A common issue in all types of research, including studies involving wound care, is deciding on the most appropriate and effective study design in order to facilitate collation of optimal levels of evidence and therefore promote best research practice. The two main types of study design – experimental and non-experimental – are outlined here, and examples of their different methodologies are discussed in more detail, with particular reference to wound care research.

The wound bed preparation (WBP) model is a paradigm to optimise chronic wound treatment. This holistic approach examines the treatment of the cause and patient-centred concerns to determine if a wound is healable, a maintenance wound, or non-healable (palliative). For healable wounds (with adequate blood supply and a cause that can be corrected), moisture balance is indicated along with active debridement and control of local infection or abnormal inflammation. In maintenance and non-healable wounds, the emphasis changes to patient comfort, relieving pain, controlling odour, preventing infection by decreasing bacteria on the wound surface, conservative debridement of slough, and moisture management including exudate control.

In this fourth revision, the authors have re-formulated the WBP model into 10 statements. This article will focus on the literature in the last 5 years or new interpretations of older literature. This process is designed to facilitate knowledge translation in the clinical setting and improve patient outcomes at a lower cost to the healthcare system.

This case study summarises the nursing experience of a patient with grade III hand foot syndrome (HFS) caused by the oral anti-tumour drug Xeloda. The key points of nursing were a multi-disciplinary team consultation to make a clear diagnosis of grade III HFS, effectively control infection, apply a biocellulose dressing, and promote granulation growth and epidermal cell regeneration on the premise that the anti-tumour drug Xeloda cannot be reduced or stopped. After 98 days of comprehensive nursing intervention the wound healed completely; 6 months later, the ulcer did not reoccur.