The March/April issue offers much great information and food for thought. Two excellent “Views From Here" offer perspectives on wound care and ostomy care, respectively. Crumley discusses possible reasons for inconsistent success of HAPI prevention across decades and uses federal initiatives (and perhaps unintended consequences) to question why pressure injury rates have not continually decreased. David, Michel, Dotson, Nwomeh, Boyle, Donegan, and colleagues target psychosocial considerations in pediatric IBD patients facing ostomy surgery. They ask who is the “right" provider to start the conversation about having the diversion. They believe that the multidisciplinary team including WOC nurses should be involved in preparation. Further, they submit that IBD psychologists can offer special support to patients, families, and providers when faced with this challenge.
Wound care in diverse populations is targeted by Francis in her discussion of assessing and identifying skin disorders in skin of color. The pragmatic strategies offered are a superb help in this endeavor. Sugrue, Avsar, Moore, Patton, O'Connor, Nugent and Budri analyze pressure injury (PI) prevention using prophylactic dressings via a systematic review and meta-analysis. Despite noted limitations, their findings demonstrate that silicone cover dressings used in the acute care setting for high-risk body areas are an effective component of evidence-based PI prevention and not just ritual.
In ostomy care, international author groups tackle peristomal complications and use of group cognitive therapy (GCT) on hope and happiness in ostomy patients. Nunes, Martins, and Santos describe psychometric testing and adaptation of the Ostomy Skin Tool into Brazilian Portuguese. Farmitani, Farokhzadian, et al describe their analysis of GCT on 30 Turkish ostomy patients. Their findings show that 12 GCT sessions enhanced hope and happiness likely improving quality of life.
The continence care section discusses the impact of external female collection devices on catheter-associated UTIs. Beeson, Pittman, and Davis found that the device was highly effective in diverting urine from the patient and avoiding indwelling catheters. An evidence-based report card notes that pelvic floor muscle training is effective in improving bowel function and managing symptoms in low anterior resection. Both are non-invasive techniques with meaningful success.
With eye-catching infographics, articles on foot and nail care, and compelling challenges in practice, the March/April issue is a “pot of gold" (just in time for St. Patrick's Day) for your continued learning.
Your colleague
Janice Beitz
