Author Description

Primary Care nurses work in a variety of settings addressing the multiple public health, prevention, treatment and care needs of their patients and populations. They work with individuals, their families, and their carers at different stages of their life course. As both generalists and specialists, they need to have rapid access to evidence-based information across a very broad range of conditions, and preventative, care and treatment techniques.The Oxford Handbook of Primary Care and Community Nursing is written by Primary Care nurses and other experts in their field, who are directly engaged in current practice, research and policy activities. It addresses the knowledge and skills needed by nurses working in modern primary care that cuts across speciality and care settings. In addition to essential core clinical information, it also provides the organizational knowledge necessary for primary care nurses, who work on the interface of the statutory and voluntary sectors in health, education and social care. Covering all aspects of primary care nursing, chapters range from common adult health problems to vulnerable groups with extra needs, and medicine management and nurse prescribing. It includes information on how health and social care services are organised and funded, to essential guidance on professional and clinical activities with all ages and technical care procedures common in primary care and home settings. For the nurse new to primary care it sets out the range of knowledge and skills required in a non-hospital environment and for working with clients, patients and caregivers across the lifespan. For the experienced nurse or health visitor, it provides an accessible and instant resource for everyday practice, an aide memoir, a benchmark of good practice, and also a reference guide to locate in depth information.The book is clearly laid out with one topic per page, and written in an easily readable note-based style. Blank pages for writing notes, observations and local protocols allow the handbook to be customised to meet local needs. All this is available in a handy, pocket-sized book with hard-wearing plastic covers.Written by practising nurses and subject experts, the Oxford Handbook of Primary Care Nursing is a unique and invaluable companion for novice and experienced practitioners, and for all health care professionals who work in the primary care and community setting.