Innovation Resources

Some years ago, the Self Care Forum (www.selfcareforum.org) realised that there was a great deal of innovation in self care work taking place across the UK; empowering individuals and making a real difference to health in the community, often with limited resources and challenging coronavirus restrictions. Thus, the Self Care Innovation Awards were introduced to share the practical learning and recognise self care excellence.

Moisture can affect the normal function and permeability of the skin, leaving our bodies susceptible to infection. The damaging effects of moisture-associated skin damage (MASD) impact a wide range of patient groups, however, wounds caused by moisture are often mistaken for and treated as if they are pressure ulcers. Moisture can come into contact with the skin from a number of sources, but damage can be treated in the same way, despite its cause. In the authors’ clinical opinion, if nursing staff are able to identify and treat skin damage correctly according to its aetiology, faster rates of healing, improved quality of life, and fewer resources used on wound care would be seen. This article looks at the identification of seven aetiologies of MASD following an audit, and the subsequent development and implementation of a protocol to improve and standardise skin care in the authors’ trust, which it was hoped would provide a dynamic and unified approach to the management and education of MASD.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, community nursing services have had to adapt rapidly to the regulations and clinical requirements. To learn how nurses have changed their services, with colleagues and new technology, the Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI) has been gathering examples of new practice in community and integrated healthcare services. Here, we share some of the stories to help promote learning and to drive improvements across the health and social care sector.

Since The Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI) was established in 1887, we have been a charity focused on improving the experience of the patient cared for in the home and community.

One of the many ways in which we can demonstrate that we make a tangible difference to patients, families and carers is through the support we give every year to the successful delivery of our QNI frontline innovation projects.

Crystal Oldman, Chief Executive of The Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI). 

Joan McIntosh describes the range of urinals for women available in the UK.

Denise Burley describes the educational provision involved in setting up a Telephone Advice System and looks at some of the problems cited regarding the NHS Direct service.

William Bryans gives an overview of how to make successful bids.
William Bryans is the author of Resource Management in Health and Social Care and Essential Checklists for Frontline Staff. Both books are published by Radcliffe.
Article accepted for publication: May 2006