{"title":"Cultural beliefs and practices related to skincare and their influence on treatment adherence.","authors":"Sandra Lawton","doi":"10.12968/bjcn.2026.0073","DOIUrl":"10.12968/bjcn.2026.0073","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The demographics landscape has evolved, resulting in diverse populations with various cultural backgrounds. Within the field of dermatology, dermatological conditions and skin care practices vary widely across patients with different skin tones. Therefore, this article focuses on the cultural beliefs and practices related to skincare among individuals with skin of colour, the challenges they face and the importance of healthcare professionals having the awareness, understanding and ability to recognise the issues they might come across in clinical practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":35731,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Community Nursing","volume":"31 6","pages":"264-267"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148044098","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Optimising outcomes in condom catheter use for male urinary incontinence.","authors":"Conor Hamilton, Oonagh McCloy","doi":"10.12968/bjcn.2025.0205","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12968/bjcn.2025.0205","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Male urinary incontinence is a debilitating yet often overlooked condition. While medical treatments are available, some men may choose to manage the condition rather than opt for treatment. For these individuals, the choice of continence product is influenced by many factors including personal preference, comfort and discretion. The condom catheter, or external urinary catheter, is a non-invasive device designed to manage male urinary incontinence. It consists of a flexible sheath worn over the penis, that is connected to a drainage system. It is primarily indicated for patients with urinary incontinence who have the ability to void spontaneously but require continuous collection of urine for comfort, hygiene or skin protection. Condom catheters should be avoided for long-term use in patients with impaired sensation or high risk of skin breakdown without careful monitoring. Adverse effects are typically minor but can include skin irritation, maceration, pressure necrosis, allergic dermatitis and urinary tract infections. Rare complications include penile ischaemia, oedema and urethral injury from improper sizing or application. This article includes guidance for safe use such as appropriate sizing, secure but non-constrictive application, daily changes and regular inspection of penile skin. Proper hygiene, moisture control and patient or caregiver education on technique and complication recognition are essential. Overall, condom catheters offer an effective, low risk alternative to indwelling catheters improving comfort and quality of life for suitable patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":35731,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Community Nursing","volume":"31 6","pages":"294-298"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148044124","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Back to basics.","authors":"Anna Ingleby","doi":"10.12968/bjcn.2026.0081","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12968/bjcn.2026.0081","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":35731,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Community Nursing","volume":"31 Sup6","pages":"S4"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148057180","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Wound care across diverse skin tones in the community nursing context: a critical narrative analysis.","authors":"Vittoria Sorice, Gerri Mortimore, Jill Gould","doi":"10.12968/bjcn.2025.0242","DOIUrl":"10.12968/bjcn.2025.0242","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Wound assessment in the UK community setting remains heavily reliant on visual cues, such as erythema, which are unreliable in darker skin tones. This continued reliance on a light-skin norm represents a form of hidden systemic bias that risks delayed diagnosis and avoidable harm for a growing segment of the population. This article draws on empirical and conceptual literature to develop a critical narrative analysis of how skin tone diversity affects wound assessment, diagnosis and management in UK community nursing practice. It synthesises evidence on diagnostic delays, critiques the inadequacy of the blanching test and outlines a multisensory, equity-focused assessment framework. By proposing strategies across clinical practice, education and policy, this article challenges the status quo, arguing that true safety requires not just new tools but the dismantling of embedded racial biases within healthcare structures.</p>","PeriodicalId":35731,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Community Nursing","volume":"31 Sup6","pages":"S30-S38"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148057139","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Assessment and diagnosis of leg ulceration.","authors":"Sylvie Hampton","doi":"10.12968/bjcn.2026.0089","DOIUrl":"10.12968/bjcn.2026.0089","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Leg ulceration is a complex clinical presentation; accurate assessment and diagnosis are essential to ensure safe and effective treatment. Misdiagnosis can result in delayed healing, unmanaged pain, inappropriate use of compression therapy and avoidable complications. The Lindsay Leg Club Foundation supports both nurses and patients by promoting evidence-based education and social engagement. Ongoing professional development is essential to improve diagnostic competence and reduce variation in care.</p>","PeriodicalId":35731,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Community Nursing","volume":"31 Sup6","pages":"S41-S42"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148057192","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A reflective journey: time has been the greatest teacher.","authors":"Ellie Lindsay","doi":"10.12968/bjcn.2026.0080","DOIUrl":"10.12968/bjcn.2026.0080","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Over the past years, my nursing journey has been one of quiet reflection, where time has truly been my greatest teacher. In the beginning, I thought nursing was about getting everything right, but time has taught me that it is more about being present, listening deeply and caring wholeheartedly. Each patient, each family and each passing year has shaped me, as I have learned that compassion often speaks louder than words, and that even in the busiest moments, it is the smallest gestures that leave the deepest impact. Looking back, I see a lifetime of shared humanity for which no textbook could ever prepare me.</p>","PeriodicalId":35731,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Community Nursing","volume":"31 Sup6","pages":"S39-S40"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148057130","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Cleaning and debridement in wound care: a review of wound infection management and the role of multidimensional dressings.","authors":"Valerie Edwards-Jones","doi":"10.12968/bjcn.2025.0243","DOIUrl":"10.12968/bjcn.2025.0243","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Following injury, most wounds resolve without any complication. However, if healing is impeded then the wound can become chronic and persist in a non-healing state for months, and even years in some cases. Globally, the majority of chronic wounds have biofilm present that does not resolve unless disrupted. Slough and devitalised tissue need to be removed as they act as a nidus for the biofilm. This article summarises the current methods available for cleaning and debridement and discusses topical antimicrobial treatments used to reduce bioburden.</p>","PeriodicalId":35731,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Community Nursing","volume":"31 Sup6","pages":"S22-S28"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148057141","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Case series evaluating the performance of two superabsorbent dressings combined with cohesive two-layer compression bandages for the treatment of highly exuding venous leg ulcers.","authors":"Laura E Leitch","doi":"10.12968/bjcn.2025.0196","DOIUrl":"10.12968/bjcn.2025.0196","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Venous leg ulcers are highly exuding and require compression, which challenges a dressing to absorb while being compressed.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>This study compares exudate management on venous leg ulcers with different superabsorbent dressings used in combination with compression therapy.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This wound care improvement feasibility study is a case series of 10 patients with highly exuding venous leg ulcers. The authors followed the progress of patients for 2 weeks with a standardised superabsorbent dressing, then switched to a different superabsorbent dressing for 4 weeks while using the same compression system in both care periods. They recorded frequency of care, dressing size, dressing weight at removal, leakage, maceration, wound size and patient comfort.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Superabsorbent dressings varied in performance for the management of exudate under compression.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Better exudate management helps to manage periwound maceration and may potentially facilitate healing. This may shorten the duration of care, improve patient quality of life and could potentially reduce costs.</p>","PeriodicalId":35731,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Community Nursing","volume":"31 Sup6","pages":"S6-S15"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148057211","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Ethical and legal considerations in capacity assessment and the role of community nurses.","authors":"Hasan H Alsararatee","doi":"10.12968/bjcn.2025.0100","DOIUrl":"10.12968/bjcn.2025.0100","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This article aims to explore the ethical and legal considerations involved in the assessment of mental capacity by community nurses in the UK. Grounded in the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, the article explores the practical challenges community nurses face when applying legal frameworks in varied clinical contexts, including home visits, remote consultations and multidisciplinary care. Key themes addressed include the role of consent, safeguarding responsibilities, fluctuating capacity in chronic illness, family and professional disputes and supported decision making for individuals with learning disabilities. The article also highlights how legal instruments such as the Human Rights Act 1998, Equality Act 2010, Care Act 2014 and Health and Social Care Act 2012 underpin safe and lawful practice. It also explores the implications of emerging legislation, such as the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill and regulatory guidance, on remote assessments and digital ethics. The author looks at cultural and religious considerations with attention to preventing bias and promoting equity. The article draws on recent literature and case law, including Re C (Adult: Refusal of Treatment), to illustrate the complex association between professional judgement and patient autonomy, while upholding healthcare professionals' legal duties. By providing a structured and comprehensive review, this article aims to equip community nurses with the legal literacy and ethical insight necessary to navigate capacity assessments confidently.</p>","PeriodicalId":35731,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Community Nursing","volume":"31 5","pages":"240-245"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147821643","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Managing loss and grief through the 'empty chair'.","authors":"Brian Nyatanga","doi":"10.12968/bjcn.2026.0058","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12968/bjcn.2026.0058","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":35731,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Community Nursing","volume":"31 5","pages":"205"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147821682","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}