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The article offers information on the American Library Association's (ALA) 2024 Annual Conference and Exhibition, to be held from June 27-July 2, 2024 at the San Diego Convention Center in California.

Why you should read this article: • To learn about general nurses’ experiences of caring for patients who misuse substances • To understand what the role of addiction clinical nurse specialist (ACNS) entails and its benefits • To recognise the potential barriers to implementing the ACNS role in hospital settings. Background: The role of an addiction clinical nurse specialist (ACNS) is focused on individuals who misuse drugs and alcohol, and several benefits of the role have been identified in the literature. When people who misuse substances are admitted to acute general hospitals, there is an opportunity to engage with them and ensure they access support services to facilitate their recovery. Aim: To determine general nurses’ experience of caring for patients who misuse substances, and to gauge nurses’ views on the implementation of an ACNS role in an acute general hospital. Method: This study used a qualitative design involving online interviews with 11 hospital nurses. Findings: Many participants felt that an ACNS could provide them with education and support around substance misuse, while also advocating for patients who misuse substances, reducing stigma and enhancing patient care. Conclusion: Participants indicated several benefits to implementing an ACNS role in their hospital, such as ensuring that patients who misuse substances experienced continuity of care which began at admission, was followed-up during inpatient stays and was maintained in the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To reflect on the role of nursing leadership in supporting healthcare systems, nursing teams and high-quality patient care • To increase your understanding of relational leadership styles • To recognise the benefits and challenges of relational leadership in nursing. Leadership is an essential skill in nursing and has a fundamental role in ensuring high-quality patient care and the effective functioning of healthcare systems. Effective nursing leadership is vital to support nursing teams as they negotiate the challenges confronting the profession, such as ageing populations and the increased use of healthcare technology. This article discusses various relational leadership styles that can be used to promote nurses’ health and well-being and enhance productivity. The author also explores the benefits and challenges of implementing relational leadership in nursing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To recognise the potential benefits of using online spaces in the control of communicable diseases • To consider how to address challenges such as the spread of health misinformation online • To learn about a framework and resources you could use in your practice to navigate online spaces effectively. The digital revolution has significantly altered healthcare, including communicable disease control, with online spaces emerging as vital tools in preventing, identifying and controlling the spread of diseases. However, healthcare professionals, including nurses, need to find a balance between harnessing the benefits of mass communication and mitigating the potentially harmful effects of online misinformation. This article explores the benefits and challenges of using online spaces such as social media platforms in the control of communicable diseases and discusses the potential use of telehealth in reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infection and antimicrobial resistance. The author also describes a framework that nurses can use to explore potential roles and practice in the context of communicable disease control in online spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To refresh your knowledge of health inequalities and the social determinants of health • To recognise the barriers to nurses implementing effective health promotion • To consider how you and your colleagues could reconfigure the approach to health promotion taken in your area of practice. Inequalities in people’s health due to economic or social circumstances remain a persistent challenge in the UK, with people from disadvantaged communities disproportionately likely to die earlier and experience more health issues than the general population. Health promotion has a vital role in reversing health inequalities and requires a focus on structural and political-level determinants of health, rather than individuals’ lifestyle choices. However, while health promotion is a significant aspect of nurse education curricula, individual nurses may experience role confusion regarding the application of health promotion in their practice. Therefore, a shift is required in nurse education and training on health promotion, as well as its practical implementation. This article suggests some approaches that could be taken to reconfigure the role of nurses in health promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To gain insight into the challenges, for nurses, of preventing and addressing adult abuse • To understand where you can access further support, advice and training on adult safeguarding • To contribute towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD (UK readers) • To contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers). Safeguarding adults at risk of abuse presents complex ethical challenges. By knowing what counts as adult abuse, recognising the signs of adult abuse and appropriately addressing suspected adult abuse, nurses contribute to protecting patients’ safety, well-being, autonomy and dignity. This article discusses categories and indicators of adult abuse, relevant legislation and standards, the principles of adult safeguarding and the key elements of a nursing assessment of suspected adult abuse. The author highlights that nurses need to approach safeguarding concerns sensitively and strike a balance between acting to safeguard the person and preserving their right to autonomy. There is a need for ongoing education and training to enhance nurses’ understanding of safeguarding practices, legislation, policies and standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To update your knowledge of the 'red flag' migraine symptoms that could indicate a more serious condition • To familiarise yourself with the non-pharmacological and pharmacological management strategies available to treat migraine • To contribute towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD (UK readers) • To contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers) Migraine is a common neurological disorder characterised by a severe, pulsating headache, sometimes accompanied with photophobia or phonophobia and nausea and/or vomiting. The symptoms of migraine can have a significant adverse effect on a person's ability to undertake normal activities. Nurses have an important role in assisting patients in identifying migraine triggers and in supporting them to manage the symptoms of migraines through lifestyle changes and pharmacological treatments. This article describes different types of migraines and some differential diagnoses and 'red flag' symptoms that could indicate a more serious condition. The author also discusses non-pharmacological and pharmacological management strategies and treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Victoria Smith, a solicitor who had three children, died by suicide in April 2021 after a dramatic deterioration in her mental health two years earlier, at age 49. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To be a nurse is to build up a back catalogue of patient encounters – some sad and challenging, some joyful, and many somewhere in between. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To recognise the importance of enhancing nurses' well-being in the workplace • To understand the work-related factors that can adversely affect nurses' well-being • To consider self-care practices that may be beneficial for you and your colleagues Nurses experience a range of challenges in their practice that can adversely affect their well-being, for example work-related stress and workforce issues. These challenges may have been intensified by various factors, such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and shift working. This article considers the concept of well-being and explores nurses' well-being in the context of ongoing stressors and workforce issues. It also examines some of the effects of shift work on nurses' well-being and how these could be mitigated. The authors outline a range of self-care practices that nurses could engage in and consider how they may be supported in this by their line managers and healthcare organisations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To recognise the role of nurses in the prevention of non-communicable diseases • To enhance your ability to initiate and engage in effective healthy conversations with service users • To be aware that training can provide nurses with the knowledge, skills and confidence to discuss health with service users, and that it is available to all NHS staff Nurses in all settings have an important role in preventing non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory disease and diabetes mellitus. They have multiple daily opportunities in their practice to discuss health with people, with the aim of supporting behaviour changes that reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases and the associated health-related and economic challenges. Incorporating the principles of healthy conversations into all daily interactions provides opportunities for nurses collectively to promote health on an individual basis to millions of people. However, many nurses have not received training in such behaviour change interventions. This article explains the principles and potential benefits of healthy conversations, and emphasises the importance of training to promote nurses' knowledge, skills, confidence and motivation to engage in such conversations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To refresh your knowledge of the various types of bruises in children and their potential causes • To recognise the circumstances where bruising might be suspicious and potentially a result of child physical abuse • To understand the actions that nurses need to take if they encounter bruising in a child Bruises are commonly seen in children and are usually easily explained by play or accidents. However, bruises are also common in children who have been physically abused. For this reason, nurses must determine if the reasons for bruising that are given by parents or carers provide a suitable explanation. This will in part depend on the veracity of the reasons given, as well as the type of bruising, its location and any pattern to the bruising. This article explains how nurses can identify various types of bruises and how these should be documented. The author also details how nurses should raise any suspicion of child physical abuse with the child, parents or carers, and how nurses can escalate any concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To enhance your knowledge of the adverse effects of climate change on people's health • To understand the ways climate change can aggravate asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cardiovascular disease • To increase your awareness of your role in informing patients of the health implications of climate change Climate change is one of the most significant global challenges and is already having detrimental effects on people's health. Pollution levels and ambient temperatures continue to increase, resulting in higher levels of humidity and pollen production. These environmental threats can affect many vulnerable patients, particularly those with respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, and nurses have a crucial role in raising awareness of the health implications of climate change. This article explores the pathophysiological effects of climate change on patients with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cardiovascular disease, and aims to enhance nurses' understanding of the health challenges of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the mental health information and resources for librarians in the U.S. It discusses that the National Council for Mental Wellbeing offers a skills-based course called Mental Health First Aid; the National Library of Medicine's MedlinePlus provides health-related educational resources that may help librarians better understand health science information; and comprehensive list of resources to support senior citizens by the Library of Congress.

The article offers insights on the provision of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information by libraries in 2023. Topics discussed include the fears and biases in asking SRH questions at the reference desk, library users' concern for privacy and confidentiality, and measures like curating content and holding of video tutorials that libraries can take to address accessibility concerns. Also noted is the need to regularly review SRH material for accuracy, currency, and inclusivity.

Why you should read this article: • To enhance your knowledge of the causes and diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) • To recognise the comorbid conditions and complications associated with CKD • To understand what is involved in the treatment of patients with CKD Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common long-term condition and is associated with increased mortality and a reduction in healthy years of life. Early identification and appropriate treatment of CKD can reduce these risks. The inclusion of CKD in any discussions with people about other long-term health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus is also essential. All nurses need to understand the risks associated with CKD so that they can develop the confidence to routinely discuss the condition with patients and support them to improve their health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To learn about the principles and types of brief behaviour change interventions • To recognise the importance of motivational interviewing in supporting behaviour change • To identify various tools and techniques that you could use in your practice to deliver brief interventions Nurses are well placed to deliver brief opportunistic health promotion interventions during routine encounters with patients. Brief interventions have been shown to be effective in prompting behaviour change among people who engage in harmful drinking or substance misuse. Nurses can use their communication, relationship-building and partnership-working skills to support people to consider behaviour change. This article explains the concepts that underlie brief behaviour change interventions, which include motivational interviewing and the transtheoretical model of behaviour change. The article also describes practical tools and techniques that nurses can use to deliver such interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To recognise the importance of providing effective oral healthcare in hospital and community care settings • To learn about a quality improvement project that was undertaken to address gaps in the delivery of oral healthcare • To consider changes you could make in your area of practice to enhance oral healthcare for patients The promotion of oral healthcare is an integral part of nursing care. However, research has shown that staff in hospitals and community care settings often lack oral healthcare skills. This article details a quality improvement project in which a scoping exercise was undertaken in one NHS trust to assess whether ward-based oral healthcare provision was adequate. The scoping exercise identified that there was a need to address the lack of oral healthcare provision in the trust. Subsequently, a multidisciplinary working group developed an oral healthcare assessment tool and rolled this out across the trust. The authors also provided online training for nurses in the trust to assist them in using the new tool. At the same time, an audit of the oral healthcare products used in the trust, and their appropriateness, was undertaken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To learn how dietary strategies for patients with type 2 diabetes can maintain glycaemic control • To familiarise yourself with the role of primary care nurses in advising patients on lifestyle changes such as diet • To understand how dietary strategies can lead to remission of type 2 diabetes Dietary strategies for the management of patients with type 2 diabetes can be effective in maintaining glycaemic control. In some cases, the use of specific and supervised dietary strategies can result in remission of the condition. Despite this, the use of anti-diabetes medicines remains the prevailing focus of treatment guidelines. Nurses in primary care are involved in all aspects of management of patients with type 2 diabetes, including advising on lifestyle changes such as diet. This article considers some of the barriers and enablers to dietary management of patients with type 2 diabetes and offers practical advice that nurses can share with their patients. The author also discusses remission of type 2 diabetes and the dietary approaches used to achieve this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To enhance your understanding of the symptoms, risk factors and management of atrial fibrillation • To appreciate the need for patients with atrial fibrillation to be involved in their care planning • To be aware of the importance of health promotion for patients with atrial fibrillation Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, and its prevalence increases significantly with age. It is linked to serious adverse outcomes, including stroke and other thromboembolic events, heart failure and other serious conditions. AF is categorised according to its persistence and duration and its management includes rhythm and rate control to address symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. As a common and potentially serious condition with high morbidity, AF is associated with significant burden on patients, healthcare services and public health, and it is essential for nurses to understand the condition. This article provides an overview of AF, including its diagnosis, symptoms, risk factors and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides an overview of health promotion for older people with dementia living in the community. It suggests innovative approaches for post-diagnosis dementia care including holistic, integrated continuing care and support, evidence-informed health promotion activities and lifestyle changes. Several areas of focus for dementia-specific health promotion interventions are identified including cognitive activities, healthy lifestyles, physical and social activities.

The article discusses the complexity of obesity and weight stigma and the role of healthcare professionals including nurses in advocating for action to address obesity. It outlines the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on weight and weight-related behaviors and identifies possible mechanisms by which obesity may increase the risk of COVID-19 outcomes. Opportunities for healthcare professionals to prevent or manage obesity include weight implicit-association tests and health promotion materials.

The article describes factors affecting health literacy of nurses which is said to be one of the main barriers preventing healthcare professionals from adequately transmitting information to people in their care. Topics include consequences of low health literacy, strategies to mitigate low health literacy, and communication techniques to mitigate low health literacy.

Long shifts, poor access to healthy food at work, and the constant temptation of chocolates and biscuits from patients and their families when you need a quick energy fix – is it any wonder that so many nurses struggle with their weight? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deaths of Oliver McGowan and Paul Ridd shone a light on failings in the care of people with learning disabilities and autism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses integrated care systems (ICS) and how they can achieve seamless medical care services in England. Other topics include how ICSs are bringing together National Health Service (NHS) organisations, local councils and primary care, how ICSs could affect nurses and their patients, and how the passage of the Health and Care Act of 2022 will make ICS mandatory in health care.

The article discusses the key role played by nurses in supporting patients with type 2 diabetes in reversing their condition or remission of the disease and achieving and sustaining weight loss. Other topics include the research on the dietary strategies to weight loss, the incidence of diabetes mellitus in the United Kingdom (UK), and how obesity or overweight raises the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The article discusses the emotional well-being of patients with diabetes mellitus and how healthcare professionals in primary care can support patients showing symptoms of diabetes distress and other mental health conditions. Topics include the essential tools and strategies for person-centred care and management and the incidence of diabetes as a long-term condition in the United Kingdom (UK).

The article offers information on Mental Health Awareness Month in May, with a focus on self-care and current research. Topics include articles throughout the month on mental health from various perspectives, available on infotoday.com. It also discusses the importance of well-being for library workers and highlights services libraries offer their communities, including profiles of a children's librarian.

What makes someone want to be a nurse – and crucially, what makes them want to stay in the profession? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than 500,000 people in the UK have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), says IBD UK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To recognise the benefits of older people becoming and/or remaining physically active • To learn about the types of exercise that can be incorporated into individualised training regimens • To understand how you can advise and support older people to exercise as part of your practice As people in the UK continue to live longer, the concept of healthy ageing has become increasingly important. Regular exercise that is appropriate for the ability of each individual can have several benefits for older people, such as slowing the loss of muscle mass, increasing aerobic capacity, maintaining cognitive function and improving health-related quality of life. This article explores the benefits of various forms of exercise and physical activity in older people, and offers practical advice that can assist nurses in supporting a person-centred approach to this aspect of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To refresh your knowledge of the definition and principles of health promotion • To enhance your understanding of the frameworks and models that underpin health promotion • To support you to provide effective health promotion to patients in your nursing practice Health promotion is a relatively new concept that is grounded in the definition of health proposed in 1946 by the World Health Organization. The thinking behind health promotion departs from the biomedical model of health and considers how biological, psychological and social factors interact to affect the health and health outcomes of individuals, communities and population groups. An accurate and in-depth understanding of what health means to people and how health is experienced enables healthcare professionals, planners and policymakers to develop and deliver health promotion interventions that prevent suboptimal health and address health inequalities. This article describes the concepts, frameworks and models that underpin health promotion and discusses the different types of health promotion interventions that can be applied in nursing practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

About 2.5% of the population in England has a learning disability, while latest estimates suggest that as many as 1.2 million people are autistic. People with learning disability and/or autism face health inequalities throughout their lives and often have complex needs. New guidance from NHS England aims to support nurses with the day-to-day management of the health of this patient group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To recognise the link between obesity and the risk of developing non-communicable diseases • To understand the effects of diet on metabolism in individuals and the benefits of a personalised approach to nutrition • To learn how to promote foods to patients that reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases and sustain planetary health Obesity is a multifaceted, long-term condition associated with a range of serious consequences, including an increased risk of non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. This article discusses the multiple factors that can influence an individual's dietary choices. It describes the different effects of diet on metabolism and the gut microbiome between individuals, and explains the benefits of a personalised approach to nutrition. The article also identifies foods that nurses and other healthcare professionals can promote to patients and service users that reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases and can support planetary health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the concept and practice of cultural humility in the nursing profession to promote individual and family-centered care. Topics covered include nurses' need to be aware of diversity and how culture can affect health behaviours, and their consideration when developing tailored approaches to patient care. Also noted are how individuals and organisations can challenge discriminatory attitudes and behaviours in the workplace.

The article discusses mitigating the challenges in mobile phone interventions to promote adherence to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment as of February 2022. Topics covered include the potential disadvantages of the themes on HIV diagnosis confidentiality, technical frustrations, lost or stolen mobile phones, and the importance of professional support. Also noted are nurses' possible review of the effectiveness of such interventions and provision of personalised support for patients.

The article is focused on the possibilities of health promotion in libraries. The first part outlines the steps that libraries can take to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The second part describes the possibilities that libraries have in terms of long-term health support and health literacy. The third part is devoted to aspects of ethics, privacy and legislation which need to be taken into account when communicating health information and providing associated services. Through selected libraries' experiences and best practices, the author explains how these institutions can support initiatives aimed at health promotion not only during the current pandemic, but also in the long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the role of nurses in conveying public health messages about lifestyle change and preventable disease through collaboration with community and faith leaders. Topics include factors that can work together to place particular populations at higher risk of such conditions, top tips on community outreach, and importance of investing time for building those bridges between health services and hard-to-reach communities.

Why you should read this article: • To understand the factors that influence the health of older people • To learn about the role of health promotion in older people's health • To develop health promotion strategies that you can use to support healthy ageing Healthy ageing has been defined as the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables well-being in older age. However, as people age, many will develop chronic diseases. Therefore, while life expectancy worldwide has been increasing, this does not necessarily result in a healthy full lifespan, with disability and ill-health often negatively affecting a person's end of life. This article examines the nursing skills required to support older people to live healthy lives against a backdrop of rising levels of chronic conditions. Nurses have a vital role in supporting health improvements in older people by providing targeted solutions such as lifestyle modifications, strengthened social networks and enhanced resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To enhance your understanding of vaccine hesitancy and its determinants • To recognise the potential effects of negative and conflicting vaccination information on social media platforms • To consider strategies you could use to address vaccine hesitancy and misinformation on social media in your practice Vaccine hesitancy, defined as the refusal or delay of acceptance of vaccines, is a threat to the elimination and/or eradication of vaccine-preventable diseases, and therefore has significant implications for global health. Negative and conflicting vaccination information on social media can lead to vaccine hesitancy, including among parents who need to decide whether to have their children vaccinated. This article discusses the dissemination and content of vaccination information on social media, and explores the effects this can have on vaccine hesitancy and uptake. It also outlines various strategies that nurses can use to address vaccine hesitancy and misinformation on social media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To refresh your knowledge of what is meant by resilience and how it is linked to physical and mental well-being • To enhance your awareness of the adverse effects that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had on nurses' mental health, well-being and resilience • To consider strategies that nurses, nurse leaders and managers, and healthcare organisations could use to promote resilience in nurses Nurses are likely to encounter a wide range of distressing, challenging and sometimes traumatic situations. However, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has created unprecedented levels of stress, risk, uncertainty and anxiety for nurses. Nurses have been working in highly challenging conditions, particularly on the front line of patient care, which has had adverse effects on their mental health and well-being. The challenges generated by the COVID-19 pandemic have called into question the notion of nursing being an innately resilient profession. Consequently, the pandemic has reinforced the need for individuals, teams and healthcare organisations to foster resilience in nurses. This article discusses the theoretical underpinnings of resilience, explains what resilience in nurses means, and describes the adverse effects of the pandemic on nurses' mental health and resilience. The article also explores how nurses' resilience can be developed and enhanced from an individual and organisational perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]