Volume 33 Number 2

As we enter winter, I hope you are reading the journal over a hot cup of tea, enjoying the latest local research in wound care. This edition of the journal includes a variety of topics including haematomas, antimicrobial stewardship, quality of life and empathy in wound care.

A systematic review from Blackburn et al describes the knowledge, perceptions and experiences of nurses regarding antimicrobial stewardship. Blackburn describes the vital roles of nurses in antimicrobial stewardship programs, and calls for nurses to feel empowered to challenge inappropriate prescribing practices. Further to this, Rippon et al provide an update on antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial stewardship. In this update the authors call for the development of new treatment, but highlight that updating current antimicrobial stewardship practices and improving their implementation are important areas in the battle against antimicrobial resistance.

A randomised controlled trial by Fuhrman et al assessed the effects of high compression bandaging versus an Unna boot on health-related quality of life in patients with venous leg ulceration. Both treatments significantly improved participants health-related quality of life. This is an important take home message for clinicians who apply compression in venous leg ulcer patients. Not only will their wounds heal faster but they will also have improved quality of life. In the case study, Cook describes the clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges and management strategies for head hematoma. Cook highlights the importance of a systematic approach to diagnosing and managing a head hematoma. Menon et al present their scoping review protocol investigating empathy in wound care, highlighting the importance of empathetic care in delivering best patient outcomes.

We trust you will find this issue a great read. We are always looking to support budding researchers publish their novel findings and urge you all to consider making a submission in the future. Your case studies and quality projects make for great knowledge sharing to others in the field, so please think about taking the time to send them in!

Author(s)

Peta Tehan and Zlatko Kopecki
Editors, Wound Practice and Research