The publication of this article in the second JWOCN for 2004 is good news indeed. I applaud Dr Bolton and her colleagues for such a project that is long overdue. The objective says it all: "To establish clinical feasibility and validity and measure clinical healing outcomes of applying consistent validated protocols of care based on standardized reliable wound and patient assessments during real-world use." I would venture to say that the authors' rationale rang true to many clinicians as well as to myself in my role of nursing administrator. We all know that patient safety is first and foremost; therefore, we must ensure that the care we deliver meets that basic premise. Even in my present role, I stay close to the front-line staff, and from that vantage point, I appreciate the authors' recognition that all patients seek appropriate healthcare, regardless of their risk factors or overall situation. Practitioners must use the nursing process and hopefully have research or valid evidence to support the individualized plan of care for all patients.

The outcomes of this study should come as no surprise to any wound care clinician: (1) partial wounds heal faster than full-thickness wounds and (2) care plans developed based on a valid algorithm will facilitate wounds to heal faster than plans using gauze dressings and nonvalidated treatments. What makes this study exciting, however, is that it has provided us with benchmarking data relevant in real-world practice. Because one of the main barriers with research is that it does not translate easily to the bedside, this study removes that barrier.

After reading this article, I have listed a few "action items" for you to consider as WOC practitioners:

Disseminate the findings

Share with your staff

Here is a research article that your staff will be able to understand and see how research supports clinical care. It is your responsibility to share such research with them.

Copy your administrator

This article will be of interest to administration because the article:

* Highlights patient safety (JCAHO Patient Safety Goals)

* Demonstrates cost effectiveness of treatment modalities

* Supports use of algorithms and protocols

* Recognizes role of WOC nurse

* Shows that you use research findings

* Provides a foundation to seek technology (database) for your practice

Discuss the article with physician colleagues

* Offer the article as support for research-based practice

* Discuss research or quality projects that are relevant to you, the physician, and the institution. Patient safety, cost effectiveness, and validated reliable algorithms/guidelines are good starts for any setting.

Analyze your practice

[black small square] What protocols/algorithms are you using presently?

[black small square] Are they validated and reliable?

[black small square] Should you change your practice?

[black small square] Do you track outcomes? If so, what kind of data do you collect? What do you do with the data? Do the data drive your practice? Do you enter data into a database? Can you benchmark either internally or externally?

[black small square] Is it time to look at integrating telehealth in your practice setting?

[black small square] Where are you along the Research Consumer-Producer Continuum? Are you: (1) consumer of research: keeping current on relevant findings, (2) user of research- integrating findings into practice, or (3) producer of research: participating in research projects.

Collaborate with nursing staff to uncover future research possibilities within your facility

[black small square] For instance, how many times do you say: "When my patients are cared for on Unit X, I am thrilled. I know they will get the proper care, the staff is concerned, and I don't worry about continuity of care." The opposite is true as well: "I am anxious when my patients go to Unit Y-no one is consistent with the plan!!" I challenge you to take on that concept!! What is the difference between those units? Think how much you could influence better care for patients at your institution if you championed a project such as standardizing patient care.

[black small square] What aspect of wound care initiates the staff to ask the question: "Why do we do it this way?" Engage them and find out their questions. You may get better compliance or realize what practices may need to be studied.

Again, I would like to express my gratitude to Dr Bolton and colleagues for their work, and it is my sincere hope that WOC nurses continue such research. It is rewarding to see the journal receive research articles from members and colleagues as well as the WOCN Society being in a position to offer small grants for WOC research. Our WOCN Research Vision is becoming a reality. It is our responsibility to improve patient outcomes by incorporating research into patient care and defining current nursing practice.