WOUNDS 2005 YEAR IN REVIEW


December, 2005

Dear Readers,

The December issue of WOUNDS marks the third full year for monthly issuance of the journal. This publication frequency allows us to minimize the period of time between manuscript acceptance and publication. When we began this effort there was some concern that a growing number of journals in the wound-healing field might negatively impact the number of quality manuscripts submitted to WOUNDS. Thankfully, this has not been the case, as submission of good manuscripts has grown over the years. Of the 41 manuscripts accepted for publication in 2005, 23 were reports on original research, 6 were review articles, and 12 were reports of case studies or case series. We also mailed 6 educational supplements with the journal in 2005.

Our Section Editors were responsible for contributions to 5 of this year’s issues. The topics covered were Psychosocial Aspects in Wound Care (Dr. Patricia Price), Palliative Wound Management (Dr. Oscar Alvarez), Veterinary Wounds (Dr. Sarah Cockbill), Skin Measurement Techniques (Dr. Marco Romanelli), and Dermatological Perspective on Wounds (Dr. Tania Phillips). In addition to these sections, Department Editors Dr. Laura L. Bolton and Dr. Tania Phillips authored 6 columns of the Evidence Corner and 4 CME/CPME accredited articles of Diagnostic Dilemmas, respectively.

In the past we have published selected abstracts scheduled for presentation at the Symposium on Advanced Wound Care (SAWC). This year all abstracts accepted for oral presentation at the 2005 SAWC were published in the March issue.

An interesting special report comparing the posters displayed at the annual meetings of the SAWC revealed that in 2003 54% featured product research, and in 2004 this number increased to 76.5%. The reports included information on medical devices, skin substitutes, growth factors, other biological products, and antimicrobials. It is clear that significant development activity continues to be aimed at affecting/optimizing the local wound environment in an effort to favorably impact healing outcomes. To help our readers maintain awareness of this progress, we summarize advances in product development and new services in the New Products/News of the Industry section that appears in each issue of WOUNDS.

My thanks go to the members of the Editorial Board for the hours of effort spent in reviewing manuscripts and offering new ideas and special support for the journal.

The Editorial Staff, Advisory Board, and I wish our readers the best for the Holiday Season and a Happy New Year!