David Thomas Evans

Current approaches to HIV prevention, treatment and care

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) was first labelled as a new illness in 1981; it took two more years to discover a causative virus, which was named human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in 1985. Nurses who practised during those times may recall the fear, panic, stigma, ethical dilemmas and refusals to care that were associated with the pandemic. Four decades later, HIV can be considered a long-term condition rather than a life-limiting disease, as a result of developments in treatment. However, the UK has the highest number of people living with the virus since the pandemic was first identified, and there remains a need to challenge stigma and prejudice in relation to HIV and AIDS, to ensure that people receive timely access to HIV testing, treatment and preventive measures. This article explores the role of nurses in all areas of practice in preventing onward transmission of HIV, providing treatment and patient education, and promoting the well-being of people living with HIV.

Guest Editorial: Promoting cultural competency in the nursing care of LGBT patients

The eight principles of nursing practice developed by the professional nursing union, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) of the United Kingdom, in collaboration with the UK nursing regulatory body, the Nursing and Midwifery Council, and the UK government’s Department of Health for England set out ‘what patients, colleagues, families and carers can expect from nursing’. Patients, members of the public and healthcare staff were involved in developing the principles. They describe what safe and effective nursing care looks like, and the behaviours, attitudes and approaches adopted by nursing staff applying the principles in their practice. They describe what it means to treat people with dignity and humanity; to take personal responsibility for care provided; to manage risk; to put people at the centre of decision-making about their health and well-being; to communicate effectively; to ensure professional knowledge and skills are up to date; that care and treatment is co-ordinated, of a high standard and assures the best possible outcome; and that nurses lead by example (RCN, n.d.). Together with initiatives such as the Chief Nursing Officer for England’s rallying call for the evidence of the ‘6 Cs’ of care, compassion, competence, communication, courage and commitment in nursing (NHS England, 2014), these principles offer a framework for patient and public feedback and professional reflection on the quality of nursing. Arguably, when these principles underpin each individual’s experience of prevention, treatment and care it will improve the health and experiences of healthcare for the whole community, including that of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people. However, evidence suggests that LGBT patients in England have poorer health and worse healthcare

Awards give sexual health the profile it deserves

It was inspiring to read about the Nursing Standard Nurse 2006 Awards (March 8). The Innovative Practice in Sexual Health Award, focusing on termination of pregnancy, and the chief nursing officers Special Award for Prison Nursing, focusing on genitourinary health, raise the profile of sexual health in two key areas.