Recognising and diagnosing depression in children and young people

This article focuses on the recognition and diagnosis of depression in children and young people. Depression in children and young people is underdiagnosed and has been linked to long-term harm. Effective recognition of the condition is crucial in reducing its burden, and supports appropriate management to prevent potential long-term harm. This article explores the causes, risk factors, and signs and symptoms of depression in children and young people, and the role of nurses and other healthcare practitioners in identifying the condition in this patient group.

Recognition and management of asthma in children and young people

Asthma is a common childhood disorder that has global significance. Developing an understanding of the aetiology, effects, diagnosis and management of the disorder enables healthcare practitioners to reduce the physical, psychological and social effects of asthma on children, families and healthcare systems. This article refers to the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network and British Thoracic Society guideline on the management of asthma, and enables the reader to incorporate this guidance into their practice.

Promoting healthy lifestyle changes to families is a challenge

Nearly 30% of UK children aged 2-15 years are overweight or obese ( Department of Health 2013), with Lepkowska (2014) highlighting the rise in the number of children admitted to hospital with obesity-related problems.

Measles: pathology, management and public health issues

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that continues to occur in epidemics in the UK despite efforts to eradicate it. In the acute stage, measles is associated with several complications including otitis media, but some of the most severe consequences of the disease occur months and even years after the initial infection. Worldwide, measles contributes significantly to deaths in childhood and places an additional burden on families already living with the consequence of poverty and conflict. This article aims to develop the reader's understanding of measles, including its pathophysiology, management and associated public health issues.

Whooping cough: identification, assessment and management

Although there is a high uptake of vaccinations providing protection against Bordetella pertussis, the main cause of whooping cough, there has been an increase in the incidence of notifications of the disease in the UK and other developed countries in recent years. The increase in cases of whooping cough is mainly evident in older children and adults. While these individuals may experience persistent and unpleasant symptoms, most notably prolonged cough, symptoms may be mild, in part, because most older children and adults have been vaccinated against the disease. The most significant public health concern relating to whooping cough is that infected older children and adults may transmit the disease to unvaccinated infants who are most vulnerable to the symptoms. This article aims to develop the reader's understanding of whooping cough, including its prevention and management.

Developing careers in neonatal nursing to meet service demands

This article explores the innovative, responsive and collaborative development of a neonatal route through the pre-registration nursing programme at the University of Worcester. The change was initiated and developed in partnership with the Southern West Midlands Newborn Network, in response to local and national workforce requirements.