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The Wound Care Association UK (WCAUK) is committed to supporting both the accurate and consistent delivery and reporting of pressure ulcers/injuries based on the best available research and evidence. It is known that strategic and clinical guidance to support the delivery of evidence-based care does have a significant impact. Recent proposals to change pressure ulcer categorisation led the WCAUK to undertake a questionnaire survey of its members. This article outlines the importance of evidence-based guidance on the categorisation and assessment of pressure ulcer, highlighted by the responses to published changes to pressure ulcer categorisation for nurses in England, and presents the results of the survey. The article concludes that, although the discipline of tissue viability is constantly developing, the changes must be based on evidence, and clinicians must be supported strategically and practically to implement any proposed changes. Since publication of the new guidance the document has become the subject of further discussion, following concerns raised by tissue viability nurse specialists with strategic responsibility for change, as well as generalists who are expected to implement the changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses how past experiences, present practices, and future advancements shape researchers' approach to writing about the delivery of evidence-based care. Topics include the evolution of pressure ulcer care, the importance of evidence-based risk assessment tools like Purpose-T, and the challenges of delivering consistent care despite available research.

Summary This article provides an overview of the current options for the application of compression therapy and a rationale for appropriate selection. Author Jackie Stephen-Haynes is consultant lecturer and practitioner [...]

The author reflects on the change of government, a change of health secretary, and a change in policies in the United Kingdom in the summer of 2024. She talks about the proposed salary increases for healthcare staff, the National Wound Care Strategy Programme's (NWCSP) work on the implementation of the leg ulcer and foot ulcer, and areas that require improved efficiencies.

The article focuses on the impact of the upcoming General Election on the NHS, highlighting concerns such as the productivity challenges within the healthcare system and the urgent need for a clear social care strategy. It also addresses specific issues like patient waiting times on hospital trolleys, which affect both patient comfort and pressure ulcer prevention efforts in healthcare settings.

The article focuses on challenges and opportunities in tissue viability, particularly addressing financial concerns and the shift towards a population health approach. Topics discussed include the impact of tax cuts on healthcare, the importance of integrating mental health into wound care, and upcoming conferences and resources for healthcare professionals in the field.

A retrospective audit of clinical data of patients was taken who required treatment for the management of moderately to highly exuding wounds. The inclusion criteria for this retrospective audit included patients (n=30) from the Worcestershire Health & Care NHS Trust that have already been treated and that required a wound dressing for the management of moderately to highly exuding wounds. Results and discussion: The results of the "in use" evaluations showed a high use of foam secondary dressings with adjunct treatments to manage exudate. However, 65% of these treatments did not meet the clinical objectives related to exudate management. The assessment of how effectively the patient's treatment regimens managed exudate produced by the various wounds showed that exudate management was rated as "poor" or only "adequate" in the majority of cases. It is noteworthy that a proportion of patients suffered from peri-wound skin conditions, e.g. eczema, maceration and excoriation. Over 95% of patients received peri-wound skin treatments to prevent/treat these conditions. As a consequence, these additional treatments add to the product costs and nursing time required. The use of appropriate wound dressings for the management of moderate to high levels of exudate would have prevented these severe skin conditions and likely significantly reduce treatment costs. Conclusion: This paper shows that 65% of the patients included in this audit failed to meet the clinical objective of exudate management. Adverse event sequelae such as skin maceration/excoriation occurred and, consequently, direct and indirect costs associated with treating these patients increased. Using a more appropriate wound dressing such as superabsorbent polymer demonstrated significantly reduced costs when compared to these audit costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adhesive removers can be used to dissolve the adhesives that are used to attach dressings, pouches and medical devices to the body, and can thus reduce the chance of medical adhesive-related skin injury (MARSI). Skin stripping can occur at any age; however, certain populations are at increased risk, e.g. older people, neonates, and those with compromised skin integrity or multiple comorbidities. This case series evaluates the clinical performance and outcomes of the silicone adhesive remover Lifteez in 10 patients. The acceptability of the product to patients and clinical staff was also evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over 13,000 people seek hospital attention for burns each year in the UK. Prompt, appropriate treatment reduces the risk of negative outcomes and optimises healing. Destruction of the skin barrier and the presence of necrosis, slough and exudate increase the risk of infection and the chances of delayed healing. It is important that burns are debrided and covered with a dressing to reduce this risk. ManukaDress IG and ManukaDress IG Max contain Manuka honey, which has antimicrobial properties and promotes autolytic debridement. This case series reviews the efficacy of these dressings in the treatment of superficial and partial-thickness burns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When skin tears occur, the focus should be placed on appropriate assessment, classification, and management. As skin tears are considered to be largely preventable, clinicians should actively engage in the prevention of such wounds. In this article, Jackie Stephen-Haynes and Rosie Callaghan cover the prevention, assessment and management of skin tears. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]