{"title":"District nurses' role in improving oral health literacy for early recognition of mouth cancer in housebound service users.","authors":"Emma Louise Middlehurst","doi":"10.12968/bjcn.2025.0060","DOIUrl":"10.12968/bjcn.2025.0060","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Housebound service users face significant barriers in accessing routine dental care, resulting in missed opportunities for early detection of mouth cancer, and contributing to delayed diagnoses or presentation of advanced stages of the disease. District nurses are uniquely positioned to facilitate oral health assessments for housebound service users and to embed oral health into holistic assessments. Developing a close working relationship with the wider multidisciplinary team, including dental services, may contribute to district nursing teams being better equipped to complete oral health assessments and facilitate early recognition of mouth cancer in housebound service users. Through a narrative review, this article discusses how enhancing oral health assessments through the development of training resources can enhance district nurses' competency in oral health assessments, improving outcomes for housebound service users.</p>","PeriodicalId":35731,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Community Nursing","volume":"31 5","pages":"220-226"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147821571","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":"Training needs of community nurses in the assessment and management of urinary continence.","authors":"Myra Robson, Sarah Gebretensae","doi":"10.12968/bjcn.2026.0061","DOIUrl":"10.12968/bjcn.2026.0061","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The wide-ranging and demanding role of community nurses is widely recognised. They need to be able to assess and manage a multitude of medical symptoms, general health issues and social factors. As a result, it is essential to have an expansive knowledge base as a starting point. However, the challenge of working in the community, often alone, also means needing a high level of expertise to tackle some challenging and demanding situations. It is essential to recognise this when exploring the training needs of community-based clinicians, as training needs assessment, and any subsequent plans to support the findings must ensure that the training provided meets these needs. When considering the training needs of community nurses in relation to bladder issues, it is useful to begin by reflecting on the range of bladder conditions. Urinary incontinence is a very common symptom and is, therefore, likely to be seen by community nurses on a regular basis. This article discussess some key points and commonly held beliefs that may be worth questioning.</p>","PeriodicalId":35731,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Community Nursing","volume":"31 5","pages":"206-212"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147821690","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":"Frailty, loneliness and social isolation in older adults: a holistic approach for district nursing.","authors":"Fiona Halpin, Bernie Reid, Caroline Crawford","doi":"10.12968/bjcn.2025.0177","DOIUrl":"10.12968/bjcn.2025.0177","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This article explores frailty and its links to loneliness and social isolation among older adults and the key role of district nurses in community-based early identification and management. Frailty, often linked with loneliness and social isolation, increases the risk of hospitalisation and adverse outcomes. Current assessment tools, such as the Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale, may inadequately address the multidimensional nature of frailty. The author suggests combining the Edmonton Frailty Scale with the University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale for a more holistic approach, alongside enhanced education to improve district nurses' confidence and skills. The article highlights the potential of social prescribing as a valuable non-clinical intervention to reduce loneliness and social isolation, and to support wellbeing. With a UK-wide policy shift towards community care, equipping district nurses with relevant evidence and resources, in conjunction with education, is essential to improve care quality, reduce hospital admissions and promote healthier ageing in the older population.</p>","PeriodicalId":35731,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Community Nursing","volume":"31 5","pages":"228-233"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147821676","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":"Homelessness, health inequalities and the need for immediate action.","authors":"Crystal Oldman","doi":"10.12968/bjcn.2026.0064","DOIUrl":"10.12968/bjcn.2026.0064","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The number of people experiencing homelessness in a growing challenge across the four countries of the UK. Homelessness bring with it a multitude of issues, including health inequality and shorter life expectancies Nurses and other healthcare professionals play an important role in providing health services to people experiencing homelessness. This article argues that ill health in the family and delayed development in the children, caused by homelessness, places a greater demand for NHS services, all of which could be prevented by the family being suitably housed.</p>","PeriodicalId":35731,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Community Nursing","volume":"31 5","pages":"246-248"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147821708","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":"Social care nursing within the community workforce: recognising specialist practice.","authors":"Paul John Alegado, Jandryle Trondillo","doi":"10.12968/bjcn.2025.0124","DOIUrl":"10.12968/bjcn.2025.0124","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Social care nurses practise at the intersection of health and social care, supporting people with complex, long-term and often fluctuating needs. Despite their central role in care coordination, clinical oversight and safeguarding, social care nursing remains under-recognised in policy, education and workforce planning in England. This article examines the case for recognising social care nursing as a form of specialist community nursing practice. The authors situate social care nursing alongside district nursing and general practice nursing, highlighting shared capabilities in risk management, coordination and autonomous decision making outside hospital environments. International comparisons illustrate how clearer credentials and development pathways can strengthen specialist identity. The article concludes that reframing social care nursing as part of the community nursing workforce is essential to improving professional recognition, education pathways, workforce sustainability and the quality and safety of care.</p>","PeriodicalId":35731,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Community Nursing","volume":"31 5","pages":"234-238"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147821655","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":"Evidence-based strategy for pain management in palliative care.","authors":"Brian Nyatanga","doi":"10.12968/bjcn.2026.0040","DOIUrl":"10.12968/bjcn.2026.0040","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>It has been well documented that pain is among the most prevalent and distressing symptoms experienced by people in the palliative care phase of dying. The diversity in types of pain makes it challenging to alleviate and manage, and yet effective pain management is the cornerstone for enhancing quality of life for those who are dying. Any strategy to manage pain requires current evidence, a multidimensional, yet individualised, approach to ensure its uniqueness and tailored to that person. Although the Western pharmacological approach may be favoured or better understood, there is room to integrate non-pharmacological interventions to suit the person's type of pain. Evidence suggests a comprehensive pain assessment should be the starting point.</p>","PeriodicalId":35731,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Community Nursing","volume":"31 4","pages":"196-197"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147575732","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":"Management of diabetes when comorbid with dementia.","authors":"Karen Harrison Dening","doi":"10.12968/bjcn.2026.0042","DOIUrl":"10.12968/bjcn.2026.0042","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Dementia is a syndrome caused by progressive neurological conditions. The majority of people will be diagnosed with late-onset dementia and will be over the age of 65 years, though a significant number may also be diagnosed before this age, termed young-onset dementia. People with dementia, especially late-onset, are more likely to have other comorbid conditions, and often multiple health conditions, more so in number than age-equivalent populations without dementia. One of the common comorbid conditions experienced by people with dementia is diabetes, which may have been present before any diagnosis of dementia is made, or onset may also be after the person's diagnosis of dementia. The ongoing management of diabetes as a person's dementia progresses can often raise significant anxiety in both health and care professionals and family carers alike. This article discusses some of the issues to consider in the management of diabetes in a person with dementia.</p>","PeriodicalId":35731,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Community Nursing","volume":"31 4","pages":"162-167"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147575677","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":"Community staff's role in detecting and preventing infection among older adults.","authors":"Heather Lawson","doi":"10.12968/bjcn.2026.0006","DOIUrl":"10.12968/bjcn.2026.0006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Community staff are central to preventing the spread of infection among older adults in community settings, such as care homes, domiciliary care, supported living and primary care. Early detection of infection in older adults is challenging because of atypical presentations and high vulnerability. Community nurses and adult social care workers are often the first to notice subtle changes in health status that can signal infection. Swift reporting through established escalation pathways enables rapid action to contain risk and prevent outbreaks. Despite national guidance emphasising infection prevention and control competence, workforce pressures, limited specialist capacity and barriers such as infectious presenteeism impede early detection and reporting. This article integrates local system learning from Northumberland and North Tyneside and discusses infectious presenteeism in private care homes. The article also illustrates clearly how community and adult social care staff from a variety of settings contribute to infection prevention and control and outlines structures that support timely action. Essential components include continuous training tailored to community settings, clearly defined reporting pathways with supportive leadership, and collaborative partnerships that integrate community staff observations into public health action. Building capability, opportunity and motivation among the community workforce is central to sustainable infection prevention and control practice. The article concludes with recommendations for nursing practice and service leaders to strengthen early detection, reporting mechanisms and organisational cultures that support proactive infection control.</p>","PeriodicalId":35731,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Community Nursing","volume":"31 4","pages":"168-172"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147575704","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":"Caring beyond walls: hosting a global conference in London.","authors":"Mark Millar","doi":"10.12968/bjcn.2026.0039","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12968/bjcn.2026.0039","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":35731,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Community Nursing","volume":"31 4","pages":"160"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147575690","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}
Pamela Donaghy, Jane Griffiths, Christine Greenhalgh, Arpana Verma
{"title":"What influences the nurses' role and identity in health promotion? A narrative review.","authors":"Pamela Donaghy, Jane Griffiths, Christine Greenhalgh, Arpana Verma","doi":"10.12968/bjcn.2025.0187","DOIUrl":"10.12968/bjcn.2025.0187","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The World Health Organization has highlighted the central role of nurses in reducing health inequality, while the NHS Fit for the Future Plan emphasises prevention and reinforces the need to strengthen nurses' health-promoting identity.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>This narrative review examined the factors that influence nurses' health promotion practice and identity.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The literature search was guided by the sample, phenomenon of interest, design, evaluation and research type framework, reflecting the exploratory nature of this narrative review. A total of 17 articles, published between 1995 and 2025, were included, spanning diverse geographical contexts, methodologies and publication types.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Three themes emerged as influencing nurses' engagement in health promotion: education, organisational culture and personal values.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>There remains a significant gap in empirical research on how nurses develop and sustain a health-promoting identity within complex healthcare environments.</p><p><strong>Implications for practice: </strong>Better understanding the factors that shape and sustain a nurse's identity as a health promoter is particularly relevant in community nursing, where health promotion forms a critical aspect of practice in supporting patients with long-term conditions, preventing avoidable hospital admissions and addressing the needs of communities.</p>","PeriodicalId":35731,"journal":{"name":"British Journal of Community Nursing","volume":"31 4","pages":"174-184"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147575721","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}