The Regional Wound Care Guidelines have a number of uses for health care providers caring for individuals at risk for breakdown in skin integrity:
- To describe the physiology of wound healing.
- To describe skin care protocols.
- To assist in the identification of persons at risk for problems related to skin breakdown.
- To provide basic strategies for prevention, assessment, and treatment of six wound types: pressure ulcers, venous stasis ulcers, neuropathic ulcers, arterial ulcers, acute wounds, and malignant wounds.
- To describe strategies for the support of an optimal healing environment following skin breakdown
- To advise the practitioner as to when to call upon the assistance or consultation of other experts in wound management.
- To provide samples of other resources related to wound care such as internet wound care resources, and patient and family education material.
The Regional Wound Care Guidelines are based on information available in the current research and practice literature from a variety of disciplines.
The Regional Wound Care Guidelines were developed for use by health care providers working in all health service settings who care for individuals who have or are at risk of having tissue breakdown. They provide the basis from which protocol, policy and educational materials can be developed within an organization, program or region.
The Guidelines may be used to guide the direct interventions of health practitioners and/or to provide direction and education to the individual at risk, non-professional support caregivers, or family members.
Scope
The Regional Wound Care Guidelines are divided into 6 major sections corresponding to wound type. Each section includes guidelines that address prevention and risk assessment strategies, assessment of the person and wound, wound care principles and protocols, adjunctive therapies, care issues, documentation, consultation, non-professional caregiver education, expected outcomes and a process for product review or update. Some of the guidelines apply to more than one wound type and in those cases, the information is repeated. Other guidelines are specific to one wound type.
An extensive bibliography has been included outlining the references used to develop the Guidelines.
The appendices include a quick reference wound management decision tree, wound care product formulary strategies for pressure reduction and relief, internet wound care resources, educational resources, referral guidelines and a more complete description of adjunctive therapies available for use in wound healing.
The information presented in the Guidelines is based on the literature available at the time of development. As new information is known, the Guidelines will require review and revision. It is the responsibility of the practitioner to ensure that he/she is providing best practice. The Guidelines provide the basis for developing wound management protocols and education and documentation materials. It is expected that the Guidelines will be the basis for practice in wound management within the Capital Health region.
For more information on how to order the Guidelines, please call 780-735-3488. CD Rom versions are also available for purchase.
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