Feature

External Stoma and Peristomal Complications following Radical Cystectomy and Ileal Conduit Diversion: A Systematic Review

admin — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 10:55:22 -0500

Abstract: An ileal conduit is the most common urinary diversion following radical cystectomy for invasive bladder cancer. Unlike internal complications commonly described in urological literature, reports about the incidence of external complications are sparse. A Medline database review (1996–2008) of English-language literature was conducted to: 1) describe and compare external stoma and peristomal complications and complication rates among outpatients with ileal conduit diversion following radical cystectomy, and 2) summarize commonly used prevention and management strategies.

A Retrospective Data Analysis of Antimicrobial Dressing Usage in 3,084 Patients

admin — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:22:40 -0400

Abstract: Knowledge about practice patterns and optimal usage criteria for topical antimicrobial dressings is limited. A retrospective data analysis was conducted to evaluate: 1) the length of time these dressings are applied in a typical episode of wound care, 2) the number of episodes of antimicrobial dressing use, and 3) whether antimicrobial dressings are applied in consideration of signs and symptoms of infection.

Heel Pressure Ulcers in Orthopedic Patients: A Prospective Study of Incidence and Risk Factors in an Acute Care Hospital

admin — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:46:25 -0500

Abstract: Heel pressure ulcers (PU) are a major concern in orthopedic patients. A prospective 6-month study was conducted in an acute care hospital in Canada to determine the incidence of heel PU in an orthopedic population, evaluate the effect of patient and care variables on heel PU incidence, and describe the natural history/sequelae of Stage I heel PU. One hundred and fifty (150) patients (average age 70.6 years) admitted for elective orthopedic surgery or treatment of a fractured hip participated in the study.

A Cross-sectional Descriptive Study of Pressure Ulcer Prevalence in a Teaching Hospital in China

admin — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:15:11 -0500

Abstract: Surveying pressure ulcer (PU) prevalence is a common practice in some western countries and has served as a tool to improve prevention policies and procedures. Although attention on PU prevention has increased in China, no PU prevalence baseline information is available to help guide care. To obtain this baseline information, a cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in a 3,000-bed teaching hospital in Wuhan.

A Prospective, Multicenter Study to Validate Use of the PUSH© in Patients with Diabetic, Venous, and Pressure Ulcers

admin — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:00:43 -0500

Abstract: Monitoring wound progress is essential for evaluating and documenting treatment outcomes. The Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing (PUSH) was developed to track pressure ulcer (PU) progress but information about its utility for other types of chronic wounds is limited. A 10-month, descriptive, multicenter study was conducted to examine the responsiveness and concurrent validity of the PUSH when used to monitor wound changes in diabetic foot (DFU), venous leg (VLU), and PU.

Primary Adenocarcinoma in Peristomal Skin: A Case Study

admin — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 12:22:57 -0500

Abstract: Primary adenocarcinoma at an ileostomy site is an exceedingly rare occurrence but has been documented at the peristomal skin of patients with a long-standing ileostomy. Chronic irritation and resultant metaplasia is thought to be a key underlying mechanism for this phenomenon. Biopsy of newly developing lesions in the peristomal area of long-standing stomas is essential in order to avoid delayed diagnosis and limit complications.

“Measurement Monday”: One Facility’s Approach to Standardizing Skin Impairment Documentation

admin — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 12:14:54 -0500

Abstract: Accurate, timely wound assessment and documentation is fundamental to nursing practice. A 2005 retrospective chart audit (N = 54) at a rural, 238-bed tertiary care facility in Northeastern Pennsylvania (average daily census 175 to 180) found that complete wound assessment documentation (including measurements) was lacking in 59% of patient charts. The purpose of this quality improvement initiative, led by the Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse (WOCN), was to evaluate and improve nursing assessment and documentation of impaired skin (pressure ulcers, skin tears, open surgical wounds

Framework for Planning and Conducting Pilot Studies

admin — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:34:37 -0500

Abstract: Researchers working with partners in home care to plan a pragmatic multicenter community-based, randomized, controlled trial for leg ulcer compression treatment realized a smaller pilot study would be necessary. Because no framework for conducting pilot studies could be found, the authors developed a framework for pilot study methodology to inform the planning of such research. To this end, an integrative literature review was conducted, guided by an explicit search strategy, retrieval procedures, and appraisal process, to identify recognized pilot study aims, processes, and m

The Yellow-Red-Black Bladder Diary: Red-Yellow-Black is Not Just for Wounds

admin — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 10:38:02 -0500

Abstract: The Red-Yellow-Black (RYB) wound classification system was introduced to the US in the late 1980s for the purpose of simplifying wound assessment and guiding treatment. Although the color system was found to have limitations for wound care, the colors (in revised order) may be useful for a bladder diary. Colored pencils are used to record fluid intake and voided output. For fluid intake, yellow signifies nonirritants (water); red, low bladder irritants (alcoholic, artificially sweetened, carbonated, or citrus beverages); and black, high bladder irritants (caffeinated beverages

Results of the 2008 – 2009 International Pressure Ulcer Prevalence™ Survey and a 3-Year, Acute Care, Unit-Specific Analysis

admin — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:50:22 -0500

Abstract: The National Quality Forum has identified a pressure ulcer as a hospital-acquired condition (HAC) that is high-cost and high-volume and may be preventable with implementation of evidence-based guidelines. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services no longer reimburses acute care facilities for the ancillary cost of facility-acquired (FA) ulcers. Benchmarking patient safety indicators, such as FA, may help facilities reduce pressure ulcer rates. The purpose of this observational, cross-sectional cohort study was to report the International Pressure Ulcer Prevalence Survey™