ABSTRACT
A survey was undertaken at a recent large wound-care exhibition, aimed
at generalist nurses, podiatrists and other allied health professionals, to
ascertain delegates’ understanding of wound infection and its treatment
options. The sample comprised 116 delegates, although not all of them
answered every question. Results showed good knowledge in some areas,
with most (90%) correctly identifying the symptoms of localised wound
infection and the characteristics of an infected wound (97%). However, the
results did reveal some alarming gaps in knowledge, with 64% unable to
identify that it is the inability of the host to mount a robust immune response
that can tip the balance between colonisation and infection. Similarly, over a
third (38%) incorrectly considered that wounds should always be cleansed,
regardless of the wound characteristics, while 5% stated that antimicrobial
dressings should be used continuously until epithelialisation occurs. The
results suggest that there is still a worrying trend for ritualistic wound care
and that more ongoing education is needed on the core aspects of wound
management.
Key words: Wound bed preparation ■ Infection continuum ■ Wound healing
■ Wound infection ■ Biofilms ■ Antimicrobial dressin