Editorial and opinion Guest editorial Editorial and opinion Introduction


Celebrating the first Wounds International Conference


This inaugural event will be open to all wound care clinicians, says Suzie Calne


T


ough economic conditions across the world mean that clinicians are constantly


battling economic cuts and resisting restrictions that enforce changes in everyday practice. It is very easy to reach a plateau where professional practice is safe and effective, but lacks growth and development. Education is vital and this editorial


coincides with the first Wounds International Conference which is taking place in Cape Town, South Africa from 1–3 February. There will be a vast amount to learn from this event with many opportunities to explore and better understand the wound management challenges faced in different locations and environments. Also, in order to make the content of the conference accessible to wound care clinicians around the world, many of the lectures presented will be downloadable and available on the Wounds International website. This issue highlights a number of


sophisticated advances in wound management. Specifically, the management of wound infection and scarring. We have received very positive


feedback about the Wounds International ‘made easy’ series and it is important to note that in addition to the focus on particular topic areas, we also publish pieces on specific


3


products (see this issue for the 3M™ Coban® Compression Made Easy). It is timely and important that the


topical Made Easy in this issue is on antimicrobial dressings. The authors have provided a clear and practical perspective on the appropriate and safe use of these dressings. The key message is that


antimicrobial dressings containing antiseptics, such as silver, iodine, honey and polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), have an important role to play in wound healing. This Made Easy reiterates the work of the WUWHS consensus on wound infection (http://www.wuwhs.com/ consensus.php) and gives clarity to the definition of terms used in relation to infection and the need to think carefully about when to use an antiseptic and for how long. We are also launching a new


series called ‘Company Fact File’ providing insight into different companies, where they operate, which products are available and what their commitment is to research and education. Some information on the history and future innovations of each profiled company will also be presented. These papers will be short, succinct and easy to navigate. Included in this issue is an unusual


piece written by a veterinarian describing pressure ulcers on a mule in Morocco. This is of interest as there are many similarities between human and animal treatment principles, although additional challenges arise regarding issues such as offloading and prevention. Our technology update addresses


‘skin substitute’ options and provides an introductory overview describing how these products are


Wounds International Vol 2 | Issue 1 | ©Wounds International 2011


manufactured and used in current practice. In many countries the number


of advanced wound care products available is rapidly expanding and clinicians need to understand when and how to use them to ensure maximum benefit. We are, therefore, delighted to


launch an international consensus document on acellular matricies. This is available on the Wounds International website and offers clarity to many of the practical questions raised when introducing advanced wound products.


Suzie Calne Editor, Wounds International


If you would like to contribute to a future issue of the journal, please contact Suzie Calne, the editor of Wounds International at: scalne@ woundsinternational.com


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