Jane Higgs

This work is intended for those already in working in community care, including nurses, nursing students and social workers. It is aimed at those who have to provide palliative care from time to time, and at those who are considering a career shift into this field.

Evidence-based medicine draws on terminology used in biostatistics epidemiology health economics philosophy ethics logic and the social sciences. In this unique compendium the author defines the common terms used in evidence-based medicine and provides useful notes and references to help the reader understand this terminology and explore further if necessary. The book explains statistical formulae commonly used in evidence-based medicine. It is ideal for doctors nurses and pharmacists who are not familiar with statistical terms and statisticians and health economists who are not familiar with pharmaceutical or clinical terminology. The definitions explanatory notes and references are clear and easily understandable.

All registered nurses are required to keep portfolios which demonstrate their competence in clinical practice in order to receive re-registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. In addition, they are encouraged to seek individual annual appraisals which highlight their progress and areas the require development. This book provides examples and ideas on how to document learning, competence, performance or standards of service delivery. It takes an important clinical theme throughout, providing key information on clinical management from the outset, followed by structured examples of evidence of performance and application of learning in practice, individualised for each clinical theme, focussing on cardiovascular and neurological conditions. It explains how to gather evidence from clinical interactions and other aspects of daily work. All nurses working in primary care with an interest in chronic disease management, especially those who are looking for a more ‘first contact’ work within their role will find this book valuable reading.