WEBWISE Atrial Fibrillation Association ‘Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac rhythm problem and causes considerable misery for many people,’ so says consultant cardiologist Richard Schilling, quoted on the Atrial Fibrillation Association (AFA) website. AFA provides support and information on atrial fibrillation to those affected by it, their families and carers. It also promotes research into the management of the various types of the condition. The association has just launched an online petition calling for the UK National Screening Committee to change its policy and recommend screening for atrial fibrillation in the over 65s. The website says evidence strongly indicates that early diagnosis and appropriate management of risk for those aged 65 and over result in an improved outcome for patients, as well as a decrease in the number of strokes related to the condition. There is a wealth of information on the site about the heart, the risks, detection, causes, symptoms and treatment of atrial fibrillation. The site offers a range of free downloadable publications, a forum and ‘Stories from the heart’. These personal accounts are divided into sections that include finding help, catheter ablation and left atrial appendage occlusion. The section of the website for clinicians has now been replaced by a separate website at www.heartofaf. org. This details last year’s revised NICE update to the clinical guidance on the management of atrial fibrillation, the first in eight years. Margaret Arthur is a retired nurse living in London www.atrialfibrillation.org.uk See www.nursing-standard.co.uk for previous website reviews
Reviews
TV :: radio :: books :: websites :: apps Cultivating Compassion – How Digital Storytelling is Transforming Healthcare ★★★★★
Digital storytelling using multimedia narratives offers considerable potential for making effective use of the voice of patients and carers. Reflective digital stories of care can help transform health and social care. This thought-provoking book helps us to hear these stories, encouraging healthcare professionals to engage fully with those in their care. Digital storytelling encourages us to think about the patients who have told their stories, and how to provide
them with better care. This book helps us to understand the human experience of health care – a key factor underpinning compassion. Each chapter is written by a practitioner who has been involved in the Patient Voices programme, established more than a decade ago by the book’s editors. The authors write from their personal experiences, adding reflection and theory. They emphasise the importance of patient involvement, the promotion of good care, compassion, team working and communication. This book will appeal to the experienced nurse, as well as students and those starting their careers, and is highly recommended.
Pip Hardy and Tony Sumner (Eds) | Kingsham Press | 315pp | £15.95 | ISBN: 978 1 9042 3535 4 Reviewed by Emma Vincent, clinical nurse specialist, pulmonary rehabilitation and interstitial lung disease , University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
Doing a Literature Review in Health and Social Care: A Practical Guide – Third edition ★★★★★ The cover brought back memories of my first literature review as an undergraduate – a pitiful figure at a desk, transfixed by terror and crowded in by bookshelves. Turn the page, however, and there is cause for hope – even joy. This book demystifies what is a long and complex process that can, without considered and practical guidance, feel insurmountable. Helen Aveyard chaperones the novice researcher from start to finish
of the literature review process. She provides counsel on the scientific rationale for a systematic approach, as well as practical shepherding on the steps necessary to achieve this. The book offers an introduction to the techniques and obligatory mindset for systematic, rigorous searching, analysis and critical writing that, if done well, will produce reliable conclusions and insights for practice. Unlike some other books on the subject, this perfect-size guide will not exacerbate your back pain. This is the companion I wish I ’d had when sitting at a tiny desk stressed about a looming dissertation and concurrent night shifts. Students and nurses alike will value this guide.
Helen Aveyard | Open University Press | 208pp | £19.99 | ISBN: 978 0 3352 6307 3 Reviewed by Clare Oakland, research nurse, Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London
Key Excellent ★★★★★
Very good ★★★★ Good ★★★ Average ★★ Poor ★
30 march 4 :: vol 29RCNi.com no 27 :: 2015 STANDARD Downloaded from by ${individualUser.displayName} on Nov 27, 2015. For personal use only. NoNURSING other uses without permission. Copyright © 2015 RCNi Ltd. All rights reserved.
Reviews
TV :: radio :: books :: websites :: apps Cultivating Compassion – How Digital Storytelling is Transforming Healthcare ★★★★★
Digital storytelling using multimedia narratives offers considerable potential for making effective use of the voice of patients and carers. Reflective digital stories of care can help transform health and social care. This thought-provoking book helps us to hear these stories, encouraging healthcare professionals to engage fully with those in their care. Digital storytelling encourages us to think about the patients who have told their stories, and how to provide
them with better care. This book helps us to understand the human experience of health care – a key factor underpinning compassion. Each chapter is written by a practitioner who has been involved in the Patient Voices programme, established more than a decade ago by the book’s editors. The authors write from their personal experiences, adding reflection and theory. They emphasise the importance of patient involvement, the promotion of good care, compassion, team working and communication. This book will appeal to the experienced nurse, as well as students and those starting their careers, and is highly recommended.
Pip Hardy and Tony Sumner (Eds) | Kingsham Press | 315pp | £15.95 | ISBN: 978 1 9042 3535 4 Reviewed by Emma Vincent, clinical nurse specialist, pulmonary rehabilitation and interstitial lung disease , University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
Doing a Literature Review in Health and Social Care: A Practical Guide – Third edition ★★★★★ The cover brought back memories of my first literature review as an undergraduate – a pitiful figure at a desk, transfixed by terror and crowded in by bookshelves. Turn the page, however, and there is cause for hope – even joy. This book demystifies what is a long and complex process that can, without considered and practical guidance, feel insurmountable. Helen Aveyard chaperones the novice researcher from start to finish
of the literature review process. She provides counsel on the scientific rationale for a systematic approach, as well as practical shepherding on the steps necessary to achieve this. The book offers an introduction to the techniques and obligatory mindset for systematic, rigorous searching, analysis and critical writing that, if done well, will produce reliable conclusions and insights for practice. Unlike some other books on the subject, this perfect-size guide will not exacerbate your back pain. This is the companion I wish I ’d had when sitting at a tiny desk stressed about a looming dissertation and concurrent night shifts. Students and nurses alike will value this guide.
Helen Aveyard | Open University Press | 208pp | £19.99 | ISBN: 978 0 3352 6307 3 Reviewed by Clare Oakland, research nurse, Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London
Key Excellent ★★★★★
Very good ★★★★ Good ★★★ Average ★★ Poor ★
30 march 4 :: vol 29RCNi.com no 27 :: 2015 STANDARD Downloaded from by ${individualUser.displayName} on Nov 27, 2015. For personal use only. NoNURSING other uses without permission. Copyright © 2015 RCNi Ltd. All rights reserved.
