Sensors commonly used to record sub-bandage pressures may be less reliable than is commonly believed. In this review, the various calibration methods referenced in the literature are briefly described and the limitations of each discussed. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
This study evaluates the effectiveness of topical application of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on pressure ulcers (PUs). To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
This study aims to uncover why maggot therapy is not used more often, particularly in the context of antimicrobial resistance infections, and to determine what can be done to ensure MT is more effectively used in the future to improve patient outcomes and manage the growing problem of AMR. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
Venous leg ulcers affect 1.5% of the UK adult population. Leg ulcers are painful, can be malodourous and are associated with poor quality of life. Leg ulcers are predominantly cared for by nurses in the community. Frequently, patients receive suboptimal treatment through unwanted variations in care and simple ulcers deteriorate to become hard-to-heal wounds. It is important to understand the current UK system of care and how nurses and patients navigate through it.
To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
The aim of this systematic review was to identify and qualify the current available evidence of the wound exudate handling capabilities and the cost-effectiveness of hydration response technology. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
The purpose of this international consensus document is to outline the best practices and recommendations for effective debridement. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
This item evaluates the impact of a four-step biofilm-based wound care strategy, Wound Hygiene Protocol (WHP: cleanse, debride, refashion, and dress), on hard-to-heal wounds. Open access article - no login required.
This study aimed to assess the effects of Buerger–Allen exercise on the healing of DFUs in patients with type 2 diabetes. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
This systematic review evaluated the accuracy of IRT to determine burn wound healing potential. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
This review concludes with all currently available evidence that topical timolol may be considered as an effective and safe adjunct treatment for refractory wounds, primarily venous leg ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
The findings of this analysis showed that treatment with the HA+AA medical device is a valid alternative to standard of care because it is cheaper, and its utility and effectiveness are greater. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
This review shows that AI application in wound care offers benefits in the assessment/diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of acute and hard-to-heal wounds. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
This study provides epidemiological data on determinants and current managements practices of pressure injuries in patients with COVID-19. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
This study looks at the use of NPWTi-d in the treatment of fibrinous wounds that are difficult to debride mechanically. It describes changes in the fibrin area of such wounds, before and after treatment with NPWTi-d. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
The aim of this case series is to highlight a combination of both clinically clear cutaneous malignancies and not-so-obvious wounds caused by malignancy. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
The aim of this study was to evaluate whether antibiotic treatment in cases of clinically uninfected ulcers improved ulcer healing compared to treatment without antibiotics. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
There is no clear guidance or comprehensive comparative evidence to help clinicians select between adjustable wraps for compression therapy. However, adjustable wraps could be compared with three metrics used for compression bandages: variation in pressure, stiffness and elasticity. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
This study investigates the efficacy and safety of autologous platelet-rich plasma (au-PRP) for diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) treatment. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
This quality improvement project aimed to improve wound-related quality of life (QoL) in clients with hard-to-heal wounds in their lower limbs and to increase referrals to multidisciplinary teams in the management of care for these clients. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
This article investigates whether the use of a simple baseline measurement predicts venous leg ulcer healing at 12 and 24 weeks. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
This article aims to review the scarce available evidence on the effectiveness of the Well Leg Programme within the Lindsay Leg Clubs in terms of preventing wound recurrence and improving members' wellbeing. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
This study aimed to identify psychometric tools used to measure the knowledge of healthcare workers with respect to PUs. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
The aim of this systematic review was to critically appraise and synthesise the existing research literature pertaining to nurses' attitudes toward pressure ulcer (PU) prevention. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
The aim of this literature review was to establish the evidence for using tap water as opposed to normal saline for cleansing wounds in adults. It found current evidence supports tap water as a safe and cost-effective solution for wound cleansing. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
The aim of this study was to describe the content of postoperative wound care education given to patients, and to identify demographic and clinical factors that predict receipt of surgical wound care education across two tertiary hospitals in Queensland, Australia. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
The aim of this scoping review was to systematically map, review and synthesise evidence on intertrigo in adults. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
The aim of this review was to explore the published evidence identifying general considerations/criteria for an ideal post-surgical wound dressing in terms of overcoming potential wound healing challenges (including infection) while supporting antimicrobial stewardship objectives. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
This item assesses the clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness of using two different reduced pressure compression systems in treating newly diagnosed venous leg ulcers (VLUs) in clinical practice. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
The purpose of this study was to summarise the evidence for biofilm formation within acute wounds. The evidence suggests that biofilm formation plays a greater role within acute wounds than previously considered. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
To internationally validate a tool for predicting the risk of delayed healing of venous leg ulcers (VLUs). Validation took place in UK, Austria and New Zealand, and includes community participants. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
To assess the clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness of using a two-layer cohesive compression bandage compared with a two-layer compression system and a cohesive inelastic bandage system in treating newly diagnosed venous leg ulcers in clinical practice. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
The results indicate that Atrauman WCLs are suitable for the management of a variety of wounds as they promote an undisturbed wound environment, including extended wear time. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
Venous leg ulcers (VLU's) can impair patient quality of life (QoL) and have a significant impact on healthcare costs. We introduced a system in which patients with a VLU were examined and treated via a one-stop clinic. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
Accurate wound assessment is crucial for determining the progression of healing and guides treatment strategies. Portable wound assessment devices can be useful in providing an accurate evaluation in the community where most cases are treated. The objective of this review was to compare the performance of various portable wound assessment techniques used for wound healing assessment described in the literature. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
The objective of this study is to establish the incidence of pressure ulcers in hospital inpatients and identify possible associated risk factors. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
This review presents the evidence for the use of PHMB treatments in wound care and its alignment with antimicrobial stewardship for the prevention and treatment of wound infection. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
This audit was designed to identify the need of the population and the clinical activity associated with wounds and the management of lower limb swelling. The exploration focused on lower leg wound management, access to diagnostics and compression therapy across each audit site. The variation across the sites was explored to gather insight into the real-world barriers to providing evidence-based management for leg ulceration. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
Acute and hard-to-heal wounds are a significant burden to both a patient's quality of life and resources in healthcare systems. Here, we evaluate the outcomes of a non-comparative case series study in which Ringer's solution-preactivated polyacrylate dressings were used to treat acute and hard-to-heal wounds. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
This narrative review aims to summarise the evidence available for non-surgical treatment of ALUs, including topical therapy, pharmacological agents, therapeutic angiogenesis and devices. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
Silver dressings have been used in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). This meta-analysis evaluates the effectiveness of silver dressings on DFU healing. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
Maggot therapy (MT) or larval debridement therapy is a recognised, effective but underutilised treatment for the management of hard-to-heal wounds and infected ulcers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feelings and opinions of nurses regarding the use of MT. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
The aim of this study was to assess the burden experienced by the caregivers of patients with pressure ulcers (PUs) and the variables that might contribute to its manifestation. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
To evaluate the efficacy, tolerability and acceptability of a new multicomponent compression system in one bandage for the local treatment of patients with venous leg ulcers (VLUs). To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
The aim of this clinically orientated paper is to offer an overview of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) dressings generally, and more specifically, their use in the treatment of DFUs. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
The importance of the periwound skin as the ‘organ of healing’ in the skin should not be underestimated. This paper explores the numerous healing processes originating in the periwound skin, without which healing progression would not occur. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
The aim was to assess evidence related to the measuring of subepidermal moisture (SEM) to detect early, nonvisible development of pressure ulcers (PUs). To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
To describe the effect of autologous blood patch (3CP, Reapplix, Denmark) treatments as a supplement to standard care among patients with hard-to-heal wounds in an outpatient multidisciplinary wound centre (MWC). To read the full article, choose “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
The aim of this review is to identify and summarise the key in vitro evidence available to support the use of HydroTac (HRWD-2) to address specific aspects associated with the treatment of both acute and hard-to-heal wounds. To read the full article, choose “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
To synthesise the best available evidence regarding the effectiveness of using topical haemoglobin spray to promote healing in hard-to-heal wounds in adults. To read the full article, choose “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
The objective of this review was to present a comprehensive discussion of wound dressing adherence, including the mechanism of dressing adherence, adverse consequences, factors affecting adherence, tests to assess dressing adherence, and reduction of wound adherence. To read the full article, choose “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
This literature review confirms that acute and chronic wound infections are significantly differentiated by their cause (microbial phenotype), the subsequent host immune response and by the resulting clinical manifestations. Consequently, recognition of the type of wound infection followed by appropriate and timely therapy is required to improve wound healing outcomes while encouraging more judicious and responsible use of antibiotics. To read the full article, choose “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.
High bacterial burden is one of several reasons that wounds fail to heal. This clinical trial evaluated the use of bacterial protease activity (BPA) as a biomarker to detect whether a wound was in the period of pathogenicity, prior to overt clinical signs. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.
Martorell hypertensive ischaemic ulcers are often misdiagnosed and can be a clinical and therapeutic challenge. Controversy exists regarding both their underlying triggers and the type of treatment that should be carried out. This study was designed to compare the effectiveness of punch grafting and conventional therapy in pain reduction. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.
To evaluate the influence of a wound healing protocol for stage III and IV pressure ulcers (PUs), and to determine the predictive power of specific sociodemographic and clinical characteristics on wound healing and infection. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.
This study aimed to compare the effect of a novel sterile polyacrylate wound pad with activated carbon cloth treatment with a standard non-adhesive hydrocellular foam dressing with silver in reducing wound area. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.
Objective: To compare the effectiveness of antiseptic solutions to that of non-antiseptic solutions in reducing wound infection rate, reducing bacterial load and improving wound healing. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.
The aim of this case series was to retrospectively assess the impact on volume control and patients' quality of life (QOL) when a night-time garment was added to their previous compression regimen for a full 24-hour interval compression plan. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.
This study was an open-labelled, non-comparative study assessing the clinical effectiveness of a coordinated wound dressing treatment regimen. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs (as a result of misuse, such as over-prescribing) when certain pathogens fail to respond to treatment with antimicrobials. Consequently, patients can become severely ill and possibly die. A strategy referred to as antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) has been introduced which reduces the impact of this antimicrobial misuse. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.
Mechanical negative pressure wound therapy is an ultraportable, light weight and disposable single-use device that has been shown to promote wound healing. This study evaluated home use of a mechanically powered negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in diabetic foot wounds. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.
The response of different critical acute and hard-to-heal wounds to an innovative wound care modality—direct application of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP)—was investigated in this clinical case series. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.
A 48-year-old man suffered a cardiac event and was successfully resuscitated at home. He remained in vegetative state. During a lengthy hospital stay, he was weaned from mechanical ventilation and treated for urinary and pulmonary infections. On admission for aftercare, there were pressure ulcers in the presacral area and next to the scapula. A stage 3, right calf ulcer had a peripheral rim of new epithelium. A left ….... To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.
A nurse-led national wound care strategy aims to banish assumptions about ‘chronic’ wounds. To read the full article, log in using your MPFT NHS OpenAthens details.
Implementation of evidence-based care is central to achieving good results. In the UK, this involves implementing guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Here, Tracy Cowan, JWC consultant editor, reports on a conference that outlined recently published NICE guidance on UrgoStart for treating leg ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers, and described how to incorporate this into everyday practice to drive significant cost savings and improve patient outcomes. To read the full article, log in using your MPFT NHS OpenAthens details.
‘Diabetic foot’ is a term used to describe a group of syndromes in which neuropathy and/or ischaemia lead to tissue breakdown and reduced resistance to infection in a patient with diabetes mellitus. Foot ulceration is a serious and potentially limb-threatening complication of diabetes that can lead to pain, tissue necrosis and amputation, and may significantly affect an individual’s well-being and mobility. To read the full article, log in using your MPFT NHS OpenAthens details.
A new team from Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust has celebrated a successful first year by being shortlisted in the prestigious Nursing Times Awards.
Telford Wound Healing Service was established in April 2018 to improve the quality of life for patients living with chronic wounds.
The next step after classification is treatment and the successful management of venous leg ulcers (VLUs) and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is considered to be compression therapy. Section 4 of the best practice statement (BPS), Holistic management of venous leg ulcers (Wounds UK, 2016), examines compression. To read the full article, log in using your MPFT NHS OpenAthens details.
Objective: To analyse the treatment of pressure ulcers (PU) in long-term care. To read the full article, log in using your MPFT NHS OpenAthens details.
Almost 1,300 new pressure ulcers are reported each month in the NHS in England, according to NHS Digital. To read the full article, log in using your MPFT NHS OpenAthens details.
Objective: To evaluate the methodological approaches used to assess the cost consequences of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) in published scientific papers. To read the full article, log in using your MPFT NHS OpenAthens details.
The prevalence of venous leg ulcers is expected to increase, due to an ageing population and sedentary lifestyles. Marie Todd emphasises the importance of well-trained staff, effective wound management and adequate compression. To read the full article, log in using your MPFT NHS OpenAthens details
A pressure ulcer prevalence of 17.3% at Odense University Hospital in Denmark in 2010 prompted action and a quality improvement project was planned. This had two aims: to reduce pressure ulcers at the hospital by 50% and to have no pressure ulcers at or above category 3. ...Six years later the pressure ulcer prevalence was down to approximately 2% and in 2018 only one stage 3 pressure ulcer occurred in the hospital. To read the full article, log in using your MPFT NHS OpenAthens details
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In July 2018, the authors of this document met in the Royal Borough of Windsor to discus hard-to-heal wounds. The two-day meeting resulted in this consensus document....Over the two days, these questions and many others were examined at length. Here we are going to try and summarise the main points of this consensus. To read the full article, log in using your MPFT NHS OpenAthens details.
Compression therapy is the main method used in the treatment and management of lymphoedema and chronic oedema. The increasing prevalence of the condition, which has multiple causes, such as genetic factors, age and external factors, require the effective management of the condition, and to enhance the management methods used to contain the condition. The use of exercise alongside the mainstay method of treatment (compression therapy) has been an underutilised area. The application of a structured exercise programme in conjunction with multi-layer lymphoedema bandaging combined with an adjustable velcro wrap-based systems led to a decrease in limb volume in one case study. The results of the programme indicate that the approach is beneficial and requires embedding further in Walsall lymphoedema service, due to improved patient outcomes, and cost effectiveness in terms of resources. To read the full article, log in using your MPFT NHS OpenAthens details.
A clinical case series of patients with a hard-to-heal DFU treated with NCM were recruited between March and June 2017 in a specialised diabetic foot unit. DFUs were treated daily with NCM over four weeks, although the health professional could decide to continue NCM treatment in some patients. Cases were followed up for 12 weeks. Wollina score (granulation, colour and consistency tissue), wound area (cm2), percentage reduction and wound closure (%) were measured. To read the full article, log in using your MPFT NHS OpenAthens details.
Products that provide a protective skin barrier play a vital role in defending the skin against the corrosive effect of bodily fluids, including wound exudate, urine, liquid faeces, stoma output and sweat. There are many products to choose from, which can be broadly categorised by ingredients. This article describes the differences in mechanisms of action between barrier products comprising petrolatum and/or zinc oxide, silicone film-forming polymers and cyanoacrylates, and compares the evidence on them. To read the full article, log in using your MPFT NHS OpenAthens details.
The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) have jointly produced a guide to prevent pressure ulcers in care homes (NICE, 2019). This guide is based on the NICE (2014) guideline and quality standards on pressure ulcers.
The NICE guideline covers prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers in people of all ages and across care settings. To read the full article, log in using your MPFT NHS OpenAthens details.
Pressure ulcer prevention plans are most effective when all care staff are informed and involved. Siobhan McCoulough explains which training should be provided and what organisational changes are required to make prevention more effective. To read the full article, log in using your MPFT NHS OpenAthens details.
Why you should read this article:
To enable you to outline the various types and characteristics of moisture-associated skin damage
To understand the importance of preventing contact between the skin and excessive moisture
To identify the role of optimal skin care in the prevention and management of moisture-associated skin damage
To read the full article, log in using your MPFT NHS OpenAthens details.
Over the years, there has been a plethora of evidence-based literature on effective and ineffective wound management practices; however, some healthcare professionals continue to manage wounds using outmoded or ritualistic practices. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.
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To study the effectiveness of tailored repositioning and a turning and repositioning system on: (1) nurses’ compliance to repositioning frequencies; (2) body posture of patients after repositioning; (3) incidence of pressure ulcers and incontinence‐associated dermatitis; (4) nurses’ and patients’ preferences, comfort and acceptability; and (5) budget impact.. To read the full article, log in using your NHS Athens details. To access full-text: click “Log in/Register” (top right hand side). Click ‘Institutional Login’ then select 'OpenAthens Federation', then ‘NHS England’. Enter your Athens details to view the article.
Hospital-acquired pressure ulcers (PU) continue to occur despite an ongoing focus on prevention. The aim of this review was to identify and evaluate primary research which links pressure ulcer risk assessment with prescription and implementation of preventative interventions for hospitalised adults. To read the full article, log in using your MPFT NHS OpenAthens details.
Almost one adult in 20 in the UK has a wound, while the NHS cares for 2.2 million people with wounds annually. Most of the people in the UK with a wound are managed in primary care by nurses (Guest et al, 2015). Some wounds, such as minor burns, cuts, abrasions and surgical wounds, heal quickly and with minimal intervention. However, over half of all wounds go on to become chronic, with approximately 39% of these failing to heal after 12 months (Vowden and Vowden, 2009). One of the basic tenets of evidence-based wound care is choosing the correct dressing. This article discusses the management of chronic wounds in the community and provides guidance for community nurses on choosing appropriate dressings. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.
The fourth and final article in this four-part series about understanding compression therapy explores the options available to clinicians and patients when the need for compression bandaging therapy has been established through holistic assessment. This paper presents an overview of both inelastic and elastic bandage systems. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.
It may be a fallacy to state that most pressure ulcers are preventable, as research typically fails to recognise that most NHS nurses do not work in a well-staffed and well-equipped work environment 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This article acknowledges this and proposes disrupting the current workflow with a default intervention that reduces the risk of pressure ulcers forming, without creating more work for under-resourced staff. To read the full article, log in using your MPFT NHS OpenAthens details.
Maintaining skin integrity in elderly patients is one of the core elements in all fields of nursing. It is important that nurses are able to identify and eliminate as far as possible the risk factors for poor skin health ... This article will highlight these issues and provide some measures practice nurses can implement and prescribe to help prevent and manage these skin problems. To read the full article, log in using your MPFT NHS OpenAthens details.
To examine the effect of psychological distress in mediating the relationship between the severity of pressure injury and pain intensity in hospitalized adults.. To read the full article, log in using your MPFT NHS OpenAthens details.
R. Frotscher, und M. Staat. 4th International Conference on Computational and Mathematical Biomedical Engineering - CMBE2015, 29 June - 1 July 2015, Cachan (Paris), France, CMBE Zeta Computational Resources Ltd., Swansea, UK, (2015)