Two key air pollutants that affect asthma are ozone and particle pollution. Studies show a direct relationship between the number of deaths and hospitalizations for asthma and increases of particulate matter in the air, including dust, soot, fly ash, diesel exhaust particles, smoke, and sulfate aerosols. …

When patients die relatives and healthcare professionals may appreciate the quality of the dying phase differently, but comparisons are rare. In a cross-sectional study (June 2009–July 2012) the experiences of bereaved relatives, physicians, and nurses concerning the quality of dying in a large Dutch …

Purpose of review: To summarize the latest research on the risks and consequences of the burden that may be imposed on informal carers of persons living and dying with advanced heart failure. Recent findings: A systematic search in PubMed over the period 2013–2014 ultimately revealed 24 original articles …

Background Differing perspectives of self-harm may result in a struggle between patients and treatment staff. As a consequence, both sides have difficulty communicating effectively about the underlying problems and feelings surrounding self-harm. Between 2009 and 2011, a programme was developed and …

Purpose To examine the factors that influence the effective execution of a collaborative care program (CCP) for patients with severe personality disorders. Design and Methods A multiple case study using qualitative research methods. Findings Three factors were identified as influencing the execution …

The aim of applying science into practice is to deliver high-quality health care. Thinking about teaching the necessary accompanying skills, a distinction can be made between using evidence for individual patient care and using scientific knowledge for the development of protocols or guidelines for groups …

Some patients in psychiatric treatment are considered extremely difficult to treat because of the disruptive nature of their relationships with treatment staff. In this paper, we describe and evaluate a specialist inpatient treatment program for these patients. Data were collected from medical records …

INTRODUCTION Forensic mental health nurses work in a very dynamic field. Their main concerns are ‘security versus therapy’, ‘dangerousness’ and ‘management of violence’ (Mason & Lovell 2008, Mason, King & Dulson 2009). On the interface of security and treatment professionals in forensic mental health …