Comparison of venous, capillary and interstitial blood glucose data measured during hyperbaric oxygen treatment from patients with diabetes mellitus.

INTRODUCTION: Patients undergoing hyperbaric oxygen treatments (HBOT) have been shown to experience a reduction in blood glucose (BG) levels during a treatment. This necessitates frequent assessment of BG levels. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) may represent an alternative to the current finger prick monitoring method in-chamber, however, continuous sensor glucose (SG) data has not been validated in situ. The aim was to determine the validity of continuous SG and intermittent BG monitoring with serum BG levels in diabetic patients during HBOT. METHODS: Measurements were obtained (finger prick [capillary sample], CGM [interstitial fluid], and serum [venous sample]) at baseline, and at 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes during the hyperbaric treatment. Data were analysed by calculating intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and using mixed effects linear regression. RESULTS: The ICC results (n = 10 patients) between the three methods indicated very high and statistically significant absolute agreement at baseline (pre-dive) (ICC = 0.90, 95% CI 0.74-0.97), at 30 minutes (ICC = 0.85, 95% CI 0.61-0.96), 60 minutes (ICC = 0.86, 95% CI 0.58-0.96), 90 minutes (ICC = 0.87, 96% CI 0.63-0.96) and 120 minutes (ICC = 0.90, 95% CI 0.70-0.97). Capillary glucose and CGM SG readings were each within 1 mmol·L-1 on average of the serum glucose reading, with multi-level linear regression finding the average difference between the CGM SG and capillary glucose methods of BG sampling was not statistically significant (P = 0.81). CONCLUSIONS: The CGM SG data were comparable with glucose readings from capillary monitoring. Both CGM and capillary data were consistent with serum values.

Brief intermittent pressure off-loading on skin microclimate in healthy adults - A descriptive-correlational pilot study.

AIM: This study examined microclimate changes to the skin as a result of pressure over a 1 h period. The results were compared to skin parameter results following brief consecutive off-loading of pressure-prone areas. DESIGN: A descriptive-correlational pilot study was undertaken. METHOD: A convenience sample of 41 healthy adults aged 18-60 years was recruited. Participants engaged in four 1 h data collection sessions. The sessions were conducted in both semi-recumbent and supine positions. Measures of erythema, melanin, stratum corneum hydration, and skin temperature were taken at pressure-prone areas at baseline and after 1 h in an uninterrupted method (continuous pressure-loading) and every 10 min in an interrupted method (brief off-loading). The Corneometer and Mexameter (Courage + Khazaka Electronics GMbH, 2013) and Exergen DermaTemp DT-1001 RS Infrared Thermographic Scanner (Exergen Corporation, 2008) provided a digital appraisal of skin parameters. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated to indicate test-retest reliability and absolute agreement of results between the two methods. RESULTS: Strong agreement between the interrupted and uninterrupted method was observed with ICCs ranging from 0.72 to 0.99 (supine) and 0.62-0.99 (semi-recumbent). Endpoint measures tended to be higher compared to baseline measures for all skin parameters. Differences in skin parameters results by anatomical location were evident particularly for erythema and stratum corneum hydration; the elbows and heels yielded lower scores compared to the sacrum. Erythema had the most variation across methods. The supine and semi-recumbent positions had negligible effect on measured skin parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Minimal variation between skin parameter results indicates that brief off-loading in the interrupted method did not significantly change the outcomes; minor shifts in positioning do not alter changes to the skin from pressure. Skin parameters varied by anatomical location and changed over a 1 h period of pressure-loading. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Biophysical techniques may be able to assist accurate assessment of skin microclimate and skin colour. As brief off-loading (interruptions) to enable skin parameter measurement does not alter skin readings, researchers can proceed with some confidence regarding the use of this protocol in future studies assessing skin parameters. This study data provides a library of cutaneous changes at pressure-prone areas of healthy adults and is expected to inform innovative approaches to pressure injury risk assessment.

Hyperoxia in patients with cardiogenic shock after myocardial infarction supported with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

BACKGROUND: Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO) improves perfusion and oxygenation in patients with cardiogenic shock. However, it can also result in supranormal oxygen exposure. Recent evidence suggests hyperoxia may be harmful, particularly in critically ill patients. The aim of this study was to describe oxygen exposure in patients receiving V-A ECMO after acute myocardial infarction and to investigate the association between hyperoxia and in-hospital mortality. METHODS AND DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective, cohort study of consecutive patients receiving V-A ECMO at a single tertiary level ECMO centre. We compared the mean and peak arterial oxygen tensions over the first 72 h after V-A ECMO initiation (n = 30) with those from a convenience sample of patients treated with an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) (n = 30) for cardiogenic shock. RESULTS: Sixty patients admitted between January 2012 and March 2018 were included in the study. Patients on V-A ECMO had significantly higher arterial oxygen tensions during the first three days than those with an IABP, at 0-24 h; V-A ECMO: 286.51 mmHg (135.76) vs IABP: 103.48 mmHg (15.22), p < 0.01.Thirteen of 30 (44.8%) patients in the V-A ECMO cohort manifested extreme hyperoxia (PaO2 ≥300 mmHg) in the first 24 hrs, compared with none in the IABP population. Within the V-A ECMO group, there was no significant association between extreme hyperoxia and in-hospital mortality (P = 0.19), duration of mechanical ventilation (P = 0.63), or troponin levels (P = 0.16) in the first 24 hrs. CONCLUSION: Severe hyperoxia is common in patients receiving V-A ECMO after acute myocardial infarction, and this continues for at least 72 h. We found no association between extreme hyperoxia and clinical outcomes.

Understanding the Hawthorne effect in wound research-A scoping review.

The Hawthorne Effect (HE) is considered a methodological artefact in research, although its definition and influence on research outcomes lack consensus. This review explored how this term has been mentioned and discussed in the area of wound research. A scoping review was conducted on ProQuest Central, Scopus, EbscoHost, and online databases of indexed wound journals using the methodological framework by Arksey and Malley. A review protocol was applied to detail key terms, truncation and Boolean operators, and inclusion and exclusion criteria. Search findings were reported using PRISMA guidelines. A total of 38 articles reporting primary evidence were identified. Three themes emerged from the review: wound researchers' awareness of HE, the acknowledgement of the existence or otherwise of HE, and the mentioning of HE in passing. These results reflect a lack of attention to and understanding and awareness of the HE in the area of wound research. It is suggested that the HE receives more attention as a methodological concern, and its potential influence is considered and mitigated when planning future studies. Recommendations are provided to minimise the impact of the HE on the rigour of the research and confidence afforded to research findings.

Reliability of a Skin Diagnostic Device in Assessing Hydration and Erythema.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the reliability of a skin diagnostic device, the SD202 (Courage+Khazaka GmBH, Cologne, Germany), in assessing hydration and erythema of periwound skin and pressure injury-prone areas. DESIGN: Intrarater reliabilities from 3 cross-sectional and prospective studies are reported. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Patients attending an outpatient, nurse-led wound dressing clinic (n = 16), a podiatrist-led high-risk foot clinic (n = 17), and residents (n = 38) at a single residential aged-care facility. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Skin hydration and erythema levels assessed using the SD202. MAIN RESULTS: High internal consistency was maintained for consecutive skin hydration and erythema measures at a single point on the venous leg ulcer periwound (α > .996 and α > .970 for hydration and erythema, respectively) and for the pressure-prone areas of the sacrum (α > .916), right (α > .994) and left (α > .967) ischium, right (α > .989) and left (α > .916) trochanter, right (α > .985) and left (α > .992) calcaneus, and right (α > .991) and left (α > .990) lateral malleolus. High consistency was also found for the measures obtained at 4 different locations around the periwound for the venous leg ulcer (α > .935 and α > .870 for hydration and erythema, respectively). In diabetic foot ulcer assessment, acceptable internal consistency of hydration measures around the periwound was observed (α > .634). Internal consistency of erythema measures was variable, ranging from low to high reliability, particularly among predebridement measures. CONCLUSIONS: Using the protocols outlined in this study, the SD202 demonstrates high reliability for assessing skin hydration and erythema levels. It is possible that the SD202 can be used in clinical practice as an appropriate tool for skin hydration and erythema assessment.

Approaches to the application and removal of compression therapy: A literature review.

Compression therapy is used in the treatment of venous disorders, lymphoedema and burns. Adherence to compression therapy is reported to be poor, due to a number of factors, including difficulty in applying and removing the compression garments. A literature review was conducted to identify aids, equipment and other approaches to ease the application and removal of compression therapy garments. Some 12 studies were identified. Most studies focused on chronic venous insufficiency and venous ulcers. Four methods of easing compression garment application and removal were identified: (1) devices to assist in application and removal; (2) altered compression stocking design; (3) adjustable compression wrap devices; and (4) education. Patients prescribed compression therapy should be educated on how to apply and remove the compression garments, and have application devices made available to them.

Emerging Technology for Enhanced Assessment of Skin Status.

Pressure injury (PI) prevention has become a key nursing priority that requires clear identification of visual cues representative of PI risk. There is generalized agreement that erythema and skin wetness and/or maceration should be routinely examined by the clinician as part of PI risk assessment. Such an assessment is largely qualitative, deeply reliant on the perception and interpretation of the clinician. Consequently, skin parameters may be misinterpreted, underestimated, or even missed completely. Objective techniques are needed to augment accurate assessment of erythema and skin wetness and/or maceration. Biophysical skin analysis devices have been widely used in the cosmetic industry and clinical research to measure certain skin parameters for the purpose of skin health evaluation. This article describes 3 devices that enable noninvasive digital measurements of epidermal hydration, erythema, and epidermal lipids, respectively. The clinical application of biophysical skin analysis instruments in the assessment PI-related skin parameters could provide a feasible alternative to subjective assessment.

Obesity and the Emergency Short Stay Unit.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the health service requirements of obese patients admitted to an Emergency Short Stay Unit (ESSU) and specifically compare length of stay (LOS), failure of ESSU management, and rates of investigations and allied health interventions among obese and non-obese patients. METHODS: A prospective cohort study, using convenience sampling was conducted. The body mass index (BMI) of participants was calculated and those with a BMI of ⩾30 were allocated to the obese group, and those that had a BMI of <30 to the non-obese group. Data collected included demographics, admission diagnosis, time and date of ESSU admission and discharge, discharge disposition, radiological investigations, and referrals made to allied health personnel during ESSU admission. RESULTS: There were 262 patients that were recruited sub-grouped into 127 (48.5%) obese participants and 135 (51.5%) non-obese participants with similar sex and diagnostic category distributions. The mean LOS in ESSU was similar - 11.5h (95% CI: 9.9-13.1) for obese patients and, 10.2h (95% CI: 8.8-11.6) for non-obese patients (p=0.21). Failure rates of ESSU management, defined as inpatient admission to hospital, were also similar with 29 (22.8%) obese patients admitted to hospital compared to 25 (18.5%) non-obese patients (p=0.39). Plain X-ray requests were significantly higher among obese patients (71.6 vs 53.3%; p=0.002), as was the rate of allied health interventions (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in inpatient admission rates or LOS between obese and non-obese patients managed in the ESSU. Provisions for increased rate of investigations and allied health interventions for obese patients may facilitate timely assessment and disposition from ESSU.

An integrative review of skin assessment tools used to evaluate skin injury related to external beam radiation therapy.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To review literature associated with external beam radiotherapy and skin damage. A focus of the literature search is to highlight and discuss the myriad of skin assessment tools that are available to the clinician when assessing skin injury in patients receiving external beam radiation therapy. BACKGROUND: It is apparent that despite considerable work being progressed in the development of individualised skin assessment tools, uptake and use is poor. These tools are designed to assist the clinician in the evaluation of damaged skin and predict the radiation wound development pathway. DESIGN: An integrated review can be used to address a mature or new and emerging topic through a systematic methodology, which is either theoretical or empirical, gained from research, practice or policy initiatives (Whittemore & Knafl, Journal of Advanced Nursing, 52, 2005, 546). This review is particularly concerned with the employment of skin assessment tools by clinicians in patients with radiation damaged skin. Using the search terms synonyms for radiation, skin and epidermal damage, PubMed/MEDLINE, Medical Complete and Web of Science databases were searched. Consulting professional peers was employed as part of the inclusion and exclusion process. CONCLUSION: There is a high level of unpredictability about which patient will have an uncomplicated course of external beam radiotherapy. Variables may include, but are not limited to, an acute reaction, a delayed reaction resulting in actual skin damage or no visible skin disturbance. The skin assessment tools that are readily available are not regularly referenced in clinical practice when attempting to manage the many side effects of radiation therapy. Skin assessment tools require ongoing clinical validation, so they can be used to guide practitioners to undertake further assessment of skin integrity. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The current body of knowledge suggests clinicians caring for patients receiving therapeutic radiotherapy should consider integrating a recognised patient assessment skin framework into their daily routine. Such validated tools may add value to postradiotherapy patient care by providing a consistency of management and accordingly refining best practice.

Profiling wound management in the emergency department: A descriptive analysis.

BACKGROUND: The service profile of wound, skin and ulcer presentations to emergency departments is an area that lacks an existing published commentary. Knowledge of these presentations would inform the allocation of resources, staff training, and, in turn, patient outcomes. The aim of this study was to describe the discharge and referral status of adult patients presenting to one Australian emergency department with a wound, skin or ulcer condition. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive review was conducted of all emergency presentations including discharge and referral statuses for skin, wound and ulcer related conditions from 1st January 2014 until 31st December 2014. RESULTS: A total of 4231 wound, skin and ulcer conditions were managed, accounting for 7% of the total emergency presentations. Wound conditions were the most prevalent (n=3658; 86%). Males were more likely to present for all three conditions. For all conditions, discharge to home was the most common destination. Following discharge to home, over half all patients were referred to the local medical officer. CONCLUSIONS: Nursing workforce models, education and training needs to reflect the skill set required to respond to wound, skin and ulcer conditions to ensure that high quality skin and wound care continues outside of the emergency department.

Comparing visual and objective skin assessment with pressure injury risk.

Contemporary approaches to pressure injury (PI) risk identification rely on the use of risk assessment tools and visual skin assessment. Objective biophysical measures that assess skin hydration, melanin, erythema and lipids have not been traditionally used in PI risk; however, these may prove useful as a risk assessment tool. The relationship between subjective visual assessments of skin condition, biophysical measures and PI risk warrants investigation. This study used a descriptive correlational design to examine the relationship between measures of skin hydration, colour (melanin and erythema) and lipids at PI-prone areas amongst geriatric persons (n = 38), obtained using biophysical skin measures and visual skin assessment. Twice daily measures of epidermal hydration, colour and lipids were assessed using the SD202 Skin Diagnostic (Courage + Khazaka GmBH, Cologne, Germany) over pressure-prone areas of the body of study participants over seven consecutive days. Concurrent visual assessment of skin hydration and colour was performed. Results obtained using the SD202 Skin Diagnostic were compared with results gathered from visual assessment and examined for their association with participants' PI risk based on scores of the Norton Risk Assessment Scale. While epidermal hydration and skin colour reading scores did not vary significantly over the data collection period, lipid readings could not be registered on any occasion. With the exception of skin dryness, skin parameters via both objective and subjective means had significant, positive correlations. Statistically significant correlations emerged between visual assessment of skin wetness at the sacrum (r = -0·441, P < 0·01) and ischia (r = -0·468, P < 0·01) and Norton Risk Assessment Scale scores. It was found that the objective assessment of epidermal hydration (skin wetness) was also significantly associated with PI risk at the sacrum (r = -0·528, P < 0·01), as well as the right ischia (r = -0·410, P < 0·05) and left ischia (r = -0·407, P < 0·05). Erythema, when assessed objectively, was significantly correlated with PI risk at the sacrum (r = -0·322, P < 0·05). Such findings indicating that the finer measures afforded by the SD202 Skin Diagnostic in the assessment of the subtle red hues displayed in erythematous skin may provide an additional advantage over traditional, clinician assessment.

eHealth in Wound Care: from conception to implementation.

Executive summary Purpose This document aims to provide wound care clinicians with a rapid and structured overview of the key issues related to use of eHealth applications (telemedicine and telehealth) within wound care. This includes: An overview of terminology and available literature Guidance on the methodology for evaluation of eHealth solutions An introduction to and discussion of the potential benefits of eHealth technologies in wound care, and the possible barriers to their implementation Recommendations for ensuring a good implementation process and supporting involvement of wound care professionals in safeguarding that eHealth solutions meet the needs of the patients. Methodology The document sections lean on the structure and focus areas of the Model for ASsessment of Telemedicine (MAST) which defines crucial items to evaluate an eHealth application. The content of the document is developed on the basis of a literature review, identifying available documentation for use of eHealth solutions in wound care. Furthermore, it draws on various key documents recently published on the general development, evaluation and implementation of eHealth solutions. These include valuable up-to-date information relevant for any group of clinicians wishing to follow and influence the way eHealth solutions are integrated into clinical practice. Findings and conclusions The literature review revealed that the amount and level of evidence for use of eHealth applications in wound care is still limited. Some MAST domains are not examined in any of the available studies. Thus, more research is required to identify the potential benefits and harms to patients, and the possible challenges related to implementation of eHealth solutions in wound care. Potential barriers and facilitators for the implementation of eHealth applications into wound care practice are identified in the document, and these may all either enhance or impede the process. However, the available research does demonstrate patient satisfaction, improved access to health services for all client cohorts, and increased job satisfaction for clinicians. The document recommends that wound management clinicians, considering the use of eHealth applications in their clinical practice, consult widely and conduct regular evaluation of the outcomes to ensure efficient implementation of these services. To support this approach, steps to ensure a good implementation process within a given organisation have been proposed. These are synthesised into a three circle model.

Exploring the concept of a team approach to wound care: Managing wounds as a team.

Background - The growing prevalence and incidence of nonhealing acute and chronic wounds is a worrying concern. A major challenge is the lack of united services aimed at addressing the complex needs of individuals with wounds. However, the WHO argues that interprofessional collaboration in education and practice is key to providing the best patient care, enhancing clinical and health-related outcomes and strengthening the health system. It is based on this background that the team approach to wound care project was conceptualised. The project was jointly initiated and realised by the Association for the Advancement of Wound Care (AAWC-USA), the Australian Wound Management Association (AWMA) and the European Wound Management Association (EWMA). Aim - The aim of this project was to develop a universal model for the adoption of a team approach to wound care. Objective The overarching objective of this project was to provide recommendations for implementing a team approach to wound care within all clinical settings and through this to develop a model for advocating the team approach toward decision makers in national government levels. Method An integrative literature review was conducted. Using this knowledge, the authors arrived at a consensus on the most appropriate model to adopt and realise a team approach to wound care. Results - Eighty four articles met the inclusion criteria. Following data extraction, it was evident that none of the articles provided a definition for the terms multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary in the context of wound care. Given this lack of clarity within the wound care literature, the authors have here developed a Universal Model for the Team Approach to Wound Care to fill this gap in our current understanding. Conclusion - We advocate that the patient should be at the heart of all decision-making, as working with the Universal Model for the Team Approach to Wound Care begins with the needs of the patient. To facilitate this, we suggest use of a wound navigator who acts as an advocate for the patient. Overall, we feel that the guidance provided within this document serves to illuminate the importance of a team approach to wound care, in addition to providing a clear model on how to achieve such an approach to care. We look forward to gathering evidence of the impact of this model of care on clinical and financial outcomes and will continue to share updates over time.

The management of chronic wounds.

The burden that chronic wounds create for both the client and healthcare provider is set to increase. For clinicians managing wounds it is essential that slow to heal wounds are identified early and treated promptly. The early removal of necrotic tissue, adequate control of exudate and the reduction of any bioburden are key foundations for any management plan.

Acute (adult clinical inpatient) care nurses' attitudes towards and knowledge of nationally endorsed 5As smoking cessation guidelines.

Nurses are expected to be involved in health promotion, including smoking cessation. This study aimed to assess nurses' knowledge, sense of responsibility and willingness to provide smoking cessation interventions as described in the national 5As guideline. Data were collected by a survey distributed to a convenience sample of nursing staff (n=162) from thirteen different adult acute care wards at a major metropolitan Melbourne hospital. Nearly all respondents (87%) agreed that they had a responsibility to counsel patients, and 22% were already doing so, but only 22% (n=36) of respondents demonstrated an adequate level of knowledge of smoking cessation. Nurses were more likely to counsel patients on health conditions related to their area of practice than those that were not. The findings indicate that greater emphasis is needed in undergraduate courses and in-service programs to increase nurses' awareness, and implementation of the 5As guideline for smoking cessation.