Wound debridement plays an essential role in preparing the wound to heal and can be achieved in several ways. Most wound debridement requires the skills of specialist practitioners which can be both time consuming and expensive. This observational study looks at a new mechanical debridement system with a monofilament fibre pad that can be used in any healthcare setting with minimal training. In twenty patients with wounds and/or skin that required debridement, the new system was found to be a fast and effective method of debridement causing minimal pain to the patients. This new approach to wound debridement could potentially have far reaching benefits to the patient, the nurse and the organisation.
Susan Johnson, RN, MA, ANP, NMP. Lead Nurse Wound Care, Doncaster Royal Infirmary,
Agnes Collarte, BSN, RN. Tissue Viability Nurse, Central London Community Healthcare NHS
Loty Lara, BSN, RN. Tissue Viability Nurse, Central London Community Healthcare NHS
Andreia Alberto, MSc. Tissue Viability Nurse, Central London Community Healthcare NHS
Article accepted for publication: July 2012
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the term given to progressive airflow obstructive conditions, namely emphysema and chronic bronchitis. The disease is not reversible, but its progression can be slowed with the correct treatment and management. Within our organisation, we realised that if district nursing teams worked inter-professionally, exacerbations of COPD could be reduced simply by assessment of inhaler technique whilst making home visits. This article, a previous entry to the JCN Writing Awards, presents the a review of the literature undertaken prior to changing practice.
Annette Bades, BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing, District Nursing Sister, Lancashire Care NHS Trust
Despite many advances in the treatment and management of bladder dysfunction, there are still some patients who require an indwelling urethral or supra-pubic catheter, or intermittent catheterisation to help maintain urinary continence. This article builds upon the principles of catheterisation presented by Booth and Clarke in the May/June 2012 issue of JCN, outlining fundamentals such as privacy, dignity, harm minimisation and the use of care bundles.
Ann Winder, RGN Independent Continence Clinical Nurse Specialist, Director ARC Healthcare Ltd., Chairperson, Continence Clinical Supervision Group England
Article accepted for publication: July 2012
The roles of health care professionals are rapidly evolving. Over recent years, the nursing profession has taken on new challenges and extended roles in respect of patient care. Many nurses in senior roles work autonomously and at a higher level of practice, engaging in flexible cross boundary partnership working. In order to undertake such roles effectively, guidance is required to maintain standards. This article presents an overview of the development and implementation of a new dermatology pocket guide in Scotland.
Janice Bianchi, Medical Education Specialist/Honorary Lecturer Glasgow University MSc, BSc, RGN, RMN, Pg Cert TLHE,
Barbara Page, RGN, DipN BN, ENB 25, Dermatology Liaison Nurse, NHS Fife
Sheila Robertson, RGN, Dermatology Liaison Nurse, NHS Fife.
Article accepted for publication: June 2012
Frequent or complex mealtime difficulties can have adverse effects on relationships within families. Such issues require community-based prevention and early intervention to optimise the emotional well-being of families.
This article describes the relational component of mealtime difficulties, the effects on the emotional well-being and family relationships and the perceived needs of families for new service developments at a community level. In contrast to most of the literature regarding mealtime difficulties, which focus on behaviour training, parenting skills and nutrition education, this article concludes that the primary aim of an intervention for mealtime difficulties in the community should be to optimise interactions and relationships within families through a holistic, interdisciplinary approach.
Acknowledgements:
The authors would like to express heartfelt thanks to caregivers who participated in this study, colleagues who reviewed the questionnaire and LINK, Communities For Children and Regional Development Australia who funded this project.
Denise Stapleton Accredited Practising Dietitian, PhD, Private Practitioner, Perth, Australia.
Gillian Griffiths, Occupational Therapist, Private Practitioner, Karratha, Australia
Jill Sherriff, School of Public Health, Associate Professor, Lecturer, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, Australia.
Article accepted for publication: June 2012
Mary Hickson & Margaret Hill describe the development, audit & training of community nurses in the use of a nutritional assessment tool for the elderly.
