The aim of the study was to compare the effect of a gentian violet topical application with that of a moist dressing (hydrocolloid) on the rate and efficacy of radiotherapy-induced moist desquamation wound healing and the patients' satisfaction level with each method. This prospective randomized clinical trial used a stratified sampling design. A sample of 39 patients with 60 wounds had their wounds assessed on alternate days in terms of several wound-healing parameters including wound size, wound pain, incidence of infection, and time required for healing. Patient satisfaction with each treatment was evaluated at the completion of the study. Gentian violet significantly decreased wound size and reduced wound pain. However, this treatment received significantly lower ratings for dressing comfort and dressing aesthetic acceptance. Nevertheless, the time required for healing was not statistically different in the two groups. These findings suggest that the lower score of dressing satisfaction level in the gentian violet group may result from the skin discoloration and drying effects of the treatment, which renders patients unable to move or stretch their skin. Although the aim is to have complete wound healing, this may not be realistic for many lesions such as radiotherapy-induced moist desquamation wounds. The best evidence on which to make decisions about individual care can now be based on patients' own perception of quality.

The study examined incidence of burnout syndrome, psychopathology, and job satisfaction in bone marrow transplant nurses, in relation to existence of an informal psychosocial support programme for staff needs. Forty nurses participated in the study completing four standardised measures related to burnout, anxiety, depression, satisfaction with aspects of their job, and social support. Results indicated that burnout among these nurses was low, and high personal accomplishment from working with marrow transplant patients was the response of the majority. Job satisfaction was also found to be high, with outpatient nurses scoring significantly higher than inpatient nurses in most aspects of job satisfaction. One out of four subjects presented with the psychic manifestations of the anxiety neurosis, suggesting the stressfullness of the marrow transplant environment, which requires a high degree of responsibility and advanced nursing skills. Social support was not found to influence burnout, psychopathology, or job satisfaction. Presence of depression, low personal accomplishment, and dissatisfaction with pay were the variables predicting high emotional exhaustion, one of the main components of burnout. These results were suggestive of less burned out and more satisfied nurses compared to marrow transplant nurses working in environments with no formal or informal staff support programmes. This highlights the need for development of support services for the nursing staff, allowing them to ventilate their feelings, discuss issues of concern to them and seek professional support where necessary.