Dressing selection Resources

Wound malodour is often an unpleasant side-effect experienced by patients with hard-to-heal wounds. The impact on mental and physical wellbeing is profound and can result in embarrassment, social isolation, depression and nausea. This list is not exhaustive and understanding the effect of malodour on an individual should be considered during holistic patient assessment. This article presents the findings of two surveys which aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the impact that malodour has on individuals and also the challenges experienced by healthcare professionals (HCPs) when treating patients with malodorous wounds. The patient survey was completed by 29 people, of which 76% (n=22) experienced wound malodour. The HCPs survey was completed by 789 respondents and challenges highlighted included lack of training and education, limited access to appropriate dressings and managing patient expectations.

Cavity wounds present unique challenges in both assessment and management due to their complex anatomy and potential for complications such as tunnelling, undermining, and infection. Accurate documentation and thorough evaluation are critical for monitoring wound progression and guiding appropriate interventions. This article explores best practices for assessing and managing cavity wounds. Strategies for managing these wounds are discussed, emphasising the importance of maintaining a moist wound environment, preventing infection, and promoting granulation tissue formation. Multidisciplinary approaches, evidence-based techniques, and patient-centred care are highlighted as essential components in achieving optimal outcomes for patients with cavity wounds.

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