Best Practices

By Shannon Solley, Associate Editor

Within the past 30 years, the output of medical research has increased. A 2022 review of PubMed's database found cohort studies alone have risen from just under 10,000 in 2010 to nearly 35,000 in 2020.¹ In wound care, experts know that staying up to date on evidence-based practices can ensure best outcomes for patients. However, many wound care professionals may find it cumbersome to review complex studies. “We’re all really busy,” said Denise Nemeth, MPAS, PA-C, CWS. “How are we supposed to [accomplish all our responsibilities to ourselves and our patients] and, on top of that, stay on top of research, are you kidding me?"

Mary R Brennan, RN, MBA, CWON

Inquisitive nurses have questioned the status quo and challenged the current standards available at the time. They believed there was an improvement that could be made, and so these nurses began the process of validating their concerns or questions. Was this easy? Probably not, but their conviction to seek out a better method drove them to look, investigate, and validate their work. I would like to share a few stories of nurses who have changed our practice and hopefully inspire you to ask the question: Why are we doing this?