Biomedical subjects

H Hollinworth

Publications and source records attributed to H Hollinworth.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

A pilot study to determine whether a static magnetic device can promote chronic leg ulcer healing.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if UlcerCare, a specialised self-securing static magnetic device, can promote the healing of chronic leg ulcers. METHOD: This double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study involved 26 patients with chronic leg ulcers, receiving care consistent with RCN guidelines, who were randomly allocated to receive either UlcerCare leg wrap (treatment) or an identical sham non-magnetic device (control). Wounds were assessed for 12 weeks at four weekly intervals using digital photography, Verge Videometer analysis and patient questionnaires to determine changes in ulcer size, level of pain and function. RESULTS: Statistically significant reductions in ulcer measurement were noted in the treatment group when compared with the placebo group. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate a significant healing effect in the treatment group. A larger randomised controlled study is recommended to investigate the effects on ulcer-associated pain and quality of life.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed2003

An international perspective on wound pain and trauma.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Bandages↗

PubMed2000

Nurses' views about pain and trauma at dressing changes: results of a national survey.

Research findings and professional concerns that patients still experience pain and tissue trauma at dressing changes led specialist nurses to develop a postal questionnaire to elicit the views of 1000 nurses with an interest in wound management. The questionnaire asked practitioners to identify the primary considerations underpinning their approach to pain and tissue trauma at dressing changes, the strategies they adopted, and the factors which determined their treatment choices. The higher than anticipated response rate (37%) illustrates the importance nurses attach to this aspect of practice. The practitioners' main considerations during dressing changes were the need to prevent trauma to the wound (47%) and to avoid causing the patient pain (34%). Significantly, 81% noticed that patients experienced most pain when dressing products were removed, highlighting the need to re-emphasise the principles of moist wound healing. A total of 225 respondents (60%) were aware of dressings specifically designed to prevent pain and trauma during dressing changes. Practitioners also had the freedom to use the product of choice all (61%) or most (36%) of the time. However, respondents also demonstrated confusion about the properties and availability of many dressings. Recommendations for practice include reviewing the number of dressings currently available, together with ongoing education and update on all wound management dressing products and related issues.

Bandages↗

PubMed1998

Venous leg ulcers. Part 1: Aetiology.

A sound knowledge of the physiology of the venous system is necessary to understand how venous leg ulcers develop. The main risk factors are thrombus formation and venous incompetence and nurses should be alert to the signs of these conditions.

Humans↗

PubMed1997

The management of infected wounds.

There is a lack of empirical evidence on the most effective management of infected wounds. The principles for cleansing infected wounds are similar to those for any wound, with emphasis on control of infection. Modern dressings that promote a moist environment are effective in the management of infected wounds.

Bacterial Infections↗

PubMed1995

Nurses' assessment and management of pain at wound dressing changes.

This case study examined the methods used by nurses to assess, manage and document pain at wound dressing changes. The sample consisted of four registered nurses working in acute surgical wards and the dermatology outpatient clinic at a large hospital. A theoretical framework was used to structure and focus the study. Data were collected through non-participant observation, semi-structured interviews and nursing documentation. Findings included the failure of nurses to assess patients' pain verbally or to use pain assessment tools. Reliance on nursing experience and non-verbal patient indicators of pain suggested inadequate assessment. Pharmacological agents were advocated to manage pain but were not used. Information was given to patients but no control over their pain was facilitated. Neither assessment nor management of pain at dressing changes was documented. Recommendations are suggested, including teaching strategies to develop a more sensitive approach which would include patient involvement in pain assessment before dressing changes, documented pain assessments and wider availability of nitrous oxide and oxygen (Entonox).

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Professional holistic care of the person with a stoma: online learning.

Stoma care nurse specialists are valued for their diverse expertise, but it is essential that all practitioners who regularly care for people with stomas have the opportunity to develop professionally and influence this important area of practice. The vision of a clinical and educational team from Suffolk and south Norfolk led to the development of innovative web-based learning material. The aim is to inspire nurses to engage actively with people who have a stoma. 'Professional care of the person with a stoma' is about caring for the whole person, physically and emotionally, from the period before surgery, to their continuing care in the community. An overview of four aspects of stoma care is presented here as a way of sharing with a wider audience the expert practice harnessed during the development of this web-based module.

Body Image↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Pain and tissue trauma during dressing change.

BACKGROUND: Preventing patient pain and tissue trauma to the wound and surrounding skin are key considerations for nurses at the time of dressing changes. Mark Collier and Helen Hollinworth present the preliminary findings from a recent survey among nurses with an interest in wound care on the selection of dressing types. CONCLUSION: Education of student and post-registration nurses about the properties of dressing products, with an understanding of the potential detrimental effects as a result of pain and trauma, is needed to help promote quality wound care. Selecting appropriate dressings was reported as the main strategy nurses adopted to help prevent pain and trauma at the time of dressing change. Appropriate product selection can improve patients' quality of life and optimise wound healing potential.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

PubMedDate not supplied