The Impact of Stress on Pressure Ulcer Wound Healing Process and on the Psychophysiological Environment of the Individual Suffering from them

Psychological, behavioural and relevant factors affecting wound healing, and the buffering role of interventions

Wound healing is a complex process accompanying numerous health conditions, and millions of people across the world experience deleterious impacts caused by wounds. There are many non-biological factors that can directly or indirectly affect the health outcomes of patients with wounds. The purpose of this review was to investigate the effects of psychological, behavioural and other relevant factors on wound healing. In addition, as the possible associations among these factors have, in the authors' view, not been addressed appropriately, we also aimed to examine if there were specific relationships among these factors and between these factors and health outcomes. Finally, we reviewed the role of various interventions in buffering negative impacts during health procedures.

Lifestyle Medicine Approach to Wound Management

Chronic wounds impact 4.5% of the US population, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of their types and underlying mechanisms. Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), prevalent in 25% of individuals with diabetes, contribute significantly to lower limb amputations. The pathophysiology involves neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease, impaired immunity, glycemic control, and mechanical stress. Lifestyle medicine emerges as a pivotal aspect of care, offering both prevention and treatment by integrating plant-predominant nutrition, physical activity, stress management, avoidance of harmful substances, restful sleep, and social connectedness. These interventions impact gene interactions, immune function, and tissue regeneration, playing a crucial role in chronic wound management. The standard of care involves a multidisciplinary approach, emphasizing infection and vascular management, pressure offloading, conducive wound healing environments, and lifestyle adjustments. As diabetes prevalence rises, a proactive integration of lifestyle interventions is crucial, offering a promising avenue to alleviate the growing healthcare burden associated with chronic wounds.

Metalloproteinases as Biomarkers and Sociomarkers in Human Health and Disease

Metalloproteinases (MPs) are zinc-dependent enzymes with proteolytic activity and a variety of functions in the pathophysiology of human diseases. The main objectives of this review are to analyze a specific family of MPs, the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), in the most common chronic and complex diseases that affect patients' social lives and to better understand the nature of the associations between MMPs and the psychosocial environment. In accordance with the PRISMA extension for a scoping review, an examination was carried out. A collection of 24 studies was analyzed, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of MMP and their connection to the manifestation of social aspects in human disease. The complexity of the relationship between MMP and social problems is presented via an interdisciplinary approach based on complexity paradigm as a new approach for conceptualizing knowledge in health research. Finally, two implications emerge from the study: first, the psychosocial states of individuals have a profound impact on their overall health and disease conditions, which implies the importance of adopting a holistic perspective on human well-being, encompassing both physical and psychosocial aspects. Second, the use of MPs as biomarkers may provide physicians with valuable tools for a better understanding of disease when used in conjunction with "sociomarkers" to develop mathematical predictive models.

Association between functional outcomes and psychological variables in persons with spinal cord injury

We aimed to explore the association of functional outcomes with psychological variables, including depression, anxiety, sleep quality, and suicide risk, in persons with spinal cord injuries (SCIs). The secondary aim was to determine specific functions related to the psychological variables. This retrospective study included 259 persons with SCIs who were admitted to the Korean National Rehabilitation Center between 2019 and 2021. The participants were interviewed by a psychiatrist and completed questionnaires, including the Korean Beck Depression Inventory II (K-BDI-II), Korean Beck Anxiety Index, Insomnia Severity Index, and Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. To assess functional outcomes, the Spinal Cord Independence Measure III (SCIM III) and Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury were determined by a physical therapist. The findings revealed a negative correlation of SCIM III subdivisions 1 and 3 with K-BDI-II. Specifically, feeding and mobility in bed and actions to prevent pressure injuries were functional factors associated with all four psychological variables. Our findings can guide clinicians to focus on improving functional independence and activities of daily living during the management of persons with SCI to prevent psychological consequences. Developing devices that aid in improving functional independence is crucial and may improve psychological problems in such individuals.

Effectiveness of zinc therapy for the treatment of pressure ulcers

Pressure ulcers are a significant burden in healthcare settings, impacting patients' lives and incurring substantial costs. Nutrition, including the micronutrient zinc, plays a role in wound healing. However, controversy exists regarding zinc supplementation for pressure ulcer management. Further research is needed to determine the efficacy, optimal dosages, and safety of oral zinc supplementation. This commentary provides a critical appraisal of the systematic review conducted by Song et al (2020), which evaluates the efficacy of zinc therapy in the treatment of pressure sores, focusing on the implementation of the nutritional recommendations in context to practice.

Assessment on Application Effect of Intelligent Pressure Ulcer Information Management System Software

Background

We aimed to apply the intelligent pressure ulcer information management system software to hospitalized patients with pressure ulcer and to evaluate its application effect.

Method

Fifty patients hospitalized in the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China, a grade-A tertiary hospital from March 2021 to May 2021 were grouped into the control group. For these subjects, conventional electronic forms were used to report and manage pressure ulcer information. Another 50 patients with pressure ulcer were selected as the experimental group who were hospitalized the same hospital from June 2021 to August 2021. They were managed with Intelligent Pressure Ulcer Information Management System Software.

Results

The effects of the two management methods were assessed by comparing the reporting time, the degree of pressure ulcer healing 1 week after the occurrence of pressure ulcer and after discharge, and the nurse satisfaction. The reporting time and Design-R scores 1 week after the occurrence of pressure ulcer and after discharge were significantly lower than those of the control group (P<0.05).

Conclusion

The pressure ulcer information management system makes the reporting process simple and convenient, which saves the reporting time, improves the accuracy of the pressure ulcer staging. It achieved the guidance for various stages of pressure ulcer treatment program, the use of dressing guidance, improved the accuracy of pressure ulcer treatment program, which is worthy of clinical reference.

Variations in sacral oedema levels over continuous 60-degree head of bed elevation positioning in healthy adults: An observational study

BACKGROUND

Subepidermal moisture (SEM) scanning is a novel technology that measures changes in localised oedema. Accumulation of subepidermal oedema is associated with early tissue damage that may lead to a pressure injury.

AIM

The primary study objective was to observe the variations in sacral subepidermal oedema levels over a continuous period of 60-degree head of bed elevation positioning.

METHODS

Healthy adult participants were recruited in this prospective observational study. Participants were positioned at 60-degree head of bed elevation for 120 min and sacral SEM measurements were collected at baseline and in 20 min increments.

RESULTS

A total of 20 participants with a mean age of 39.3 years (SD = 14.7) were recruited. The mean SEM delta value increased 6.3% from 0.46 SEM delta at baseline to 0.49 SEM delta after 120 min, however these differences are not statistically significant (p = .21). There were also no significant findings between SEM delta variations and demographic factors.

CONCLUSION

In a sample of healthy individuals, 120 min of continuous loading with a 60-degree head of bed elevation did not lead to a significant change in sacral subepidermal oedema levels. Further research on the response of healthy adult tissue under external forces associated with different angles of head of bed positioning may further contribute to our understanding pressure injury prevention.

Efficacy and Safety of Topical Application of Olive Oil for Preventing Pressure Ulcers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

The purpose was to identify and summarize the existing evidence on the efficacy and safety of the topical application of olive oil for preventing pressure ulcers (PUs). We included only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving patients at risk of developing PUs, testing the topical application of olive oil versus other products for PU prevention. We assessed the risk of bias using the RoB 2 tool, and the certainty of the evidence with GRADE. Four RCTs met the eligibility criteria. All studies were judged at a low risk of bias overall. The meta-analysis showed that the clinical efficacy of olive oil for prevention occurs by reducing the incidence of PUs (RR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.30 to 0.79, I2 = 0%); with no differences in adverse effects, it may be associated with a shorter development time of PUs and shorter hospital stays. The certainty of the evidence assessed by the GRADE approach was moderate and low. The topical application of olive oil is effective and safe in reducing the incidence of PUs compared to other treatments. These findings could provide new insights into olive oil as a preventive and alternative treatment for PUs as it is accessible and inexpensive compared to other products.

Application Value of Management Model Based on “Zero Tolerance” Concept in Pressure Ulcer Management

Background

Pressure injuries are the most prevalent health problem worldwide. Improving the quality of hospital pressure injury management is an important indicator to improve the quality of hospital management.

Objective

To explore the application value of the management model centered on the concept of “zero tolerance” in the management of pressure ulcers (PU).

Methods

The effects of conventional management mode and management mode centered on the concept of “zero tolerance” on PU patients and nursing staff were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were evaluated by the general comfort questionnaire (GCQ), Generic Quality of Life Inventory 74 (GQOL-74), and pressure ulcer healing scale (PUSH). At the same time, the satisfaction of PU patients and nursing staff with different management modes was investigated.

Results

When comparing the conditions of patients under different management modes, it was found that the “zero tolerance” management mode can improve the comfort and quality of life of patients during hospitalization. Compared with the conventional management mode, the “zero tolerance” management mode can significantly improve the degree of pressure ulcer healing in patients. In addition, the “zero tolerance” management model can not only improve the satisfaction of patients with management but also improve the satisfaction of nursing staff with management.

Conclusion

Standardized management of PU patients with the concept of “zero tolerance” as the core can improve the health status and quality of life of patients, promote wound healing, and improve the satisfaction of patients and nurses with the management plan.

Reducing the Incidence and Prevalence of Pressure Injury in Adult ICU Patients with Support Surface Use: A Systematic Review

GENERAL PURPOSE

To provide information on the effectiveness of active and reactive support surfaces in reducing the incidence and prevalence of pressure injuries (PIs) in adult ICU patients.

TARGET AUDIENCE

This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES

After participating in this educational activity, the participant will: 1. Distinguish features of active and reactive support surfaces used in the ICU.2. Compare the PI incidence in patients using a variety of support surfaces.3. Synthesize recommendations for the use of support surfaces to reduce the risk of PI in adult ICU patients.

Outcomes of wound care nurses' practice in patients with pressure ulcers: An integrative review

BACKGROUND

Wound care nurses are recognised as a key element for improving health outcomes. However, there is still fragmented knowledge of the outcomes associated with their practice in individuals with pressure ulcers.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To identify, summarise and map all available evidence related to the outcomes of wound care nurses' practice in individuals with pressure ulcers.

DESIGN

Integrative literature review.

REVIEW METHOD

To report the review, we followed the modified version of Cooper's five-step methodology, and the PRISMA guidelines.

METHODS

The search was carried out on CINAHL, PubMed, the Cochrane Library and Scopus, with a time frame ranging from each database inception to December 21, 2019. We included observational or experimental studies of adult individuals affected by (or at risk of) developing pressure ulcers who were also cared for by wound care nurses.

RESULTS

Of the 439 peer-reviewed publications, 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. The most frequent outcomes were pressure ulcer incidence, healing rate and time taken for complete healing. Less frequent outcomes were changes in pressure ulcers' stage, number of completely healed wounds, treatment costs and physical discomfort. No patient-reported outcomes were assessed.

CONCLUSION

This review indicates that clinical-related outcomes were by far the most reported. Future studies should broaden the spectrum of outcomes to include more subjective parameters (e.g. pain, quality of life, stress, etc.), in order to gain a better understanding of the global impact of wound care practice on patients with pressure ulcers.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

There is promising evidence of a positive impact of wound care nurses' practice on health and economic outcomes. Nonetheless, more robust and rigorous research is needed to provide stronger evidence in the field and support investment in these practitioners.