Resources

Summer has arrived and many of us are daring to get our legs out! That prospect isn’t an option for some people, however.

Across the UK, millions live with lower limb wounds and swelling that is preventable, and treatable — yet too often are given suboptimal care. These conditions can have a huge impact on a patient’s quality of life (Franks et al, 2006; GonzálezConsuegra and Verdu, 2011) and a significant burden on the NHS (Guest et al, 2020)

Guts UK is the national charity for the digestive system, helping the UK get to grips with guts for over 50 years. The charity’s vision is a world where digestive conditions are better understood, better treated and everyone who lives with one gets the support they need. Its mission is to improve the lives of millions of people affected by digestive conditions through three main areas of work: information and support, awareness and public education, and research.

Viscopaste and Ichthopaste Bandages and Zipzoc Medicated Stocking have a heritage to be proud of and have been trusted by clinicians for decades to treat patients successfully. But despite their longevity in the armoury of many healthcare professionals, there is often still some uncertainty around product selection, with clinicians asking, ‘how do I know which product to choose for my patient?’ Despite using the products for many years, clinicians and patients are often unable to explain the specific modes of action of zinc oxide and ichthammol. This can result in a knowledge gap in relation to product choice and the healing success that they observe. This feature provides the reader with a better understanding of when it might be desirable to choose one of these products over another. But first, let’s look at the main raw ingredients of zinc oxide and ichthammol.

This article provides an overview of venous leg ulcers, the current landscape and an evaluation of an intervention strategy implemented in York. The authors’ lower limb specialist wound clinic was set up to reduce variations in management and improve standardisation of care when treating venous leg ulcers. The purpose of the evaluation was to demonstrate the impact of a specialist wound clinic implementing evidence-based strategies and early interventions in line with national guidance for venous leg ulceration. The results demonstrate how this approach can improve outcomes and deliver value-based healthcare.

Debridement is vital in wound bed preparation, creating a clean, moist environment that supports effective healing (Burnett et al, 2021). It facilitates the removal of devitalised tissue, bacteria, and debris, reducing infection risk and promoting healthy tissue growth (Mayer et al, 2024). Multiple debridement techniques exist such as sharp, larval, enzymatic, ultrasound, and surgical, however their use may be limited by required expertise or clinical setting. This article introduces an updated definition of debridement and traces its evolution from traditional methods to modern, patient-friendly technologies, exemplified by the innovative dual-sided monofilament pad, Debrisoft® Duo. It also includes some case series evaluating the effectiveness and practicality of Debrisoft Duo, particularly in managing wounds with persistent fibrous devitalised tissue where conventional sharp debridement is unsuitable.

Moisture-associated skin damage (MASD), particularly incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD), is a significant challenge in acute care settings. It affects patient comfort, increases the risk of infection, and contributes to prolonged hospital stays (Gray et al, 2021). Effective skin protection strategies, including structured care protocols and barrier products, are essential to mitigate these complications. This case evaluation examines the use of Medi Derma-PRO Ointment to enhance skin integrity and reduce MASDrelated harm across a healthcare trust. An evidence-based approach was employed to evaluate patient and broader organisational outcomes following the implementation of this intervention.

Wound healing is a complex, multi-phase physiological process that can be compromised by a range of factors, including malnutrition. In community settings, chronic wounds such as pressure ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, and venous leg ulcers are common and place a significant burden on both patients and the healthcare system. Despite this, nutritional considerations are often overlooked in wound care. This article outlines the critical role of adequate nutrition — particularly protein and key micronutrients — in supporting tissue repair and reducing the risk of chronic wound development. It also explores the impact of malnutrition as both a contributor to wound chronicity and a barrier to healing, with particular attention given to high-risk groups such as older adults and those with diabetes. Practical recommendations are provided to support community nurses in identifying patients at nutritional risk and implementing appropriate dietary interventions or referrals. The importance of a multidisciplinary approach, including timely dietetic input, is emphasised throughout.

In 2018, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published antimicrobial guidance on prescribing for catheterassociated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). CAUTIs are among the most prevalent healthcare-associated infections, posing significant challenges to patient care and healthcare systems worldwide. Managing CAUTIs requires a multifaceted approach encompassing prevention, early detection, and appropriate intervention strategies. This article discusses the processes involved in improving CAUTI rates and presents a critical review of the current evidence in managing CAUTIs effectively.

Dementia is a syndrome occurring as a result of brain disease, which is usually chronic or progressive in nature and ultimately a lifelimiting condition. In addition to cognitive decline, people diagnosed with dementia will experience a gradual loss of function with a growing inability to perform basic activities of daily living, such as feeding, toileting and dressing. Dementia is often synonymous with ageing so individuals also experience conditions related to age, such as the effects of ageing skin and increased risk of frailty and falls, all of which are significant risk factors for skin tears. This paper considers fragile skin in the form of a skin tear, in the context of a fictionalised case study based on clinical practice of a person with dementia, and explores the assessment, care and treatment of such an injury, reflecting on the literature.

As the healthcare landscape in the UK increasingly shifts towards community-based care, attracting newly qualified nurses to these roles is essential for sustaining and enhancing services. This article explores strategies to engage student nurses in community careers at the point of registration, drawing on the experiences of two recently qualified nurses who have chosen to begin their careers in community nursing. Their insights, combined with available evidence, highlight key factors influencing career decisions, including mentorship, exposure during training, and awareness of the benefits associated with community nursing. The article offers practical recommendations for nurses and educators to inspire and support the next generation, emphasising the importance of pre-registration placements, role modelling, and structured postgraduate support. Additionally, it examines ways to ensure that newly qualified community nurses feel equipped in their roles, fostering retention and long-term commitment to this important area of healthcare.