51 research outputs found
Dressing use issues in primary abdominal wounds : a qualitative study of health staff and patient views
Primary surgical abdominal wounds are usually covered with a dressing. However, little is known about the practical issues and costs around these dressings. This study aimed to provide an in-depth description of patients' and health professionals' perspectives on the clinical and practical issues associated with standard and novel dressing (glue-as-a-dressing) use on primary surgical wounds, and to establish whether and how their experience compares with these perspectives. During semi-structured interviews, patients and health professionals discussed their positive experience of glue-as-a-dressing and no dressing around six themes: wound contamination and infection, wound healing, wound care, physical protection afforded by simple dressings, the potential psychological impact of an exposed wound, and ability to carry out everyday tasks. Current views on the practice of dressings for primary abdominal wounds are influenced by ingrained clinical practice. These views can be challenged when exposed to novel dressing strategies or as new evidence of the clinical effect of dressing strategies emerges
Validation of the Bluebelle Wound Healing questionnaire (WHQ) for assessment of surgical site infection in primary surgical wounds after hospital discharge
Background
Accurate assessment of surgicalāsite infection (SSI) is crucial for surveillance and research. Selfāreporting patient measures are needed because current SSI tools are limited for assessing patients after leaving hospital. The Bluebelle Wound Healing Questionnaire (WHQ) was developed for patient or observer completion; this study tested its acceptability, scale structure, reliability and validity in patients with closed primary wounds after abdominal surgery.
Methods
Patients completed the WHQ (selfāassessment) within 30 days after leaving hospital and returned it by post. Healthcare professionals completed the WHQ (observer assessment) by telephone or faceātoāface. Questionnaire response rates and patient acceptability were assessed. Factor analysis and Cronbach's Ī± examined scale structure and internal consistency. Testāretest and selfā versus observer reliability assessments were performed. Sensitivity and specificity for SSI discrimination against a faceātoāface reference diagnosis (using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria) were examined.
Results
Some 561 of 792 selfāassessments (70Ā·8 per cent) and 597 of 791 observer assessments (75Ā·5 per cent) were completed, with few missing data or problems reported. Data supported a singleāscale structure with strong internal consistency (Ī± greater than 0Ā·8). Reliability between testāretest and selfā versus observer assessments was good (Īŗ 0Ā·6 or above for the majority of items). Sensitivity and specificity for SSI discrimination was high (area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve 0Ā·91).
Conclusion
The Bluebelle WHQ is acceptable, reliable and valid with a singleāscale structure for postdischarge patient or observer assessment of SSI in closed primary wounds
Australia\u27s health 2000 : the seventh biennial report of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Australia\u27s Health 2000 is the seventh biennial health report of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. It is the nation\u27s authoritative source of information on patterns of health and illness, determinants of health, the supply and use of health services, and health services costs and performance.This 2000 edition serves as a summary of Australia\u27s health record at the end of the twentieth century. In addition, a special chapter is presented on changes in Australia\u27s disease profile over the last 100 years.Australia\u27s Health 2000 is an essential reference and information source for all Australians with an interest in health
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