Dressing selection Resources

Selection of the most appropriate wound dressing is vital for promoting effective wound healing. With the vast number of options of wound dressings currently available, healthcare professionals may find it confusing to select the most appropriate dressing (World Union of Wound Healing Societies [WUWHS], 2020a). This article discusses the importance of wound assessment, focusing on identifying goals of treatment and the selection of an appropriate dressing to manage any identified barriers to healing. In turn, this will help community nurses provide person-centred care that promotes healing and improves overall patient wellbeing.

Wound dressing selection should reflect wound management objectives and be integrated into the overall management plan. Volume of exudate will impact greatly on that decision-making process. This article focuses on what causes excess exudate, assessing exudate and its subsequent management. It concludes by introducing Biatain  Fiber with HexaLock  Technology, a dressing which is used to address clinical challenges of managing wounds which are producing a moderate-to-high volume of exudate.

The JCN clinical skills series looks at different aspects of wound management in the community, with useful tips on patient care and improving practice. The fourth and final part focuses on dressing selection.

The last part of our clinical skills series looks at dressing selection. Wound dressings should create an environment that supports the wound healing process. However, with an ever-increasing array of dressings available, selecting the correct product can seem daunting. Holistic patient assessment, including assessment of the wound environment, needs to be undertaken before choosing a dressing and will help in the decision-making process. This article explores the principles of appropriate dressing selection and how they can be applied in clinical practice.

Maureen Benbow discusses some basic strategies for dressing wounds and tips for dressing the more difficult to dress wounds located in awkward places, their correct application, maintenance and removal.

Maureen Benbow RGN, is a Senior Lecturer, University of Chester.

Article accepted for publication: July 2011