I'm interested in taking the CWCA exam, but a friend of mine mentioned that the WCC is better. What is the difference between the two?
Volume 49 - Issue 2 - February, 2003
The Question of Outcomes
- Sat, 2/1/03 - 1:00am
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Outcome assessments in healthcare have traditionally been rather crude, all-or-nothing propositions. The most commonly used measure, mortality rate, was appropriate when the majority of people around the world died from infectious diseases. Standards are changing. Many countries have improved sanitation and are immunizing their children, dispensing antibiotics, and providing relatively safe treatment options for a wide variety of conditions.
Understanding the Origin of Wound Pain during Dressing Change
- Sat, 2/1/03 - 1:00am
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The following is excerpted from Briggs M, Torra i Bou JE. Pain at wound dressing changes: a guide to management. European Wound Management Association Position Document. Pain at wound dressing changes. London, UK: Medical Education Partnership LTD; 2002.Used with permission.
A Look at the Purpose and Outcomes of Colostomy Irrigation
- Sat, 2/1/03 - 1:00am
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For nearly 75 years, colostomy irrigation has been an accepted management option that allows a colostomy patient to control bowel evacuation. Colostomy irrigation evolved as an answer to the nearly universally chronic peristomal skin problems caused by a lack of commercially available pouching systems, protective skin barriers, and skin care products.1 It was theorized that if the bowel could be evacuated once a day, no stool would seep onto the skin and, therefore, peristomal skin irritation would be minimized.
Above All, Patients Come First
- Sat, 2/1/03 - 1:00am
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As part of tradition and culture, Japanese are taught to respect and revere the older members of their families and society. Despite a recent popular groundswell of less-than-sympathetic thoughts about the burdens of old age taking place in her country, perhaps influenced by a youth-oriented Western culture, one practitioner has followed the old ways and dedicated herself to improving the quality of life for Japan's older citizens. Her research and teaching are focused on pressure ulcer prevention and management as well as providing better ostomy care for the elderly.
February 2003 Industry News
- Wed, 9/3/08 - 10:25am
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American Urological Association launches patient information website
Many questions about urologic health can be answered discreetly and with authority through a website launched by the American Urological Association. The web site was written and reviewed by the world's leading urology experts in partnership with the American Foundation for Urologic Disease (AFUD), whose mission is to prevent and cure urological diseases through the expansion of research, education and public awareness. The site was designed to promote urological health and educate patients about all aspects
February 2003 New Products
- Wed, 9/3/08 - 10:25am
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Catheter has aloe and kink-resistant nozzle
Mentor Corporation (Santa Barbara, Calif.) has introduced its new Clear Advantage® with Aloe and Kink Resistant Nozzle catheter. The product is a 100% latex-free silicone, self-adhering one-piece male external catheter designed for maximum wear time. The addition of aloe helps promote healthier skin. The kink-resistant nozzle features a shorter design that provides a more accurate fit to the connection tube that prevents kinking and urine back-ups that weaken adhesive strength and create catheter "blowoffs." Mentor Freedom Clear®
Assessing Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Leg Ulceration using the Medical Outcomes Short Form-36 Questionnaire
- Sat, 2/1/03 - 1:00am
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- 7757 reads
Abstract
Clinician awareness of the importance of recognizing, assessing, and ultimately addressing the negative impact of chronic wounds on patient quality of life is increasing. One hundred, eighteen (118) patients (average age 78 years) participated in a study to evaluate the use of the Medical Outcomes Short Form-36 for assessing the health-related quality of life of patients with chronic leg ulceration. Most patients (104; 88%) were treated at home by community nurses. A medical history was obtained and patients completed the Short Form-36 questionnaire at baseline and after 12 weeks of receiving standard ulcer care. Published normative data were used to ascertain the effect of leg ulcers on health-related quality of life. Short Form-36 responsiveness was determined by comparing baseline and 12-week scores. Results suggest that the questionnaire is reliable for five of eight Short Form-36 domains (α >0.8), with the remainder α >0.7. Compared to age-sex adjusted published normative scores, patients with leg ulcers had significantly lower mean scores in the following domains: role-emotional (d = 28.6, P <0.001), social functioning (d = 22.8, P <0.001), role-functioning (d = 20.8, P <0.001), role-physical (d = 20.7, P <0.001), and bodily pain (d = 12.3, P <0.001). Short Form-36 scores barely changed between baseline and the 12-week assessment, but bodily pain improved in the 31 patients whose ulcers healed during that time (d = 14.6, P = 0.006; SRM = 0.60). Pain did not improve in patients whose ulcers remained open (d = -2.1, P = 0.45). Compared to patients whose ulcers did not heal, patients with healed ulcers experienced greater improvements in the following domains: body pain (d = 16.8, P = 0.003), mental health (d = 9.4, P = 0.013), role-physical (d = 19.7, P = 0.06), role-emotional (d = 17.2, P = 0.12), and vitality (d = 9.0, P = 0.052). The results of this study suggest that leg ulcers reduce patient quality of life and that the Short Form-36 can be used to ascertain their impact.
Index: Ostomy/Wound Management 2003;49(2):26-37
The Chronic Wound and the Family
- Sat, 2/1/03 - 1:00am
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- 7906 reads
Abstract
Stressful life events, such as coping with a chronic wound, often compel families to reorganize their style of functioning. The Family Stress Theory, developed by Professor Reuben Hill, provides one explanation for the family’s adjustment process as it faces a crisis event. The effects of caregiving on families and their health are just beginning to be understood, and only a few studies have explored the experiences of families caring for people with chronic wounds. However, application of the Family Stress Theory and available research may help clinicians understand how families react and respond to health alterations and guide practice when the family is an integral part of the intervention.
Index: Ostomy/Wound Management 2003;49(2):38-46
Quality of Life in Patients with Stomas: The Montreux Study
- Sat, 2/1/03 - 1:00am
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- 15983 reads
Abstract
Ostomy surgery profoundly affects a person’s life. To determine the extent of the effect, the Stoma Care Quality of Life Index instrument was developed from a quality-of-life index. After ascertaining its validity and reliability, the instrument was used to measure patient quality of life in a European-wide study (16 countries). Six hundred, eighteen (618) stoma care nurses recruited 4,739 patients following stoma surgery. The self-administered questionnaire was completed immediately following surgery and after 3,6, 9, and 12 months. The mean age of patients was 61.6 years (± 13.4 years), 53.7% were men, and the majority (66.5%) had a colostomy. Stoma Care Quality of Life Index scores were fairly consistent in all patients throughout Europe immediately following surgery. While scores improved steadily over time, only the difference between the postoperative and 3-month scores was significant (P < 0.001). Stoma Care Quality of Life Index scores were significantly higher in patients who were satisfied with the care received than in those who were not satisfied. Similarly, patients who had a good relationship with the stoma care nurse and felt confident about changing the appliance had significantly higher Stoma Care Quality of Life Index scores than those who did not have a good relationship or feel confident. The results of this study suggest that stoma patient quality of life can be assessed, that it changes over time, and that patient access to specialist ostomy care nurses is particularly important during the first 3 to 6 months following surgery.
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