OWM Book Review: Worth Reading

  Normally, Ostomy/Wound Management reviews books. Occasionally, however, other publications in the field merit the attention of our readers. The monograph and clinical practice guideline reviewed below are excellent sources of clinical and practical information on the types of wounds that increasingly are gaining the attention and stretching the resources of medical professionals. Pressure Ulcers in America: Prevalence, Incidence, and Implications for the Future
Edited by Janet Cuddigan, PhD, RN, CWCN; Elizabeth Ayello, PhD, RN, CS, CWOCN; and Carrie Sussman, PT National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel 11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 8 Reston, VA 20190-5202 https://www.npuap.org
184 pages; $75 (includes postage and handling)

  The "Social and Political Context" section in the first chapter of this monograph makes it clear: the national spotlight on pressure ulcers is here to stay and this monograph is a timely and much needed publication. In the introduction, the authors state, "By 'taking stock' of the pressure ulcer problem (past and present), we will be in a better position to shape the future." "Taking stock" is an accurate description of the subsequent chapters of this monograph. A review of incidence and prevalence study methods (and their limitations) is followed by a description of the review methods used. Extensive summaries of pressure ulcer incidence and prevalence data gathered according to clinical setting and special populations (eg, spinal cord injuries, the elderly, infants, and children) also are presented. In addition to the text, all chapters contain tables summarizing the information and figures to illustrate trends or provide comparisons. To help "shape the future," the final chapter describes unresolved issues and offers clear and succinct recommendations for the future. Every person interested in pressure ulcers will find something worthwhile for his or her research or practice in this comprehensive overview of pressure ulcer incidence and prevalence.

Diabetic Foot Disorders: A Clinical Practice Guideline
R.B. Frykberg, D.G. Armstrong, and J. Giurine, et al. The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery - Vol. 39, Number 5, Supplement 2000 American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons 515 Busse Highway Park Ridge, IL 60068-3150 https://www.acfas.org
The 60-page clinical practice guideline, laminated algorithms, and quick reference guide can be purchased separately or together ($38). The document also can be obtained from subscribing libraries.

  Whether you are interested in the ICD-9-CM classifications of diabetes and its manifestations, a review of empirical antibiotic therapy for limb- or life-threatening infections, or the etiology and prevalence of neuropathic osteoarthropathy, this monograph covers it all. The monograph was prepared by the Clinical Practice Core Committee and the Diabetes Committee of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) and was made possible by a grant from Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical. The document (and the accompanying algorithms and quick reference guide) was developed for podiatric physicians; however, all clinicians caring for people at risk for or who have diabetic foot ulcers may find this monograph useful. The guideline is easy to read and contains many practical tables, figures, and step-by-step procedures. It also features a diabetic foot ulcer, infection, and Charcot foot management clinical pathway. The breadth of this monograph will appeal to many clinicians. People interested in more background information will appreciate the extensive reference list.

  An important limitation of this clinical practice guideline is shared by most available guidelines. The methodology used to develop the recommendations is not clearly described, strength of evidence ratings were not developed or used, and the guideline has not been validated. However, the guideline does provide a very useful and comprehensive review of current knowledge about the prevention and management of diabetic foot ulcers as well as clinical pathways that warrant further research and clinical validation.