Chronic Wound Management

Competency training is vital for safe practice in the management of wounds.

A particular problem we face as nurses is in the treatment of wounds. The assessment of leg ulceration and the application of compression therapy requires regular training and regular practice. In the current economic climate, this is often easier said than done. Nurses say that they currently have less opportunity for training and, where funding is available, there is often a problem with obtaining time away from their clinical areas.

Nurses are also being asked to make some very complex decisions about the delegation of clinical work to healthcare assistants. This is evident in the area of wound care where there is a debate about whether HCAs can undertake the management of noncomplex wounds. This can lead to inappropriate care that can have profound consequences for wound healing and the well being of the patient.

The Leg Ulcer Forum offers nurses an opportunity to share their experiences in often difficult circumstances. This supplement, Chronic Wound Management is published in conjunction with the Leg Ulcer Forum. It covers the formation of Wound Care Alliance UK, management of atopic eczema, the costs of chronic wound management in the UK, footwear and offloading for patients with diabetes, using honey to inhibit wound pathogens and much more.

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