In This Issue of JWOCN
Pressure ulcer prevention is one of those areas that WOC nurses rightfully claim as at the heart of their practice. As Journal Editor, I was gratified to see multiple Journal authors publish articles focusing on preventive strategies long before the current regulatory environment emerged. Following the creation of the concept of "never events," I have been equally delighted to edit multiple articles sharing innovative approaches for ensuring successful preventive programs on a facility-wide basis. Despite this amazing progress, I remain amazed when I contemplate all that is left to explore and achieve in this area. In the opening article of this issue's Wound Care section, C. Tod Brindle, Sue Creehan, Joyce Black, and Deb Zimmermann provide an Executive Summary of the VCU Pressure Ulcer Summit. You will want to read this article to get a glimpse into the persistent challenges and innovative solutions seen in all health care settings as we continue to grapple with this persistent and essential component of our practice. William Padula, Robert Valuck, Mary Makic, and Heidi Wald report findings of their study of wound care nurses concerning factors that contribute to a successful pressure ulcer prevention program. This article qualifies as must-read for any WOC nurse who wishes to further evaluate local factors acting as facilitators or barriers to your facility's pressure ulcer prevention efforts.
In addition to these articles focusing on meta-factors influencing pressure ulcer prevention, this issue contains research reports about specific interventions for pressure ulcer prevention. Tamara Bush, Samuel Lietkam, Michael Aurino, and Andrew Cooper compare 2 strategies for reducing tissue interface pressures contributing to development of sacral pressure ulcers. You will want to read this well-designed study comparing a pillow and wedge system for positioning patients at risk for sacral pressure ulcer development. Stephanie Miller, Neal Sharma, Laren Aberegg, Kimberly Blaisole, Judith Fulton, and Marc Basson analyzed pressure redistribution properties of a silicone border foam dressing. This innovative study qualifies as must read because it extends our knowledge base of the effect of these dressings by evaluating their effect on tissue interface pressures on the heels.
Diba de Souza, Daniela Veiga, Ivan Santos, Luiz Abla, Yara Juliano, and Lydia Ferreira report findings of their study, comparing health-related quality of life in patients with pressure in 3 different health care settings (acute-, long-term, and home-health care). You will want to read this unique study to gain fresh insights into the differing impact of pressure ulcers on health-related quality of life on patients who experience pressure ulcers in these 3 care settings and the need for varying approaches to successful pressure ulcer prevention.
Your Ostomy Care section opens with the second in Thom Nichols' ongoing series of articles evaluating health-related quality of life in community-dwelling persons with ostomies. This article qualifies as must read because of its detailed analysis of physical limitations reported by persons with urinary and fecal ostomies. Karen Riemenschneider continues this focus on psychosocial aspects of life with an ostomy with her study examining the relationship between uncertainty and adaptations in persons facing ostomy surgery. You will want to read this article to gain insights in the relationship between these factors and implications for WOC nursing interventions.
Heung-Kwon Oh, Eon Han, Yoon Sing, Mi Seo, Seungbum Ryoo, Seung-Yong Jeong, and Kyo Park report findings from their study comparing stoma heights in patients undergoing loop ileostomy with or without placement of a support bridge. You will want to read this insightful study to increase your knowledge of the effect of this common intervention on stoma height following surgery.
This issue's Continence Care section opens with yet another persuasive example of the critical role every WOC nurse can play in continence management. Joy Pittman, Terrie Beeson, Brandt Carter, and Terry Collin report results of their study of the effectiveness of a unit-based educational program on a bowel management program in the critical care setting. You will want to read this article to learn how you can create a successful and sustainable impact on continence management in your acute care facility.
Sinead Clarke-O'Neill, Ann Farbrot, Marie-Louise Eidrup, Alan Cottenden, and Mandy Fader report their experiences determining the feasibility of using incontinence-associated dermatitis instruments in routine clinical practice. This article qualifies as must read not only because of the insights into existing instruments for assessment of incontinence associated dermatitis but also due to the insights it provides in the critical difference when evaluating any instrument for use in a research versus clinical practice setting.
Clinical experience overwhelmingly suggests that women are at a greater than normal risk for urinary incontinence when pregnant. M. Liebergall-WIschnitzer, T. Cnaan, H. Hichner, and O. Paltiel report results of their investigation of urinary incontinence prevalence and knowledge in a group of community-dwelling women who were pregnant during study participation or within 3 months of delivery. You will want to read this well-written article to determine the frequency of self-reported incontinence and their knowledge of this condition and its relationship to pregnancy.
Yu-Hua Lin, Hsin-Pao Chen, and Kuang-Wen Liu report findings of their study of fecal incontinence in persons undergoing low anterior resection for management of colorectal cancer. This article qualifies as must read because of its insights into bowel elimination and continence in patients following this common surgical procedure.
This issue's Challenges in Practice column continues the Journal's ongoing commitment to publish articles of particular interest to colleagues who care for infants and children. Barbara McGarrah describes management of postoperative wound care in an extremely low-birth-weight infant (micropreemie) with necrotizing fasciitis. You will want to read this fascinating case study to improve your knowledge of the use of negative pressure wound therapy an infant whose birth weight was only 800 g.
Finally, this issue's Getting Ready for Certification column provides insights into how to accurately identify what content will be covered on the WOCNCB's certification examinations, along with 3 practice items to test your knowledge. Whether you are preparing for your first certification examination or recertifying via testing, you will want to read this Journal feature on a regular basis and go to our Web page to access previous features, including a treasure trove of practice questions designed to aid you when preparing for a WOCNCB certification examination.