Browsing by Person "McPhillips, Hazel"

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Conducting a consultation and clinical assessment of the skin for advanced clinical practitioners
(MA Healthcare, 2021-11-27) McPhillips, Hazel; Wood, Alison; Harper-McDonald, Bruce
Advanced clinical practitioner (ACP) roles require a broad range of knowledge of both medical and surgical areas and the ability to work autonomously in a variety of settings. Despite around half of the UK adult population presenting with a skin condition requiring attention at some point, this is an area many ACPs feel unprepared to manage. However, due to the complexity and large number of potential diagnoses, it is imperative that ACPs develop their knowledge of skin conditions so that they can confidently conduct consultations with patients. This clinical review presents the key elements of patient consultation, history taking and assessment of the skin. This is designed to support novice ACPs, whether working in acute hospital settings or primary care, to develop an understanding of the key points that should be included when consulting with and assessing the skin of patients outwith the dermatology setting.
Consultation and clinical assessment for advanced clinical practitioners in sexual health
(Mark Allen, 2022-05-13) McPhillips, Hazel; Wood, Alison
Sexual health is a very important aspect of patient wellbeing, but it is a topic health professionals still find challenging within patient consultations. The incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continues to rise highlighting the need for all advanced clinical practitioners (ACPs) to understand the principles of a sexual health consultation as they may have to support patients who present with a sexual health concern, not purely those in specialist clinics and roles. This article provides a comprehensive overview of key points to include as part of consultation and assessment within this area. Effective communication is a key skill for obtaining a thorough, clear history, allowing for more accurate differentials and a smoother patient journey. The environment and body language are two other considerations when undertaking a sexual health consultation. As with all histories, a systematic approach is essential and having a solid knowledge of the foundations of sexual health will enable the ACP to focus this history to obtain pertinent information.
Critical thinking and diagnostic reasoning for advanced clinical practitioners in sexual health
(Mark Allen, 2022-05-26) McPhillips, Hazel; Wood, Alison; Smith, Joanna
During a consultation with a sexual health focus, advanced clinical practitioners (ACPs) will consider the next steps following their line on enquiry; appropriate and required investigations, advice or education required and/or referral to other services. Particularly within a sexual health context, the consultation and subsequent steps can be challenging and distressing for the patient, and the ACP must consider their knowledge and experience when caring for a patient in this area. This paper is intended to follow paper one and provide an overview of some key areas to consider following the sexual health history take. This paper is particularly aimed at those ACPs working outside this field of practice, who may not often encounter consultations of a sexual health nature as a first presentation. It does not aim to offer comprehensive guidance and ACPs should always work within their own scope of competence (NMC 2018, HCPC 2016).
Critical thinking and diagnostic reasoning when advanced practitioners assess and treat skin conditions
(MA Healthcare, 2021-12-10) McPhillips, Hazel; Wood, Alison; Harper-McDonald, Bruce
Advanced clinical practitioner (ACP) roles require a broad range of knowledge of both medical and surgical medicine and the ability to work autonomously in a variety of settings. Despite around half of the UK adult population presenting with a skin condition requiring attention, this is something many ACPs feel unprepared to consult on. However, due to the complexity and large number of potential diagnoses, it is imperative that ACPs develop their confidence and knowledge to diagnosis, request investigations and initiate treatment for a patient with a skin complaint. In the first part of this clinical review the authors presented the key elements of history taking, consultation and assessment of the skin. This second clinical review discusses the main differential diagnoses, mimickers, common investigations and treatments. This article is designed to support novice ACPs from acute hospital settings to primary care to develop a foundation of understanding in the main diagnosis and treatment options that should be considered following a clinical assessment of patients’ skin out with the dermatology setting.