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GOAL

WoundCareAdvisor.com is a unique educational web destination that has been designed to be a trusted, timely and useful resource for healthcare professionals dealing with chronic wounds and ostomy management issues.  Offerings on the side currently include 

  • News
  • Peer-reviewed articles
  • Product information
  • Provider/patient education
  • Practical resources

Information on the site is continuously developed and updated to ensure that we are providing

Resources and information that is

  • Unique to the wound care field
  • Timely
  • Informative
  • Interactive

WoundCareAdvisor.com is also going to be growing!  Future information will include:

Practice Resources

  • Clinical Notes
  • Practice Points
  • How To. . .
  • Interactive Resources
  • Forums

Bookmark this site and check back often!  Contact us at [email protected] with your comments, suggestions or if you would like to be a contributor.

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Contributing to this website

Share your wound care insights and knowledge through WoundCareAdvisor.com

Consider contributing pertinent, useful information that health care professionals can utilize in the wound care practices

Sometimes we all think “It would be great to share this information with my peers”.  WoundCareAdvisor.com invites you to do just that. . .share best practices, interesting case studies, practice information such as assessment techniques or documentation tips and more through our popular website. (more…)

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ETS Wound Care wins FDA nod for Mirragen wound matrix

ETS Wound Care

ROLLA, Mo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–ETS Wound Care LLC, an Engineered Tissue Solutions (ETS) subsidiary focused on commercializing next generation wound care solutions, announced MIRRAGEN™ Advanced Wound Matrix was cleared by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of acute and chronic wounds. MIRRAGEN™ is a fully resorbable borate glass matrix comprised of fibers and beads proven to be highly effective in wound care management.

MIRRAGEN™ represents a breakthrough discovery for chronic and acute wound management due to its unique borate-based fiber matrix. MIRRAGEN™ is packed into wounds to manage and control wound fluids, while the resorbable matrix provides an environment for optimal wound healing. To learn more about the technology, click here. (more…)

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Understanding radiation dermatitis

According to the National Cancer Institute, an estimated 1.6 million new cases of cancer will have been diagnosed in the United States in 2015. During the course of their disease, most cancer patients receive radiation therapy.

Delivering high energy in the form of waves or particles, radiation therapy alters the DNA of cancer cells, causing their death. Radiation can be administered either externally or internally (through materials placed into the body). It’s given in fraction doses, with the total recommended dose divided into daily amounts. Treatment, including the total dose, is determined on an individual basis.

Although improvements have been made in delivery of radiation therapy, approximately 95% of patients who receive it experience a skin reaction. What’s more, radiation therapy commonly is given concurrently with chemotherapy or targeted therapy to improve survival, which increases the toxicity risk. (more…)

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I’m going to conference!

By: Donna Sardina, RN, MHA, WCC, CWCMS, DWC, OMS

Years ago, when I first started out in the wound care specialty, the only way to learn about new products and what was going on in the field was to “go to conference” (wound care conference). All year long, planning and excitement continued to build for our big trip. Not going wasn’t an option; our facility, patients, and administrators needed us to attend. If we didn’t, we’d be way behind our competition in regard to cutting-edge, hot-off-the-press wound care treatments and techniques.

Besides being a forum for displaying new wound care products, conference is an opportunity to network, to see what others are doing—what’s working and what isn’t— and to hear firsthand from researchers. (more…)

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Skin problems with chronic venous insufficiency and phlebolymphedema

Dermatologic difficulties: Skin problems in patients with chronic venous insufficiency and phlebolymphedema By Nancy Chatham, RN, MSN, ANP-BC, CWOCN, CWS; Lori Thomas, MS, OTR/L, CLT-LANA; and Michael Molyneaux, MD

Skin problems associated with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and phlebolymphedema are common and often difficult to treat. The CVI cycle of skin and soft tissue injury from chronic disease processes can be unrelenting. If not properly identified and treated, these skin problems can impede the prompt treatment of lymphedema and reduce a patient’s quality of life.

This article reviews skin problems that occur in patients with CVI and phlebo­lymphedema and discusses the importance of using a multidisciplinary team approach to manage these patients. (more…)

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Business Consult

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Feel more relaxed with restorative yoga

By Lisa Marie Bernardo, PhD, MPH, RN, HFI, RYT

Do you experience chronic stress? Is your body stiff and inflexible? Does your mind seem dull and sluggish, your spirit exhausted?
Restorative yoga may help “open” your joints, ease your mind, and revive your spirit. It’s based on the concept that we’re overstimulated and don’t get enough rest. Constant stimulation activates the sympathetic nervous system, overtaxing the fight-or-flight response. The body responds by increasing cortisol and glucose production, which (along with additional unhealthy responses) raises the risk of metabolic syndrome.
Restorative yoga promotes active relaxation, helping to halt the overstimulation cycle. It promotes balance by alternately stimulating and relaxing the body, which is supported in yoga poses with such props as blankets, pillows, yoga mat, and eye covers. Research suggests restorative yoga may ease hot flashes in postmenopausal women and may promote a calm, positive mood in women with ovarian or breast cancer.

Five facets of restorative yoga

Restorative yoga takes a five-faceted approach to relieve the effects of stress. Over time, you’re likely to notice a new awareness of and appreciation for your body, mind, and spirit.
Simply put, networking is an information exchange, a forum for communicating your needs or agenda and, in return, listening and responding to others’ needs or agendas. Good networking requires emotional reciprocity, which means caring about the needs and agendas of the people you network with. Caring about others’ needs is what nurses do, so networking really shouldn’t be that difficult for a nurse.
1. Using props, restorative yoga supports the body in yoga poses, helping muscles and joints release tension and achieve muscular balance.
2. The restorative poses move the spine in all directions—flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral flexion. This enhances spinal flex­-ibility, lubricates vertebrae, and strengthens the deep muscles that stabilize the spine.
3. Inverted poses, in which the feet and legs are elevated, counter the effects of gravity and promote lymph and fluid drainage to the heart.
4. The poses compress and release internal organs, cleansing them while aiding removal of cellular waste and renewing oxygen and nutrients.
5. Finally, the poses balance the body’s male (prana) and female (apana) energies.

Learning the poses

To learn the poses, consider taking a restorative yoga class. (See Finding an instructor.) Beforehand, make sure to tell the instructor about any special health concerns you have, so the instructor can modify the poses for you. Expect to bring your own blankets, pillows, eye covers, and yoga mat. The class will last from 60 to 90 minutes.
Restorative yoga typically doesn’t involve active (hatha) yoga poses, although it may include stretching poses to warm muscles and joints before the restorative poses begin. The instructor will help you use your props to make the poses right for you, and will direct you into a pose using them. Expect to stay in the pose for 5 to 10 minutes. The instructor will guide you by helping you focus on your breath and turn your attention inward. If your mind wanders and your body stays active, accept this reaction and don’t judge yourself. Over time, you’ll learn to use your breath to release tension and to focus and calm your mind.
After you hold the pose for the required duration, the instructor will help you into the next one. Generally, the class is near-silent, with minimal talking; the lights are low and music may play.
W­hen the class ends, you may feel more relaxed and in touch with yourself. If you feel restless and jittery instead, accept your reaction. Don’t judge yourself. Try again. Give yourself the opportunity to experience something different.
Restorative yoga is just one method to renew and reconnect with your inner being. Only you can know if it’s right for you. n

Selected references
Cohen B, Kanaya A, Macer J, Shen H, Chang A, Grady D. Feasibility and acceptability of restorative yoga for treatment of hot flushes: a pilot trial. Maturitas. 2007;56(2):198-204.
Danhauer SC, Tooze JA, Farmer DF, Campbell CR, McQuellon RP, Barrett R, Miller BE. Restorative yoga for women with ovarian or breast cancer: findings from a pilot study. J Soc Integr Oncol. 2008;6(2):47-58.

Lisa Marie Bernardo is the managing member of The PIlates Centre, LLC, in Hampton Township, Pennsylvania, and adjunct faculty at Carlow University School of Nursing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

To find a certified yoga instructor in your area, check the Yoga Alliance website at www.yogaalliance.com.  Restorative Yoga Teachers (www.restorativeyogateachers.com) focuses exclusively on restorative yoga. This site is operated by Judith Hansen Lasater, PhD, the leader in restorative yoga practice.

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Network effectively

By Joan C. Borgatti, MEd, RN

Sherry stands nervously in the doorway, watching several dozen people chat each other up. The sound of her heartbeat threatens to drown out the conversational din. For the people on the other side of the door, this is a networking event. But for Sherry, it seems like a swap meet of business cards.
If Sherry sounds like you, know that you’re not alone. For many people, networking means an awkward evening spent cradling a wine glass in one hand, thrusting a business card at someone with the other hand, and exchanging small talk.

“Hello. My name is…”

Networking is one of the most overused, misunderstood, and underestimated terms in the business world (and yes, that includes health care). Actually, networking is just a newish term for an activity that has been around for millennia. Savvy people have always seen the wisdom of seeking out others who can help them get ahead.
Simply put, networking is an information exchange, a forum for communicating your needs or agenda and, in return, listening and responding to others’ needs or agendas. Good networking requires emotional reciprocity, which means caring about the needs and agendas of the people you network with. Caring about others’ needs is what nurses do, so networking really shouldn’t be that difficult for a nurse.
Think of networking as a great opportunity to make yourself known, gather critical information, and meet people who can help you now and in the future. Through networking, you can make contacts that further your agenda—whether it’s to find
a mentor, get information on a program you’re interested in, change jobs, or advance from your current position.
Networking isn’t just who you know, but who knows you. If you listen to other networkers and give them the resources they seek (as by introducing them to key people or sharing valuable information), they’ll become grateful—and indebted—networking colleagues.

Set a networking goal

At a networking event, the idea isn’t to meet the greatest number of people possible in one evening. It’s to meet the “right” people—those who can help you realize your goal.
When approaching a networking situation, ask yourself, “What do I want this experience to lead to?” You’ll be much more effective if you have a laser-focused goal. The most successful networker isn’t the one who walks away with the most business cards. It’s the one who leaves with the contacts and information he or she had been seeking.

A tale of two networkers

To demonstrate this point, let’s take the case of two wound care specialists, Myrna and Doris—colleagues who’ve carpooled together to a meeting of their professional organization.
Myrna arrives with an agenda and a plan for the evening: She wants to develop a wound care speakers bureau to boost the community profile of staff at her facility. She seeks out several speakers, who give her valuable tips on how to market her expertise. She also shares her vision of a speakers bureau with attendees from other facilities—and is surprised by the support and tips they offer. She leaves the meeting with valuable information that can further her vision. On the way home, she jots down a reminder to send one of the people she met an article he might find helpful. She also makes notes about what she learned tonight, so she can follow up that week. Clearly, Myrna’s networking has been effective.
Doris, on the other hand, goes to the meeting unfocused. She meanders about the room speaking with a lot of attendees, and exchanges a few business cards. But the “Where-do-you-work?” conversations that ensue provide little insight. Although she enjoys the meeting somewhat, she has accomplished little. That’s understandable, as she set out with no goals. She might have been better off spending the night watching television.

Networking etiquette

To succeed at networking, learn networking etiquette. Rule #1: Turn off your cell phone—or at least put the ringer on vibrate. If you absolutely must take a phone call, discreetly leave the room.
More etiquette advice:
• Wear your name tag on your left lapel so you don’t block your name when shaking hands. If you fill out the name tag yourself, print clearly so your name and title are visible from about 5 feet away. That way, others won’t need to squint at your chest to read your name.
• Keep your handshake firm and friendly. Don’t hang on, and don’t pump! Remember to make eye contact, and smile.
• Keep breath mints handy. Networking usually takes place around drinks and food, and the first thing that greets a new contact shouldn’t be the garlic and onion dip.
• Keep your business cards handy (a business card holder is best), but don’t throw them at everyone you meet. Hand your business card to a contact so it’s right side up and facing that person. When someone hands you a business card, take a moment to look at it; then say thank you and carefully put it away. It’s disrespectful to deface a business card, so don’t write on the back of it.

What happens next?

Okay—you’ve set an agenda, attended the networking event without violating etiquette, and made some good contacts. Now what? This is where many people drop the ball. They fail to follow through on the contacts they make and the information they gain. They simply shove the contacts’ business cards into a Rolodex, where they will sit forgotten.
Instead of letting business cards collect dust, develop a system that helps you follow through with your contacts—whether it’s an electronic tool, a simple calendar notation, or a color-coded filing system. Jot down contact information on each
person you met, along with a summary
of your conversations, when you need to follow up, and so forth. Make the system work for you.
Next, follow through with appropriate communication. Send handwritten thank-you notes to the contacts who gave you valuable information or resources—for instance, those who introduced you to a key player or offered to make a phone call on your behalf. If possible, your note should mention how that information worked out for you. (See Seven steps to effective networking by clicking the PDf icon above.)
In the coming weeks, months, or years, keep these relationships alive and thriving by sending tips or information to each contact. If you see a newspaper article or Internet story about a topic a particular contact was interested in, send it to him or her. This shows you’re thinking about that person, and conveys your generosity and willingness to continue a reciprocal relationship.

Make it happen

Networking opportunities can happen anywhere. Don’t wait for them—create them. Pinpoint your goal, identify the key people who can help make it happen—and then network! It’s as simple as picking up the phone, sending an e-mail, or meeting over lunch. With a little effort, networking can be an enjoyable and valuable career resource.

Selected references
Ames G. Follow-up after the networking meeting and job interview. www.garyames.net/5-followupaftermeet.htm. Accessed August 15, 2012.

Wiklund P. Follow up: key to networking success. Approved Articles Website. www.approvedarticles.com/Article/Follow-up—Key-to-Networking-Success/5022. Accessed August 15, 2012.

Joan C. Borgatti, MEd, RN, is the owner of Borgatti Communications in Wellesley Hills, Mass., which provides writing, editing, and coaching services. You may e-mail her at [email protected].

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Clinical Notes

New wound-swabbing technique detects more bacteria

The new Essen Rotary swabbing technique takes a few seconds longer to perform than traditional techniques, but improves bacterial count accuracy in patients with chronic leg ulcers, according to a study published by Wounds International.
Evaluation of the Essen Rotary as a new technique for bacterial swabs: Results of a prospective controlled clinical investigation in 50 patients with chronic leg ulcers” reports that Essen Rotary detected significantly more bacteria compared to standard techniques and was the only one to identify five patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), compared to three detected by other techniques.
The Essen Rotary technique samples a larger surface area of the wound, which is beneficial for detecting MRSA.
“The Essen Rotary may become the new gold standard in routinely taken bacteriological swabs especially for MRSA screenings in patients with chronic leg ulcers,” the study authors write.

Reducing HbA1c by less than 1% cuts cardiovascular risk by 45% in patients with type 2 diabetes

A study presented at the American Diabetes Association 72nd Scientific Sessions found lowering HbA1c an average of 0.8% (from a mean of 7.8% to 7.0%, the treatment target) reduced the risk of cardiovascular death by 45% in patients with type
2 diabetes.
The absolute risk of mortality from a cardiovascular event was 9.9 events per 1,000 person-years in patients with decreasing HbA1c compared to 17.8 events in patients with stable or increasing HbA1c.
HbA1c reduction and risk of cardiovascular diseases in type 2 diabetes: An observational study from the Swedish NDR” examined data from 18,035 patients in the Swedish National Diabetes Register.

CMS revises hospital, nursing home comparison websites

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has enhanced two websites designed to help the public make informed choices about their health care.
Hospital Compare and Nursing Home Compare now have better navigation and new comparison tools. The two sites include data on quality measures, such as frequency of hospital-acquired infections, and allow the user to compare hospitals on these measures.
Improvements include easy-to-use maps for locating hospitals, a new search function that enables the user to input the name of a hospital, and glossaries that are easier to understand. It’s now also possible to access the data on the sites through mobile applications.
CMS maintains the websites, which are helpful for anyone who wants to compare facilities, not just patients on Medicare or Medicaid.
For more information, read the article in Healthcare IT News.

IOM releases report on accelerating new drug and diagnostics development

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) released “Accelerating the development of new drugs and diagnostics: Maximizing the impact of the Cures Acceleration Network—Workshop Summary.” The report is a summary of a forum that brought together members of federal government agencies, the private sector, academia, and advocacy groups to explore options and opportunities in the implementation of Cures Acceleration Network (CAN). The newly developed CAN has the potential to stimulate widespread changes in the National Institutes of Health and drug development in general.

Focus on individualized care—not just reducing swelling—in lymphedema patients

As a result of two extensive literature reviews, a researcher at the University of Missouri found that emphasizing quality of life—not just reducing swelling—is important for patients with lymphedema. Many providers and insurance companies base treatment on the degree of edema, but the volume of fluid doesn’t always correspond with the patients’ discomfort. Instead, an individualized plan of care should be developed.
The researchers found that Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), a comprehensive approach for treating lymphedema that includes skin and nail care, exercise, manual lymphatic drainage, and compression, may be the best form of specialized lymphedema management. For more information about CDT, watch for the November/December issue of Wound Care Advisor.

Plague case in Oregon draws national attention

An article about a case of the plague in Oregon has appeared on Huffington Post. A welder contracted the disease as a result of unsuccessfully removing a mouse from a stray cat’s mouth. Part of his hands have, in the words of the article, “darkened to the color of charcoal.” Later tests confirmed the cat had the plague.
Plague cases are rare in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an average of 7 human cases are reported each year, with a range of 1 to 17 cases. Antibiotics have significantly reduced morality. About half of cases occur in people ages 12 to 45.

Use of negative pressure wound therapy with skin grafts

Optimal use of negative pressure wound therapy for skin grafts,” published by International Wound Journal, reviews expert opinion and scientific evidence related to the use of negative pressure wound therapy with reticulated open-cell foam for securing split-thickness skin grafts.
The article covers wound preparation, treatment criteria and goals, economic value, and case studies. The authors conclude that the therapy has many benefits, but note that future studies are needed “to better measure the expanding treatment goals associated with graft care, including increased patient satisfaction, increased patience compliance and improved clinical outcomes.”

Mechanism for halting healing of venous ulcers identified

Researchers have identified that aberrantly expressed microRNAs inhibit healing of chronic venous ulcers, according to a study in The Journal of Biological Chemistry.
Six microRNAs were plentiful in 10 patients with chronic venous ulcers. The microRNAs target genes important in healing the ulcers. In an article about the study, one of the researchers said, “The more we know about the molecular mechanisms that contribute to [the development of venous ulcers], the more we can rationally develop both diagnostic tools and new therapies.”

Hemodialysis-related foot ulcers not limited to patients with diabetes

Both patients with diabetes and those without are at risk for hemodialysis-related foot ulcers, according to a study published by International Wound Journal.
Researchers assessed 57 patients for ulcer risk factors (peripheral neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease, and foot pathology, such as claw toes, hallux valgus, promi­nent metatarsal heads, corns, callosities, and nail pathologies) at baseline, and noted mortality 3 years later.
In all, 79% of patients had foot pathology at baseline, and 18% of patients without diabetes had peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral arterial disease was present in 45% of diabetic and 30% of nondiabetic patients. Nearly half (49%) of patients had two or more risk factors. Only 12% of patients had no risk factors. The presence of peripheral arterial disease and peripheral neuropathy increased risk of mortality.
The authors of “Prevalence of risk factors for foot ulceration in a general haemodialysis population” state that the high prevalence of risk factors in nondiabetic patients indicates that they are at risk for developing foot ulcers.

Study identifies risk factors for mortality from MRSA bacteremia

A study in Emerging Infectious Diseases found that older age, living in a nursing home, severe bacteremia, and organ impairment increase the risk of death from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia.
Consultation with a specialist in infectious disease lowers the risk of death, and MRSA strain types weren’t associated with mortality.
Predicting risk for death from MRSA bacteremia” studied 699 incidents of blood infection from 603 patients who had MRSA bacteremia.

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Reach over 65,000 healthcare providers interested in wound and ostomy products with our economical advertising opportunities – starting as low as $500 per month.

The new and improved WoundCareAdvisor.com is ready!  Consider adding our unique educational web destination as a budget-friendly way to interact with an audience of over 65,000 wound care professionals every month without breaking the bank!

WoundCareAdvisor.com is the perfect environment to promote your products and/or services. Wound Care Advisor provides vital insight from authoritative experts that empower healthcare providers treating wounds every day through collaborative, practical, how-to peer-reviewed editorial and trusted resources. The website’s content offers something for everyone. (more…)

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About

GOAL

WoundCareAdvisor.com is a unique educational web destination that has been designed to be a trusted, timely and useful resource for healthcare professionals dealing with chronic wounds and ostomy management issues.  Offerings on the site currently include  (more…)

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