{"title":"Rashes in children: role of children's nurses in assessment and management.","authors":"Rebecca Platt, Michèle O'Grady","doi":"10.7748/ncyp.2026.e1590","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.7748/ncyp.2026.e1590","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A rash in a child can cause significant anxiety to the parents but rarely indicates serious illness. When children's nurses come across children presenting with a rash, they need the skills and confidence to distinguish between those who likely have a serious condition that warrants urgent escalation, those who likely have a clinically significant condition where appropriate interventions are important, and those who likely have a benign condition that will resolve by itself. Nurses also need to be able to use professional terminology in their descriptions of rashes and to conduct accurate skin assessments across skin tones. By combining clinical vigilance, compassionate communication, clear explanations and effective safety-netting, nurses can manage the care of children presenting with a rash confidently and reassure the children's parents.</p>","PeriodicalId":38902,"journal":{"name":"Nursing children and young people","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148521008","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}
Helen Reddy, Laura Holliday, Louise Clarke, Carli Whittaker, Verity Wilson, Jessica Jackson
{"title":"Evaluating a pilot session for nursing students with schoolchildren as simulated patients.","authors":"Helen Reddy, Laura Holliday, Louise Clarke, Carli Whittaker, Verity Wilson, Jessica Jackson","doi":"10.7748/ncyp.2026.e1585","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.7748/ncyp.2026.e1585","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Simulation can enhance nursing students' education by providing real-world practice learning experiences. However, finding opportunities for children's nursing students to work with children as simulated patients can be challenging due to safeguarding and consent issues and practical difficulties. This article details the evaluation of a pilot simulation session which involved 59 first-year preregistration children's nursing students practising physiological assessments and communication skills with 59 primary school children. After the session, which took place at the children's school, the students were asked to complete a survey. The vast majority of respondents thought that the simulation activity had enhanced their skills and confidence for their forthcoming first clinical placement. The children rated their experience using an adapted 'smiley faces' scale and their feedback was overwhelmingly positive. The findings show that using children as simulated patients can enrich students' practice learning, foster the development of a professional identity and help prepare them for practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":38902,"journal":{"name":"Nursing children and young people","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148392080","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}
Shannon Cresham Fox, Takawira Marufu, Rachel Boardman, Joseph Manning
{"title":"Risk factors and nursing interventions for non-traumatic fractures in neonates and children: a systematic review with narrative synthesis.","authors":"Shannon Cresham Fox, Takawira Marufu, Rachel Boardman, Joseph Manning","doi":"10.7748/ncyp.2026.e1574","DOIUrl":"10.7748/ncyp.2026.e1574","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Non-traumatic (unexplained) fractures in neonates and children are often detected incidentally and present considerable diagnostic complexity. Nurses have a central role in early recognition, prevention and safe care, yet the synthesis of risk factors and nursing management is limited. This review aimed to synthesise evidence on risk factors for non-traumatic fractures in neonates and children and on the nursing management interventions reported to mitigate risk and improve outcomes. Nine studies were reviewed, including two quality improvement (QI) projects undertaken in neonatal intensive care units. Four main risk factor themes emerged from content analysis and narrative synthesis analysis - prematurity and low birthweight, comorbidities, medicines and nutrition - with additional influences from sex and maternal characteristics. Synthesis of the nursing interventions in the two QI projects identified that a multidisciplinary approach to screening, nutritional optimisation, staff education and 'handle with care' signage reduced non-traumatic fracture rates. Non-traumatic fracture risk in neonates and children is multifactorial, with nursing evidence concentrated in neonatal settings. Nurse-led screening and prevention protocols are research priorities.</p>","PeriodicalId":38902,"journal":{"name":"Nursing children and young people","volume":" ","pages":"18-24"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147272323","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":"Effective child protection practice in England: legislation, barriers and strategies.","authors":"Ciarán Murphy","doi":"10.7748/ncyp.2025.e1571","DOIUrl":"10.7748/ncyp.2025.e1571","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Since 1973, a series of cases of children known to health and social care services who died of abuse and neglect have highlighted repeated failures of public agencies to work together to protect children exposed to intrafamilial harm. Despite child protection systems and procedures designed to facilitate interagency working and the sharing of information, professionals working with children may still not have an adequate understanding of their role in the child protection process. This article explores lessons that can be learned from the past 50 years. It reminds nurses of their child protection responsibilities and provides an overview of key sections of the legislation pertaining to safeguarding and child protection. The article also discusses the barriers nurses typically face when trying to identify and protect children exposed to, or at risk of, neglect and abuse, and strategies they can employ to maintain child-centred practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":38902,"journal":{"name":"Nursing children and young people","volume":" ","pages":"34-42"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145649617","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":"Developing empathy for parents through the use of infant simulation dolls.","authors":"Julia Petty, Lisa Whiting, Sheila Roberts","doi":"10.7748/ncyp.2026.e1570","DOIUrl":"10.7748/ncyp.2026.e1570","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The use of simulation can be effective in developing empathy in nursing students. This is particularly valuable in children's nursing where caring for the emotional needs of parents is a fundamental aspect of learning.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To evaluate the use of infant simulation dolls by students undertaking a BSc (Hons) nursing (child) programme in one university in England, and to assess their value in simulation-based learning and in students' development of empathy with the parenting experience.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Thirty-seven first-year students were each provided with an infant simulation doll to care for at home for one week. Following completion of the simulation experience, 18 students completed an online survey comprising closed questions with free-text space for expanding on their answers. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative data were analysed thematically.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Five themes emerged: practical use of the doll; views and value of the experience; preparation for and relevance to clinical placement practice; development of empathy for parents; and ideas for other potential uses. Overall, the respondents reported that the simulation experience was positive and provided them with a greater understanding of the demands and emotional toll of parenting. Some respondents highlighted technical challenges with the software and the limited realism of infant simulation dolls.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Infant simulation dolls can enhance empathy and reflective learning in children's nursing students, supporting family-centred practice and complementing traditional educational approaches.</p>","PeriodicalId":38902,"journal":{"name":"Nursing children and young people","volume":" ","pages":"25-33"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146143800","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":"Fever in young children: an overview of physiology, assessment and advice to parents.","authors":"Sheila Roberts","doi":"10.7748/ncyp.2026.e1584","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.7748/ncyp.2026.e1584","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Fever is common in children and a common reason why they present to healthcare services. In many cases, fever in a child is caused by a mild, self-limiting infection, but it can sometimes indicate a serious condition requiring urgent treatment. Fever in a child tends to cause concern for their parents, who are often keen to reduce it; however, fever has an important role in boosting the immune response to infection. Understanding the mechanisms and manifestations of fever in children is crucial for children's nurses to provide optimal care to patients and explain to parents how to care for a febrile child at home. This article provides an overview of thermoregulation and the physiology and role of fever. It also discusses the assessment of children presenting with fever, as well as the education and advice that nurses can give to parents.</p>","PeriodicalId":38902,"journal":{"name":"Nursing children and young people","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148296853","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":"Pain assessment in children and young people with developmental disabilities: a scoping review.","authors":"Joanne Self, Natasha Spassiani","doi":"10.7748/ncyp.2026.e1565","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.7748/ncyp.2026.e1565","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Paediatric pain has been identified in the literature as being undertreated and often misdiagnosed. This article details a scoping review that aimed to identify the facilitators and barriers to using pain assessment tools for children and young people with developmental disabilities. Two themes were identified as barriers to pain assessment: inexperience of healthcare professionals; and a lack of education for healthcare professionals. Two themes were identified as facilitators of pain assessment: parental assistance and knowledge; and education and training for healthcare professionals. The scoping review identified a significant gap in research into pain assessment for children and young people with developmental disabilities, particularly those receiving care in a hospice setting. The authors also explore how improvements can be made to practice to ensure equitable healthcare delivery for this group.</p>","PeriodicalId":38902,"journal":{"name":"Nursing children and young people","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148200264","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":"Efficacy of video-based resources for educating young people with chronic long-term conditions: a literature review.","authors":"Moira Gibbons, Heather Elphick","doi":"10.7748/ncyp.2026.e1582","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.7748/ncyp.2026.e1582","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The UK has among the highest mortality rates in Europe for young people with asthma, with inadequate patient education cited as a contributing factor. This literature review aimed to explore the efficacy of video-based resources for educating young people about their chronic long-term condition. Ten studies were reviewed, most of which were randomised controlled trials, and seven of which were conducted in outpatient settings in the US by the same research collaborative. The findings show that, although video-based educational interventions improved participants' knowledge about their condition, these were not superior to other educational approaches. Further, no consistent improvement in medicine adherence, disease control or quality of life was demonstrated. Video-based education for young people appears to be most effective when used to support healthcare professional-led education rather than as a standalone intervention. Nurses and other healthcare professionals should incorporate structured education into consultations with young people and use a range of resources to ensure that their differing needs are met.</p>","PeriodicalId":38902,"journal":{"name":"Nursing children and young people","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147989392","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}
Annabel Crompton, Jessica Robson, Catherine Renwick, Emily Ellis, Danielle Poole
{"title":"Childhood arrhythmias: diagnosis, management and nursing care.","authors":"Annabel Crompton, Jessica Robson, Catherine Renwick, Emily Ellis, Danielle Poole","doi":"10.7748/ncyp.2025.e1554","DOIUrl":"10.7748/ncyp.2025.e1554","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Childhood arrhythmias are relatively rare but can present with a wide range of symptoms, depending on the type of arrhythmia, the child's age and the presence of underlying cardiac conditions. This article provides an overview of the most common childhood arrhythmias, exploring diagnostic methods and outlining treatment options. It also highlights key 'red flag' symptoms requiring urgent referral and the role of nurses in assessment, management, education and long-term support of affected children and their families. Understanding arrhythmias, recognising when to escalate care and delivering age-appropriate information are essential for improving outcomes and ensuring safe, effective nursing care.</p>","PeriodicalId":38902,"journal":{"name":"Nursing children and young people","volume":" ","pages":"32-42"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145588693","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":"Coping mechanisms used by nurses caring for dying children: a literature review.","authors":"Hope Aimee Barton","doi":"10.7748/ncyp.2025.e1566","DOIUrl":"10.7748/ncyp.2025.e1566","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Witnessing traumatic events such as the death and dying of patients without adequate support can have a negative effect on patient care and clinician well-being. This qualitative literature review aimed to explore and identify the coping mechanisms used by nurses who care for children who are dying or have died. Understanding these mechanisms is essential to inform clinical practice, reduce psychological strain and improve the quality of care. Coping mechanisms were categorised into three main themes: organisational, adaptive and maladaptive. Maladaptive strategies, despite their negative psychological consequences, were the most frequently reported, particularly in high-stress environments such as paediatric intensive care units. This pattern may reflect environmental or cultural factors that limit the use of more adaptive strategies. Further UK-based primary research is required to assess the effectiveness of these mechanisms and ensure their relevance to the NHS and children's nursing practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":38902,"journal":{"name":"Nursing children and young people","volume":" ","pages":"25-31"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145483371","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}