This issue, we highlight some resources from “The Buzz Report,” the popular presentation given by editor-in-chief Donna Sardina, RN, MHA, WCC, CWCMS, DWC, OMS, at the Wild On Wounds (WOW) conference, held each September in Las Vegas.
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has published “Universal ICU Decolonization: An Enhanced Protocol.” The protocol is based on materials successfully used in the REDUCE MRSA Trial (Randomized Evaluation of Decolonization vs. Universal Clearance to Eliminate Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus), which found that universal decolonization was the most effective intervention.
Download the protocol, which includes an overview, scientific rationale, and several appendices with valuable tools, such as a flow chart of implementing universal decolonization, chlorhexidine bathing skills assessment, nursing protocol, and training and education materials.
Use a handy online calculator to estimate the number of grams needed for therapy and the amount of SANTYL® Ointment to apply per application. Simply enter the width and length of the wound in centimeters, along with the planned number of treatment days. The results include not only the amount, but also the calculation.
You can also download the calculator to your computer or tablet for easy access. Of course, the estimates are simply a guide and should be adjusted based on clinical experience and individual wound characteristics.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has dedicated an entire section of its website to information for long-term care facilities.
Over 3 million Americans receive care in U.S. nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities each year and nearly 1 million persons reside in assisted living facilities.
You can also sign up to receive invitations to future wound education webinars.
“Vascular disease patient information page: Peripheral artery disease” (PAD), an article by Ratchford and Evans in Vascular Medicine, explains what PAD is and discusses risk factors, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. The article includes a figure that describes ankle-brachial index measurement.