The newest editions of two best practice guidelines (BPG) were released in the Fall of 2024. Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Prevention, Assessment, and Management (third edition) was published on Oct. 17. Pressure injury management: Risk assessment, prevention and treatment (fourth edition) was released on Nov. 21, 2024. 

The BPGs are among the more than 50 published by RNAO, and provide nurses, members of the interprofessional team, and other collaborators around the world with up-to-date evidence-based recommendations to support care in these two areas.  

The pressure injury BPG’s 16-member expert panel was led by Dr. Dimitri Beeckman, professor of nursing science at Ghent University (Belgium) and Örebro University (Sweden), and Corey Heerschap, wound and ostomy clinical nurse specialist at Barrie’s Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (Canada).

“Through the integration of current research findings, new technologies and relevant clinical strategies, this guideline provides a resource for health-care providers to deliver high quality care, leading to the reduction of incidence and severity of pressure injuries,” says Heerschap.

The diabetic foot ulcer BPG’s interprofessional expert panel was co-chaired by Dr. Mariam Botros, CEO of Wounds Canada, and Dr. Kevin Woo, professor at the Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Nursing for Queen’s University.

“Diabetic foot ulcers are a serious complication that can lead to amputations, but four out of five amputations are preventable with the right care,” says Botros. “These guidelines have a tangible impact in our practice, allowing us to improve the wellbeing and quality of life for individuals, ease the financial burden on our health system and support equitable care."

The BPGs are available online for free download.