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Editorial |
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The difficult leg ulcer
Angel D, Sieurnarine K, Abbas M & Mwipatayi B
Abstract
Through the vehicle of a case study, this paper illustrates the complexity associated with venous leg ulcerations. In order to be effective with treatment regimes, a comprehensive understanding of the pathophysiology of the lower leg venous system, the pathology of venous insufficiency and the pathology of venous leg ulcerations must be fully understood. Compression therapy is the cornerstone to treatment, however, this must only be applied after the patient has been thoroughly investigated to exclude other causes of the leg ulcer. Unlike the United Kingdom and Europe, Australia does not have national guidelines for the management of patients with venous leg ulcers. In view of the high costs associated with this condition, perhaps there may be better outcomes for patients if this approach were adopted in Australia.
Angel D, Sieunarine K, Abbas M & Mwipatayi B. The difficult leg ulcer: a case review illustrating the problems and difficulties associated with treatment. Primary Intention 2005; 13(1): 7-10, 12-14, 16.
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PUPPS 2 Model for conducting State-wide pressure ulcer prevalence surveys
Strachan V & May K
Abstract
Pressure ulcers are an internationally recognised patient safety problem, one of six being addressed by the Victorian Quality Council (VQC), which operates as an expert, strategic, ministerial advisory council with a primary role to improve safety and quality in health care 1. As a consequence of conducting PUPPS 1, the acronym given to the first State-wide pressure ulcer point prevalence survey, the VQC State-wide PUPPS report 2003 2 made a number of recommendations aimed at improving pressure ulcer prevention and management. These included suggestions for action in the areas of pressure reducing equipment resources, wound management staff resources, education for staff and patients, risk assessment, monitoring and ongoing reporting.
Action on the PUPPS 1 recommendations to date includes: support for several of the recommendations by their inclusion in the Victorian Department of Human Services (DHS) Policy and Funding Guidelines for 2004-2005; $2 million in funding for a State-wide mattress replacement programme; development of patient/consumer information on pressure ulcer prevention (also available in 10 alternative language versions), roll-out of a ‘pressure ulcer basics’ education programme State-wide; and a second State-wide recording of pressure ulcer prevalence – PUPPS 2.
This report outlines the methodology/model used by VQC for the collection of serial State-wide pressure ulcer prevalence of in the acute and subacute sectors of Victorian public health services.
Strachan V & May K. PUPPS 2: a short report on the model for conducting serial State-wide pressure ulcer prevalence surveys in the acute and sub-acute health sectors in Victoria. Primary Intention 2005; 13(1): 19-21.
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Turning the world upside down. Changes in wound care that resulted from the establishment of WAWCA
Williams A, Carville K & Morey P
Abstract
In 1990 a group of nurses interested in wound care joined together to organise a study day to improve the quality of woundcare in Western Australia by highlighting recent changes in the management of wounds. Following the enormous success of that study day, and the expression of support and interest from practising nurses, the West Australian Wound Care Association (WAWCA) was established.
The philosophy of that association stated that all people with wounds were entitled to receive appropriate wound management that was supported by current, validated research. The association set out to: promote and increase awareness of wound management by establishing a network of persons with expertise in wound care; provide ongoing education into current prevention and management of wound care; and facilitate continued research into wound management. Following the establishment of WAWCA, wound management protocols in Western Australia underwent a rapid change. After 3 years, an international conference was organised which led to the formation of a national, multidisciplinary wound management association, and Primary Intention, The Australian Journal of Wound Management.
Difficulties are often expressed concerning the utilisation of research in nursing practice. This paper will identify and describe the strategies used by WAWCA that successfully altered practices and improved the management of wounds within Western Australia. The history of WAWCA provides insight and direction for the integration of practice, research and education.
Williams A, Carville K & Morey P. Turning the world upside down. Changes in wound care that resulted from the establishment of the West Australian Wound Care Association (WAWCA). Primary Intention 2005; 13(1): 24-26, 28-30.
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Using the web to facilitate successful wound care within a health service
Blanchfield D
Abstract
This paper briefly describes how a clinical nurse consultant wound care (CNCWC) developed, implemented and marketed a website on wound care for a large Australian area health service. The purpose of the website was to provide an effective user friendly method of disseminating information on wound care practices, wound care products and educational resources available for use within the area health service.
Blanchfield D. Using the web to facilitate successful wound care within a health service. Primary Intention 2005; 13(1): 32-35.
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Course report: The Advanced Wound Care Course 2004
Morey P & Hoskin S
Abstract
Wound care education occurs in many arenas and at different levels. This article outlines the experience of two participants at an Advanced Wound Healing Course held over 4 days in Bowral, New South Wales in September 2004. The course was structured around current wound healing evidence and professional development. Participants were advanced wound care practitioners whose roles often involve educating others and initiating product evaluation and research. The intent was for participants to build on their knowledge in a safe environment, with maximum interaction in order to achieve learning outcomes.
The preceptors were experienced educators and clinicians involved directly and indirectly in wound care and wound management education for a number of years. They challenged participants to interact, question and develop or refine skills; these ranged from doppler assessment to literature critique and presentation skills. The course was sponsored by trade but was otherwise presented in generic terms without bias to product manufacturers. The value of courses such as these extends beyond 4 days.
Both formal and informal networks can evolve and serve to stimulate knowledge, research and practice changes in wound care.
Morey P & Hoskin S. Course report – The Advanced Wound Care Course 2004: a challenging and fulfilling experience. Primary Intention 2005; 13(1): 37-39.
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Course report: 9th Oxford-European Wound Healing Summer School
Rando T
Abstract
The Ninth Oxford-European Summer School on Wound Healing was held at St Anne’s College, Oxford in June 2004. Over 100 delegates from around the world attended this prestigious course, including delegates from Russia, Croatia, United States, Ireland, Emirate States, Scandinavia and Australia. It conveniently preceded the 2nd World Union of Wound Healing Societies Conference held in Paris.
For this participant, there were many highlights across various professional, educative and networking levels. The calibre and diversity of international expert presenters were outstanding and the innovative key lessons that were gained were worth the long journey and subsequent inclusion in this report.
Rando T. Course report – The 9th Oxford-European Wound Healing Summer School. St Anne’s College, Oxford, 23-26 June 2020. Primary Intention 2005; 13(1): 40-42.
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