The changing role of the tissue viability nurse: an exploration of this multifaceted post

This article explores the role of the tissue viability nurse in the UK and discusses the diversity of the role and key attributes and skills required to run a successful service. The article highlights that services differ between organisations and that there is a lack of clarity of the core functions of the role published in the literature. This is compounded by an absence of valid and reliable tools that can be used to measure the effectiveness of the tissue viability service. This article suggests it is now time to revisit the tissue viability role and explore the competencies required, and offer guidance as to the qualifications required for this multifarious post to enable staff to manage the changing needs of a diverse patient group