Exploring physiological differences in injury response by skin tone: A scoping review.

Aim: To explore existing literature examining physiological differences in pressure ulcer response among individuals with differing skin tones.

Methods: This was a scoping review. Articles meeting the inclusion criteria were retrieved from electronic databases including PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Cochrane, and EMBASE, using the keywords "pressure ulcer," "skin pigmentation," "melanin," and "risk factor.

What specific challenges do patients with chronic wounds encounter when attending medical appointments related to wound care? A systematic review.

Background: Chronic wounds can pose a significant challenge for patients and healthcare professionals including the morbidity and associated costs. It is therefore essential to understand the specific challenges faced by patients to make wound care services more effective and convenient for the patient population.

Aim: Using the PEO model, this systematic review aims to explore the specific challenges patients with chronic wounds encounter when attending medical appointments related to wound care.

The utility of skin surface temperature measurement in the prediction of diabetic foot ulceration.

Aim: Temperature is a marker of inflammation. Research has shown that by measuring skin surface temperature in those with a history of diabetic foot ulceration (DFU), tissue damage can be identified early and reduce rates of subsequent DFU. This study considered whether measuring skin surface temperature using infra-red thermometry can identify early tissue damage and inform clinical practice in a general population with Diabetes Mellitus (DM).

Role of admission rapid antigen testing (RATs) for COVID-19 on patients transferred from acute hospitals to a postacute rehabilitation setting.

Background: Rapid antigen tests (RATs) are suitable for point-of-care testing, require no laboratory time, and give immediate results. However, are RATs useful for detecting asymptomatic COVID-19 infection when compared with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing in health care settings?

Methods: RAT testing was carried out on all new admissions without a history of confirmed COVID-19 infection within 3 months of admission. PCR testing was carried out on all patients with a positive RAT for confirmation purposes.

The correlation between sub-epidermal moisture assessment and other early indicators of pressure ulcer development: A prospective cohort observational study. Part 2. The correlation between sub-epidermal moisture assessment, temperature, epidermal hydration and pain.

There is growing interest in the roles of temperature, epidermal hydration (EH) and pain in pressure ulcer (PU) development. Investigating correlations between these measures and sub-epidermal moisture (SEM) will address this knowledge deficit. A prospective observational study enrolled 60 surgical patients from February to November 2021.

Biomarkers of local inflammation at the skin's surface may predict both pressure and diabetic foot ulcers.

This commentary considers the similarities which exist between pressure ulcers (PUs) and diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). It aims to describe what is known to be shared-both in theory and practice-by these wound types. It goes on to detail the literature surrounding the role of inflammation in both wound types.

Integrating technologies to enhance risk assessment for the early detection and prevention of pressure ulcers.

Pressure ulcers (PU) are a globally recognised healthcare concern, with their largely preventable development prompting the implementation of targeted preventive strategies. Risk assessment is the first step to planning individualised preventive measures. However, despite the long use of risk assessment, and the >70 risk assessment tools currently available, PUs remain a significant concern.

Can thermography predict diabetic foot ulcer risk in patients with diabetes mellitus? A systematic review.

Background: There is a growing prevalence of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) in patients with diabetes mellitus and the use of thermography has sparked interest in a non-invasive diagnostic method for early DFU risk assessment and management.

Aim: This systematic review aims to assess the use of thermography in predicting diabetic foot ulcer risk in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Methods: A systematic search of publications using MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases was conducted in April 2023, and relevant articles were reviewed.

'Sometimes You Have No Choice but to Give Them Medication': Experiences of Nurses Caring for People With Auditory Hallucinations in an Acute Unit.

The aim of this study was to explore psychiatric nurse's experiences of caring for people with auditory hallucinations in an acute unit. A qualitative study was conducted using thematic analysis. The study involved semi-structured interviews with 18 acute unit nurses all of whom provided interventions to patients with auditory hallucinations.

A systematic review on the impact of sub-epidermal moisture assessments on pressure ulcer/injury care delivery pathways.

To assess all published studies which describe what happens to the delivery of pressure ulcer/injury (PI/PU) care pathways as a result of detecting raised sub-epidermal moisture (SEM) delta (∆ ≥ 0.6). We undertook a systematic review of the literature, and included original research studies using either a prospective or retrospective study design that report the impact that assessment using SEM assessments have on healthcare practitioners' delivery of PI/PU care pathways in adults at risk of developing PI/PUs.

Development and impact of a tailored eHealth resource on fibromyalgia patient's self-management and self-efficacy: A mixed methods approach.

Aim: To develop an eHealth resource to support fibromyalgia patients and explore it for usability and impact on their self-management and self-efficacy.

Background: Fibromyalgia is a complex, non-progressive chronic condition characterised by a bewildering array of symptoms for patients to self-manage. International guidelines recommend patients receive illness-specific information once diagnosed to promote self-management and improve health-related quality of life.

The effect of pressure injury prevention care bundles on pressure injuries in hospital patients: A complex intervention systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Numerous interventions for pressure injury prevention have been developed, including care bundles.

Objective: To systematically review the effectiveness of pressure injury prevention care bundles on pressure injury prevalence, incidence, and hospital-acquired pressure injury rate in hospitalised patients.

Data Sources: The Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (via PubMed), the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, EMBASE, Scopus, the Cochrane Library and two registries were searched (from 2009 to September 2023).

Health-related quality of life in patients with diabetic foot ulcers in the Arab world: a systematic review.

Objective: To conduct a systematic review to identify the impact of diabetic foot ulceration (DFU) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in individuals within the Arab world.

Method: A PRISMA-guided systematic search for HRQoL studies in Arab populations was conducted in CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus and EBSCO. Relevant studies were critically appraised using the STROBE statement checklist.

Home-based management on hospital re-admission rates in COPD patients: A systematic review.

Aim: To determine the impact of home-based management on hospital re-admission rates in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Design: Systematic review methodology was utilized, combining meta-analysis, where appropriate, or a narrative analysis of the data from included studies.

Data Sources: Electronic databases CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase and SAGE journals for primary papers, 2015 to 2021, were searched between December 2020 and March 2021, followed by hand-searching key journals, and reference lists of retrieved papers.

Pressure ulcer risk assessment in the ICU. Is it time for a more objective measure?

Background: The Braden scale, one of the most widely used risk assessment tools is often criticized when used in the Intensive Care Unit. Most patients in the Intensive Care Unit are at risk of pressure ulcer development meaning that the Braden score will usually indicate high risk for these patients. This study set out to determine the correlation between Sub-Epidermal Moisture measurements and Braden scores among Intensive Care Unit patients.

A systematic review of the impact of compression therapy on quality of life and pain among people with a venous leg ulcer.

Aim: To gain a greater understanding of how compression therapy affects quality of life, this systematic review appraised existing published studies measuring the impact of compression therapy on health quality of life (HRQoL), and pain, among people with venous leg ulcers (VLU).

Method: Five databases were searched, and two authors extracted data and appraised the quality of selected papers using the RevMan risk of bias tool. Due to heterogeneity in the types of compression and instruments used to evaluate HRQoL, meta-analysis was not appropriate; thus, a narrative synthesis of findings was undertaken.

The correlation between sub-epidermal moisture measurement and other early indicators of pressure ulcer development-A prospective cohort observational study. Part 1. The correlation between sub-epidermal moisture measurement and ultrasound.

The correlation between sub-epidermal moisture (SEM) and other early indicators of pressure ulcer (PU) development is yet to be determined. This three-part series aims to bridge this knowledge gap, through investigating SEM and its correlation with evidence-based technologies and assessments. This article focuses on the correlation between SEM and ultrasound.

Integrating Point-of-Care Bacterial Fluorescence Imaging-Guided Care with Continued Wound Measurement for Enhanced Wound Area Reduction Monitoring.

Aim: This prospective observational study investigated wound area reduction (WAR) outcomes in a complex wound population composed of non-healing acute and chronic wounds. The relationship between bacterial autofluorescence signals and WAR was investigated. Area measurements were collected both manually and digitally, and both methods were compared for accuracy.

Neonatal epidermolysis bullosa: a clinical practice guideline.

DEBRA International is undertaking a long-term initiative to develop clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for epidermolysis bullosa (EB), to -improve the clinical care of people living with EB. Current neonatal care is based on evidence, clinical expertise and trial and error, with collaboration between the EB specialist team, parent or carer and patient, and is dependent on the neonate's individual presentation and type of EB. Early intervention based on research and clinical practice is needed to establish a foundation of knowledge to guide international practitioners to create and improve standards of care and to be able to work effectively with those newly diagnosed with EB.

Protocol for the Development of the Fourth Edition of the Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers/Injuries: Clinical Practice Guideline Using GRADE Methods.

The National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel, European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, and the Pan Pacific Pressure Injury Alliance are commencing a new (fourth) edition of the Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers/Injuries: Clinical Practice Guideline . The fourth edition of the International Pressure Injury (PI) Guideline will be developed using GRADE methods to ensure a rigorous process consistent with evolving international standards. Clinical questions will address prevention and treatment of PIs, identification of individuals at risk of PIs, assessment of skin and tissues, and PI assessment.