The Pressure Effect: A Wound Care Podcast

Pressure injuries caused by medical devices are more common than many realize, especially in the ICU. In this episode, Dr. Lee Ruotsi is joined by Dr. Kelly McFee, DNP, a seasoned wound care expert and past Chair of the Board of Directors at the American College of Clinical Wound Specialists, to talk about what causes these injuries, where they show up, and how to prevent them.Dr. McFee shares what she learned while working with critically ill patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the use of respiratory devices like BiPAP and CPAP led to a spike in facial injuries. She explains how her team responded by creating a simple, grab-and-go dressing bundle that helped drive compliance and made prevention easier for staff. They also get into early detection tools like SEM scanners and the importance of recognizing psychological impacts, especially when injuries are visible on the face.For anyone involved in caring for high-risk patients, this conversation is full of practical strategies that can make a real difference.Follow UsTwitter @SmithNephewPLCFacebook @SmithNephewPLCInstagram @SmithNephewMedEdPresented by Smith+Nephewwww.Smith-Nephew.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Preventing pressure injuries in children isn’t just about scaling down adult care plans. In this episode, Dr. Lee Ruotsi is joined by Meredith Sharp, a certified wound ostomy nurse with years of experience in pediatric trauma and outpatient family medicine. They dig into why pediatric patients face unique challenges in pressure injury prevention and what caregivers can do differently.Meredith talks about how pressure injuries in kids are most often device-related, why standard devices aren’t always pediatric-friendly, and what clinicians should know about microclimate control, gestational age, and skin anatomy. They also discuss the importance of family education and the role of parent involvement in safe repositioning.This conversation offers real, practical strategies to help protect vulnerable pediatric patients, whether you’re working in a NICU, PICU, or outpatient setting.Follow UsTwitter @SmithNephewPLCFacebook @SmithNephewPLCInstagram @SmithNephewMedEdPresented by Smith+Nephewwww.Smith-Nephew.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pressure injury prevention in rural and underserved populations presents distinct challenges, including limited access to care, provider shortages, and gaps in insurance coverage.In this episode, Dr. Lee Ruotsi speaks with Dr. Bernadette Walters, Doctor of Nursing Practice and certified wound, ostomy, and continence nurse, about the unique barriers facing patients in rural settings. Drawing from her clinical experience in Northern New Mexico, Dr. Walters shares insights on resource limitations, the role of family caregivers, and the importance of patient education in prevention efforts.They also discuss strategies that can be implemented in low-resource environments, from repositioning techniques to nutritional guidance, as well as the broader systemic issues affecting care delivery in these communities.This episode offers practical perspectives for clinicians, administrators, and care teams working to improve outcomes in vulnerable populations.Follow UsTwitter @SmithNephewPLCFacebook @SmithNephewPLCInstagram @SmithNephewMedEdPresented by Smith+Nephewwww.Smith-Nephew.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pressure injuries are a major concern across all care settings but in long-term care (LTC) facilities, prevention can get especially complicated. Limited staff, evolving patient acuity, and regulatory hurdles all play a role.In this episode, Dr. Lee Ruotsi is joined by Cathy Milne, an advanced practice wound, ostomy, and continence nurse with over 35 years of experience across acute care, LTC, home health, and outpatient settings. Cathy shares what’s really happening in long-term care facilities,  from staffing shortages and training gaps to documentation burdens and the day-to-day challenges of prevention.They explore how LTC teams are often ahead of the curve in pressure injury prevention, how foam dressings and better assessment practices can improve outcomes, and why CNA education, patient autonomy, and family involvement are all key to success.  Whether you're in long-term care or supporting transitions of care, this conversation offers practical insight into protecting a vulnerable population.Follow UsTwitter @SmithNephewPLCFacebook @SmithNephewPLCInstagram @SmithNephewMedEdPresented by Smith+Nephewwww.Smith-Nephew.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode is part of Season 5 of The Pressure Effect, focused on pressure injury closure using cellular tissue-based products. Host Dr. Lee Ruotsi is joined by Dr. Allen Raphael, a podiatry specialist based in Smyrna, Georgia with more than 20 years of experience in wound care and limb salvage.They walk through a compelling heel pressure injury case involving an elderly patient with multiple comorbidities,including diabetes, end-stage renal disease, and peripheral vascular disease. Dr. Raphael explains how early surgical intervention, the use of cryopreserved umbilical cord tissue, and coordinated care helped avoid amputation and lead to full wound closure.The conversation covers surgical strategy, wound bed preparation, CTP integration, offloading techniques, and the critical role of patient and family education in long-term outcomes. A must-listen for clinicians working with medically complex or immobile patients.Follow UsTwitter @SmithNephewPLCFacebook @SmithNephewPLCInstagram @SmithNephewMedEdPresented by Smith+Nephewwww.Smith-Nephew.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The challenges of wound care don’t look the same in every setting. Clinicians working in rural or resource-limited environments often have to think differently—especially when treating complex pressure injuries.In this episode—part of our Season 5 series on pressure injury closure using cellular tissue products—Dr. Lee Ruotsi speaks with Dr. Vilayvanh Saysoukha, a podiatric foot and ankle surgeon and founder of Premier Foot & Ankle Centers of Tennessee. They walk through a unique case involving a dorsal foot pressure injury complicated by diabetes, vascular disease, and limited access to specialty care.Dr. Saysoukha shares how her team managed the wound using surgical debridement, cellular tissue products, and negative pressure wound therapy, while also addressing broader care coordination challenges. The conversation highlights the value of adaptability, communication, and patient-centered planning.Follow UsTwitter @SmithNephewPLCFacebook @SmithNephewPLCInstagram @SmithNephewMedEdPresented by Smith+Nephewwww.Smith-Nephew.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Effective management of a complex pressure injury requires more than standard wound care. It involves timely clinical intervention, surgical decision-making, and the integration of advanced therapeutic options to support optimal healing.This episode is part of Season Five of The Pressure Effect, a series dedicated to pressure injury closure utilizing cellular and tissue-based products. In this discussion, host Dr. Lee Ruotsi is joined by Dr. Eric Yang, MD, FACS, CWS—Medical Director of the University of Chicago Medicine Advent Health Wound Care Center in La Grange. Dr. Yang presents a detailed case study involving a young paraplegic patient with a significant sacral pressure injury. He outlines his clinical approach, beginning with surgical debridement and extending through the use of negative pressure wound therapy and cellular tissue products. The episode highlights important considerations in both inpatient and outpatient care and underscores strategies to avoid flap surgery while achieving durable closure. Follow UsTwitter @SmithNephewPLCFacebook @SmithNephewPLCInstagram @SmithNephewMedEdPresented by Smith+Nephewwww.Smith-Nephew.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pressure injuries caused by improperly managed dressings can lead to severe complications, especially in high-risk patients. In this episode of The Pressure Effect, Dr. Lee Ruotsi is joined by Dr. Charles Parks, DPM, Chief of Podiatry at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital. This conversation is part of our Season 5 series focused on pressure injury closure with the use of cellular and tissue-based products. Dr. Parks shares his clinical decision-making, from debridement and wound bed prep to the use of a CTP and post-operative care strategies. They also dig into the patient’s complex medical profile, how adherence influenced outcomes, and the layered realities of wound care in a trauma hospital setting.Follow UsTwitter @SmithNephewPLCFacebook @SmithNephewPLCInstagram @SmithNephewMedEdPresented by Smith+Nephewwww.Smith-Nephew.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Pressure Effect, Dr. Lee Ruotsi is joined by Dr. Bernadette Walters, a clinical nurse specialist and wound care expert, as they discuss strategies for assessing and treating pressure injuries. Dr. Walters shares her journey from trauma nurse to wound care specialist, offering valuable insights into her role in rural healthcare and wound care management. Together, they explore the challenges of providing wound care in rural areas, the importance of collaboration in patient care, and key strategies for assessing and managing pressure injuries. Dr. Walters also highlights the essential steps in developing a treatment plan, including nutrition, mobility, and the decision-making process for surgical referrals. Plus, she discusses the critical role of patient and family education in improving outcomes. Listen to this episode for expert advice on managing pressure injuries and the importance of a holistic approach to wound care.Follow UsTwitter @SmithNephewPLCFacebook @SmithNephewPLCInstagram @SmithNephewMedEdPresented by Smith+Nephewwww.Smith-Nephew.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to The Pressure Effect from Smith+Nephew, a podcast dedicated to advancing knowledge in wound care and pressure injury prevention. In this episode, host Dr. Lee Ruotsi welcomes Dot Weir, RN, CWOCN, CWS, a seasoned wound care expert with over 40 years of experience, to explore the critical topic of infection management in pressure injuries. Dot shares her insights on identifying the early signs of infection, differentiating between normal inflammatory responses and true infection, and the impact of biofilm on wound healing. Dot also highlights the importance of good wound hygiene, antimicrobial stewardship, and the role of patient education in optimizing outcomes. Whether you’re a new clinician or a seasoned professional, this episode delivers actionable insights to enhance your infection management strategies.Follow UsTwitter @SmithNephewPLCFacebook @SmithNephewPLCInstagram @SmithNephewMedEdPresented by Smith+Nephewwww.Smith-Nephew.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to The Pressure Effect from Smith+Nephew, the podcast dedicated to exploring innovative solutions for wound care and pressure injury prevention. In this episode, host Dr. Lee Ruotsi is joined by Dr. Richard Franklin, Medical Director at MVS Wound Care and Hyperbarics in Maryland, to delve into the complexities of debridement in treating pressure injuries.  Dr. Franklin shares his journey from general surgery to full-time wound care, offering valuable insights into the critical factors that guide debridement decisions. The discussion covers patient assessment, including the importance of understanding comorbidities, vascular health, and living conditions. It also addresses how to evaluate ulcers based on their location, depth, and tissue characteristics, as well as how these factors influence the approach to treatment.  Plus, the episode explores various debridement techniques, from sharp surgical tools and enzymatic agents to alternative therapies like hyperbaric oxygen. Dr. Franklin offers practical tips for enhancing patient comfort, such as using topical anesthetics, and discusses innovative tools like contact ultrasound that can improve clinical outcomes.  Whether you’re an experienced clinician or new to wound care, this episode is filled with actionable strategies to elevate your practice and optimize patient results. Don’t miss it!Follow UsTwitter @SmithNephewPLCFacebook @SmithNephewPLCInstagram @SmithNephewMedEdPresented by Smith+Nephewwww.Smith-Nephew.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Advanced Practice Nurse and Wound Care Specialist at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Susan Hermida joins Dr. Lee Ruotsi on this episode of The Pressure Effect, brought to you by Smith+Nephew.  Together, they dive into the complexities of pressure injury treatment, focusing on the benefits of negative pressure wound therapy.  Susan shares real-world insights, tips for handling challenging wounds, and breaks down misconceptions about this therapy. They also discuss the latest equipment, compare treatment options, and highlight the convenience of PICO dressings for smaller wounds.  Packed with practical advice, this episode is perfect for healthcare professionals and anyone interested in wound care innovation.  So press play and make sure you don't miss this informative and engaging edition of The Pressure Effect, brought to you by Smith+Nephew.Follow UsTwitter @SmithNephewPLCFacebook @SmithNephewPLCInstagram @SmithNephewMedEdPresented by Smith+Nephewwww.Smith-Nephew.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Wound Care Nurse Consultant, Sue Creehan, MSN, RN, CWON, joins Dr. Lee Ruotsi on this episode of The Pressure Effect, brought to you by Smith+Nephew.  Together they dive into the complexities of reducing hospital-acquired pressure injuries, the financial burden they pose on healthcare institutions, and the importance of implementing comprehensive prevention programs. Sue also shares her experience developing a successful program at Virginia Commonwealth University, emphasizing the need for evidence-based bedside practices, individualized care, and organizational involvement at all levels. They also discuss prophylactic dressing standard initiatives, which aim to identify clinically effective dressings and prevent patient harm. Throughout the conversation, Sue and Dr. Lee highlight the significance of engaging healthcare providers, utilizing multilayer foam dressings with proven effectiveness, and staying informed about the latest research in the field.  So press play and make sure you don't miss this informative and engaging episode of The Pressure Effect, brought to you by Smith+Nephew.Follow UsTwitter @SmithNephewPLCFacebook @SmithNephewPLCInstagram @SmithNephewMedEdPresented by Smith+Nephewwww.Smith-Nephew.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tracey L. Yap, RN, PhD, professor in the Duke University School of Nursing, and a Senior Fellow in the Duke University Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, joins Dr. Lee Ruotsi.  Together, they discuss the cost of implementing a pressure injury prevention program and how to justify that cost to your organization’s CFO.  Plus, Tracey shares her background in healthcare, experience with pressure injuries, and insights on the benefits and challenges of implementing prevention programs. She also provides strategies for nursing organizations to justify the costs and offers recommendations for first steps in starting a program. So press play and make sure you don't miss this informative and engaging episode of The Pressure Effect, brought to you by Smith+Nephew.Follow UsTwitter @SmithNephewPLCFacebook @SmithNephewPLCInstagram @SmithNephewMedEdPresented by Smith+Nephewwww.Smith-Nephew.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Executive Advisor for Nursing at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, Robin Gasparini, DNP, joins Dr. Lee Ruotsi to discuss how to approach change management in healthcare with the best chance for success, and how that ties into pressure injury prevention. Plus, Robin shares her experience implementing new tools and processes, the challenges faced, and key takeaways for achieving successful change. She also emphasizes the importance of consistent messaging, leadership buy-in, and understanding the target audience to ensure quality adoption and sustainability of new initiatives.  So press play on this insightful episode of The Pressure Effect, brought to you by Smith+Nephew.Follow UsTwitter @SmithNephewPLCFacebook @SmithNephewPLCInstagram @SmithNephewMedEdPresented by Smith+Nephewwww.Smith-Nephew.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Skin Integrity Nurse Coordinator at Nassau Healthcare, Lilibeth Acero, RN, joins Dr. Lee Ruotsi to discuss Pressure Injury Prevention in the Operating Room.  Together, they explore a safety net hospital’s quality improvement journey.  Plus, they evaluate who should be educating OR staff on PIP, and some of the challenges with implementation that teams should expect.  So press play on this insightful episode of The Pressure Effect, brought to you by Smith+Nephew.Follow UsTwitter @SmithNephewPLCFacebook @SmithNephewPLCInstagram @SmithNephewMedEdPresented by Smith+Nephewwww.Smith-Nephew.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Distinguished Medical Technologist at Smith+Nephew, Dr. Barrett Larson joins Dr. Lee Ruotsi to discuss the economic impact of pressure injuries.  Together, they explore a 2020 study to identify the key factors impacting the cost of pressure injuries.  Plus, they evaluate the correlations between pressure injuries and hospital readmissions and hospital-acquired conditions, and so much more.  So press play on this insightful episode of The Pressure Effect, brought to you by Smith+Nephew.Follow UsTwitter @SmithNephewPLCFacebook @SmithNephewPLCInstagram @SmithNephewMedEdPresented by Smith+Nephewwww.Smith-Nephew.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome back to the exciting new season of “The Pressure Effect,” brought to you by Smith+Nephew.  Join Dr. Lee Ruotsi, the Medical Director at The Saratoga Hospital Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine in Saratoga Springs, New York as he focuses on improving the quality of pressure injury prevention.  In each episode he’ll be joined by leading medical experts to discuss topics like the economic impact of pressure injuries, change management principles, and much more. Plus, we’ll have more seasons to follow, each one with its own focus within the world of pressure injury prevention. So join Dr. Lee Ruotsi, as he provides a deep dive into the many unique and fascinating aspects of pressure injury prevention, covering a broad range of issues, and providing insight along the way. So, if you’re passionate about patient outcomes and feel driven to reduce pressure injury incidents, you’re in the right place!Follow UsTwitter @SmithNephewPLCFacebook @SmithNephewPLCInstagram @SmithNephewMedEdPresented by Smith+Nephewwww.Smith-Nephew.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After many insightful conversations with experts in the world of pressure injury prevention, host Dr. David Zabel shares the exciting news that Season 3 of The Pressure Effect will be coming soon! Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss a new episode, and if you have enjoyed the show, don’t forget to let us know by leaving a rating or review. We hope you will join us again in Season 3 of The Pressure Effect, brought to you by Smith+Nephew!Follow UsTwitter @SmithNephewPLCFacebook @SmithNephewPLCInstagram @SmithNephewMedEdPresented by Smith+Nephewwww.Smith-Nephew.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Medical devices like feeding tubes, catheters, or oxygen delivery devices are often critical to the health of hospitalized patients. Despite their important benefits, the use of these devices can unfortunately also have negative effects: medical device-related pressure injuries, or MDRPIs. On this episode of The Pressure Effect, Host Dr. David Zabel talks to Chairman of the Board of Directors at the American College of Clinical Wound Specialists, Dr. Kelly McFee. They discuss how common MDRPIs are, some tips on how they can be prevented with a team effort, and much more. So press play on this helpful episode of The Pressure Effect, brought to you by Smith+Nephew.Follow UsTwitter @SmithNephewPLCFacebook @SmithNephewPLCInstagram @SmithNephewMedEdPresented by Smith+Nephewwww.Smith-Nephew.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.