British journal of community nursing
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Br J Community Nurs · Jun 2003
ReviewPovidone-iodine as a topical antiseptic for treating and preventing wound infection: a literature review.
With the proliferation of antibiotic and antiseptic resistant strains of bacteria around the world, attention is increasingly being focused on more 'traditional' methods of combating and preventing wound infections. This article examines the research literature pertaining to the use of povidone-iodine, a form of iodine commonly used for skin cleansing, as a prophylaxis or treatment for wound infection. The literature is discussed as it relates to the ideal characteristics of an antiseptic for use on wounds proposed by König et al (1997) and Liptak (1997). On the basis of available research, it appears that povidone-iodine should be promoted by nurses and other healthcare professionals involved in wound care as a means of preventing and treating infection in a range of acute and chronic wounds.
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Accreditation is a means of improving quality through the process of externally reviewing performance against written standards. Following the introduction of clinical governance, participation in quality accreditation schemes has been encouraged. ⋯ QPA supports evidence-based and reflective practice, continuing professional development and team working, all of which are integral to current nursing and midwifery practice. Nurses and midwives working in primary care teams must be aware of QPA and, where necessary, actively and collaboratively participate in this process.
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Br J Community Nurs · Feb 2003
Multicenter StudyDistrict nurses' experiences and perceptions of cancer patient referrals.
Traditionally palliative care of cancer patients has been seen as an important and defining aspect of district nursing. Care of the dying patient has been used to describe the ability and scope of the district nursing service to holistically provide for patient need. However health and social service changes in the last decade have refocused the district nurse's role away from holistic delivery to more specialized care. ⋯ We conducted a study to explore district nurses' perceptions and experiences of referral of cancer patients to gain insight into these referral processes. We interviewed 20 nurses from three primary care trusts to explore the referral process of cancer patients to the district nursing service from the district nurses' point of view. The nurses expressed concerns regarding completeness, accuracy and appropriateness of referral and suggested improvements that could be made.
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Wound exudate is all too often perceived as a clinical management problem. While this can be the case, it should be recognized that exudate does fulfill an important function in the healing process. Gradual acceptance of the benefits of moist wound healing, combined with the current goals of the 'ideal' moist environment, focuses attention on the role of exudate. This review is intended to define the components and functions of 'normal' exudate and differentiate it from abnormal exudate.