The present Government has made much of its commitment to gaining patients' views on the health services they receive. Qualitative studies of patients with leg ulcers have highlighted the fact that patients feel healthcare professionals do not always empathize with their plight and sometimes appear to lack the skills to help them. Quality of life in chronic wound care has, thus far, eluded definition but strenuous efforts are being made to quantify the impact that issues such as pain, isolation and frustration can have on leg ulcer patients. If healthcare professionals are able to demonstrate empathy with patients they may be able to maximize the cooperation needed for the management of ulcers. By reflecting on gaps in their knowledge and becoming more assertive in their demands for appropriate training, nurses can improve the outlook for patients' quality of life.

Attitude to Health↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Debridement methods in wound care.

Wound debridement is an essential part of effective wound care. There are many methods of debriding wounds and it is important that patients are involved in the decision so that they are able to give informed consent. To make effective clinical decisions and ensure patients are fully informed it is essential that nurses are aware of the different methods of debriding wounds. The nurse should also be aware of the professional requirements for competence and the risks and benefits of each method. A guideline for conservative sharp debridement has recently been published by the Tissue Viability Nurses Association (TVNA 2005), and this article reviews the issues related to the procedure and the alternatives available.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Zinc as an aid to healing.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Administration, Cutaneous↗