Contents and Abstracts
The current cover page of the latest issue of the Journal is found here along with the contents and abstracts of the articles contained within the current issue of the journal.
Volume: 11 – Issue: 4
Release: November 2003

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In this issue…
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Guest editorial |
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Principles of wound bed preparation and their application to the treatment of chronic wounds
Chin C, Schultz G, Stacey M & Contribution from the Wound Bed Advisory Board
Abstract
Optimal treatment of chronic wounds requires first identifying the molecular and cellular abnormalities that prevent a chronic wound from healing and then correcting them. The principles of wound bed preparation (WBP) embodied in TIME (tissue, infection, moisture and edge), provide a systemic approach to remove molecular and cellular barriers that prevent wounds from healing. This article is a concise overview of the molecular and cellular regulation of normal wound healing and practical applications of methods of WBP to promote healing.
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Pressure ulcers in Australia: patterns of litigation and risk management issues
Nelson T
Abstract
Unexpected outcomes or adverse events in the field of medicine have always existed and will continue to do so. Litigation for particular types of errors is increasing, perhaps not because health care professionals make more mistakes, but because consumers of health services are better informed and have come to expect outcomes which are reasonable and realistically achievable. However, it must be recognised that even state of the art medicine or faultless health care cannot cure all disease conditions nor save all lives. Delivering good health care involves not only the knowledge of science but the application of the art of good judgement. Despite this, there are still adverse outcomes or medical errors which should not occur. A medical error may be described as an unintended act (either of omission or commission) or an act that does not achieve its intended purpose.
This article examines some of these concepts and how they interface with the prediction and prevention of pressure ulcers. The article will examine, in particular, civil litigation patterns in this area, specific areas of legal exposure for practitioners and how the AWMA Standards for Wound Management (‘the Standards’), provides clinicians with the opportunity to deliver sound risk management principles in the prevention and management of pressure ulcers.
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The multifactorial nature of leg ulcers and the necessity to address all aetiologies to ensure successful healing: a case study
Ogrin R, Khalil Z & Woodward M
Abstract
The aetiology of leg ulcers is multifactorial in nature and all of the factors need to be addressed so that appropriate management can be implemented. This article describes a case study of a female with diabetes that presented to the wound management service (WMS) with a chronic leg ulcer. This ulcer was complicated by infection, venous disease and impaired microcirculation. The management of this ulcer by the multidisciplinary team is outlined and the costs involved in the treatment are also discussed. Only when all of the aetiologies were addressed did healing rate increase, confirming the importance of correct diagnosis in managing leg ulcers.
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Skin tears: a case review
Morey P
Abstract
Skin tear occurrence is known to be a problem in the elderly, particularly in residential care. Within the acute care setting, the risk of elderly patients sustaining skin tears also presents challenges for care. The management of skin tears varies considerably and is best determined by assessment of the patient and skin tear itself. Two cases with different categories of skin tears treated in the acute care sector will be discussed and will highlight some of the risk factors and alternative options for wound management.
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Letters to Editor |
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Wound Repair and Regeneration |
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AWMA directory |
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Wound management courses |
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Wound management organisations |
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Coming events |
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Instructions to authors |
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