The purpose of this study is to describe the physical characteristics and medical history of patients experiencing heel pressure ulcers. The results will be used to potentially formulate a heel risk assessment measurement tool. This study is unique because the research protocol was designed collectively by the members of the North Carolina Wound Ostomy Continence Nurses Group. This statewide initiative was an innovative way of involving both novice and experienced researchers in the nursing research process.

The setting for this study will be healthcare venues in North Carolina where a WOC nurse performs consultative services for patients with heel ulcers. Examples include hospitals, nursing homes, patient homes, and clinics. During a designated thirty-day study period, after participating North Carolina WOC nurses perform initial consultations on patients with heel ulcerations, the WOC Nurse will perform a chart review and complete the data collection tool. The sample will include any patient 18 years and older under the care of a participating WOC nurse.

Data collection is currently in progress and will be completed on November 30, 2007. The data will be coded and entered into an Excel spreadsheet during December 2007. Results will be analyzed and reported by March 2007.

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