Construct validation of an interactive digital algorithm for ostomy care.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate construct validity for a previously face and content validated Ostomy Algorithm using digital real-life clinical scenarios.

Design: A cross-sectional, mixed-methods Web-based survey design study was conducted.

Subjects And Setting: Two hundred ninety-seven English-speaking RNs completed the study; participants practiced in both acute care and postacute settings, with 1 expert ostomy nurse (WOC nurse) and 2 nonexpert nurses.

Computer-based testing of the Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Sore Risk.

The Detroit Medical Center nursing documentation system requires all staff nurses to complete the Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Sore Risk on an Acute Care Flow Record or Critical Care Flow Sheet on every patient, every day. An audit of these records raised concern as to whether staff nurses accurately used the Braden Scale to calculate pressure sore risk. Advanced Practice and ET Nurses noted that staff nurses were rating patients at lower levels of pressure sore risk than was warranted by the patient condition.

Wound care issues in the patient with cancer.

As cancer continues to represent a major health problem in the United States and in other developed countries, MCWs will continue to represent a complex problem for patients and health care professionals alike. Goals of care may range from healing to palliation, depending on the underlying pathology and patient preferences regarding their personal goals of wound or disease management. Palliative wound care should focus on patient comfort and quality of life as the goals, instead of wound.