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Obese women are more likely to develop a surgical site infection (SSI) following caesarean section (CS) than non-obese women. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is increasingly being used to reduce SSI with limited evidence for its effectiveness. Open Access Article
The purpose of this small evaluation on five patients presenting to community podiatry services in Birmingham with foot ulceration was to explore common problems associated with diabetes and other high-risk conditions and illustrate the clinical effectiveness and experience of using a chitosan absorbent gelling fibre dressing. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details
Zorflex is a new type of antimicrobial dressing composed of 100% activated carbon cloth. It attracts and binds bacteria to its surface, enabling them to be safely removed at dressing change. It has no reported toxic effects and can be used on either a short- or long-term basis. This article describes 4 case studies in which patients with recalcitrant chronic venous leg ulcers that were prone to recurrent infection were treated with the activated carbon cloth dressing. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details
Although benefit or harm cannot be ruled out, there is no reliable randomized controlled evidence that the frequency of changes of central venous access device dressing affects patient outcomes, such as catheter-related bloodstream infection.
This study demonstrated the feasibility of a device for monitoring pressure relief maneuvers and physical activity for wheelchair users. The device counts the number of wheel pushes based on wheelchair acceleration and measures pressure relief maneuvers using a seat sensor consisting of three force sensing resistors (FSRs). You can request a copy of this article by replying to this email. Please be clear which article you are requesting.
Objective To explore pressure area related pain as a predictor of category ≥2 pressure ulcer (PU) development.
Conclusions This is the first study to assess pain as a predictor of category ≥2 PU development. In all 4 models, pain emerged as a risk factor associated with an increased probability of category ≥2 PU development. Open Access Article
Pressure ulcer prevention in the care home setting can be challenging and is often compromised by a lack of access to education and resources. There are measures that have been shown to consistently improve outcomes in pressure ulcer prevention including assessment of the patient and their individual risks, delivery of a consistent plan of care that meets patients’ needs, and regular evaluation to identify shortfalls.
Login using your SSSFT NHS OpenAthens details for full text. SSOTP - You can request a copy of this article by replying to this email. Please ensure you are clear which article you requesting.
Since its introduction in clinical practice in the early 1990's negative pressure wounds therapy (NPWT) has become widely used in the management of complex wounds in both inpatient and outpatient care. NPWT has been described as a effective treatment for wounds of many different aetiologies and suggested as a gold standard for treatment of wounds such as open abdominal wounds, dehisced sternal wounds following cardiac surgery and as a valuable agent in complex non-healing wounds. Increasingly, NPWT is being applied in the primary and home-care setting, where it is described as having the potential to improve the efficacy of wound management and help reduce the reliance on hospital-based care. Login using your SSSFT NHS OpenAthens details for full text. SSOTP - You can request a copy of this article by replying to this email. Please ensure you are clear which article you requesting.
Unfortunately SSOTP do not plan to take library services from the SSSFT library services during 2017/18. Sadly this means that we will be discontinuing this weekly bulletin. If you are an SSSFT member of staff subscribed to this bulletin, please reply to this email letting us know what areas of the update you are interested in and we can discuss the best way of keeping you updated in this area.
Unfortunately SSOTP do not plan to take library services from the SSSFT library services during 2017/18. Sadly this means that we will be discontinuing this weekly bulletin. If you are an SSSFT member of staff subscribed to this bulletin, please reply to this email letting us know what areas of the update you are interested in and we can discuss the best way of keeping you updated in this area.
Understanding the differential diagnosis between moisture-associated skin damage (MASD) and pressure ulcers (PU) ensures appropriate management and interventions are instigated at the earliest opportunity.
To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.
The article discusses various issues related to wound debridement, and it mentions how to select the most suitable type of debridement for a patient, as well as wound healing and information about the removal of devitalised human tissue and slough. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.
There is growing evidence that medical device-related pressure ulcers (MDRPUs) are an increasing healthcare concern. Prevention and management is complicated, as they are caused by devices that are often an essential part of treatment. All clinical staff have a duty of care to do no harm. Damage caused by medical devices is iatrogenic, that is, caused through treatment, and may be exacerbated by a lack of assessment and care. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.
React to Moisture’, a new interactive training resource that supports care home staff in preventing and managing moisture lesions (incontinence-related dermatitis), has been launched by the Trust.
Tissue Viability Specialist Nurses developed the resource, containing a training DVD, competencies, a patient leaflet and poster, with advice from the Specialist Continence Service. It aims to provide the knowledge and skills required for care home staff to feel confident in identifying, preventing and managing moisture lesions. Although primarily aimed at care homes, it is transferrable to any health care setting. [Includes contact details for health professionals interested in the pack]
Objective:
To provide a synthesis of the best available, recent primary or secondary research evidence on early preventative activities taken to increase skin health, and reduce the incidence of facility-acquired skin tears and pressure ulcers (PUs) in community, residential and health-care institutions. To read the full article, log in using your MPFT 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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
‘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.
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 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”.
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.
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”.
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”.
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”.
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 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.
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.
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.
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”.
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”.
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 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”.
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”.
We've added 10 new Be Aware updates following your suggestions:
Musculoskeletal ; Osteoporosis ; Nutrition and obesity ; Falls ; HR ; Research Methods ; Information Governance ; Bladder, bowel and pelvic healthcare ; Rheumatology ; Medicines and healthcare products regulatory agency (circulated email)
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.
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.
In this article, the vulnerability of the soft tissues of the heel to pressure ulcers (injuries) is explained from a biomechanical engineering perspective, and emerging technologies for protecting the heel, particularly low-friction garments, are reviewed.
To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.
Emma Marsh organised a series of special events for 'Stop the pressure' week, an awareness campaign held in October 2017. Staff from the tissue viability team visited wards during the week to teach staff about how to protect patients from pressure ulcers and launch the '5 Moments for Pressure Ulcer Prevention' campaign. All of this was done on top of Emma's day job as a Tissue Viability Nurse.
The article discusses prevention and management strategies for the treatment of pressure ulcers that occur in the heel of the foot. It provides information on offloading methods of preventing pressure on the Achilles tendon, pressure redistribution surfaces, and prophylactic treatments such as dressings, creams, and barriers.
To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.
The author reflects on research and focus dedicated to improving the diagnosis and treatment of leg ulcers. She discusses the need for attention on leg ulceration both at a national and local level in England's medical services sector in order to provide the most effective treatment for patients.
To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.
This article discusses the assessment and treatment of non-healing chronic wounds. It examines the normal wound-healing process and the management of chronic wounds, including advanced interventions such as electrical stimulation therapy, negative pressure wound therapy and various dressings.
To read the full article, log in using your SSSFT NHS OpenAthens details. SSOTP - You can request a copy of this article by replying to this email. Please ensure you are clear which article you are requesting.
To read the full article, log in using your SSSFT NHS OpenAthens details. SSOTP - You can request a copy of this article by replying to this email. Please ensure you are clear which article you are requesting.
The aim of this study is to: (a) develop and evaluate a model to predict severe pain during wound care procedures (WCPs) so that high‐risk patients can be targeted for specialized dressings and preventive pain control; and (b) identify biological factors associated with severe pain during WCPs so that novel pain control strategies can be developed.. To read the full article, log in using your MPFT NHS OpenAthens details. SSOTP (legacy account) - You can request a copy of this article by replying to this email. Please ensure you are clear which article you are requesting.
Objective:
To evaluate the role of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in healing diabetic fool ulcers (DFUs), and to compare the rate of healing and final outcome with conventional therapy. To read the full article, log in using your MPFT NHS OpenAthens details.
To assess the feasibility of classifying skin tone using Munsell color chart values and to compare Munsell-based skin tone categories to ethnicity/race to predict pressure ulcer risk. Login using your SSSFT NHS OpenAthens for full text. SSOTP - request a copy of the article from the library - http://bit.ly/1Xyazai
Come and visit our first pop-up library at Severn Fields, Shrewsbury 19th July 11.00am-3.00pm. Join the library, borrow and return books, get help finding information and evidence, set up an Athens account, find out what the library can do for you and your team.
This blog for nurses looks at Cochrane evidence on antibiotics and antiseptics for wounds and finds that there is a lack of reliable evidence to inform practice.
District nurses are currently piloting a training pack in Deangate care home at Mapplewell in Barnsley. Two React to Red champions have been trained and are now passing this knowledge on to the rest of the care home staff.
Pressure ulceration is a significant global healthcare problem and represents a considerable burden on healthcare resources. Within the literature an increasing number of studies have examined the role prophylactic dressings play in redistributing pressure and helping to protect the skin from the effects of friction and shear. The use of dressings to prevent pressure ulcers may be considered a controversial issue, as previous opinion has been that dressings do not reduce the effects of pressure. This article will critically evaluate the literature to examine the role dressings play in the prevention of pressure ulceration. 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.
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.
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”.
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”.
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”.
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”.
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”.
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”.
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”.
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”.
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”.
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”.
Two £25 vouchers are up for grabs in the library’s ‘Making the Most of Information’ survey.
To take part, just visit http://goo.gl/AdN4ok by Friday 19th February.
Training non-specialist clinicians in the fundamentals of wound management would help improve health outcomes and reduce the huge economic burden that wounds impose on the NHS, new research suggests. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details
In efforts to reduce the number of avoidable pressure ulcers in a large trust, a number of initiatives have taken place to increase staff awareness about the importance of preventing and treating pressure ulcers and moisture lesions. New documentation, the use of the 'Think Pink' folders and a social media campaign have all proved successful in seeing the number of avoidable pressure ulcers reported within the trust reduce. As part of this initiative an evaluation took place of a new hydrocolloid dressing. This proved effective at reducing healing times, reducing dressing spend and facilitating regular inspection of the affected areas. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details
The article offers information on the symposium "A New Perspective on Wound Cleansing, Debridement and Healing" held on March 2016. Topics of the symposium include the importance of hydration in promoting wound healing and the use of non conventional approach in wound treatment highlighting the hydrotherapy wound treatment that use HydroClean plus, HydroTac, and Hydro-Responsive Wound Dressing. Also discussed is a debate related to the new approach of wound dressing from experts in the field. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details