A research internship scheme for nurses and its wider implications for clinical managers.

There is growing evidence that clinical research activity is linked to better patient outcomes and that staff involvement in research is linked to enhanced morale and retention. Clinical managers have a pivotal role in supporting staff to engage with research, but they are not always given the means to do so and are not always aware of the benefits. In 2021 a research internship scheme was set up as a collaboration between two London NHS trusts and a university, enabling nurses and midwives to undergo training and undertake a range of research activities. Some participants experienced challenges in fitting internship activities around clinical duties despite the fact that the scheme was planned to give them protected time. This article describes the scheme, reports the findings of its evaluation at one of the two trusts, and discusses its implications for clinical managers in terms of how they can be supported to contribute to the development of a research culture.

Outcomes in non-surgical management for bowel dysfunction.

This retrospective review considers clinical outcomes of patients following non-surgical management of bowel dysfunction (faecal incontinence and constipation), within a tertiary centre's pelvic floor unit. Between November 2010 and January 2013, 443 patients were entered into a database and the results of their treatment were recorded. To capture the treatment modalities that patients received they were grouped into three categories: defaecatory techniques and/or pelvic floor exercises; dietary advice and/or medication recommendations; rectal irrigation or the use of anal plugs. Patients received a median number of three sessions with a specialist nurse or physiotherapist. After completing a programme of therapy, 81% of patients had an improved St Mark's incontinence score and 75% of patients had an improved Thompson's functional constipation score. Subjective symptom improvement was reported in 78% of patients. The majority of these patients were discharged in 2011 and 2012 and have not required follow-up, suggesting that non-surgical management is effective on a medium-term basis.

Assessment and treatment of patients with haemorrhoids.

This article examines the care of patients with haemorrhoids, and explores the aetiology, epidemiology and assessment of the condition. Information is provided on the different forms of treatment, and the importance of lifestyle interventions is reinforced. The post-operative nursing care of patients undergoing surgical procedures, including haemorrhoidectomy, is discussed, emphasising pain relief, hygiene and prevention of constipation.

The use of endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography (ERCP) combines endoscopic and radiographic techniques and is carried out to allow detailed examination of the bile ducts, pancreatic duct and gallbladder. It can serve as a diagnostic or therapeutic tool. This article provides an update on the procedure as well as indications and contraindications. The nurse's role in caring for patients undergoing ERCP--which includes preparing them for the procedure, observing them post-ERCP and providing health education for discharge and beyond--is also covered.