Lecturer publishes new book aimed at professionals working in end-of-life care
Michelle Brown, Senior Lecturer in Adult Nursing at the University of Derby, has recently published a book to support healthcare and nursing professionals working in palliative and end of life care.
The book, titled ‘Palliative Care in Nursing and Healthcare’, encourages reflection around healthcare and social care provision for all professionals but also introduces a number of case studies to help make sense of the theories, policies and guidance.
Michelle’s clinical practice has included oncology and palliative care nursing. After qualifying she worked on a gastrointestinal surgery ward, where she was often involved with helping to support and care for patients with a cancer diagnosis pre and post-operatively.
Michelle then spent a number of years in urology oncology research working as a clinical nurse specialist.
Michelle said: “It was while working as a clinical nurse specialist, caring for individuals with a life-limiting illness, breaking bad news and liaising with palliative care specialists that I realised I needed to be working in the palliative care field.
“I really wanted to improve the care that patients and their loved ones received therefore, I made a very difficult decision and applied for a lecturing post. This post has given me the flexibility to write, maintain clinical practice, but also to try to inspire others. I sincerely hope this book helps healthcare and nursing professionals develop their skills and knowledge in order to provide high-quality palliative and end of life care to those with a life-limiting illness.
“High quality palliative care is not just about doing your job well and making sure people are safe, it is about life and death experience and touches a huge number of people’s lives. You can have a positive effect not only on the patient’s lives but also their carer’s and loved ones.”
Adult Nursing graduate Helen Kearney, 22, who has recently read the book and just started her career as nurse, said: “I found the book a pleasure to read and it addresses key points in relation to palliative care. It inspired me to continue my passion and ensure palliative care is provided at a high standard.
“Michelle has taught me for various modules over my degree. She is very inspiring and has motivated my passion for palliative care. She’s a great lecturer, very approachable and cares deeply about nursing care.
“I do believe the book has deepened my knowledge for future practice. I would recommend this book for all healthcare professionals to deepen knowledge on the subject so palliative care can be provided to a high standard for all patients and their families.”
Dr Bill Whitehead, Head of the Department for Nursing, Diagnostic Imaging and Healthcare Practice at the University of Derby, said: “This is a valuable addition to the literature on palliative care nursing. Michelle has a great deal of experience as a nurse in practice and as an academic in this field.
“It is great for her to be able to share this knowledge and experience with a wider audience. We are very proud to have another of our academic’s work published and to achieve recognition with Sage (one of the most prestigious nursing publishers). It is a great accolade for Michelle as an individual and for the national standing of the department.”
The book is available to purchase here: https://uk.sagepub.com/en-gb/eur/palliative-care-in-nursing-and-healthcare/book242883
