IN THIS ISSUE OF JWOCN
The global community of authors seeking to publish in the Journal of Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing (JWOCN) continues unabated; refer to the Figure to see the home countries of authors publishing in this issue of JWOCN. From its inception, our Evidence-Based Report Cards (EBRCs) were designed to provide current best evidence in a readily accessible and pragmatic format. Under new and strong leadership from Section Editor Dr. Carolyn Crumley, the EBRC section will, for the first time in the Journal's history, publish the first technologic analyses. Loosely based on the "Technologic Reports" published in multiple formats, these articles focus on technologic aspects, clinical application, and potential adverse side effects associated with the use of various technologies within our practice. The first 2 technologic analyses, authored by Carolyn Crumley, describe the 2 widely used devices when delivering complex wound care: single-use negative pressure wound therapy, and negative pressure wound therapy devices with instillation/irrigation. Negative pressure wound therapy is a cornerstone of chronic wound management, and these articles provide unique and easily accessible insights into WOC/wound care practice. Both are must read and reflect the launch for yet another cutting-edge innovation from your official journal, JWOCN.
Deputy JWOCN Editors Teresa Kelechi, Mohan Madisetti, Margaret Prentice, and Statistics Editor Martina Mueller provide a report of their latest research into the prevention of recurrent lower extremity ulcers in persons with chronic venous disease. Given the staggeringly high recurrent rate of these difficult-to-heal wounds, this article qualifies as must read in our ongoing struggle to find effective and simple strategies for the prevention of recurring venous leg ulcers.
This issue's Wound Care section closes with yet another EBRC, examining the use of prophylactic dressings for the prevention of pressure injuries. Authored by Katherine Sillmon, Carter Moran, Lauren Shook, Claire Lawson, and Allison Burfield, this lucid and clinically relevant article is another must-read feature in JWOCN.
Your Ostomy Care section opens with a WOCN Society Consensus Conference focusing on peristomal skin health. Authored by JWOCN Section Editor Catherine Ratliff, Margaret Goldberg, Kelly Jaszarowski, Laurie McNichol, Joyce Pittman, and others, this article provides a research-informed definition of peristomal skin health and offers evidence and consensus-based statements guiding care for promotion of the peristomal skin. Given your dedication to our specialty practice community, I am confident you will not be surprised to hear that the Society's Task Force group was not able to find a standardized definition for peristomal skin health (other than the absence of skin damage or wounds to the peristomal skin). However, I was personally surprised when I learned the group was not able to locate standardized definition for healthy skin despite all of the time and effort dedicated to achieving this elusive state of being. Should this be the focus or a future WOCN Society-based consensus project?
Kyle Merandy, Lakisha Chambers, Karen Morgan, Danielle Cane, Louise Barimah, Marizel Vasquez, and Jay Rosenberg describe an innovative and clinically relevant simulation-based educational project designed to enhance first-line professional nurses' skills when irrigating cutaneous continent urinary diversions or orthotropic neobladders. You will want to read this highly innovative approach to teaching this essential skill for all nurses caring for patients undergoing radical cystectomy and reconstruction.
Your Continence section features a conceptual framework for incontinence-associated dermatitis based on scoping review and consensus of expert clinicians authored by Manuel Rodriguez-Palma, Jose Verdu-Soriano, J. Soldevilla-Agreda, Pedro Pancorbo-Hidalgo, and Francisco Garcia-Fernandez. You will want to read this article to determine the outcomes of their review and consensus project.
This issue's Clinical Challenges, authored by Dr. Vita Boyar, describes the effect of an important new class of drug category, currently classified for targeted therapies, on wound healing. This clinically relevant article describes the effect of bevacizumab on a neonate and several adolescents. As experts in wound healing, knowledge of the effects of this rapidly emerging drug class on wound healing is essential, making this article another must-read article published in JWOCN!
Finally, this issue's Getting Ready for Certification feature focuses on foot and nail care. Jill Trelease and Jessica Simmons, authoring for the WOCNCB, discuss the role of the CFCN in the prevention of lower extremity amputation and your role as a first-line care provider promoting foot health.