Nursing times
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Unhealthy lifestyle choices such as smoking and poor diet are significant and preventable causes of long-term conditions. Nurses are well placed to encourage and support patients to make healthy choices. Through good communication, collaboration and goal-setting, behaviour change is possible. This article discusses evidence for the best ways to initiate and sustain behaviour change.
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A team of nurses in East Lancashire developed a communication tool to help initiate end-of-life discussions and support advance care planning. This article describes the development, implementation and evaluation of the "Think about it" communication prompt.
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Anxiety is a common comorbidity in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) but its identification and management are often insufficient. ⋯ Nurses can play a vital role in screening and managing anxiety, and educating people in strategies to prevent episodes of panic.
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As the largest professional group involved in direct clinical care, nurses have a vital role to play in venous thromboembolism prevention. This article describes the condition and its implications for patients. It discusses how nurses can reduce the risk of harm to patients through risk assessment and thromboprophylaxis, and by educating patients.