Development of a tissue viability nursing competency framework.

In 1999, a sub-group of the National Association for Tissue Viability Nurse Specialists (Scotland) agreed to lead the production of a competency framework. The aims were to define tissue viability specialist nursing, to provide a framework for tissue viability nurse specialists (TVNSs) that would form a basis for clinical supervision and mentorship, and to inform curricular for tissue viability education. Using a combination of models, a framework evolved which defines the multifaceted nature of the role.

Injecting drug use: developing a drop-in wound care clinic.

The first part of this two-part series examined the difficulties facing nurses working with injecting drug users with skin problems (Finnie and Nicolson, 2002). This article describes the needs of homeless people with skin complaints and the innovative development of a specific drop-in wound care clinic within The Big Issue Scotland premises in Glasgow. It illustrates some practical and political difficulties of working with a unique and challenging client group, and of developing a wound care service outwith the NHS.

Hydrocolloids in wound management: pros and cons.

Hydrocolloids are interactive dressings which are well established in wound management. Because of their sophisticated composition, they can be used to manage a variety of wound types, from clean and granulating to sloughy and necrotic. While they may be more expensive per item than many other modern dressings, if used correctly they can be cost-effective, as they have a longer wear time.

Nutritional care: implications and recommendations for nursing.

Nutrition is a basic human requirement with both physiological and psychosocial dimensions that affect well-being. In times of illness ensuring adequate nutrition is particularly important because of the central part it plays in healing and recovery. This article explores the premise that current nutritional care in nursing practice is often inadequate with the result that patients' nutritional requirements are not met.

Injecting drug use: implications for skin and wound management.

This article, the first of two parts, introduces the difficulties facing nurses working with injecting drug users with skin problems. Drug abuse is increasing globally, and has huge implications for healthcare practitioners. Increasing numbers of tissue viability nurses are also encountering drug injection-induced wounds in their practice, but there is a lack of evidence for management of chronic skin problems in this patient group.

Bandages and bandaging techniques for compression therapy.

Bandaging skills are essential for community nurses not only as a method of supporting joints, or retaining a dressing but also as an important treatment of leg ulceration. It is important to be able to choose the correct type, size, and composition of bandage and then apply it safely using the most appropriate technique, as incorrectly applied bandages may lead to pressure necrosis and subsequent limb amputation. Bandaging applications have changed little over the last 100 years and the two most commonly used techniques are still the spiral and the figure-of-eight methods.

From the Journals.

NOISE AND WOUND HEALING FOUR-LAYER BANDAGE STUDY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS NECROTISING FASCIITIS DISFIGURING INJURIES.

From the Journals.

PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS AND LEG ULCER HEALING IN OLDER PATIENTSM THE USE OF NON-ADHERENT DRESSINGS IN SKIN-GRAFT MANAGEMENT VIDEO TECHNIQUE FOR MEASURING WOUND SIZE COMPRESSION HOSIERY AND VENOUS LEG ULCERS VENOUS LEG ULCERS AND QUALITY OF LIFE PRESSURE SORE GRADING SCALES AND INTER-RATER RELIABILITY VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTS AND DIETARY INTAKE IN OLDER PEOPLE.

From the Journals.

The use of ultrasound therapy in treating pressure sores Ischaemia and reperfusion injury in patients with intermittent claudication Transcutaneous oxygen pressure and pressure sore development Current practice in burn care Use of MRS to monitor healing of leg ulcers Effectiveness of a low air loss bed in treating pressure ulcers.