OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence, clinical aspects and management of wounds in a hospital. METHOD: A one-day survey was undertaken in our university hospital. All hospitalised patients (n=624) were examined. The clinical aspects, aetiology and management (pain, cleansing and primary dressing) of wounds were systematically evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 327 patients (52%) had 933 wounds (mean 2.8 per patient). The prevalence was higher in surgical departments (82%) than medical departments (37%), although wounds in the latter departments were larger, deeper, more painful and less numerous per patient. Pain at wound dressing changes was treated in 89% of cases; antiseptics were used for wound cleansing in 14% of cases; the primary dressing used was appropriate in fewer than 50% of cases in the medical departments. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the high prevalence of wounds in this hospital setting. Many problems with their management have been identified and measures will be taken to optimise care.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence, clinical aspects and management of wounds in a hospital. METHOD: A one-day survey was undertaken in our university hospital. All hospitalised patients (n=624) were examined. The clinical aspects, aetiology and management (pain, cleansing and primary dressing) of wounds were systematically evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 327 patients (52%) had 933 wounds (mean 2.8 per patient). The prevalence was higher in surgical departments (82%) than medical departments (37%), although wounds in the latter departments were larger, deeper, more painful and less numerous per patient. Pain at wound dressing changes was treated in 89% of cases; antiseptics were used for wound cleansing in 14% of cases; the primary dressing used was appropriate in fewer than 50% of cases in the medical departments. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the high prevalence of wounds in this hospital setting. Many problems with their management have been identified and measures will be taken to optimise care.
Authors: Peter A Lazzarini; Sheree E Hurn; Malindu E Fernando; Scott D Jen; Suzanne S Kuys; Maarten C Kamp; Lloyd F Reed Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2015-11-23 Impact factor: 2.692