In a short reflective exercise, the introduction of disposable Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) was shown to improve the patient experience of being managed in the community with a complex wound. District nurses and treatment room staff found the system easy to use and in their view, it extended the interval required between dressing changes and time taken to carry out wound care. This article considers the benefits of NPWT, illustrating these with patient reflections and comments.
Lynne Watret RGN, MA, MN, PGCert TLHE CNS Tissue Viability, Primary Care, Greater Glasgow & Clyde Health Board.
Article accepted for publication: January 2012
Complex and chronic wounds present many challenges to the community nurse, not least identifying the most appropriate dressing from the plethora available. Coupled with the imperative that care is delivered in the most cost and clinically-effective manner, a carefully considered and evaluated formulary can help guide dressing choice and facilitate monitoring of usage and costs.
In this article, a runner-up in the JCN Writing Awards, Caroline Swayne reflects on the impact of a formulary in her organisation.
Caroline Swayne ENG, RGN, DN, Bsc, Non Medical Prescriber, District Nurse/Team Leader in the Isle of Man
Louise Brereton, Pauline Barber & Brenda King discuss the adequacy of educational provision for nurses involved in managing patients with leg ulcers.
Elizabeth Scanlon & Peter McGinnis describe the trial of a venous ulcer bandage system.
Rosemary Pudner describes the special care needed when dealing with diabetic patients with foot ulceration.
Jacky Edwards discusses some of the aftercare problems faced by community nurses caring for plastic surgery wounds and donor sites.
Gillian Pedley reviews the causes of pressure sores, assessment of risk and their prevention.
