Improving the awareness and care of veterans in healthcare services.

AUTH Why you should read this article: • To recognise the unique healthcare needs of veterans of the armed forces • To understand how you can provide evidence-based healthcare for veterans • To remain aware of the changing demographics of the armed forces, which will ensure that healthcare remains relevant This article aims to raise awareness of veterans (people who have served in the UK military) who are receiving nursing care. Nurses will often provide care and treatment for veterans, so they should be aware of the potential health needs of this patient group to provide optimum care. Veterans should receive priority treatment where it relates to a condition that results from their service in the armed forces. Therefore, it is important for healthcare professionals to recognise if patients may be veterans and if their conditions are attributable to military service. Increased awareness of veterans is required in primary care services, as well as in healthcare professionals' education and training, to ensure that they gain access to appropriate care and support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Nursing Standard is the property of RCNi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)