The National Hemophilia Foundation’s (NHF’s) Nursing Working Group continues to revise and expand its Nurses’ Guide to Bleeding Disorders (NGBD). The latest chapter that has been updated is “Wellness in Persons with Bleeding Disorders.” First published in 1995, the guide provides comprehensive information and practical ideas to assist nurses at all levels in caring for patients with bleeding disorders.
Over the last several years, the NGBD has further evolved into a readily accessible online resource, serving as an introduction to nurses new to the field and as an information source for more experienced nurses. New chapters, which continue to be added in downloadable PDF format, cover a wide range of topics such as orthopedics, pain, rare bleeding disorders and women with bleeding disorders.
“Wellness in Persons with Bleeding Disorders,” was originally authored by Rhonda Fritz, RN, while the updated chapter was written by Brenda Riske, RN, MS, MBA MPA. In it Riske describes wellness not just in terms of the presence or absence of disease or illness but as a multidimensional collection of behaviors that contribute to the quality of life in a person with a bleeding disorder. These behaviors include social, occupational, spiritual, emotional, environmental, financial, physical, intellectual mental and medical. Riske explains that an enhanced understanding of the significant role these factors play in overall wellness can lead to better health outcomes. She also highlights specific preventive activities that are proven contributors to wellness including exercise, nutrition and good oral hygiene.
Riske concludes by briefly discussing complementary and alternative medicine. She underlines the centrality of traditional healing and cultural health practices for many individuals with non-western backgrounds and the need for nurses to be cognizant and respectful as they balance those practices with a more western approach to healthcare.
