Nursing standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)
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In preparing a young people's smoking cessation service in Sheffield, the author carried out a literature search and organised focus groups with young people to establish their specific problems with stopping smoking. This article discusses her findings and identifies the possible needs of young people who want support and advice when giving up smoking.
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The aim of this study is to investigate patients' perceptions and experiences of chronic pain management before and after attending pain services. ⋯ Pain management requires a significant amount of input by health professionals. Patients wanted advice on the best techniques to help them cope with chronic pain. Most patients had previously tried many different pain treatments to obtain short-term pain relief. One third of patients had waited up to four months for their initial pain assessment at the pain service. Once referred to specialist pain services, patients were satisfied with their care. Almost half (47 per cent, 115) of the interviewees reported that their pain had improved. As chronic pain has a profound effect on patients' lives, it is important that early diagnosis, treatment and referral to appropriate specialists is given high priority. This study has raised the awareness and understanding of an important, but often misunderstood area.