Background Traditional teaching has proven insufficient to provide nurses with the necessary knowledge about pressure injuries. Therefore, alternative educational methods, such as online platforms, are being explored to improve nursing education.

Aim To evaluate the effectiveness of an online website to improve nursing students’ knowledge of pressure injuries and determine their level of satisfaction with this teaching method.

Methods A quasi-experimental design with quantitative analysis of pre- and post-tests and satisfaction scores was used.

Sample Senior undergraduate nursing students (N = 51) from 10 public and private Brazilian universities participated.

Data collection The Pressure Injury Knowledge Test was used, consisting of 41 questions on pressure injury assessment and classification and 12 questions on management. The Student’s Satisfaction with Learning Questionnaire assessed students’ satisfaction. The educational website content was organised into various pressure injury modules, validated by specialists, and offered as a distance course. Students completed pre- and post-tests to compare the effectiveness of learning from the website.

Data analysis The student t-test was used, with statistical significance set at p<0.05.

Results The percentage of correct answers on the post-test (91.53%) was higher than on the pre-test (73.77%) (p<0.01). In the post-test, four questions in the domain ‘Pressure Injury Management’ had success rates between 59% and 66.7%, indicating a lack of knowledge. The average student satisfaction with their knowledge increased (p<0.01).

Conclusion The intervention significantly increased the rate of correct answers, suggesting that online platforms can effectively enhance knowledge and satisfaction in nursing education.

Implications for clinical practice Online educational resources can improve nursing education in critical areas like pressure injuries, contributing to better patient care.

Aim This study evaluates the impact of postgraduate wound care qualifications on healthcare professionals’ education, clinical practice, and career progression. It examines how advanced training enhances professional confidence, skill integration, and adherence to best-practice guidelines. Additionally, it identifies barriers to education, assesses self-perceived confidence in wound management, and compares career outcomes across countries. Finally, it explores differences between barriers in implementing knowledge in the workplace between geographical regions.

Methods An international cross-sectional survey was conducted in a convenience sample of healthcare professionals who had completed postgraduate wound care education. Participants were recruited through social media, professional networks, peak bodies and associations. The survey included quantitative and qualitative components, assessing career outcomes, barriers and enablers to study, self-perceived confidence, and the application of acquired knowledge. Descriptive statistics and one-way between groups analysis of variance analysis (ANOVA) were performed for quantitative data and thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data.

Results A total of 178 health professionals from 27 countries completed the survey. Postgraduate education was found to substantially enhance clinical confidence and decision-making, with 93% (n=166) of participants considering their qualification relevant and 90% (n=160) reporting it met their expectations. Career progression was reported to be enhanced with 33% (n=60) gaining a competitive advantage in obtaining their current role. However, barriers to completing formal study, such as competing work and study demands (68%, n=121), course costs (48%, n=86), and limited study leave (37%, n=66) were frequently reported. Knowledge implementation was reported to be restricted by institutional resistance and restricted access to advanced wound care products.

Conclusion Postgraduate wound care education plays a crucial role in enhancing clinical competency and contributes to career development. However, financial constraints limit accessibility of education and institutional barriers limit implementation of new knowledge. Addressing these challenges through credentialing and benchmarking, increased institutional support, and policy changes could optimise the benefits of postgraduate education and strengthen evidence-based wound care practices globally. Future research should assess its long-term impact on patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency.

Background Wound infection poses major challenges in clinical practice and can be associated with high morbidity or mortality in some instances.

Hypothesis/aim This study aimed to determine the effects of different corticosteroid-mupirocin cream combinations on wound infection, wound re-epithelialisation and contraction in male Wistar rats.

Methods A randomised controlled study was carried out to compare the effects of different corticosteroid-mupirocin cream combinations on the healing of infected wounds in male Wistar rats. Forty-two male Wistar rats weighing 150–200g were randomly divided into seven groups, with six rats each. Group 1 (negative control) had no wounds. Wounds were made on the lower backs of the rats and infected with bacteria. During each dressing change, the wounds were assessed for signs of infection via the Southampton wound grading, and the percentage re-epithelialisation was also calculated. On day 24 of the experiment, wound swabs were taken and sent for microscopy and culture. The data were analysed using analysis of variance, and p<0.05 was taken as the accepted level of significant difference.

Results/findings There was no significant difference in the contraction rate across the groups (p=0.502), however, the 2:1 mupirocin-betamethasone group had the highest degree of wound contraction (77.9%) and a lower infection rate (p=0.0001).

Conclusions This study revealed that the combination of mupirocin and betamethasone is more efficacious in promoting wound epithelialisation and wound bacteria.

Implications for clinical practice The use of mupirocin-betamethasone combination is effective in the healing of infected wounds.

Background Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are a major health concern globally due to their high risk of infection, amputation and associated healthcare burden. Negative pressure wound therapy with instillation and dwell time (NPWTi-d) has emerged as a promising adjunctive treatment for infected DFUs, especially when integrated into multidisciplinary care pathways.

Aim This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of NPWTi-d in the management of infected DFUs within a multidisciplinary team (MDT) setting in a tertiary hospital in Singapore.

Methods A retrospective, descriptive observational study was conducted involving 50 patients with infected DFUs treated with NPWTi-d (V.A.C. Veraflo™) following surgical debridement between January 2021 and June 2022. Patient demographics, wound characteristics, treatment timelines, and outcomes were extracted from a chronic wound registry and electronic medical records. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using JMP® software.

Results Of the 50 patients included, 90% (n=45) achieved complete wound healing. The majority (88%, n=40) underwent successful closure via reconstructive surgery, while none required major amputation. The median length of stay was 20 days, and the mean number of operative visits was four. More than half of the patients (52%, n=26) underwent minor amputations, primarily ray amputations and toe disarticulations.

Conclusion NPWTi-d, when applied post-debridement and supported by MDT care, appears to be effective in achieving high wound healing rates and facilitating limb preservation in patients with infected DFU.

Implications for clinical practice These findings support the integration of NPWTi-d into MDT pathways for early and effective management of infected DFU. Further prospective comparative trials are warranted.

Aim To get baseline information on critical aspects on diabetic foot (DF) care in Tuscany, we surveyed the health care professionals (HCPs) working in the public regional health service (RHS), as part of the Diabetic Foot Valley Tuscany project.

Methods A 12-item questionnaire, was delivered, focusing on the amount of their time dedicated to DF care and their interest and sense of adequacy toward DF. They were then asked to indicate the critical aspects of DF care and rank them according to the level of priorities.

Results 61 out of 97 (62.9%) HCPs took part in the survey. DF care represented more than half of the workload of nearly 60% HCPs and their interest was significantly higher (p<0.001) than self-reported professional adequacy/competence, and it was correlated (p<0.001) with years of work for physicians. Lack of technical skills, poor knowledge of guidelines and need for professional upgrade were the most frequently selected criticalities from a clinical point of view, while lack of dedicated beds, spaces and staff were the ones from an organisational perspective. The ranking of the clinical aspects of DF care in need of upgrading assigned urgencies, infection and ischemia management the highest priority, while for the organisational aspects the priorities were revascularisation, local surgery and Charcot’s foot.

Conclusions DF represents a relevant aspect of the activity of the public network of diabetology centres in Tuscany, and the interests of the HCPs is not paralleled by a sense of professional adequacy, especially for practical skills and organisational issues. This is particularly true for the aspects of DFS related to the acute manifestation of the disease, which are considered priorities when HCPs were asked to rank their needs in terms of upgrade and reorganisation.

Implication for clinical practice The information gathered with this survey will be instrumental in planning and realising the amelioration projects that the Diabetic Foot Valley Tuscany project aims to realise for improving the quality of management of DF patients in our region.

Background Patients with delayed wound healing (DWH) experience psychological challenges that can hinder recovery, creating a detrimental cycle. The complex and multifaceted nature of psychological wellbeing, coupled with the heterogeneity of measurement tools used in chronic wound research, highlights the necessity for a more comprehensive understanding of the psychological facets of DWH.

Aim This scoping review aimed to synthesise evidence on psychological wellbeing components and their influencing factors in adults with DWH.

Methods Databases (Scopus, MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, ProQuest Global, PsycINFO) were searched for studies on adults (18+) with wounds persisting ≥4 weeks. Exclusions included pediatric, burn, malignant, and amputation-related wounds. Data extraction followed a dual-reviewer process, with synthesis guided by Ryff’s psychological wellbeing framework.

Results Of 47 included studies, most were from Asia (31.9%); none were from Africa. Quantitative designs dominated (89.4%), with no psychological interventions identified. Fourteen instruments assessed wellbeing, primarily measuring quality of life (n=43), depression (n=14), and anxiety (n=12). Autonomy was frequently impacted by pain and mobility, while self-acceptance and personal growth were rarely examined.

Conclusions Standardised tools are needed to assess psychological wellbeing in DWH. Future research should prioritise underrepresented dimensions (such as personal growth, purpose) to inform targeted interventions.

Implications for clinical practice Clinicians should manage wound symptoms and adopt holistic assessments that include psychological wellbeing domains, beyond quality of life, such as self-acceptance and personal growth, to improve patient-centered care and healing outcomes. Early screening for depression and anxiety, alongside tailored support, may help break the cycle of psychological distress and delayed healing.

Background Pressure injuries (PIs) remain a major concern in intensive care units (ICUs), where immobility and critical illness increase vulnerability. Despite advances in prevention, gaps in practice persist.

Aim To identify risk factors and characteristics of pressure injuries among adult ICU patients in Jordan and evaluate preventive measures currently in use.

Methods A case-control study was conducted in the ICUs of two tertiary hospitals in Jordan. A total of 300 adult patients were included: 150 with PIs (cases) and 150 without (controls). Data were extracted from medical records using the Braden Scale and a structured risk factor tool.

Results The mean age of cases was 66.0 years compared to 54.9 years among controls. Males predominated in both groups, particularly among cases (61.3%). Preventive practices were inconsistent: none had pressure-relieving mattresses, and repositioning was often reactive. Logistic regression identified significant predictors: male gender (OR=8.6), older age (OR=1.04 per year), prolonged ICU stay (OR=1.52), higher BMI (OR=1.12), mechanical ventilation (OR=22.0), oedema (OR=5.53), reduced consciousness (OR=8.41), and incontinence-associated dermatitis (OR = 9.0). Adequate preventive care reduced PI likelihood substantially (OR=31.0).

Conclusions The findings emphasise the importance of integrating early, targeted interventions into routine ICU practice to minimise patient harm and improve outcomes.

Implications for clinical practice Findings highlight the urgent need for standardised preventive strategies, resource allocation and adherence to evidence-based guidelines to reduce PI incidence and improve ICU patient outcomes.