Challenges facing tissue viability in 2010.

Tissue viability is a speciality that truly encompasses the holistic needs of individuals with a wound. As practitioners involved in tissue viability it is not just the wound that requires assessment, treatment and prevention strategies, but also the assessment of nutrition, pain, stress, mobility, altered body image and any underlying disease process prior to choosing the most appropriate dressing and pressure-redistributing devices. Additionally, tissue viability practitioners are expected to develop business cases to support the speciality, and to liaise with members of the multidisciplinary team who are involved in the care of the patient. Although tissue viability tends to be nurse-led, there are numerous professional groups that will also be involved in this care, including healthcare assistants, podiatrists, physiotherapists, medical staff, occupational therapists and dieticians. It is therefore important that all those involved in tissue viability understand the importance of the quality agenda that will affect their day to day delivery of care.