Wound Care
‘Wound care: selecting the right dressings’
Author: Merlin-Manton, Elizabeth, Tissue viability nurse, Worcester acute hospital.
Quantitative research, Case report; Blind Peer Reviewed; Editorial Board Reviewed; Europe; Expert Peer Reviewed; Nursing; Peer Reviewed; UK & Ireland.
‘This article discusses the clinical aspects of wound healing the importance of selecting the right dressings for wound. Topics discussed include the two main types of wounds, wound closure, moisture balance which promotes faster healing and may reduce pain, and the phases of healing. The different types of wound care dressings including alginates, absorbent dressings, and foams are also noted’. (Merlin-Manton, E 2017, p. 2)
It is vital that healthcare professionals
use evidence-based practice, but finding the evidence to support dressing choice can sometimes be difficult due to lack of evidence based studies on wound care. How can we know when we have chosen the correct dressing for the patient?
Randomised controlled trials are a strong form of evidence. However, there are few of these within the wound care dressing domain. Case reports like this provide an alternative form of evidence, and usually come with photographic evidence of the wound healing progress. ‘Consideration must be given to all variables that affect wound healing. Evidence via anecdotal peer support and individual clinician experience is also very valuable when determining the most appropriate dressing’ (Merlin-Manton, E 2017, pp. 28-32)
In conclusion although dressing selection can be challenging, wound care products that are selected appropriately for the patients wound, and used as instructed are very effective and help prevent infection. Taking the time to think what is required for the individual wound at the moment in time, as well as having an understanding of the type, use and action of dressings available has the potential to greatly improve patient wound outcomes.
This study can help further contribute to literature surrounding the importance of wound care dressing choice, through providing best practice articles for health care professionals.
‘Applying the principals of infection control to wound care’
Author: Parker, L, Scunthorpe General Hospital.
Quantitative research, Double Blind Peer Reviewed; Editorial Board Reviewed; Europe; Expert Peer Reviewed; Nursing; Peer Reviewed; UK & Ireland.
Author: Merlin-Manton, Elizabeth, Tissue viability nurse, Worcester acute hospital.
Quantitative research, Case report; Blind Peer Reviewed; Editorial Board Reviewed; Europe; Expert Peer Reviewed; Nursing; Peer Reviewed; UK & Ireland.
‘This article discusses the clinical aspects of wound healing the importance of selecting the right dressings for wound. Topics discussed include the two main types of wounds, wound closure, moisture balance which promotes faster healing and may reduce pain, and the phases of healing. The different types of wound care dressings including alginates, absorbent dressings, and foams are also noted’. (Merlin-Manton, E 2017, p. 2)
It is vital that healthcare professionals
use evidence-based practice, but finding the evidence to support dressing choice can sometimes be difficult due to lack of evidence based studies on wound care. How can we know when we have chosen the correct dressing for the patient?
Randomised controlled trials are a strong form of evidence. However, there are few of these within the wound care dressing domain. Case reports like this provide an alternative form of evidence, and usually come with photographic evidence of the wound healing progress. ‘Consideration must be given to all variables that affect wound healing. Evidence via anecdotal peer support and individual clinician experience is also very valuable when determining the most appropriate dressing’ (Merlin-Manton, E 2017, pp. 28-32)
In conclusion although dressing selection can be challenging, wound care products that are selected appropriately for the patients wound, and used as instructed are very effective and help prevent infection. Taking the time to think what is required for the individual wound at the moment in time, as well as having an understanding of the type, use and action of dressings available has the potential to greatly improve patient wound outcomes.
This study can help further contribute to literature surrounding the importance of wound care dressing choice, through providing best practice articles for health care professionals.
‘Applying the principals of infection control to wound care’
Author: Parker, L, Scunthorpe General Hospital.
Quantitative research, Double Blind Peer Reviewed; Editorial Board Reviewed; Europe; Expert Peer Reviewed; Nursing; Peer Reviewed; UK & Ireland.