ABSTRACT
When attending acute hospital settings, autistic children and adults rely on health professionals and ancillary staff to interact with them appropriately to facilitate accurate diagnoses and management of health concerns. Health outcomes for autistic people are adversely affected by comorbidities as well as difficulties in accessing and navigating acute healthcare environments. These factors demonstrate a need to develop targeted education for healthcare staff working in the acute hospital setting. This article discusses the background to the project, including the results of a literature review that highlighted some of the difficulties this patient group experiences in accessing health care. It discusses the development and evaluation of an e-learning education programme for healthcare staff working in an acute hospital setting using Kern et al's (1998) six-step approach to curriculum development. Staff reported a desire to learn more about autism and how to make patient consultations and experiences more accessible and productive. It was acknowledged that there are many undiagnosed autistic adults navigating the acute health system and it is anticipated that the e-learning programme will assist staff in identifying and meeting their needs. During research with an autism advocacy group, there was a clear recommendation for the use of the term 'autistic person' rather than 'person with autism', which is reflected in the resulting education programme and this article.
Subject(s)
Autistic Disorder , Computer-Assisted Instruction , Adult , Autistic Disorder/therapy , Child , Curriculum , Health Services Accessibility , Hospitals , HumansABSTRACT
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is a non-Hodgkin lymphoma commonly occurring in older adults. Many people with CLL can go for years without requiring treatment. However, they have an increased risk of secondary cancers, specifically melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. Furthermore, these secondary cancers are frequently more aggressive in this cohort of patients. Health professionals working in haematology, dermatology and general practice have an opportunity to educate patients about risk factors and measures to aid prevention. Modern technology may assist patients and professionals in the early detection of secondary skin cancers, which will lead to expedited treatment and better survival outcomes.
Subject(s)
Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/pathology , Neoplasms, Second Primary , Skin Neoplasms/pathology , Comorbidity , Dermatologists/supply & distribution , Health Services Accessibility , Humans , Internet , Opportunistic Infections/etiology , Patient Education as Topic , Skin Neoplasms/prevention & control , Vitamin D Deficiency/complicationsABSTRACT
This article discusses Down's syndrome and its effect on the child. Some common medical conditions that may necessitate a child with Down's syndrome attending hospital either as an inpatient or an outpatient are identified. These include cardiac disease, atlantoaxial instability, growth, thyroid function and eye, ear, nose and throat issues. The nurse's role in minimising the stress involved for the child and the family is discussed. Practical suggestions are offered for ways of enhancing practice and improving outcomes, specifically in the area of communicating with the child and family.
