This third edition is a comprehensive and evidence-based introduction to this essential area of practice. Fully updated to take into account the wide range of nursing roles in the community, it provides an integrated approach to care, with a focus on physical and mental wellbeing.

It covers a wide range of topics, including research and community nursing, public health, professional approaches to care, risk management, safeguarding, therapeutic relationships, care across the lifespan, community nursing assessment, mental health, carers and families, spirituality, leading person-centred care, and digital healthcare.

Incorporating current theory, policy and guidelines for practice, and underpinned by a strong evidence base, each chapter features learning objectives and activities. Case studies and examples from practice serve to illustrate the practical application of theory throughout.

This is an essential text for all pre-registration nursing students, students on post-registration specialist community nursing courses and qualified nurses entering community practice for the first time.

Sue Chilton is Senior Lecturer, Oxford School of Nursing and Midwifery, Oxford Brookes University, UK.

Heather Bain is Associate Head of the Centre for Rural Health Sciences, University of the Highlands and Islands, UK