaphylaxis.

The incidence and complexity of allergic disease has increased dramatically in the UK in recent years. Existing services are inadequate and need to be expanded so that patients with complex allergic conditions can be treated by allergy specialists and members of the primary health care team can be given training to enable them to teat non-complex cases.

Anaphylaxis↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Repetitive strain injury: causes, treatment and prevention.

Repetitive strain injury (RSI) has become increasingly prevalent with the growth of computer-based and automated occupations. While environmental factors such as work stations and repetitive tasks are primary causes, a number of secondary causes can increase a person's risk of RSI. Various treatments provide relief but the rate of recovery varies widely. Prevention involves adopting a range of measures that will also promote recovery in those with RSI.

Complementary Therapies↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A new role to reduce the incidence of health care-associated infection.

There have been many initiatives to improve cleanliness and infection control in UK hospitals over the years. These include the establishment of dedicated infection control teams and, more recently, the introduction of modern matrons, who have the authority--and budget--to take action to improve cleanliness in clinical areas.

Cross Infection↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Improving drug concordance in patients with chronic conditions.

A significant proportion of patients with chronic illnesses fail to take their medication as prescribed (Barber et al, 2004). Failure to adhere to medication regimens is a widespread problem that has serious implications for patients and the health service. However, to improve concordance, health care professionals need to understand patients' reasons for not taking their medication as prescribed. While in many cases these reasons are relatively straightforward, others are complex and difficult to identify. In addition, the concept of informed choice means that, provided they have been given all the relevant information about the treatment options, patients have the right to refuse the treatment recommended to them.

Choice Behavior↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The role of modern matrons in raising standards of infection control.

Modern matrons were introduced to the NHS in 2001 to take a lead in improving aspects of patient care. They have since grown rapidly in number, as both acute and primary care trusts have recognised the benefits of having in place a senior nurse who is able to take a strategic role in improving patient care and giving clinical staff the support they need to achieve improvements. Tackling problems in infection control was seen as a key aspect of their function.

Guideline Adherence↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The rising incidence of antibiotic-resistant ESBL-producing E. coli.

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) Escherichia coil produces enzymes that enable it to develop resistance to antibiotics. Its prevalence in the UK is increasing, and the Health Protection Agency is investigating whether it has contributed to a number of deaths. While many people may be asymptomatic carriers of ESBL-producing E. coli it can be extremely harmful to the very young, the very old and those with compromised health and other risk factors. Excellent infection control is necessary to prevent its spread in health care facilities, while restrictions on the use of antibiotics may be necessary to prevent its increasing resistance.

Cross Infection↗
PubMedDate not supplied

New guidelines for the treatment and management of people who self-harm.

People who self-harm often receive unsympathetic and inadequate health care in terms of both their physical and mental health needs. In order to address this shortfall, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (2004) has published guidelines on the treatment and management of these patients. The aim is to ensure people who self-harm are treated with respect and compassion, and that staff who come into contact with these patients receive appropriate training to enable them to understand and engage with them and provide the care they require. People who self-harm should be involved in the development and delivery of this training. Local services are required to review their practices with regard to self-harm in the light of the NICE guidelines, and to implement their recommendations as quickly as possible.

Community Mental Health Services↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Implementing new guidelines on epilepsy management.

New guidance has been released by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence on the diagnosis and management of epilepsies in adults, children and young people. Appropriate treatment and management can result in up to 70 per cent of people with epilepsy living seizure free. However, there are concerns regarding the shortage of specialists to implement the new guidance.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

How the children's national service framework affects continence care.

According to the NHS Modernisation Agency (2003), the standard of continence promotion services for children has been poor, with little evidence of a child-centred approach or integrated working. This is not unique to health care for children--many aspects of care have been inadequate and inappropriate.

Adolescent↗