Identifying your preferred learning style can be a useful way to optimise learning opportunities, and can help learners to recognise their strengths and areas for development in the way that learning takes place. It can also help teachers (educators) to recognise where additional activities are required to ensure the learning experience is robust and effective. There are several models available that may be used to identify learning styles. This article discusses these models and considers their usefulness in healthcare education. Models of teaching styles are also considered.

Compression hosiery is used to help prevent leg ulcer recurrence by controlling venous backflow and the build-up of lower-limb oedema. The therapy is effective, but only if it is worn consistently by patients. In order to promote concordance with ongoing management, it is important that practitioners are aware of the options available in terms of design, structure, colour and size of compression. It is also vital for practitioners to consider a range of strategies to help patients apply and remove the hosiery.

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Wound debridement is an essential part of effective wound care. There are many methods of debriding wounds and it is important that patients are involved in the decision so that they are able to give informed consent. To make effective clinical decisions and ensure patients are fully informed it is essential that nurses are aware of the different methods of debriding wounds. The nurse should also be aware of the professional requirements for competence and the risks and benefits of each method. A guideline for conservative sharp debridement has recently been published by the Tissue Viability Nurses Association (TVNA 2005), and this article reviews the issues related to the procedure and the alternatives available.

Plagiarism means taking the work of another and presenting it as one's own, resulting in potential upset for the original author and disrepute for the professions involved. This article aims to explore the issue of plagiarism and some mechanisms for detection and avoidance.