Abstract

Abstract
It is possible that patients who suffer from acute and chronic wounds can interpret wound pain as a stressor. It is known from previous research that stress can delay wound healing; however, little is known about the influence of pain in this relationship.
This review explores the literature surrounding the relationship between stress, pain and delayed healing of acute and chronic wounds. Many studies have demonstrated the impact of stress on the healing of biopsy, surgical and chronic wounds and there is a range of medical, psychological and social interventions that may reduce both pain and stress and consequently speed up wound healing.

Abstract
Client perceptions of wound treatments represent an important but often overlooked aspect of research which principally focuses on the clinical effectiveness of treatments. In a large multi-site randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing a nanocrystalline silver dressing and cadexomer iodine dressing, which were used in conjunction with multi-layer compression bandaging, client perceptions about the acceptability of these antimicrobial products and compression bandaging were evaluated. Data from 207 participants were analysed, representing a 74% response rate of the 281 RCT recruits. Both antimicrobial dressings were rated highly, with the majority of respondents willing to use their randomised treatment in the future if the need should arise. There was no significant difference in ratings of the acceptability of the nanocrystalline silver dressing and cadexomer iodine dressing. The acceptability of compression bandaging was high as was willingness to use compression bandaging again. Though adherence to compression bandaging was significantly associated with higher satisfaction ratings, acceptability of the treatment remained high, even for those clients not adhering to compression bandaging regimes. This result challenges the perception that a lack of client willingness to use compression bandaging is a principal driver of non-adherence to this treatment. Clearly other factors influenced adherence and these require further investigation if the benefits of this best practice treatment are to be realised.

Abstract
Venous leg ulcers are chronic wounds which often persist for many years, despite active treatment, and occur predominantly in people over the age of 60. In recent times, the care of these wounds has shifted from the acute care sector into the community, where wound care services and products aren’t fully subsidised by the government. It is logical to assume that these costs are passed onto the client; however, within the Australian context there is currently no research concerning the magnitude of such costs, although anecdotal evidence suggests they can be substantial.
The purpose of this pilot study was to describe the average cost of managing a venous leg ulcer in the community. The study forms a pilot for future larger-scale studies within the Australian setting. A descriptive-correlational design was used to identify costs incurred by a convenience sample of 15 venous leg ulcer sufferers over a two-month period.
It was found that, on average, participants spent A$114 a month managing their ulcer. Total management cost was found to be related to the size of the wound and the amount of exudate produced, while residential location influenced the type of expenses incurred.
The results indicate that expenses incurred by sufferers in the process of managing their venous leg ulcer are concerning, especially in light of the financial situation of many elderly people. Larger, more rigorous studies are recommended in order to further investigate these issues.

Abstract
This case study describes the care and management of an Indigenous patient who sustained a pressure injury during surgery. After discharge from hospital community nurses worked in partnership with the patient and his family and, despite a history of diabetes and multiple comorbidities, wound healing was achieved. It demonstrates that a collaborative holistic approach, where health professionals, the patient and family work together, has the potential to achieve good health outcomes.

Abstract
Aim: To trial medical-grade honey wound dressings on dry, clinically infected diabetic foot ulcers in an acute high-risk foot service (HRFS).
Method: Five clinicians trialled medical-grade honey wound gel and medical-grade honey alginate on appropriate diabetic foot wounds and completed a simple evaluation form for each application including patient tolerability.
Results: Clinician ease of use, Clinician overall satisfaction and Patient comfort was rated as “high” in the majority of applications (66–93%).
Conclusion: Honey wound dressings did not lead to deterioration in diabetic foot wounds and were rated highly by clinicians and patients with regards to ease of use, overall outcome and tolerability

Abstract