Biofilm management using monofilament fibre debridement technology: outcomes and clinician and patient satisfaction

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (9) ◽  
pp. 608-622 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claas Roes ◽  
Leanne Calladine ◽  
Clare Morris

Objective: Best practice in wound bed preparation and biofilm-based wound management includes debridement to create a clean wound bed and to assist in minimising the redevelopment of biofilm. Biofilm that is not removed inhibits healing and redevelops if not prevented from doing so with topical antimicrobial agents. Monofilament fibre debriding technology (MFDT) is used for effective and rapid mechanical debridement of loose material, slough and biofilm. The objective of this evaluation was to determine the clinical effect and consequential levels of health professional and patient satisfaction with the results of a biofilm pathway that included MFDT to achieve debridement. Methods: This non-comparative, open label evaluation was conducted in static and non-static wounds that required debridement. MFDT was used to debride in a two-week evaluation of a biofilm pathway. Wounds were debrided three times in week one and twice in week two. Each debridement was followed by treatment with an antimicrobial dressing. Other care included secondary dressings and compression delivered according to local practice, guidelines and formularies. After the clinical evaluation, health professionals were invited to complete an online survey of the clinical outcomes and their satisfaction with the biofilm pathway. Results: There were 706 health professionals who provided answers to the survey questions. Wound types evaluated were leg ulcers (67.4%), pressure ulcers (10%), dehisced surgical wounds (1.7%), diabetic foot ulcers (7.4%) and other wounds (13.4%). Of the wounds, 9% were reported as non-static despite the eligibility criteria. Not all wounds followed the pathway. The most frequently-used antimicrobial was silver. Non-antimicrobial products used included all-in-one dressings, other secondary dressings and compression. There was a change in 77% of wounds overall after two weeks. Change was reported almost equally for both static and non-static wounds. Health professionals who did or did not follow the pathway were ‘completely satisfied’ or ‘satisfied’ with the overall clinical outcome 96% and 95%, respectively. Of the patients, 77% were ‘completely satisfied’ or ‘satisfied’ with healing after following the pathway, as reported by the treating health professional. Conclusion: The biofilm pathway that includes MFDT appears effective. Wounds managed on the pathway were debrided effectively and healing progressed to the satisfaction of both health professionals and patients.

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (8) ◽  
pp. 534-541
Author(s):  
Claas Roes ◽  
Leanne Calladine ◽  
Clare Morris

Objective: To determine the clinical effect and consequential levels of health professionals and patient satisfaction with the results of debridement episodes of wounds with visible slough and/or scaly skin using monofilament fibre debridement technology. Methods: This was a non-comparative, open label evaluation conducted in static/non-healing acute and chronic wounds with visible slough and/or scaly skin that required debridement. Monofilament fibre debridement technology was applied in 1–2 sequential treatment episodes during normal clinical practice which followed local practice, guidelines or formularies. Following the clinical phase of the evaluation, health professionals were invited to complete an online survey of the clinical outcomes and their satisfaction with them. Results: Survey questions were answered by 1129 health professionals. Wounds managed using the monofilament fibre debridement technology during this evaluation included leg ulcers (63%), pressure ulcers (10%), dehisced surgical wounds (3%), diabetic foot ulcers (8%) and other wounds (13%). ‘Other’ wound types included acute dirty wounds, burns, cellulitis, psoriasis, diabetic amputation wounds, dry flaky skin, moisture wounds, trauma, varicose eczema. Of the wounds, 12% were reported as non-static. There was visible change in the wound and/or skin after first use of the monofilament fibre debridement technology in a high proportion of all wound types, and a further increase in the proportion of wounds with visible change after the second use. The visible difference was significant for both static and non-static wounds. User and patient satisfaction with all clinical outcomes were high, whether or not the user and patient had previous experience of monofilament fibre debridement technology. Conclusion: Monofilament fibre debridement technology provides rapid, visible and effective debridement of slough and scaly skin after one application and further visible improvement after two applications in static and non-static wounds. Health professionals and patients report high levels of satisfaction with outcomes following application of the monofilament fibre debridement technology.


2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (Sup7) ◽  
pp. S4-S13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janet L. Kuhnke ◽  
David Keast ◽  
Sue Rosenthal ◽  
Robyn Jones Evans

Objective: This study examined the perspectives of health professionals on the barriers and solutions to delivery of patient-focused wound management and outcomes. Methods: A qualitative, descriptive study design was used. Participants were health-care managers, clinical leaders, nurses and allied health members who are part of wound care services. Open-ended surveys were distributed to participants in a series of learning workshops, and data analysed to identify leading themes. Results: A total of 261 participants took part and 194 surveys were returned (response rate: 74%). From the analysis five themes emerged: patient/family wound-related education; health professional wound-related education; implementation of evidence-based wound care and dissemination of evidence-based wound information across professions and contexts; teamwork and respectful communication within teams; and a higher value and priority placed on wound care through collaborative teams by managers, leaders and policymakers. Conclusion: Findings suggest that ongoing, system-wide education is needed to improve prevention, assessment, treatment and management of four wound types: venous leg ulcer (VLU), diabetic foot ulcer (DFU), pressure ulcer (PU) and surgical wounds. Health professionals are committed to delivering best practice in wound care. Participants identified that effective patient-focused, evidence-based wound care involves having a health-care system with a clear mandate to ensure wound care is a priority. A high value placed on wound care by managers and clinical leadership could transform the present systems. Additionally, effective and widespread dissemination of evidenced-informed practice information is crucial to positive patient outcomes. Education and team commitment for consistent and respectful communication would improve care delivery.


Rheumatology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 59 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna C Robson ◽  
Michael Shepherd ◽  
Mwidimi Ndosi ◽  
Lorraine Harper ◽  
Caroline Flurey ◽  
...  

Abstract Background People with a connective tissue disease (CTD) or systemic vasculititis have diseases which can be life and organ threatening, require complicated medication regimens and impact on all aspects of health-related quality of life. People are routinely managed across multiple medical specialities and have to navigate their way through complex health care systems. The aim of this study was to investigate current psychological and self-management support available for people with CTDs and vasculitis in rheumatology and nephrology departments in the UK. Methods An online survey of health professionals in rheumatology and nephrology departments was conducted with follow-up interviews. The survey comprised 45 multiple-choice and free-text questions. Quantitative material was analysed descriptively. Follow-up interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically, together with free-text survey responses, to identify health professionals’ perceptions on unmet needs and key improvements required. Results The online survey included 120 health professional respondents (34 % specialist nurses, 51% doctors and 12 % allied health professionals and pharmacists). Respondents worked primarily in rheumatology (52.9%) and nephrology (21.5%). Access to self-management programmes or clinics for people with CTD and vasculitis was available in 23% of rheumatology and 8% of nephrology departments. In response to the question “How well is your team providing self-management support to people with CTD and vasculitis?”, 38% of respondents reported not very well, or not well at all. Direct access to psychological support (either within their department or within the hospital) was available for patients in 76.9% of nephrology and 32.8% of rheumatology departments. Where psychological referrals were direct, the assessment of the quality of the service by health professionals was higher than when the referrals were indirect (i.e when patients were either referred to primary care or asked to self-refer) (X2=13.83, p < 0.001). Over 80% of health-professional respondents reported they would like additional training in providing self-management support. Key themes from the qualitative data included the need for dedicated psychological support within departments, self-management programmes (specifically for people with CTD and vasculitis or opening up established programmes for people with other conditions), the benefits of a whole team approach (specialist teams not individual clinicians working to empower patients to take a lead in managing their own care), individual staff training needs ( training in brief psychological interventions and support for health professionals to set up self-management programmes) and signposting to additional resources for patients and their families ( disease-specific written and online information and support from patient charities). Conclusion People with CTD and vasculitis have complex needs and systemic improvements in support are required. Patients in nephrology departments are more likely to have access to psychological support than those in rheumatology. There is inadequate access to structured self-management programmes in both nephrology and rheumatology. Disclosures J.C. Robson None. M. Shepherd None. M. Ndosi None. L. Harper None. C. Flurey None. S. Logan None. K. Austin None. E. Dures None.


2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 657-668 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea K Viecelli ◽  
Martin Howell ◽  
Allison Tong ◽  
Armando Teixeira-Pinto ◽  
Emma O’Lone ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Vascular access outcomes reported across haemodialysis (HD) trials are numerous, heterogeneous and not always relevant to patients and clinicians. This study aimed to identify critically important vascular access outcomes. Method Outcomes derived from a systematic review, multi-disciplinary expert panel and patient input were included in a multilanguage online survey. Participants rated the absolute importance of outcomes using a 9-point Likert scale (7–9 being critically important). The relative importance was determined by a best–worst scale using multinomial logistic regression. Open text responses were analysed thematically. Results The survey was completed by 873 participants [224 (26%) patients/caregivers and 649 (74%) health professionals] from 58 countries. Vascular access function was considered the most important outcome (mean score 7.8 for patients and caregivers/8.5 for health professionals, with 85%/95% rating it critically important, and top ranked on best–worst scale), followed by infection (mean 7.4/8.2, 79%/92% rating it critically important, second rank on best–worst scale). Health professionals rated all outcomes of equal or higher importance than patients/caregivers, except for aneurysms. We identified six themes: necessity for HD, applicability across vascular access types, frequency and severity of debilitation, minimizing the risk of hospitalization and death, optimizing technical competence and adherence to best practice and direct impact on appearance and lifestyle. Conclusions Vascular access function was the most critically important outcome among patients/caregivers and health professionals. Consistent reporting of this outcome across trials in HD will strengthen their value in supporting vascular access practice and shared decision making in patients requiring HD.


Author(s):  
Marga Vives ◽  
Carmen Orte ◽  
Lydia Sánchez

Several handbooks and best practice guides, also scientific reference documents focus on the good treatment of the health services for older people take into account professionals as a key factor. However, there are few studies have been dedicated exclusively to them. This article is the result of a debate of a sample of health professionals who works with older people and of older people users of this health services using Deplhi methodology. Through different questionnaires we focus our attention in skills and competences that must have the good professional who attend to older people. The combination of the different point of views (professionals and users) enable us not only to get a proposal of these competences and skills that the “good” health professional must have and use, also these results could improve the selection of these professionals, improve the relationships between health professional and user and, ultimately improve the quality of the health service or program offered. The aim of this paper is to analyze the competences and basic skills of a good professional who works in health area with older people.


CNS Spectrums ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 195-196
Author(s):  
Cherian Verghese ◽  
Jean-Pierre Lindenmayer ◽  
Stephen R. Marder ◽  
Joshua Burke ◽  
Roland Jimenez ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectiveValbenazine (VBZ) is a novel vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) inhibitor approved to treat tardive dyskinesia (TD) in adults. It has been evaluated in 2 long-term studies (KINECT 3, KINECT 4) in which participants received VBZ (40 or 80mg) for up to 48weeks. This long-term rollover study (NCT02736955) was conducted to evaluate global TD improvement and patient satisfaction with once-daily VBZ.MethodsKey eligibility criteria: age 18 to 85 years; completion of KINECT 3 or KINECT 4; maintenance medications (for schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or mood disorder) at stable doses; Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale score <50; no significant risk of active suicidal ideation or behavior. Following washout of prior VBZ treatment (Weeks 48 to 52 of KINECT 3 and KINECT 4), participants were re-initiated at 40mg (4weeks) and escalated to 80mg based on tolerability and clinical assessment of TD; dose was reduced to 40mg if 80mg was not tolerated (80/40mg). If unable to tolerate the 40mg dose, the participant was discontinued. Participants received open-label VBZ for up to 72weeks or until commercial availability. Assessments included Clinical Global Impression of Severity-TD (CGIS-TD: range, 1[“normal, not at all ill”] to 7[“among the most extremely ill patient”]) and Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ: range, 1[“very satisfied”] to 5[“very dissatisfied”]).Results160 participants with available data were included in analyses (40mg =35; 80mg =117; 80/40mg =8); 138 were receiving treatment when VBZ became commercially available. The percentages of participants who completed visits at Wks 12, 24, 36, and 48 were 96.3%, 78.1%, 56.9% and 35.0%, respectively. Few reached Wk 60 (n=4) or Wk 72 (n=0) due to commercial availability. The percentage of participants with CGIS-TD score ≤2 (“normal, not at all ill” or “borderline ill”) increased from baseline (before restarting VBZ) (40mg, 5.7%; 80mg, 18.1%) to Wk 48 (40mg , 41.7%; 80mg , 74.4%). At baseline, almost all participants rated their prior VBZ experience with a PSQ score ≤2 (“very satisfied” or “somewhat satisfied”) (40mg , 100%, 80mg , 99.1%). Similar results were seen at the Wk 48 visit, with most participants continuing to express satisfaction with VBZ (40mg , 100%; 80mg , 97.4%).ConclusionsA clinician-based global assessment indicated ongoing, meaningful TD improvements in adults who received once-daily VBZ in the current study. In participants treated for >1 year, continued patient satisfaction rates with VBZ were high.Funding Acknowledgements: Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.


Author(s):  
Marga Vives ◽  
Carmen Orte ◽  
Lydia Sánchez

Several handbooks and best practice guides, also scientific reference documents focus on the good treatment of the health services for older people take into account professionals as a key factor. However, there are few studies have been dedicated exclusively to them. This article is the result of a debate of a sample of health professionals who works with older people and of older people users of this health services using Deplhi methodology. Through different questionnaires we focus our attention in skills and competences that must have the good professional who attend to older people. The combination of the different point of views (professionals and users) enable us not only to get a proposal of these competences and skills that the “good” health professional must have and use, also these results could improve the selection of these professionals, improve the relationships between health professional and user and, ultimately improve the quality of the health service or program offered. The aim of this paper is to analyze the competences and basic skills of a good professional who works in health area with older people.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amelia Hyatt ◽  
Ruby Lipson-Smith ◽  
Bryce Morkunas ◽  
Meinir Krishnasamy ◽  
Michael Jefford ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Health care systems are increasingly looking to mobile device technologies (mobile health) to improve patient experience and health outcomes. SecondEars is a smartphone app designed to allow patients to audio-record medical consultations to improve recall, understanding, and health care self-management. Novel health interventions such as SecondEars often fail to be implemented post pilot-testing owing to inadequate user experience (UX) assessment, a key component of a comprehensive implementation strategy. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to pilot the SecondEars app within an active clinical setting to identify factors necessary for optimal implementation. Objectives were to (1) investigate patient UX and acceptability, utility, and satisfaction with the SecondEars app, and (2) understand health professional perspectives on issues, solutions, and strategies for effective implementation of SecondEars. METHODS A mixed methods implementation study was employed. Patients were invited to test the app to record consultations with participating oncology health professionals. Follow-up interviews were conducted with all participating patients (or carers) and health professionals, regarding uptake and extent of app use. Responses to the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) were also collected. Interviews were analyzed using interpretive descriptive methodology; all quantitative data were analyzed descriptively. RESULTS A total of 24 patients used SecondEars to record consultations with 10 multidisciplinary health professionals. In all, 22 of these patients used SecondEars to listen to all or part of the recording, either alone or with family. All 100% of patient participants reported in the MARS that they would use SecondEars again and recommend it to others. A total of 3 themes were identified from the patient interviews relating to the UX of SecondEars: empowerment, facilitating support in cancer care, and usability. Further, 5 themes were identified from the health professional interviews relating to implementation of SecondEars: changing hospital culture, mitigating medico-legal concerns, improving patient care, communication, and practical implementation solutions. CONCLUSIONS Data collected during pilot testing regarding recording use, UX, and health professional and patient perspectives will be important for designing an effective implementation strategy for SecondEars. Those testing the app found it useful and felt that it could facilitate the benefits of consultation recordings, along with providing patient empowerment and support. Potential issues regarding implementation were discussed, and solutions were generated. CLINICALTRIAL Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12618000730202; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=373915&amp;isClinicalTrial=False


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krishna Krishna Prasad Pathak

BACKGROUND Health professionals (HPs) play a key role in dementia management and detection. However, there is a gap in the literature as to what represents best practice with regard to educating HPs to improve their dementia detection practices and management. OBJECTIVE The objective of this scoping review is to synthesize the aggregated studies aimed at improving health care knowledge, detection practices and management of dementia among HPs. METHODS We searched electronically published relevant articles with inclusion criteria; (1) intervention studies aimed at improving HPs practices concerning dementia care and (2) educational interventions focused on nurses and doctors’ knowledge, detection practice and management of dementia. Twenty-five articles fit the inclusion criteria. RESULTS Collaborative programs of practice based workshops, interactive learning activities with community and multi-faced educational program were the most effective. CONCLUSIONS HPs should be supported to improve their knowledge, tackle behavioural problems associated with dementia, be made aware of services and be enabled to engage in more early diagnosis. CLINICALTRIAL no applicable


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