The BJN Podcast

Welcome back to the BJN podcast. In this episode, Tom Allaway (Editor and Associate Publisher, British Journal of Nursing) sits down with Emma Williams (Senior Research Nurse Manager, Velindre University NHS Trust) to explore what nursing research looks like in Wales - how the country has built its research infrastructure and career pathways, why cross-sector collaboration between the NHS, academia and industry matters, and what it takes to grow a research culture that nurses at every stage of their career can be part of.

We're always keen to hear your feedback! If you'd like to share your thoughts on today's episode, drop us an email at: [email protected]

Like what you've heard here today? Check out the BJN website for more information on all things nursing: https://www.britishjournalofnursing.com/

The BJN podcast was edited by Tom Austin-Morgan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasaustinmorgan/

In this special episode hosted by the British Journal of Neuroscience Nursing (BJNN), Ruth Stross (Director of Services and Health Professional Lead at MS Trust) and Rasha Abdelfahim (Consultant Neurologist) speak with Rita Som (Editor of BJNN) about smouldering neuroinflammation in multiple sclerosis. The discussion covers the definition of smouldering neuroinflammation, disease monitoring and therapeutic and lifestyle advice for patients. This educational episode was funded by Sanofi, however all content is developed and editorially controlled by MA Healthcare.

Amanda Hulejczuk (Consultant Parkinson's Nurse) and Sarah-Jayne Moore (Lead Neurology Nurse) speak with Rita Som (Editor, British Journal of Neuroscience Nursing) about how they provide care for people living with Parkinson's disease. The podcast episode aims to support healthcare professionals in delivering safe, effective and evidence-based care for people with Parkinson's disease, by exploring clinical manifestations, prevalence data, use of device-aided therapies and the role of nurses as part of the broader multidisciplinary team. This educational episode was independently initiated and produced by MA Healthcare, and was supported by an independent medical education grant from Britannia.

Sheila Shepley (nurse practitioner, Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust) speaks with Rita Som (editor, British Journal of Neuroscience Nursing) about caring for and managing women with epilepsy during pregnancy. The podcast episode aims to support healthcare professionals in delivering safe, coordinated and evidence-based care for women with epilepsy during pregnancy and postpartum, by exploring the clinical, pharmacological and psychosocial complexities involved in balancing seizure control with maternal and foetal safety. This educational episode was initiated and funded by Neuraxpharm UK Ltd. The date of recording was February 2026. Job code NXUK/E/0326/20. The views expressed are those of Sheila Shepley.

Bibliography

1. Felker A, Patel R, Kotnis R, Kenyon S, Knight M. Saving lives, improving mothers' care compiled report: lessons learned to inform maternity care from the UK and Ireland Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths and Morbidity 2021-23. Oxford: University of Oxford; 2025

2. Razaz N, Igland J, Bjørk MH et al. Risk of perinatal and maternal morbidity and mortality among pregnant women with epilepsy. JAMA Neurol. 2024;81(9):985–995. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaneurol.2024.2375

3. UK Epilepsy and Pregnancy Register. Conducting research to make pregnancy for people with epilepsy safer. 2026. https://www.epilepsyandpregnancy.co.uk/ (accessed 16 February 2026)

4. Herzog AG, Mandle HB, Cahill KE, Fowler KM, Hauser WA. Predictors of unintended pregnancy in women with epilepsy. Neurology. 2017;88(8):728–733. https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000003637

5. Samsonsen C, Karanauskaitė U, Stenbacka EJ, Hjelvik ES, Rektorli L, Brodtkorb E. Pregnancy planning in women with epilepsy: a single center observational study with focus on epilepsy type. Seizure. 2024;123:152–158. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seizure.2024.11.010

6. Fu Y, Shi F, Sha L et al. Association of seizure control during pregnancy with adverse offspring outcomes in women with epilepsy. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2025;96(7):621–629. https://doi.org/10.1136/jnnp-2024-335751

7. Askarieh A, MacBride-Stewart S, Kirby J et al. Delivery of care, seizure control and medication adherence in women with epilepsy during pregnancy. Seizure. 2022;100:24–29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seizure.2022.06.002

8. Lupattelli A, Spigset O, Nordeng H. Adherence to medication for chronic disorders during pregnancy: results from a multinational study. Int J Clin Pharm. 2014;36(1):145–153. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-013-9864-y

9. SUDEP Action. Women left in dark over pregnancy and SUDEP risks. 2023. https://sudep.org/women-left-in-dark-over-pregnancy-and-sudep-risks/ (accessed 16 February 2026)

10. Harden CL, Meador KJ, Pennell PB et al. Management issues for women with epilepsy-Focus on pregnancy (an evidence-based review): II. Teratogenesis and perinatal outcomes: Report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee and Therapeutics and Technology Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology and the American Epilepsy Society. Epilepsia. 2009;50(5):1237–1246. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1528-1167.2009.02129.x

11. Freund B, Chen B, Kaplan PW, Johnson EL. Managing antiseizure medications in pregnancy: is earlier and more frequent monitoring better?. Neurol Clin Pract. 2023;13(4):e200169. https://doi.org/10.1212/CPJ.0000000000200169

12. Hope OA, Harris KM. Management of epilepsy during pregnancy and lactation. BMJ. 2023;382:e074630. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2022-074630

13. Yasguclukal M, Acar Z, Bastan B, Mutlu A, Cokar O. Self-discontinuation of antiseizure medication during pregnancy increases postpartum seizure frequency. Experimed. 2022;12(3):174–180. https://doi.org/10.26650/experimed.1183414

14. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Epilepsies in children, young people and adults. 2025. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng217 (accessed 16 February 2026)

15. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Epilepsy in pregnancy (Green-top Guideline No. 68). 2016. https://www.rcog.org.uk/guidance/browse-all-guidance/green-top-guidelines/epilepsy-in-pregnancy-green-top-guideline-no-68/ (accessed 16 February 2026)

16. Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network. Diagnosis and management of epilepsy in adults. 2018. https://www.sign.ac.uk/guidelines/diagnosis-and-management-of-epilepsy-in-adults/ (accessed 16 February 2026)

17. Weckesser A, Hughes A, Dyson J et al. Experiences of pregnancy and reproductive health for women living with epilepsy: a systematic review. Seizure. 2025;133:106–113. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seizure.2025.10.011

Sheila Shepley (nurse practitioner, Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust) speaks with Rita Som (editor, British Journal of Neuroscience Nursing) about epilepsy that first presents in later life. This podcast episode is intended for UK healthcare professionals interested in epilepsy. It aims to improve understanding by highlighting why diagnosis can be challenging, how causes and seizure types differ from younger populations; and what special considerations are required when managing treatment, risk and longer-term support in older adults. This educational episode was initiated and funded by Neuraxpharm UK Ltd. The date of recording was February 2026. Job code NXUK/E/0326/15. The views expressed are those of Sheila Shepley.

Bibliography

1. Wigglesworth S, Neligan A, Dickson JM et al. The incidence and prevalence of epilepsy in the United Kingdom 2013-2018: a retrospective cohort study of UK primary care data. Seizure. 2023;105:37–42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seizure.2023.01.003

2. Assis TR, Bacellar A, Costa G, Nascimento OJ. Etiological prevalence of epilepsy and epileptic seizures in hospitalized elderly in a Brazilian tertiary center – Salvador – Brazil. Arq Neuropsiquiatr. 2015;73(2):83–89. https://doi.org/10.1590/0004-282X20140217

3. Legriel S, Brophy GM. Managing status epilepticus in the older adult. J Clin Med. 2016;5(5):53. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm5050053

4. Cheng S. Non-convulsive status epilepticus in the elderly. Epileptic Disord. 2014;16(4):385–394. https://doi.org/10.1684/epd.2014.0709

5. Manacheril R, Faheem U, Labiner D, Drake K, Chong J. psychosocial impact of epilepsy in older adults. Healthcare (Basel). 2015;3(4):1271–1283. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare3041271

6. Wojewodka G, McKinlay A, Ridsdale L. Best care for older people with epilepsy: a scoping review. Seizure. 2021;85:70–89. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seizure.2020.12.007

Welcome back to the BJN podcast. In this episode, Sean Boyle (Editor, British Journal of Nursing) sits down with Aby Mitchell (Senior Lecturer in Nursing Education and Faculty Lead for Simulation, Kings College London) and Aghogho Wanogho (Recent Nursing Graduate of Kings College London and Clinical Simulation Teacher, Kings College London University) to unpack the political, social, and workforce factors driving the employability crisis and to discuss what needs to change to ensure that nursing remains not just a profession of purpose, but one with a viable future.

We're always keen to hear your feedback! If you'd like to share your thoughts on today's epsiode, drop us an email at: [email protected]

Like what you've heard here today? Check out the BJN website for more information on all things nursing: https://www.britishjournalofnursing.com/

The BJN podcast was edited by Tom Austin-Morgan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasaustinmorgan/

Welcome back to the BJN podcast. In this episode, Sean Boyle (Editor, British Journal of Nursing) sits down with Deepa Korea MBE (Director, RCN Foundation) and Sarah McGloin (Head of Grants and Impact, RCN Foundation) to talk about how the crisis is impacting the profession, what legislative and policy changes should be prioritised to help the nursing workforce, and how such collective pressures are placing a strain on patient care.

If you'd like to reach out to find out more about what help is available from the RCN Foundation: https://rcnfoundation.rcn.org.uk/Grants-and-funding/Hardship-grants

We're always keen to hear your feedback! If you'd like to share your thoughts on today's epsiode, drop us an email at: [email protected]

Like what you've heard here today? Check out the BJN website for more information on all things nursing: https://www.britishjournalofnursing.com/

The BJN podcast was edited by Tom Austin-Morgan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasaustinmorgan/

Welcome back to the BJN podcast.

In this episode, Sean Boyle (Editor, British Journal of Nursing) sits down with Doctor Oladayo Bifarin (Senior Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing at Liverpool John Moore University; the Research Effectiveness Lead at Mersy Care NHS Foundation Trust; and one of the NIHR Senior Research Leaders) and Doctor Deborah Morgan (Senior Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing at Liverpool John Moore University).

The discussion explores whether the UK's nursing research model is broken, what lessons might be learned from international models like Johns Hopkins in the US, and how the profession could evolve to better integrate evidence into practice.

We're always keen to hear your feedback! If you'd like to share your thoughts on today's epsiode, drop us an email at: [email protected]

Like what you've heard here today? Check out the BJN website for more information on all things nursing: https://www.britishjournalofnursing.com/

The BJN podcast was edited by Tom Austin-Morgan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasaustinmorgan/

Welcome back to the BJN podcast. In this episode, Sean Boyle (Editor, British Journal of Nursing) sits down with Doctor Claire Dosdale (Assistant Professor in Adult Nursing at Northumbria University) to explore why awareness of gendered violence is so vital for nursing practice, how it shows up differently across genders and communities, and the steps nurses can take to support disclosures, safeguard patients, and challenge violence wherever it occurs—including within their own professional environments.

We're always keen to hear your feedback! If you'd like to share your thoughts on today's epsiode, drop us an email at: [email protected]

Like what you've heard here today? Check out the BJN website for more information on all things nursing: https://www.britishjournalofnursing.com/

The BJN podcast was edited by Tom Austin-Morgan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasaustinmorgan/

Links and organisations discussed in this episode:

National Organisations Supporting Survivors of Gendered Violence in the UK

General Domestic Abuse Support:

• National Domestic Abuse Helpline (run by Refuge)
• Phone: 0808 2000 247 (24/7 freephone)
• Website: https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk
• Main Refuge website: https://refuge.org.uk
• Women's Aid
• Website: https://womensaid.org.uk
• Email: [email protected]
• Welsh Women's Aid
• Phone: 0808 80 10 800 (Live Fear Free Helpline, 24/7)
• Website: https://welshwomensaid.org.uk

Sexual Violence Support:

• Rape Crisis England & Wales
• 24/7 Support Line: 0808 500 2222
• Website: https://rapecrisis.org.uk (search for regional centre)
• Support Line website: https://247sexualabusesupport.org.uk
• The Survivors Trust
• Website: https://www.thesurviverstrust.org

Support for Men:

• Respect Men's Advice Line
• Phone: 0808 801 0327
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://mensadviceline.org.uk and https://www.respect.org.uk
• Mankind Initiative
• Phone: 01823 334244
• Website: https://mankind.org.uk

LGBTQ+ Specific:

• Galop
• Phone: 0800 999 5428
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.galop.org.uk

Specific Forms of Violence:

• Karma Nirvana (Honour-based abuse and forced marriage)
• Phone: 0800 5999 247
• Website: https://karmanirvana.org.uk
• FORWARD (Female genital mutilation support)
• Website: https://www.forwarduk.org.uk

Children and Young People:

• NSPCC
• Childline: 0800 1111
• Website: https://www.nspcc.org.uk
• The Hideout (Women's Aid service for children)
• Website: https://thehideout.org.uk

General Victim Support:

• Victim Support
• Phone: 0808 1689 111
• Website: https://www.victimsupport.org.uk
• Provides support for all victims of crime including sexual violence

Workplace links:

• Sexual safety in healthcare: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/sexual-safety-in-healthcare-organisational-charter/
• Surviving in Scrubs: https://www.survivinginscrubs.co.uk/
• Text: 1st Edition Supporting Survivors of Sexual Violence and Abuse: Approaches to Care for Health Professionals Click hereto buy
• CPD course (online) Supporting Survivors of Sexual Violence/Abuse Access here

Welcome back to the BJN podcast. In this episode, Sean Boyle (Editor, British Journal of Nursing) sits down with Felicia Kwaku (Associate Director of Nursing at King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, an International Council of Nurses Global Nursing Leadership Institute Scholar, Chair of the Mary Seacole Trust, and the Immediate Past Chair of the Chief Nursing Office and Chief Midwifery Officer – Black and Minority Ethnic Strategic Advisory Group at NHS England) to discuss what intolerance looks like in healthcare, how international nurses can navigate and resist poor behaviour, and what changes are needed—both within the NHS and at a policy level—to ensure these staff are supported, protected, and empowered to thrive in their careers.

We're always keen to hear your feedback! If you'd like to share your thoughts on today's epsiode, drop us an email at: [email protected]

Like what you've heard here today? Check out the BJN website for more information on all things nursing: https://www.britishjournalofnursing.com/

The BJN podcast was edited by Tom Austin-Morgan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasaustinmorgan/