Wound debridement Resources

It can be a bit daunting when you are faced with a complex, chronic wound that is failing to progress. What makes a chronic wound hardto- heal and where do you start with its management? It can also be challenging for patients because the wound may be affecting their quality of life, often causing a high volume of exudate, increased pain or discomfort and malodour (Atkins et al, 2019). This article describes what can make a wound become hard-to-heal and offers guidance on assessment and management and how the use of a collagen wound dressing, Cutimed® Epiona (Essity), can help promote wound healing.

Wound debridement plays an essential role in preparing the wound to heal and can be achieved in several ways. Most wound debridement requires the skills of specialist practitioners which can be both time consuming and expensive. This observational study looks at a new mechanical debridement system with a monofilament fibre pad that can be used in any healthcare setting with minimal training. In twenty patients with wounds and/or skin that required debridement, the new system was found to be a fast and effective method of debridement causing minimal pain to the patients. This new approach to wound debridement could potentially have far reaching benefits to the patient, the nurse and the organisation.

Susan Johnson, RN, MA, ANP, NMP. Lead Nurse Wound Care, Doncaster Royal Infirmary,
Agnes Collarte, BSN, RN. Tissue Viability Nurse, Central London Community Healthcare NHS
Loty Lara, BSN, RN. Tissue Viability Nurse, Central London Community Healthcare NHS
Andreia Alberto, MSc. Tissue Viability Nurse, Central London Community Healthcare NHS

Article accepted for publication: July 2012