A case study evaluating the role and functions of the nurse and the effectiveness of nursing care within a rehabilitation context
A case study evaluating the role and functions of the nurse and the effectiveness of nursing care within a rehabilitation context
In recent years there have been an increasing number of people requiring rehabilitation in the UK (Jester, 2007). Rehabilitation can be defined as “an active process which seeks to reduce the effects of disease (in its broadest sense) on daily life” (Greenwood et al, 1993. cited by Davis & O’Connor, 2001, p.4). Rehabilitation nursing can be identified as a philosophy of care: an approach to any individual who needs assistance with their ability to function in life (Tracey, 2001). With assistance from a mentor, on a recent continuing and supportive care placement, a suitable patient was selected on which to base this case study. To ensure that ethical and legal responsibilities of confidentiality are maintained, any personal details have been altered to ensure anonymity, and consent obtained from the patient (Nursing & Midwifery Council, NMC, 2008). A brief introduction to the patient and the care setting will follow. The pathophysiology of pressure ulcer formation will first be considered, followed by a discussion on the discharge process from a hospital to a community setting. The roles and functions of the nurses involved in the rehabilitation of the patient will then be explored, before conclusions drawn as to the effectiveness of the care provided.
Mary was an eighty-nine year old lady encountered whilst on an extended practice placement, based in a community nursing team. She lived in a local residential care home, which we visited regularly to provide nursing support to the carers. Mary had been under the care of the district nursing team as she had developed a grade I pressure ulcer on her sacrum (European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, EPUAP, 2010). The nurses offered advice about pressure area care and ordered pressure relieving equipment, to help prevent further deterioration of her skin integrity. Mary
In recent years there have been an increasing number of people requiring rehabilitation in the UK (Jester, 2007). Rehabilitation can be defined as “an active process which seeks to reduce the effects of disease (in its broadest sense) on daily life” (Greenwood et al, 1993. cited by Davis & O’Connor, 2001, p.4). Rehabilitation nursing can be identified as a philosophy of care: an approach to any individual who needs assistance with their ability to function in life (Tracey, 2001). With assistance from a mentor, on a recent continuing and supportive care placement, a suitable patient was selected on which to base this case study. To ensure that ethical and legal responsibilities of confidentiality are maintained, any personal details have been altered to ensure anonymity, and consent obtained from the patient (Nursing & Midwifery Council, NMC, 2008). A brief introduction to the patient and the care setting will follow. The pathophysiology of pressure ulcer formation will first be considered, followed by a discussion on the discharge process from a hospital to a community setting. The roles and functions of the nurses involved in the rehabilitation of the patient will then be explored, before conclusions drawn as to the effectiveness of the care provided.
Mary was an eighty-nine year old lady encountered whilst on an extended practice placement, based in a community nursing team. She lived in a local residential care home, which we visited regularly to provide nursing support to the carers. Mary had been under the care of the district nursing team as she had developed a grade I pressure ulcer on her sacrum (European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, EPUAP, 2010). The nurses offered advice about pressure area care and ordered pressure relieving equipment, to help prevent further deterioration of her skin integrity. Mary
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