OWM_April2013_Montgomery.pdf

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Index: Ostomy Wound Manage. 2013;59(4):28–34.

Abstract

  A new, synthetic, silk-like fabric was developed for the purpose of providing bedding and patient gowns that manage moisture, friction, and shear when used between the patient and the healthcare support surface that may affect the development of pressure ulcers (PUs). A retrospective study was conducted to compare the incidence of hospital-acquired PUs in patients admitted to Telemetry, Urology, and Intensive Care Units before and after hospital linens were changed from standard to the synthetic (intervention) linens. Patient medical record data were abstracted for a period 12 weeks before (control) and 12 weeks following the linen change (intervention). Patient demographic information, Braden Risk Scale score, and PU status and stage were abstracted for a total of 659 patients in the control and 768 patients in the intervention groups. No significant differences in patient weight, age, gender distribution, PU risk (Braden scale scores), or proportion of PUs on admission between groups were found. The most common comorbidity was hypertension (n = 981, 68.7%). On admission, the percentage of patients with PUs in the control and intervention groups was 9.9% (s = 0.3) and 8.7% (s = 0.3), respectively (P = 0.23). Average length of stay was 5.6 days in the control and 5.2 days in the intervention groups (P = 0.08). Sixty-eight (68) of 659 patients (10.3%) in the control and 19 out of 768 patients in the intervention group (2.5%) developed one or more PUs (P<0.001) for an incidence of 11.5% in the control and 3.1% in the intervention group. At discharge, 136 PUs were present in the control and 64 were present in the intervention group (P<0.001). The significant differences in the incidence of hospital-acquired PUs between the two groups suggest that linen type affects PU risk. Additional controlled clinical studies in high-risk patient populations are warranted.

Keywords: retrospective clinical study, bedding and linens, pressure ulcer, prevention, incidence

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OWM_April2013_Rolnick.pdf

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Index: Ostomy Wound Manage. 2013;59(4):62–67.

Abstract

  Communication between healthcare providers and patients/family caregivers about incontinence and associated skin damage is wanting, and information about healthcare providers perspectives on improving this communication is limited. A descriptive study was conducted using semi-structured, tape-recorded interviews with 11 healthcare providers with clinical expertise in geriatrics and dementia working in a large integrated healthcare system. The survey was developed by the authors based on a review of the relevant literature with guidance from a three-member Advisory Committee and consisted of nine open-ended questions related to communication with patients and families about incontinence and skin damage. Specifically, information was obtained about providers’ perspectives on the timing of inquiring about these problems, how best to tailor language and approach the topic, barriers and facilitators to discussion of incontinence, and recommendations for educational and supportive resources. Responses were analyzed using a content analysis approach. Using a purposeful sampling technique, 11 experienced healthcare professionals agreed to participate in the study. Main themes observed included: 1) incontinence issues are not routinely or voluntarily addressed by all providers, 2) caregivers are receptive to discussion if the topic is broached by patient/caregiver, and 3) main barriers to providing information include limited clinician time and patient/family caregiver embarrassment. Participant clinicians expressed interest in readily available, single-topic, printed patient/caregiver-focused educational materials to enhance patient-provider communication and serve as a resource. These materials were subsequently developed. Further research is warranted to test the effectiveness of the recommendations and the materials developed as a result of the study.

Keywords: incontinence, communication, physicians, nurse practitioners, caregivers

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OWM_May2013_Pieper.pdf

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Index: Ostomy Wound Manage. 2013;59(5):14–24.

Abstract

  Persons with leg ulcers, including venous ulcers, often report pain. A cross-sectional, comparative study was conducted among 61 patients receiving care in an urban clinic (31 with and 30 without a venous ulcer, mean age 54 years [range 40 to 65 years], 93% African American) to examine pain and its relation to activity and walking in persons with injection-related venous ulcers. The questionnaire included items about pain and its treatment, as well as activity and walking (ie, Brief Pain Inventory [BPI] Short Form, Self-Treatment of Pain, Pain and Narcotic Use, Difficulty with Activities, and Walking Scale questionnaires). Among those with a venous ulcer (VU+), worst pain significantly related to total interference (r = 0.65, P<0.0001) and total difficulty (r = 0.42, P = 0.02) BPI scores. The common pain sites for those VU+ involved the legs (24, 36.4%), wound sites (13, 19.7%), back (eight, 12.1%), general body (five, 7.6%), shoulder and knee (four, 6.1% each), and other (eight, 12.1%). Persons VU+ were more likely than those without a venous ulcer (VU-) to have received a prescription for narcotics in the past year (96% versus 41%, X² = 21.3, P<0.0001). Persons VU+ versus VU- were significantly (X² = 8.89, P = 0.003) more likely to resort to street drug use and relapse to addiction if pain was not adequately treated. They were also twice as likely to have decreased walking over the past 5 years (67% versus 33%, X² = 5.93, P<0.02). Among those VU+, venous ulcers added to chronic pain and decreased walking. These findings highlight the negative effects of injection-related venous ulcers on pain, activity, and walking, as well as the propensity of this group to resort to illicit drug use for pain control. Persons VU+ should have pain assessed and treated.

Keywords: venous ulcers, intravenous substance abuse, complication, pain, activity

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OWM_May2013_Altuntas.pdf

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Index: Ostomy Wound Manage. 2013;59(5):26–32.

Abstract

  Ramadan fasting is an Islamic obligation for healthy Muslims after the age of puberty. Persons with an acute or chronic disease may be excused from this obligation; the degree of the disease is an important parameter for not fasting. Little is known about the effect of fasting on persons with a stoma. A prospective study was conducted among 56 patients with a cancer-related fecal stoma (33 [58.9%] male, mean age 55.9 ± 13.1 years) over two periods of Ramadan to analyze the effect of fasting 15 to 16 hours on nutritional and metabolic status and quality of life. Eligible patients were divided into two groups: fasting (n = 14) and nonfasting (n = 42). Demographic and stoma information, as well as disease and treatment-related variables, were evaluated. Participants completed cancer patient and colorectal cancer patient quality-of-life instruments and rated their religious orientation. Laboratory tests (blood urea nitrogen, creatinin, cholesterol, prealbumin, albumin, and transferrin) were performed 1 to 3 weeks before Ramadan, and questionnaires and tests were repeated 1 to 3 weeks after Ramadan in people who fasted. Demographic parameters, including religious orientation scale scores, were similar between fasting and nonfasting groups. Patients in the fasting group had significantly higher albumin levels (4.6 ± 0.2 versus 4.1 ± 0.4, P = 0.001), prealbumin levels (27.6 ± 7.4 versus 21.3 ± 8.5, P = 0.018), and global health status scores (81.5 ± 16.7 versus 68.3 ± 20.1, P = 0.030) than patients in the nonfasting group. Patients who fasted also had their stoma for a longer period of time than patients in the nonfasting group (average 9 months [range 3–87 months] in the fasting versus 4.5 months [range 3–36 months] in the nonfasting group, P = 0.084), and the proportion of patients with a permanent stoma was higher in the fasting group than in the nonfasting group (P = 0.051). Ramadan fasting had almost no influence on quality of life. Fasting lowered prealbumin levels (27.6 ± 7.4 versus 21.2 ± 4.4; P = 0.046), but did not adversely affect other nutritional or global health status variables. Most patients in the fasting group (13, 92.9%) stated they would feel sad if they were not fasting. The results of this study suggest that although fasting may decrease prealbumin levels, persons with a stoma and good nutritional status may decide for themselves whether to fast.

Keywords: prospective study, surgical stoma, fasting, Islam, nutritional status

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OWM_May2013_Albaugh.pdf

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Index: Ostomy Wound Manage. 2013;59(5):34–43.

Abstract

  High levels of persistent bacteria may contribute to wound chronicity and delayed healing. A prospective study was conducted to: 1) evaluate the effect of applying vancomycin topically on appropriately cultured chronic lower leg wounds, specifically methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Gram-positive bacteria, and 2) evaluate its effect in combination with a cellulose dressing on healing. Twenty-three (23) outpatients (11 men, 12 women, average age 65 years [range 39–89 years]) with lower extremity wounds (15 venous ulcers, six chronic open wounds with a history of diabetes, and two chronic open trauma wounds) averaging 43.58 weeks’ (range 5–121 weeks) duration and swab-cultured positive for MRSA or Gram-positive bacteria were provided 1 g vancomycin delivered by a cellulose dressing and changed every 72 hours. Patients served as their own control, and all wounds were debrided once a week. Wound surface area and bacterial and exudate levels were recorded weekly during the 3-week pretreatment period and compared to 3-week treatment period levels. Patients were followed until healed. Mean change in wound surface area was +14.5% (SD 71.91) per week before and -24.6% (SD 13.59) during the vancomycin treatment period (P = 0.014), average exudate levels decreased from 2.75 (range 1–4) to 1.81 (range 0–3) (P = 0.016), and the number of patients with positive wound cultures for MRSA or Gram-positive bacteria decreased from 23 to four after the 3-week study period. All wounds healed after an average of 8.18 weeks (SD 4.76, range 2–17 weeks). The results of this study suggest topical vancomycin applied using a dressing that retains moisture reduces wound bacterial load and may facilitate healing. Randomized, controlled clinical studies to evaluate the effectiveness and efficacy of this treatment modality and explore the relationship between wound culture results and healing are warranted.

Keywords: leg ulcers, case study, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin, wound healing

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OWM_June2013_Beitz.pdf

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Index: Ostomy Wound Manage. 2013;59(6):26–36.

Abstract

  Parkinson’s Disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder that is expected to increase in coming decades as the American population continues to age. Although the motor dysfunction (bradykinesia, tremor, rigidity) of Parkinson’s Disease is well described in the literature, the nonmotor dysfunction related to autonomic system changes is not as commonly addressed. Ironically, nonmotor changes, such as seborrhea, sialorrhea, hyperhidrosis, and sensory denervation occur earlier in the disease process and exert a profound effect on patients’ quality of life. The depletion of dopamine, a critically important neurotransmitter, is the critical pathology of Parkinson’s disease. Therapies targeting this abnormality and the effect of insufficient dopamine itself can affect the integumentary system and potentially wound healing. The purpose of this review is to describe changes in the autonomic nervous system due to Parkinson’s Disease with a focused overview of common skin and wound care issues that may affect wound care clinician practice. Implications for nurses and other clinicians caring for Parkinson’s Disease patients include surveillance for melanoma and other skin cancers, skin protection against excessive moisture or the effects of insufficient moisture, monitoring of wound healing progress, and interventions to prevent or ameliorate complications of immobility.

Keywords: Parkinson’s Disease, autonomic dysfunction, melanoma, hyperhidrosis, sialorrhea

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OWM_June2013_Lachenbruch.pdf

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Index: Ostomy Wound Manage. 2013;59(6):38–47.

Abstract

  Underpads and layers of linens are frequently placed under patients who are incontinent, have other moisture-related issues, and/or are immobile and cannot reposition independently. Many of these patients are also at risk for pressure ulcers and placed on pressure-redistribution surfaces. The purpose of this study was to measure the effects of linens and incontinence pads on interface pressure. Interface sacral pressures were measured (mm Hg) using a mannequin-like pelvic indenter that has pressure transducers integrated into the unit and is covered with a soft flesh-like elastomer. The indenter was loaded to simulate a median-weight male (80 kg/176 lb), and the testing was performed at head-of-bed (HOB) angles of 0˚, 30˚, and 45˚. Two different surfaces, a high performance low-air-loss support (LAL) surface and a standard foam support surface, were used and covered with a fitted sheet (FS) only or a combination of the FS and various incontinence pads and transfer sheets. Linen combinations typically used for relatively immobile patients (n = 4), moisture management (n = 4), and moisture management and immobility (n = 1) were tested, as was the heavy use of linens/pads (nine layers, n = 1).

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OWM_June2013_Li.pdf

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Index: Ostomy Wound Manage. 2013;59(6):48–51.

Abstract

  An enteroatmospheric fistula is a devastating complication in the open abdomen. Usually the fistula forms before the completion of split-thickness skin graft surgery. A 35-year-old woman admitted with pancreatic and liver injuries, and postoperative sepsis underwent open abdomen treatment and developed two enteroatmospheric fistulae 14 days after split-thickness skin grafting. The complication was believed to have occurred as a result of multiple surgical manipulations for intra-abdominal hemorrhage and skin graft dressing changes. One fistula, measuring 0.5 cm in diameter, was managed using a tailored 20-mL syringe, secured to the surrounding tissues with ostomy paste, and a suction catheter. The other fistula, measuring 1.8 cm in diameter, required insertion of a catheter to collect the effluent. Once the effluent was controlled effectively, a second split-thickness skin graft procedure was performed to facilitate fistula management. The patient remained stable until successful fistula repair 8 months later, and she is now awaiting elective abdominal wall reconstruction. This case study is an important reminder that patients with an open abdomen, even after split-thickness skin grafting, are at risk for enteroatmospheric fistula formation. Once this severe complication occurs, effective control of fistula effluent and subsequent split-thickness skin grafting procedures are needed.

Keywords: case study, enteroatmospheric fistula, intestinal fistula, open abdomen, split-thickness skin grafting

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OWM_July2013_Gunes.pdf

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Index: Ostomy Wound Manage. 2013;59(7):22–27.

Abstract

  Many risk factors for the development of pressure ulcers (PUs) in the general hospital population have been identified, but consensus is lacking on specific PU risk factors for critical care patients. A prospective, descriptive study was conducted to determine the incidence of and risk factors for PU development among high-risk patients (Braden risk scale score <12) admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) of a university hospital in Turkey. Demographic variables, APACHE II scores, serum albumin, hemoglobin, and glucose levels were obtained, and patients’ skin was assessed daily until discharge. Data were analyzed using percentage distributions, Student’s t-test, chi-square, and logistic regression analysis. Seventy (70) patients (22 women, 48 men), average age 56.2 (SD 19.2) years, mean albumin level 2.86 (median: 2.86, SD 2.73), and mean APACHE II score 17.2 (SD 6.48), completed the study. During an average length of stay of 17.2 days (SD 4.2), PU incidence was 28.6%. Of the 23 ulcers that developed, 12 (52.1%) were Stage I, eight (8, 34.8%) were Stage II, and three (3, 13.1%) were Stage III; no patient developed a Stage IV ulcer. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that being female (OR = 0.15, [95% CI:0.03- 0.71] P<0.05) and having a lower serum albumin level (OR=11.6, [95% CI:1.92- 70.4] P<0.01) were independent risk factors for PU development. Patient gender and serum albumin levels should be considered as risk factors for PU development in ICU patients. Larger prospective studies examining these risk factors in ICU patients are warranted.

Keywords: clinical study, logistic regression, pressure ulcer, risk factors, intensive care

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OWM_July2013_Meng.pdf

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Index: Ostomy Wound Manage. 2013;59(7):35–38.

Abstract

  A colostomy can have a negative impact on patient quality of life. Research suggests that psychosocial adaptation is positively associated with quality of life, but few reports address this adaptation and its related factors in patients with a permanent colostomy. A 4-month, descriptive study was conducted to assess the impact of ostomy knowledge and ability to self-care on the psychosocial adjustment of 54 Chinese outpatients (47 men, 14 participants 40 to 50 years old, 40 participants 50 to 70 years old) with a permanent colostomy to investigate the correlation between stoma knowledge, self-care ability, and psychosocial adjustment. Assessment instruments included a sociodemographic data questionnaire and a Chinese translation of the Ostomy Adjustment Inventory-23 that comprises 20 items in three domains (positive emotions, negative emotions, and social life). Participants rated statements on a scale from 0 (totally disagree) to 4 (totally agree); a score of 40 indicates a low level of psychosocial adjustment. Participants also completed the Stoma-related Knowledge Scale, comprising 14 5-point Likert scale questions where low scores indicate low knowledge, and they answered one question regarding self-care ability. Data were analyzed using statistical software for social science. The average stoma-related knowledge score suggested moderate levels of knowledge (45.112 ± 13.358). Twenty (20) participants managed all stoma care aspects independently, 30 required some assistance, and four (4) required care by someone else. The three domains of psychosocial adjustment scores (positive emotions, negative emotions, and social life) were 17.60 ± 4.093,12.92 ± 3.440, and 19.15 ± 6.316, respectively. Knowledge and the three domains of psychosocial adjustment were positively correlated with positive emotion (r = .610, P = 0.001), negative emotion (r = .696, P = 0.000), and social life adjustment (r = .617, P = 0.001). A significant difference in psychosocial adjustment scores was found between persons who did (57.37 ± 9.81) and those that did not (47.83 ± 8.18) independently care for their own stoma (P = 0.005). Persons with high levels of knowledge and independence had a high level of psychosocial adjustment. Providing knowledge and emphasizing/teaching self-care may help persons with a colostomy make the necessary daily and social life adaptations.

Keywords: colostomy, knowledge, self-care, psychosocial adjustment

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OWM_July2013_Paul.pdf

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Index: Ostomy Wound Manage. 2013;59(7):28–34.

Abstract

  Persons with chronic wounds may experience wound-related itch (pruritus) and pain. A cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the occurrence of itch and pain in chronic wounds and the relationship of the intensity between these factors. Patients in an outpatient wound care center, 18 years and older with an open wound, were recruited consecutively over a 5-month period. The 199 participants (112 [56%] men) had a mean age of 67 years (range 21–98 years); one wound per person was addressed and included venous (31), arterial (23), neuropathic (31), pressure-related (33), traumatic (37), and “other” (41) wounds. Wound-related pain and itch data were obtained using a modified Paul-Pieper Itching Questionnaire and Characteristics of Itch Questionnaire. Responses were hand-recorded and coded without personal identifiers and analyzed using descriptive statistics, and associations among data were assessed using Pearson chi-square, Mantel-Haenszel chi-square, and Cochran-Armitage trend tests. Wound-related itch was significantly associated with participant age (P = 0.011) and employment status (P = 0.003). Wound-related pain was significantly associated only with education level (P = 0.048). Persons with venous wounds had both the largest proportion with wound-related itch (45.2%) and the largest proportion with wound-related pain (61.2%) out of all of the wound types. Persons with diabetic neuropathy had both the smallest proportion with wound-related itch (16.1%) and the smallest proportion with wound-related pain (35.4%) among all of the wound types. Associations between wound type and wound-related itch or pain were not significant. When venous wounds were compared to all other wound types combined, wound-related itch was significantly associated (P = 0.021) with wound type — ie, venous wound type and itch was statistically significant when venous wounds were compared to a combination of all other wound types. Wound-related pain and itch occurred together in 35 participants (17.6%) across all wound types. Pain and itch on the wound were significantly associated (r = .36, P = 0.043), as were pain and itch around the wound (r = .43, P = 0.002). Because pain and itching can occur with chronic wounds and the presence of one factor can affect the other, clinicians need to assess and manage both symptoms in patients with wounds.

Keywords: cross-sectional study, chronic wounds, pruritus, itch, pain

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OWM_August2013_Garkaz.pdf

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Index: Ostomy Wound Manage. 2013;59(8):14–20.

Abstract

  Ultrasound therapy can be utilized to manage chronic wounds, including venous leg ulcers (VLUs). A randomized, controlled clinical study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of standard treatment and standard treatment plus either high-frequency ultrasound (HFU) or noncontact low-frequency ultrasound (NCLFU) on VLU outcomes. Ninety (90) outpatients (47 men, 43 women, average age 38.3 [SD 11.5] years) were randomized into the standard care (n = 30), HFU (n = 30), or NCLFU group (n = 30). Standard care included multilayered compression bandaging (40 mm Hg of pressure at the ankle graduated to 17 mm Hg to 20 mm Hg below the knee), nonadherent dressing, and regular debridement. Standard care dressing changes and ultrasound therapy were provided three times per week for 3 months or until healed. HFU delivers high-intensity (0.5–1 W/cm²), high-frequency (1–3 MHz) ultrasound for 5 to 10 minutes; and NCLFU delivers low-intensity (0.1–0.8 W/cm²), low-frequency (40 kHz) ultrasound for 4–10 minutes. After 3 months, patients continued to be followed until healed. Wound size, wound pain, and lower leg edema were assessed at baseline and after 2 and 4 months. Data were analyzed using Student’s t-test, ANOVA, chi-square, or Fisher’s exact test. P<0.05 was considered significant. Initial wound measurements were 9.60 cm² (SD 5.54), 9.86 cm² (SD 3.95), and 10.01 cm² (SD 4.58) for the standard treatment, HFU, and NCLFU groups, respectively; after 4 months, measurements were 4.28 cm² (SD 2.80), 3.23 cm² (SD 2.39), and 2.72 cm² (SD 2.16), a statically significant difference (P = 0.04). All wounds were healed after an average of 8.50 (SD 2.17), 6.86 (SD 2.04), and 6.65 (SD 1.59) months in the standard treatment, HFU, and NCLFU groups, respectively (P = 0.001). Differences in the amount of edema and pain rating scores were also significant at the 4-month, follow-up visit (P<0.05). Outcomes of both methods of ultrasound therapy were better than standard care alone, and some differences between the two ultrasound therapy groups were observed, but they were not statistically significant.

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OWM_August2013_Lachenbruch.pdf

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Index: Ostomy Wound Manage. 2013;59(8):32–41.

Abstract

  Layers of linens are frequently placed under patients to manage moisture and/or assist with positioning immobile patients, including persons placed on a therapeutic surface because they are at risk for developing pressure ulcers. Because skin microclimate is believed to affect pressure ulcer risk, some therapeutic surfaces are designed to manage skin temperature and humidity (microclimate management). The purpose of this study was to measure the effects of linens and underpads on a low-air-loss (LAL) surface’s ability to disperse heat and evaporate moisture. Underpads and transfer sheet combinations (grouped by three common linen functions: immobility, moisture management, and immobility and moisture management) were tested using the sweating guarded hot plate method, which allows for the measurement of the evaporative capacity (g H₂O/m²*hour) and the total rate of heat withdrawal (Watts/m²) associated with nine different linen configurations placed on the support surface.

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OWM_August2013_Taradaj.pdf

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Index: Ostomy Wound Manage. 2013;59(8):22–30.

Abstract

  Compression therapy — including inelastic, elastic, and intermittent pneumatic compression — is the standard of care for venous ulcers (VLUs) and chronic venous insufficiency, but there is no consensus in the literature regarding the most effective type of compression therapy. A prospective, randomized, clinical pilot study was conducted among 70 patients with unilateral VLUs treated in a hospital dermatology department in Poland to compare three types of compression therapy (intermittent pneumatic compression, stockings, and short-stretch bandages) in persons with superficial deep venous reflux alone or combined with the segmental variety. Study endpoints were change in ulcer dimensions and proportions healed. Patients with superficial or combined superficial and deep vein insufficiency were randomly allocated to receive one of the three therapies (one of each vein type for each treatment option, six groups total). All patients received saline-soaked gauze dressings along with micronized purified flavonoid fraction, diosmin, hesperidin, and Daflon 500 once daily. Compression treatments were changed or pneumatic compression provided daily for 15 days. Wound size reduction and percentage of wounds healed were significantly higher in groups receiving intermittent pneumatic compression or stockings than in groups using short-stretch bandages (for percentage change of ulcer surface area, P = 0.02; for healing rates P = 0.01). These results warrant additional randomized controlled clinical studies with a larger sample size and longer patient follow-up.

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OWM_September2013_Nicolosi.pdf

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Index: Ostomy Wound Manage. 2013;59(9):22–29.

Abstract

  Burns can have a negative physiological and emotional impact, particularly among teenage victims. To assess the presence of depression and level of self-esteem, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 63 teenage and young adult burn victims ages 12 to 20 years undergoing physical and psychological rehabilitation at the Outpatient Unit for Plastic Surgery and Burns at the Central Institute of the Clínicas Hospital of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. Assessment instruments included Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE). Internal consistency within and between the two scales was established via Cronbach’s-a coefficient. All variables were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and the statistical difference between means was compared using Student’s t-test. The majority of participants were female (38, 60.3%) and unmarried (59, 93.7%) with a mean total body surface area (TBSA) burn of 23.84%. Most burns (58, 92.10%) were the result of accidents and were located on the trunk (47, 74.6%), head (43, 68%), arms (41, 65%), hands (38, 60%), neck (34, 54%), and forearm (29, 46%). Participants had received physical and psychological rehabilitation for an average of 124.74 months (SD 63.67) from a multidisciplinary team.

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OWM_September2013_Muller2.pdf

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Index: Ostomy Wound Manage. 2013;59(9):40–55.

Abstract

  Disposable absorbent products are widely used in inpatient care settings and in the community to manage adult urinary and fecal incontinence, but few product standards exist to help guide their production or optimal use. Increasing costs and reduced revenues have caused a number of states to evaluate absorbent product use among persons who receive care at home with the assistance of the Medicaid Waiver Program, further increasing concerns about the lack of product performance standards. To address these issues, the National Association For Continence (NAFC) formed a council of experts and key stakeholders with the objective of establishing national, independent quality performance standards for disposable absorbent products provided by states to Waiver Program recipients. The Council consisted of representatives from five purposefully selected states, technical directors from six nonwoven product manufacturers, an officer of the nonwoven manufactures trade association, a delegate from an academic nursing program and professional societies, a family caregiver, and a patient representative. Following a consensus method and guidelines for use, nine specific recommendations were developed, posted for public comment, and further refined.

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Index: Ostomy Wound Manage. 2013;59(9):30–39.

Abstract

  Suspected deep tissue injury (sDTI) was recently defined as a pressure ulcer category, and knowledge about the evolution of these ulcers is limited. The purpose of this single-site, 2-year, retrospective, IRB-approved study was to increase understanding of the evolution and outcomes of sDTI. Inclusion criteria were hospitalized patients, 18 years or older, with a sDTI confirmed by a wound care nurse. Patient charts and WOC nurse notes were examined and patient demographics and DTI variables abstracted. All patients received standardized, comprehensive care for pressure ulcer prevention and treatment. Seventy-seven (77) patients, average age 67.5 years (range 32–91 years), with 128 sDTIs were identified and included in the study. The majority were men (52, 67.5%) and non-Hispanic Caucasian (68, 88.3%). Twenty-three (23, 31%) were overweight. The most common comorbidities were coronary artery disease (38, 50%) and diabetes mellitus (33, 43%), and the vast majority (67, 88.1%) had altered mobility (67, 88.1%), spent time in the intensive care unit (64, 84.2%), and were incontinent (64, 84.2%). The most common areas involved were the sacrum (51, 39.8%) and the heel/Achilles region (37, 28.9%). Maroon-purple discoloration of intact skin was the most commonly documented presentation (115 ulcers, 89.9%). Average length of follow-up was 6 days (range 1 day to 14 weeks). At the final assessment, 85 sDTIs (66.4%) completely resolved or were progressing toward resolution, 31 remained unchanged and were still documented as purple-maroon discoloration or a blood-filled blister, and deterioration to full-thickness tissue loss occurred in 12 (9.3%). These observations may offer important insights into the evolution of sDTIs. Research is needed to identify sDTI risk factors and most effective protocols of care.

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OWM_October2013_Benskin.pdf

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Index: Ostomy Wound Manage.2013;59(10):20–41.

Abstract

  Health professionals are often absent in rural areas of tropical developing countries. Current wound management in this environment is costly and largely ineffective. Achieving effective wound management in this setting will require educating the lay health providers who manage wounds in villages. Two extensive literature searches were conducted using CINAHL and Medline with no date, geographic, or language restrictions. The question, “What is the evidence base for topical wound treatments and dressings that are affordable and available in developing countries?” was addressed by critically evaluating all 18 identified clinical studies and reviews. The results suggest that a moist wound environment can be maintained using improvised dressings such as banana leaves, saline-soaked furniture foam, and food wrap, and that these choices are superior to many commercial dressings. Some varieties of honey, papaya pulp, EUSOL, and lubricating jelly are effective, affordable substances for treating and debriding wounds. Papaya pulp can be unsafe if not very closely monitored. No studies addressing the second question, “What are the topical wound management interventions currently being used in rural areas of tropical developing countries?” were found. However, 13 articles that could guide the design of research studies in this field were identified and are reviewed here. This literature describes a wide variety of wound prevention and management methods, some known to be deleterious for healing. These two literature reviews reveal the large gaps in the evidence base on available and affordable wound treatment options for rural patients in developing countries. Future research should address these gaps.

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OWM_October2013_Flattau.pdf

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Index: Ostomy Wound Manage. 2013;59(10):42–51.

Abstract

  Throughout the United States, government and private payers are exploring new payment models such as accountable care organizations and shared savings agreements. These models are widely based on the construct of the Triple Aim, a set of three principles for health services reform: improving population-based outcomes, improving patient care experiences, and reducing costs through better delivery systems. Wound programs may adapt to the new health financing environment by incorporating initiatives known to promote the Triple Aim, such as diabetes amputation reduction and pressure ulcer prevention programs, and by rethinking how health services can best be delivered to meet these new criteria. The existing literature supports that programmatic approaches can improve care, quality, and cost, especially in the field of diabetic foot ulcers. Wound healing programs have opportunities to develop new business plan models that provide quality, cost-efficient care to their patient population and to be leaders in the development of new types of partnerships with payers and health delivery organizations.

Keywords: wound healing, prevention, healthcare financing, accountable care organizations

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OWM_November2013_Agosti.pdf

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Index: Ostomy Wound Manage. 2013;59(11):43–49.

Abstract

  Clinicians treating pressure ulcers in the elderly in long-term care often face psychosocial, financial, and patient quality-of-life challenges; as such, they seek to identify products that meet wound healing goals as expeditiously as possible. The purpose of this case series was to evaluate outcomes of serial sharp debridement and the application of a formulated collagen gel in patients with chronic, nonhealing pressure ulcers. Three patients (two women ages 82 and 74 years of age and one man 82 years old, all incontinent of bladder and bowel with numerous comorbidities) had wounds >18 months’ duration on the buttocks or coccyx that failed to improve despite the use of a wide variety of treatments, including negative pressure wound therapy. All wounds were debrided at the start of treatment and weekly thereafter if necessary, followed by application of the collagen gel. The gel was covered with a sterile bordered gauze and, if needed, a semipermeable dressing. Dressings were left in place for up to 1 week. Two ulcers reepithelialized completely after 4 to 5 weeks of care, and the wound bed of the third ulcer was ready for grafting after 6 weeks of care. No adverse events occurred. Nursing staff appreciated the reduced dressing change frequency, although dressing maintenance remains challenging in patients with frequent incontinence episodes. Randomized clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy of this treatment approach compared to the use of traditional moisture-retentive dressings are needed.

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