Assessment of diabetic foot ulcers: back to basics.

Diabetic foot ulceration affects up to 34% of the global diabetic population as a result of poor glycaemic control. Complications resulting from diabetic foot ulceration can be complex, expensive and challenging. It is important for risk factors to be recognised early and for regular assessment to take place. Streamlining a coordinated approach that enhances communication and guides treatment approaches can help to improve wound outcomes.

Skin assessment in adults.

The skin has often been described in fictional literature as the window to the soul. It is the largest organ in the body and integral to both physical and psychosocial health. A complete skin assessment is essential for holistic care and must be completed by nurses and other health professionals on a regular basis. Providing patients and relatives with information on good skin hygiene can improve skin integrity and reduce the risk of pressure damage and skin tears.

Prescribing practice: an overview of the principles.

Nurse prescribing has become a well-established aspect of advanced clinical practice working alongside key NHS principles and drivers to address the increasing complexities in patient care and the demands on the health service. Prescribing practice is governed by ethical and legal principles to ensure a holistic patient-centred approach. It has been recognised as a valuable resource that could effectively transform healthcare services to reduce hospital admissions and long hospital stays and improve the quality of life for patients with long-term conditions and multiple comorbidities. This article will provide an overview of prescribing practice.

Self-harm wounds: assessment and management.

The management of self-harm (SH) wounds requires a non-judgemental holistic approach on the part of the health professional. It is important that SH wounds are assessed, and that interventions are agreed between the health professional and the patient. This article looks at definitions of SH and provides guidance on how health professionals can make an accurate assessment of the wound and, in addition to agreement treatment with the patient, provide patient education and guidance on self-care.

The assessment and management of hypergranulation.

Wound healing follows a process of four distinct phases: haemostasis, inflammation, proliferation and maturation. Problems can arise in any of these phases, delaying the wound process. Hypergranulation (also known as overgranulation) during the proliferation phase occurs when granulation tissue over grows beyond the wound surface. Such wounds have a discoloured, raised or swollen appearance and bleed easily. The cause may be infection, the effects of friction on the wound area, nutritional deficit or stress. Treatments will depend on the cause. There is a lack of studies on treatments for hypergranulaton and more research is required.

Assessment of wounds in adults.

Holistic wound assessment focusing on patients' physical and mental wellbeing is essential for effective wound treatment and management and ensuring quality patient care. Thorough, accurate and regular assessment can optimise wound healing and enhance patients' quality of life. This article discusses the stages of wound healing and some of the complications of wound healing, which inform an assessment.