Showing papers in "Journal of Wound Care in 1994"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used traditional criteria used in many surveys and their advantage is that they are simple, reproducible and easily recognized by different observers, however, identification of infection may be difficult in some circumstances, and identifying patients who are likely to develop infection is rare.
Abstract: Criteria used to identify infection may often be restricted to the presence of pus, or pus with inflammation1. Traditional criteria have been used in many surveys and their advantage is that they are simple, reproducible and easily recognised by different observers. However, identification of infection may be difficult in some circumstances, and identifying patients who are likely to develop infection is rare.
298 citations
TL;DR: Although some functional limitations, such as pain impairing mobility or dressing management restricting holidays, were caused directly by the ulcer, many restrictions were due to patients adopting an avoidance strategy to minimise the risk of future leg ulcers.
Abstract: A self-report quality of life questionnaire, was constructed for patients with leg ulcers. The content of the questionnaire was derived from patient conversations. The first version was completed by 33 patients and refined using standard psychometric procedures. The final version measured functional limitations and emotional reactions and was used to quantify quality of life deficits in a group of 50 patients. Although some functional limitations, such as pain impairing mobility or dressing management restricting holidays, were caused directly by the ulcer, many restrictions were due to patients adopting an avoidance strategy to minimise the risk of future leg ulcers. Such strategies included staying away from crowded shopping places and children. Functional limitations and emotional reactions were intercorrelated. Approximately one-third of patients in the final sample reported substantial functional limitations and negative emotions because of their ulcer. The nurses' perceptions of whether the ulcer was healing were similar to those of the patients. Self-care behaviour was unrelated to level of pain or quality of life.
149 citations
TL;DR: This study aimed to explore patients' perceptions of their leg ulcer disease, and the impact of leg ulcers on quality of life, using semi-structured interviews and validated health-assessment tools.
Abstract: Leg ulceration affects approximately 0.15% of the UK population at any point in time1, and the disease is typically one of ulceration, healing and re-ulceration. The cost of leg ulceration in both financial and human terms is large; however, human costs (pain, immobility, social isolation, embarrassment) have been largely ignored by researchers. This study aimed to explore patients' perceptions of their leg ulcer disease, and the impact of leg ulceration on quality of life. A random sample of leg ulcer patients was interviewed in the patients' own homes, and a variety of data were collected using semi-structured interviews and validated health-assessment tools. A sample of healthy elderly subjects participated by completing the health and quality of life assessment. Data analysis is currently at a preliminary stage.
117 citations
TL;DR: A proposal for a four-stage classification of pressure sore severity, with additional groupings for more detailed coding, with the aim of achieving a common standard.
Abstract: A proposal for a four-stage classification of pressure sore severity, with additional groupings for more detailed coding, with the aim of achieving a common standard
71 citations
TL;DR: The use of special support surfaces contributed to the low incidence of pressure damage in what was considered to be a very high-risk patient population and was without a significant increase in the mean cost per patient of providing pressure area care.
Abstract: The aim of the study was to determine the cost of prevention and treatment of pressure sores in an intensive care unit. We studied prospectively the cost of pressure area management for one year from April 1, 1990, collecting data on 2482 patient days. The 638 patients were divided into the 'prevention group' (525 patients), who did not have or develop pressure-related tissue injury, and the 'therapy group' (113 patients), who were admitted with or developed a sore. All items and personnel time employed in pressure area management for both groups of patients were documented and costed. Preventive measures for 525 patients cost £79 080, or £150 per patient. Measures for the 113 patients in the therapy group cost £36 200, or £320 per patient. The overall cost for both groups was £1 15 280, or 5% of the unit's annual budget. Only 5% of patients admitted without a sore developed pressure-related tissue damage. The use of special support surfaces contributed to the low incidence of pressure damage in what was considered to be a very high-risk patient population. This was without a significant increase in the mean cost per patient of providing pressure area care.
52 citations
TL;DR: A report of a study that compared a polyurethane foam dressing with an alginate dressing for foot ulcers in patients with diabetes and found the former to be more effective than the latter.
Abstract: A report of a study that compared a polyurethane foam dressing with an alginate dressing for foot ulcers in patients with diabetes.
51 citations
TL;DR: A comparison of an absorbent semi-permeable polyurethane dressing and a hydrocolloid dressing for the treatment of moderately exuding stage 2 and 3 pressure sores in hospitalised patients is compared.
Abstract: A comparison of an absorbent semi-permeable polyurethane dressing and a hydrocolloid dressing for the treatment of moderately exuding stage 2 and 3 pressure sores in hospitalised patients.
33 citations
TL;DR: An investigation into conditions that produce malodours and the invisible wounds - psychological scars - that result.
Abstract: An investigation into conditions that produce malodours and the invisible wounds - psychological scars - that result.
30 citations
TL;DR: A report of a study set up to discover whether patients with healed venous ulcers were receiving adequate investigation after recurrent ulceration found that they were not.
Abstract: A report of a study set up to discover whether patients with healed venous ulcers were receiving adequate investigation after recurrent ulceration.
27 citations
TL;DR: A structured light method is proposed for the measurement of the three-dimensional circumference of acute cavity wounds, as circumference is not easily measured by standard methods owing to the complex shape of some wounds.
Abstract: This paper describes a study of pilonidal excision wounds and abdominal wounds in which measurements of the wounds' volume and area were compared to their circumferences. A structured light method is proposed for the measurement of the three-dimensional circumference of acute cavity wounds, as circumference.is not easily measured by standard methods owing to the complex shape of some wounds.
27 citations
TL;DR: A guide to the properties and uses of low-adherence dressings and to the main varieties available in the UK.
Abstract: A guide to the properties and uses of low-adherence dressings and to the main varieties available in the UK.
TL;DR: A report of a study in which a semi-permeable polyurethane dressing was compared with a hydrocolloid dressing in the treatment of grade 2 and 3 pressure sores.
Abstract: A report of a study in which a semi-permeable polyurethane dressing was compared with a hydrocolloid dressing in the treatment of grade 2 and 3 pressure sores
TL;DR: Changes in weight revealed that the fluid-handling properties of the hydrogel dressings were very different, which has practical implications when choosing a dressing for a particular type of wound.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate a testing system and to measure the effectiveness of hydrogel dressings in their ability to both absorb and donate fluid. Two materials were used in the test, which represented different types of wounds. The first ‘gelatine gel’, had properties similar to a dry wound; the second, ‘agar gel’, had properties similar to a moist, granulating wound. These were placed on nylon nets positioned in chambers containing compounds found in three different types of hydrogel dressing. After 48 hours the gels were weighed; changes in weight revealed that the fluid-handling properties of the hydrogel dressings were very different. This has practical implications when choosing a dressing for a particular type of wound because, on the surface, these dressings appear to be very similar
TL;DR: Results indicate that the subjects have difficulty in applying the knowledge of the physiology of wound healing to practice, and suggests that low priority is given to compression bandaging, exercise and rest to assist venous return and thus enhance healing.
Abstract: This article presents a subset of a pilot study into nurses' knowledge and reported practice of the assessment of patients with venous leg ulcers. Nurses' knowledge of the physiology of wound healing was examined. The sample was drawn from RGNs working in the outpatient departments of two Dublin teaching hospitals. The purpose of the study was to describe knowledge deficits in order to suggest ways of addressing them. Data were collected during a structured interview of 18 subjects. Owing to a number of limitations, interpretation of findings was limited, but the results indicate that the subjects have difficulty in applying the knowledge of the physiology of wound healing to practice. Furthermore, good/poor blood supply and mobility/immobility were not considered by the participants as significant factors in the delay or enhancement of healing. This suggests that low priority is given to compression bandaging, exercise and rest to assist venous return and thus enhance healing
TL;DR: An examination of the processes involved in wound healing, from reactions to injury through to scarring, is presented in this paper, with a focus on the role of the immune system in wound repair.
Abstract: An examination of the processes involved in wound healing, from reactions to injury through to scarring.
TL;DR: A report of a study that evaluated the performance of Lyofoam A, compared with NA dressing and Tegaderm in treating superficial pressure sores, found it to be superior to other options.
Abstract: A report of a study that evaluated the performance of Lyofoam A, compared with NA dressing and Tegaderm in treating superficial pressure sores.
TL;DR: A discussion of the potential value of quality of life studies in patients with granulating wounds and the need for further research into this area.
Abstract: A discussion of the potential value of quality of life studies in patients with granulating wounds
TL;DR: A report of a study which evaluated two products designed to protect the skin surrounding wounds and found one to be more effective than the other.
Abstract: A report of a study which evaluated two products designed to protect the skin surrounding wounds.
TL;DR: A survey conducted in nursing homes in one district health authority during the year September 1, 1991 to August 31, 1992 suggested a number of disturbing issues concerning the frequency and sources of wounds - particularly pressure sores.
Abstract: This paper reports on a survey conducted in nursing homes in one district health authority during the year September 1, 1991 to August 31, 1992. The study aimed to evaluate the incidence and aetiology of wounds presenting in those homes that required clinical management. Data were collected using a written questionnaire for nurse managers and an 84% response rate was achieved. Findings and additional written comments offered by nurse managers are discussed. These suggested a number of disturbing issues concerning the frequency and sources of wounds — particularly pressure sores — and also highlighted some unusual practices in the prophylaxis and management of wounds. Several recommendations are made in the light of the results
TL;DR: An examination of the process by which a health-care team reviewed wound care and produced guidelines for practice and found no change in the quality of care or in the standards of practice.
Abstract: An examination of the process by which a health-care team reviewed wound care and produced guidelines for practice.
TL;DR: Results of this study suggest that hyperbaric oxygen therapy would increase the matrix:cell ratio, which could have important consequences for repair processes such as cell migration and regulation of cell activity.
Abstract: The effect of hyperbaric oxygen on the proliferative and synthetic responses of fibroblasts derived from wounds and normal skin was examined in this study. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment resulted in a slight decrease in fibroblast proliferation but an increase in the synthesis of extracellular matrix components. Relating these results to the process of wound healing suggests that hyperbaric oxygen therapy would increase the matrix:cell ratio, which could have important consequences for repair processes such as cell migration and regulation of cell activity. There was no apparent difference in the response to hyperbaric oxygen of fibroblasts derived from different sources.
TL;DR: A guide to the steps in wound-healing response and the role of nutrients in this process is given in this article, where the authors also discuss the importance of nutrients for wound healing.
Abstract: A guide to the steps in the wound-healing response and to the role of nutrients in this process.
TL;DR: The prevalence and site of the ulcers were similar to those found in hospital studies and were in line with the Department of Health's estimate of national prevalence (6.7%) K The number of ulcers which had developed in the homes does show that more preventive measures could be taken in nursing homes.
Abstract: A study of 2 245 people resident in 95 nursing homes (general elderly and elderly mentally ill) was carried out to look at the prevalence of pressure sores and the percentage of sores which had developed in the homes or had been present on admission. The study also examined the quality of pressure area care provided by the nursing homes, indicated by the use of risk assessment scales, the availability of pressure-relieving equipment and the training undertaken by both trained and untrained staff. The prevalence was found to be 7.5% and sores were concentrated in the hip, buttock and sacral areas. Fifty-seven per cent of patients' ulcers had developed in the homes and 3 2% occurred following admission to hospital. Seventy-seven homes reported training of some type. There was a range of equipment available and various assessment scales were in use. The prevalence and site of the ulcers were similar to those found in hospital studies and were in line with the Department of Health's estimate of national preva...
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TL;DR: A review of the history of the uses of milk in wound healing with an examination of historical references and contemporary research.
Abstract: A review of the history of the uses of milk in wound healing with an examination of historical references and contemporary research
TL;DR: A review of the development of a specialist leg ulcer service and its role in the care of adults and children in Northern Ireland.
Abstract: A review of the development of a specialist leg ulcer service.
TL;DR: A report which describes a method of monitoring the morphological colour changes of healing wounds using hue, saturation and intensity image analysis.
Abstract: A report which describes a method of monitoring the morphological colour changes of healing wounds using hue, saturation and intensity image analysis.
TL;DR: An exploration of the relationship between pain, inflammation and wound healing in the context of wound healing.
Abstract: An exploration of the relationship between pain, inflammation and wound healing.
TL;DR: Experience up to now shows that the use of risk-assessment scales is popular, that data on incidence and prevalence are difficult to compare among hospitals, that cooperation between nurses and physicians is important and that commitment of nursing management is essential to being able to achieve lasting improvements in pressure sore prevention.
Abstract: Since 1990, 262 hospitals in 15 European countries have been participating in a concerted action programme to study the implementation of quality assurance in their institutions. During the project, participating hospitals made a quality assurance study (audit study). One of the four main areas of interest is the prevention of pressure sores. At the assessment phase of the project it was found that in 1990 a total of 138 out of 250 hospitals reported that they already had guidelines on the prevention of pressure sores, and in 51 hospitals audit studies on pressure sores had been performed during the previous four years. The factors that were assessed included: involvement of nurses in forming guidelines (85%); official endorsement of guidelines by the nursing staff (75%); existence of pressure-sore teams and use of risk assessment. Experience up to now shows that the use of risk-assessment scales is popular, that data on incidence and prevalence are difficult to compare among hospitals, that cooperation b...
TL;DR: A discussion of the process of developing and implementing a framework for pressure sore prevention in one hospital and its implications for clinical practice.
Abstract: A discussion of the process of developing and implementing a framework for pressure sore prevention in one hospital.
TL;DR: An investigation of the effect of biosynthetic human growth hormone on chronic venous ulcer healing rates finds that low levels of the hormone have an adverse effect on healing rates.
Abstract: An investigation of the effect of biosynthetic human growth hormone on chronic venous ulcer healing rates.