Getting people to act on advice is a continuing challenge for health professionals, particularly in the self-management of chronic conditions. In this article, we explore why men are less likely than women to fully engage with their own health needs and what health professionals can do to help men get better at this. Using the behavioural theory of communication – the Theory of Primitive Concerns – we will look at how different responses to risk – with women typically being risk-averse and men being risk-seeking – mean they respond differently to two alternative styles of clinical instruction based on using ‘power language’ and ‘safety language’. The theory is that we can help men to look after their own health by using language that matches their attitude to risk and presents self-care in a more powerful way.
Editorial
Keep up the good work’ is the theme of this issue of BJPCN, with latest figures showing that the structured care we provide to our patients is helping to save lives. But we are not there yet – so we are looking at remaining challenges in managing cardiovascular disease and what more we can do to really make a difference to our patients’ lives.
Editorial – Going back to basics in cardiovascular disease
There are 28 cardiac and stroke networks in the country. They play an important part in implementation of national strategies, enabling high-quality services to be planned and delivered to patients within the framework of primary and community care. One of the most useful contributions of the networks is provision of education and training for primary care staff. The “Back to Basics” material in this supplement forms the backbone of what is presented at study days. The articles cover some of the most common cardiovascular conditions that are seen in primary care, showing clearly what causes the symptoms, how best to assess and manage patients, and how the treatments actually work. They help healthcare workers both to understand these conditions and to explain them to patients, and therefore really improve patient care.
Editorial
This educational supplement is brought to you by the Cardiac and Stroke Network. What is this Network, and how can it further support your education and development?
Editorial
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has shot up the primary care agenda over the last few years, and is now well recognised as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). At the same time, CVD is a risk factor for progression of CKD. The close links between CKD and CVD mean we have to get to grips with assessing patients’ kidney function and ensuring those with CKD receive the treatment needed to prevent progression. This special issue devoted to CKD is full of step-by-step guides and illustrated articles to help you get to grips with this important condition.
Editorial
The effective management of long-term conditions such as chronic kidney disease (CKD) is probably the single greatest challenge faced by the NHS. The population is growing and people are living longer. Every week, the life expectancy for a newborn baby in the UK increases by more than 24 hours. While this is, in part, testament to the success of our health services, it also places steadily increasing demands upon them. As the population ages, the number of people living with long-term conditions is predicted to triple by 2050.
Understanding end-of-life care in advanced kidney disease
People with advanced kidney disease are required to make many choices about their treatment throughout the journey of this disease. Opting not to have dialysis or to withdraw from treatment is a difficult decision and there are many factors that influence patients’ decisions. For those who choose not to have dialysis, the implications need to be understood by the patient, their family and carers and healthcare professionals involved in their care. This article provides an update on this important issue to equip primary care professionals with a clear understanding of end-of-life care for patients with advanced kidney disease.
Making sense of chronic kidney disease
What exactly is chronic kidney disease (CKD), what causes it and how is it diagnosed? In this article we get down to the basics of defining what CKD is, and explore the stages of CKD. We review CKD progression and the assessment and management recommendations for each stage of CKD.
Kidney damage and what it means to you
Proteinuria: should it replace cholesterol as a marker for people at high risk of CVD?
We have all seen paintings of early physicians looking at flasks of urine to give an indication of a person’s health. And most of us can remember days of rows of urine pots lined up to test for new patients in primary care and in hospital outpatient clinics. We may assume that those days have gone in the era of blood testing and CT scans. So why are we suggesting that urine testing has a central role in finding patients with previously undiagnosed cardiovascular disease?
Editorial
The Department of Health certainly gave us all something to think about over the Christmas break and well into the New Year. In the middle of last December, Secretary of State Andrew Lansley confirmed that the Coalition Government is pressing ahead with its radical structural changes to the NHS in England.1 This was despite concerns by professional and patient organisations, and indeed the House of Commons Select Committee,2 about the feasibility of introducing major reforms when the NHS is under increasing financial pressures.
Helping women with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis
Vulvovaginal candidiasis, or thrush, is very common, affecting 50-75% of women during their lifetimes. About half of women who experience an episode will suffer a further attack and 5% will develop recurrent disease. Recurrent episodes are associated with depression and loss of libido, but a combination of lifestyle advice and antifungal treatment should control symptoms for most women.
