We’re excited to celebrate a significant milestone for the wound care community! A new set of best practice recommendations has been published in the Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing (JWOCN) addressing the intricate challenges of managing malignant cutaneous wounds. These wounds, often associated with cancer diagnoses, demand expert care to alleviate symptoms and improve patients' quality of life.
The publication, titled “Executive Summary: Topical Management of Malignant Cutaneous Wounds - Canadian Best Practice Recommendations for Health Care Professionals Developed by Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (in collaboration with the Canadian Palliative Care Nursing Association),” represents the collaboration of Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) and the Canadian Palliative Care Nursing Association. Authored by a distinguished group of Canadian experts, this comprehensive guide offers 23 evidence-informed recommendations tailored to health care professionals, interdisciplinary teams, and support systems.
Abstract: Malignant cutaneous wounds pose unique challenges in patient care, requiring specialized attention to alleviate local symptoms and enhance health-related quality of life. As the prevalence of these wounds continues to rise with improving cancer survival rates, it is essential to establish comprehensive best practice recommendations for their topical management. To address this need, a task force was assembled from across Canada, consisting of members from Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Canada and the Canadian Palliative Care Nursing Association. The purpose of these recommendations is to provide a framework for the topical management of malignant cutaneous wounds for health care professionals, emphasizing the substantial role of their support persons. Recognizing the impact of cultural humility and the need to deliver care that respects individual beliefs and practices is crucial in providing effective and equitable care. The 23 presented recommendations aim to guide nurses, the interdisciplinary team, and the health system to enhance the overall quality of malignant cutaneous wound care management.
Authors:
Debra Johnston, MN, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C), University Health Network, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Valerie Chaplain, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C), Quebec Montfort Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Marilyn Kerr, MClSc-WH, BN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C), Alberta Seniors Health, Central Zone, Camrose, Alberta, Canada.
Jennifer Malley, MN, BN, RN, CHPCN(C), Extra-Mural Program, Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada.
Valentina Popov, BN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC (C), ParaMed Home Health Care, Kitchener, Onatrio, Canada.
Dawn Ross, BScN, RN, CHPCN(C), Nova Scotia Health Authority, Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Jordan Smart, MClSc-WH, BN, RN, NSWOC WOCC(C), Lethbridge Home Care, Alberta Health Services, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.
We extend our congratulations to the authors and encourage everyone in the wound care and palliative care fields to explore this groundbreaking work. Let’s continue advancing excellence in patient care together! Access the publication below.