Dressings and dignity in community nursing

Community nursing is not appreciated outside the professional group (Drew, 2011); therefore, this study adopted an ethnographic methodology, because it offered potential for community nursing culture...

Achieving effective patient outcomes with PolyMem® Silicone Border

PolyMem dressings are hydrophilic polyurethane matrix dressings with a mild, non-toxic wound cleansing agent (F-68 surfactant). Glycerine (also known as glycerol) is a moisturising agent which helps...

Preventing skin tears among older adults in the community

First, it is important to clarify what a skin tear is, as there can be some confusion or misconception that it is a minor issue or something far less complex than one might think..

ACT NOW in diabetes and foot assessments: an essential service

There were 7545 major amputations in people living with diabetes in England across three years from 2015–2018 (Public Health England, 2019). There is also a postcode lottery for amputation rates, with...

Optimising resources: an evidence-based pathway using UrgoStart for community-based patients with wounds

The Carter review (NHS England, 2018b) encouraged the implementation of evidence-based practice as a means to improve outcomes, but added that a large proportion of trusts ‘do not capture basic...

Decolonising wound care teaching

Why nurses in primary care need to be research active: the case of venous leg ulceration

The optimal care pathway for VLU is set out in the updated 2019 NICE clinical knowledge summary (CKS) (NICE, 2019). The first action for wounds suspected of being venous in origin is appropriate...

Practising asepsis during dressing changes in community settings

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance covering healthcare-associated infection prevention and control in primary and community care was published in 2012. This guidance...