A new edition of an established research-based text on one of the fastest growing topics in nursing: nurses dealing with this complex subject need to be kept up to date and this book written by a team of expert rheumatology nurses fills that role. The book’s emphasis is on addressing the patients' problems, assessing the effects of the disease both on the body and psychologically and suggesting treatments best suited to the individual patient. It encourages nurses to work in partnership with the patients and their carers, adopting a holistic approach to care. Edited by an acknowledged international expert in the development of the specialty Covers the needs of all nurses involved with rheumatology patients both in hospital and at home Research-based and completely updated to include the latest developments in treatments available

Drug therapy management is a key topic for all nurses caring for patients with a rheumatologic condition. With nurses now required to prescribe, administer, monitor and review medication, this volume will help nurses develop their knowledge, skills and self-confidence to provide these services, while also advising on the benefits and risks of medication. This much-awaited second edition has been revised to address the changing face of clinical practice and distinct advances in this field, providing vital information on the latest drug treatments such as biological agents that suppress the disease and initiate remission, it will also advise on the use of selective and non-steroidal inflammatory drugs. Content is organised into comprehensive sections, with succinct chapters that discuss: Rheumatologic conditions Drug therapy The role of the nurse Patient education and adherence to drug therapy. In addition, new material explores biologic therapies; management of non-steroidal drugs; nurse prescribing; management of chronic pain; and case studies to inform clinical decision-making regarding drug therapy.

Individuals with chronic diseases have to cope with various challenges to their physical and psychological well being as part of their daily lives. In the field of chronic disease management nurses have an integral role in supporting the needs of the patient and identifying the optimum in high quality care. Dealing with the increasing needs of the growing chronic disease and elderly populations presents difficult challenges. Resources need to be used effectively. Chronic Disease Nursing offers support to all nurses but particularly primary and secondary care advanced practitioners wishing to develop an effective system of care for those with a long term medical condition. There is guidance on the practical aspects of setting up a telephone helpline service, identifying the ethical and professional aspects of developing a nurse led clinic, selecting appropriate outcome measures for clinic setting, and suitable biologic therapies used in chronic disease areas and working across professional organisations. This book provides a framework for the development of a chronic disease nursing service, using rheumatology as an example.

This is a core text for rheumatology nurses that gives a comprehensive review of rheumatology nursing skills and issues. Covering disease states, pathology and diagnosis, psychological and social issues, medications and treatment, symptoms and management, and patient education, this book defines the nursing role with patients who have these common ailments.

The field of rheumatology has undergone numerous exciting advances in recent years, especially the development of biological drugs with novel targets, made possible by rapid advances in the basic science of musculoskeletal diseases together with improved imaging techniques. This thoroughly revised fourth edition of the Oxford Textbook of Rheumatology reflects the changing face of the specialty and the many recent advances in the science, treatment, and understanding of rheumatic diseases. The focus of this comprehensive reference work is the presentation and management of rheumatic conditions at all ages. Where relevant, treatment approaches are evidence-based and cross-referenced to national and international guidelines. Each clinical chapter provides up-to-date treatment advice illustrated with clinical vignettes as appropriate, and the authors consistently emphasize the overlap of rheumatology with other disciplines. With full colour illustrations throughout and a complementary online version, the Oxford Textbook of Rheumatology, Fourth Edition is an essential reference for all trainees and specialists in the field.

Gone are the days when the physician could act as God, the orthopaedic surgeon as the Lord God and the nurses as minister ing angels. The concept of a team approach with each discipline supplying special yet overlapping skills is accepted in principle, although not always in practice. Physiotherapists and occupational therapists resist integration of their training among the hierarchy; however, on the ground, these remedial therapists often do each other's jobs with remarkable amity. Elsewhere I have discussed whether we need multipurpose professionals or multiprofessional persons (Wright 1982). At Leeds the close collaboration that exists between rheumatol ogists and non-medically qualified professionals has resulted in a productive Bioengineering Group for the Study of Human Joints, a Clinical Pharmacology Unit of international renown and a Rehabilitation Unit that consistently produces bricks without straw. One aspect of this combined approach to patient care has been the development of the discipline of clinical nurse metrology (Bird et al. 1980). Skilled nursing sisters have worked in this capacity for a decade in Leeds. Their contribution has not only enhanced the reliability of the results of clinical trials in which they have been engaged, but it has been highly s;ost effective and greatly appreciated by patients. It has also measurably improved our patient education programme. Moreover, the posts have provided considerable job satisfaction. This book arises from the expertise gained during these pioneer years.

This is one of the few books nurses wrote on their own professional and educational challenges. Therefore, the book is of great importance to nurses and nursing teachers. It covers various topics from standardized education to the professional pathology of nurses and the nurses' approach to different chapters of human pathology. We are proud to present you a true example of inclusivity, because our book benefits from a global perspective, including chapters written by specialists from four continents, each reflecting and sharing their own experience. The book is useful not only to nurse practitioners, teachers, or students but in general to any healthcare provider interested in getting awareness on the complex field of nursing. We hope that you will read this book with pleasure and profit from it, which we hope reflects the “pathway to success” of our profession.

Assessing and managing the acutely ill adult surgical patient focuses on major surgical conditions and interventions commonly encountered in District General Hospitals which potentially require intensive monitoring and intervention. It emphasizes the importance of thorough assessment and interpretation of clinical data, and provides the necessary knowledge to help nurses make sense of their findings and to integrate theory and practice in relation to surgical care. Part one addresses principles of surgical care for all patients undergoing surgery — including pre-operative assessment and preparation, the peri-operative period and post-operative recovery, post-operative pain management and psychosocial aspects of surgery — which underpin the knowledge and rationale for practice. Part two considers specific surgical conditions and interventions, organised according to surgical specialities. Each chapter considers the underlying patho-physiology, investigation and diagnosis, assessment, monitoring and management of common acute surgical conditions within that specialty.