Wounds International Issue two now available:
February 2010:
Wounds International Volume 1 Issue 2
The launch of Wounds International has been well received by clinicians and industry, with visitors from over 90 countries viewing the first issue, confirming that there is indeed a genuine need for a 'journal' providing international content that is short, interesting, reliable and relevant. The second issue of the Wounds International journal is now available online.
To view this issue click here
Focus on Diabetic Foot Ulcers
The February issue focuses on diabetic foot ulcers and looks at key developments in practice around the world.
- David Armstrong's team in the US look at the latest developments in therapy including the use of biguanides, NPWT, and bioengineered alternative tissues using a wound healing timeline.
- Jan Apelqvist from Sweden calls for a new classification system for neuroishaemic ulcers.
- Alberto Piaggesi states that a new super-oxidised solution should become the first option when local antiseptics are required
- The Shankhdhar family assert that in developing countries like India, there is a need for new treatment approaches to be simple, economical and effective.
- Zulfiqarali Abbas describes a step-by-step programme to help reduce amputation rates in Tanzania.
Diabetic foot ulcer digest provides a round up of all the important recent research, shared by our sister publications Diabetic Digest and Diabetic Foot Journal
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Exudate Management Made Easy
The second of the innovative 'Made Easy' series looks at: What is exudate? How do I know when exudate is a problem? How do I choose an appropriate dressing?
Marco Romanelli, Dot Weir and Kath Vowden urge clinicians to take time to understand this important topic in order to improve patients' quality of life, promote healing and avoid unnecessary healthcare costs.
Exudate management made easy has been supported by Convatec.
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Other features in this issue
- Keryln Carville reviews key innovations in pressure ulcers in Australia, which have led to reduced prevalence rates and a new online education programme.
- Geoff Sussman describes the chemistry of modern foam dressings and their use in a variety of wound types, Jacqui Fletcher stresses that foam dressings are 'simple and easy to use' and 'in a world where wound care is increasingly being provided by unqualified practitioners', foam is a good choice - 'you simply peel and stick'.
- Case reports - Mike Edmonds congratulates Jane Jeavons on the sterling job her and her colleagues have done in managing a patient with a plantar ulcer associated with Charcot foot and suggests Facebook and telemedicine may be helpful when managing patients in remote areas. Sarah Bagazi emphasizes the need for multidisciplinary care in managing a complex postoperative case and discusses the impact of ulceration on psychological and socail wellbeing.
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The chronic wound debate
Michael Stacey and Gerald Lazarus take up the chronic wound debate raised by Ron Legerstee in the launch issue in which he questions the use of the descriptor 'chronic'.
The concern is that using a term such as 'chronic' will lead to professionals having a 'myopic and negative approach to wounds'. According to Mike Stacey, we still need to define and agree what 'chronic' means in relation to a wound. Gerald Lazarus states that clinicians need to investigate the specific factors that delay healing. 'Care for the 'wound' is critical but all too often we forget that the general health status of the patient affects the healing rate.'
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KCI announce drug tariff for disposables |
KCI have announced that all of its V.A.C.® Therapy System disposables have been granted reimbursement status and are now listed on the UK Drug Tariff. As of March 1, 2010, V.A.C.® Gel Strip, SensaT.R.A.C™ Pad, V.A.C.® Drape and Y-Connector will be available on prescription with the remaining four products in the portfolio, V.A.C.® GranuFoam™ Bridge Dressing Kit, V.A.C.® Simplace™ Dressing kits (small & medium), V.A.C.® WhiteFoam (small & large) and V.A.C.® WhiteFoam Dressing kit (small & large) available as of April 1, 2010.
These products join KCI's ActiV.A.C.® canister, V.A.C. Freedom ® canister and V.A.C.® GranuFoam&trafe; dressing kits, already listed on the UK Drug Tariff.
The listing signifies an important development in the provision of access to the latest Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) helping to facilitate patient transition to the non-acute care setting, while ensuring effective wound management within the home.
Paul Blaket, General Manager of KCI Medical, Ltd. commented: "We are delighted our products have been granted reimbursement status. The listing is a significant milestone for KCI within the UK reimbursement business as we can now extend our reach into the post-acute care market, where we know that 80% of wounds reside. We anticipate the listing will have a positive impact on patient care in the UK as broader access to KCI therapies will increase quality of life as more patients are able to be treated at home.
For more information visit www.kci1.com
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