Karen Ousey | University of Huddersfield (original) (raw)

Papers by Karen Ousey

Research paper thumbnail of Cost-effective use of silver dressings for the treatment of hard-to-heal chronic venous leg ulcers

PloS one, 2014

To estimate the cost-effectiveness of silver dressings using a health economic model based on tim... more To estimate the cost-effectiveness of silver dressings using a health economic model based on time-to-wound-healing in hard-to-heal chronic venous leg ulcers (VLUs). Chronic venous ulceration affects 1-3% of the adult population and typically has a protracted course of healing, resulting in considerable costs to the healthcare system. The pathogenesis of VLUs includes excessive and prolonged inflammation which is often related to critical colonisation and early infection. The use of silver dressings to control this bioburden and improve wound healing rates remains controversial. A decision tree was constructed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of treatment with silver compared with non-silver dressings for four weeks in a primary care setting. The outcomes: 'Healed ulcer', 'Healing ulcer' or 'No improvement' were developed, reflecting the relative reduction in ulcer area from baseline to four weeks of treatment. A data set from a recent meta-analysis, based ...

Research paper thumbnail of Preventing heel ulceration

Research paper thumbnail of Aetiology of pressure ulcers and principles of pressure ulcer prevention

Pressure Area Care is an essential skill for nurses in every area of clinical practice. This begi... more Pressure Area Care is an essential skill for nurses in every area of clinical practice. This beginner's guide assumes no prior knowledge and explores the causes of pressure ulcers, the practical skills needed to avoid them developing, and the clinical skills needed to manage them effectively when they do occur. Pressure Area Care will enable students and staff to provide effective management and care of pressure areas. It incorporates national guidelines to promote evidence based care, examines the optimal choice of pressure ...

Research paper thumbnail of The importance of effective pressure area care

Pressure Area Care is an essential skill for nurses in every area of clinical practice. This begi... more Pressure Area Care is an essential skill for nurses in every area of clinical practice. This beginner's guide assumes no prior knowledge and explores the causes of pressure ulcers, the practical skills needed to avoid them developing, and the clinical skills needed to manage them effectively when they do occur. Pressure Area Care will enable students and staff to provide effective management and care of pressure areas. It incorporates national guidelines to promote evidence based care, examines the optimal choice of pressure ...

Research paper thumbnail of Tissue viability — can you define the role or the service?

Research paper thumbnail of Management of the established pressure ulcer

Pressure Area Care is an essential skill for nurses in every area of clinical practice. This begi... more Pressure Area Care is an essential skill for nurses in every area of clinical practice. This beginner's guide assumes no prior knowledge and explores the causes of pressure ulcers, the practical skills needed to avoid them developing, and the clinical skills needed to manage them effectively when they do occur. Pressure Area Care will enable students and staff to provide effective management and care of pressure areas. It incorporates national guidelines to promote evidence based care, examines the optimal choice of pressure ...

Research paper thumbnail of Exploring pressure ulcer prevention

Abstract This article explores the prevention of pressure ulcer development and tissue damage. Th... more Abstract This article explores the prevention of pressure ulcer development and tissue damage. The implications of the growing population of elderly individuals in the UK on the need for decubitus and pressure ulcers' management guidelines are discussed. The role of nurses in the management of pressure damages is described. The importance of prevention of pressure ulcer development is emphasized. Overall, each patient must be assessed on an individual basis for their level of risk. Regular nutritional assessment, promotion of ...

Research paper thumbnail of A Case Study Exploring a Multi-Disciplinary Collaborative Initiative to Use E-Learning to Meet the Professional Learning Needs of Health and Social Care Practitioners

Concepts, Methodologies, Tools and Applications, 2000

Research paper thumbnail of Chronic wounds-an overview

Journal of Community Nursing, 2009

This article presents an overview of the wound healing process of hard to heal or chronic wounds.... more This article presents an overview of the wound healing process of hard to heal or chronic wounds. A brief introduction on the functions of the skin and wound types is provided. The pathophysiology of inflammation is discussed. Complications and infections related to chronic wounds are also tackled. It is important that the clinician is able to recognize a chronic wound and administer effective treatment.

Research paper thumbnail of Identifying, managing and treating skin tears

Journal of Community Nursing, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of How do nursing students utilise directed study time within an undergraduate nursing curriculum?

Research paper thumbnail of Simulated patients from Black and Ethnic Minority communities – their role in health care education

Research paper thumbnail of Foam dressings and excessive wound exudate

Research paper thumbnail of The future of tissue viability

As we all attend the annual Wounds UK event in Harrogate, it is probably an ideal time to reflect... more As we all attend the annual Wounds UK event in Harrogate, it is probably an ideal time to reflect on the changes over the last twelve months and tissue viability as a specialty service. Is there a future for tissue viability, or will the speciality be subsumed into the role of the generalist practitioner?

Research paper thumbnail of The theory-practice relationship in nursing: a participatory debate

With reference to the relationship between theory and practice in nursing there is a conventional... more With reference to the relationship between theory and practice in nursing there is a conventional or orthodox position that comprises three entities. The first is theory, which can be found in textbooks and other activities that are associated with formal education. The second is practice, which is associated with the everyday work of nurses in contact with patients. The third, which is a less tangible entity, is the difference or variance between the other two entities. This third entity is usually referred to as the gap between theory and ...

Research paper thumbnail of A review of evidence for negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) use post spinal surgery

Ewma Journal 2013 13 24 25, Apr 1, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of An investigation to assess ankle mobility in healthy individuals from the application of multi-component compression bandages and compression hosiery

Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, 2016

An investigation was undertaken to compare the effect of multi-component compression bandages and... more An investigation was undertaken to compare the effect of multi-component compression bandages and compression hosiery kits on individuals' range of ankle motion whilst wearing typical and medical footwear, and barefoot. A convenience sample of 30 healthy individuals recruited from the staff and student population at the University of Huddersfield, UK. Plantarflexion/dorsiflexion range of ankle motion (ROAM) was measured in participants over 6 steps in every combination of typical, medical and no footwear; and multi-component bandages, compression hosiery and no garments. Controlling for age, gender and garments, the use of typical footwear was associated with a mean increase in ROAM of 2.54° at best estimate compared with barefoot; the use of medical footwear was associated with a mean decrease in ROAM of 1.12° at best estimate compared with barefoot. Controlling for age, gender and footwear, the use of bandaging was associated with a mean decrease in ROAM of 2.51° at best estimate compared with no garments. Controlling for age, gender and footwear, the use of hosiery was not associated with a significant change in ROAM compared with no garments. Bandages appear to restrict ROAM more than hosiery when used in conjunction with a variety of footwear types.

Research paper thumbnail of Editorial: Tissue viability and the Quality Accounts agenda

The terms' Quality Accounts' and'QIPP'(quality, innovation, productivity and prev... more The terms' Quality Accounts' and'QIPP'(quality, innovation, productivity and prevention) may not be familiar to all, but, over the course of the coming year, their impact will be felt by all who are engaged in the delivery of health care.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessing compliance with a care bundle for surgical site infection in surgery for spinal metastases

Research paper thumbnail of Preparing to meet the challenge of promoting skin integrity in an aging population: Results of a 5-trust wound care survey across England

Research paper thumbnail of Cost-effective use of silver dressings for the treatment of hard-to-heal chronic venous leg ulcers

PloS one, 2014

To estimate the cost-effectiveness of silver dressings using a health economic model based on tim... more To estimate the cost-effectiveness of silver dressings using a health economic model based on time-to-wound-healing in hard-to-heal chronic venous leg ulcers (VLUs). Chronic venous ulceration affects 1-3% of the adult population and typically has a protracted course of healing, resulting in considerable costs to the healthcare system. The pathogenesis of VLUs includes excessive and prolonged inflammation which is often related to critical colonisation and early infection. The use of silver dressings to control this bioburden and improve wound healing rates remains controversial. A decision tree was constructed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of treatment with silver compared with non-silver dressings for four weeks in a primary care setting. The outcomes: 'Healed ulcer', 'Healing ulcer' or 'No improvement' were developed, reflecting the relative reduction in ulcer area from baseline to four weeks of treatment. A data set from a recent meta-analysis, based ...

Research paper thumbnail of Preventing heel ulceration

Research paper thumbnail of Aetiology of pressure ulcers and principles of pressure ulcer prevention

Pressure Area Care is an essential skill for nurses in every area of clinical practice. This begi... more Pressure Area Care is an essential skill for nurses in every area of clinical practice. This beginner's guide assumes no prior knowledge and explores the causes of pressure ulcers, the practical skills needed to avoid them developing, and the clinical skills needed to manage them effectively when they do occur. Pressure Area Care will enable students and staff to provide effective management and care of pressure areas. It incorporates national guidelines to promote evidence based care, examines the optimal choice of pressure ...

Research paper thumbnail of The importance of effective pressure area care

Pressure Area Care is an essential skill for nurses in every area of clinical practice. This begi... more Pressure Area Care is an essential skill for nurses in every area of clinical practice. This beginner's guide assumes no prior knowledge and explores the causes of pressure ulcers, the practical skills needed to avoid them developing, and the clinical skills needed to manage them effectively when they do occur. Pressure Area Care will enable students and staff to provide effective management and care of pressure areas. It incorporates national guidelines to promote evidence based care, examines the optimal choice of pressure ...

Research paper thumbnail of Tissue viability — can you define the role or the service?

Research paper thumbnail of Management of the established pressure ulcer

Pressure Area Care is an essential skill for nurses in every area of clinical practice. This begi... more Pressure Area Care is an essential skill for nurses in every area of clinical practice. This beginner's guide assumes no prior knowledge and explores the causes of pressure ulcers, the practical skills needed to avoid them developing, and the clinical skills needed to manage them effectively when they do occur. Pressure Area Care will enable students and staff to provide effective management and care of pressure areas. It incorporates national guidelines to promote evidence based care, examines the optimal choice of pressure ...

Research paper thumbnail of Exploring pressure ulcer prevention

Abstract This article explores the prevention of pressure ulcer development and tissue damage. Th... more Abstract This article explores the prevention of pressure ulcer development and tissue damage. The implications of the growing population of elderly individuals in the UK on the need for decubitus and pressure ulcers' management guidelines are discussed. The role of nurses in the management of pressure damages is described. The importance of prevention of pressure ulcer development is emphasized. Overall, each patient must be assessed on an individual basis for their level of risk. Regular nutritional assessment, promotion of ...

Research paper thumbnail of A Case Study Exploring a Multi-Disciplinary Collaborative Initiative to Use E-Learning to Meet the Professional Learning Needs of Health and Social Care Practitioners

Concepts, Methodologies, Tools and Applications, 2000

Research paper thumbnail of Chronic wounds-an overview

Journal of Community Nursing, 2009

This article presents an overview of the wound healing process of hard to heal or chronic wounds.... more This article presents an overview of the wound healing process of hard to heal or chronic wounds. A brief introduction on the functions of the skin and wound types is provided. The pathophysiology of inflammation is discussed. Complications and infections related to chronic wounds are also tackled. It is important that the clinician is able to recognize a chronic wound and administer effective treatment.

Research paper thumbnail of Identifying, managing and treating skin tears

Journal of Community Nursing, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of How do nursing students utilise directed study time within an undergraduate nursing curriculum?

Research paper thumbnail of Simulated patients from Black and Ethnic Minority communities – their role in health care education

Research paper thumbnail of Foam dressings and excessive wound exudate

Research paper thumbnail of The future of tissue viability

As we all attend the annual Wounds UK event in Harrogate, it is probably an ideal time to reflect... more As we all attend the annual Wounds UK event in Harrogate, it is probably an ideal time to reflect on the changes over the last twelve months and tissue viability as a specialty service. Is there a future for tissue viability, or will the speciality be subsumed into the role of the generalist practitioner?

Research paper thumbnail of The theory-practice relationship in nursing: a participatory debate

With reference to the relationship between theory and practice in nursing there is a conventional... more With reference to the relationship between theory and practice in nursing there is a conventional or orthodox position that comprises three entities. The first is theory, which can be found in textbooks and other activities that are associated with formal education. The second is practice, which is associated with the everyday work of nurses in contact with patients. The third, which is a less tangible entity, is the difference or variance between the other two entities. This third entity is usually referred to as the gap between theory and ...

Research paper thumbnail of A review of evidence for negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) use post spinal surgery

Ewma Journal 2013 13 24 25, Apr 1, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of An investigation to assess ankle mobility in healthy individuals from the application of multi-component compression bandages and compression hosiery

Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, 2016

An investigation was undertaken to compare the effect of multi-component compression bandages and... more An investigation was undertaken to compare the effect of multi-component compression bandages and compression hosiery kits on individuals' range of ankle motion whilst wearing typical and medical footwear, and barefoot. A convenience sample of 30 healthy individuals recruited from the staff and student population at the University of Huddersfield, UK. Plantarflexion/dorsiflexion range of ankle motion (ROAM) was measured in participants over 6 steps in every combination of typical, medical and no footwear; and multi-component bandages, compression hosiery and no garments. Controlling for age, gender and garments, the use of typical footwear was associated with a mean increase in ROAM of 2.54° at best estimate compared with barefoot; the use of medical footwear was associated with a mean decrease in ROAM of 1.12° at best estimate compared with barefoot. Controlling for age, gender and footwear, the use of bandaging was associated with a mean decrease in ROAM of 2.51° at best estimate compared with no garments. Controlling for age, gender and footwear, the use of hosiery was not associated with a significant change in ROAM compared with no garments. Bandages appear to restrict ROAM more than hosiery when used in conjunction with a variety of footwear types.

Research paper thumbnail of Editorial: Tissue viability and the Quality Accounts agenda

The terms' Quality Accounts' and'QIPP'(quality, innovation, productivity and prev... more The terms' Quality Accounts' and'QIPP'(quality, innovation, productivity and prevention) may not be familiar to all, but, over the course of the coming year, their impact will be felt by all who are engaged in the delivery of health care.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessing compliance with a care bundle for surgical site infection in surgery for spinal metastases

Research paper thumbnail of Preparing to meet the challenge of promoting skin integrity in an aging population: Results of a 5-trust wound care survey across England