Chronic wounds affect more than 6.5 million people in the United States, but there are many misconceptions and myths about treating and diagnosing these wounds that prevent doctors from providing the best possible care. Not to mention that injuries are associated with significant physical and emotional costs to the patient as well as significant financial and dignified costs to your organisation.
Take away some of the common myths about wound care, and learn more about Relias’ best-known wound care.
1) Wounds need “Breathing” – FALSE
The advice to give the wound a breath and let it “breathe” comes from a number of misconceptions, but modern evidence tells us the opposite when it comes to treating modern wounds.
The best place to treat chronic ulcers is moist and warm – there are many side effects of leaving the wounds uncovered.
A temperature drop of 2 ° C may delay wound healing, and it may take up to 4 hours for the exposed wound to return to normal cooling.
The best practice recommends dressing that protects the wound and supports wet healing, which will lead to faster healing times and lower levels of infection.
2) Wet-To-Dry Dressing is a less expensive form of treatment – FALSE
Although some doctors tend to order wet-to-dry clothing from patients, wound care specialists have found that it is not only a low-quality, but also very expensive method.
The daily cost of wet and dry dressing is $ 12.26, while the cost of foam dressing is only $ 3.55.
Wet clothes to dry require frequent changes, and each change poses a wound at the risk of temperature drop and humidity, which may delay healing.
When it comes to excellent performance, foaming can not only reduce the physical risks to the patient’s treatment but also reduce the financial and workload of your staff.
3) Bleeding from a Chronic Wound is a Sign of Healing – FALSE
Unfortunately, bleeding in the area of the chronic wound often means there is a problem.
Blood exudate is usually a warning to a doctor to diagnose problems such as:
- Evil or harassment on site
- Wounds that adhere to the wound and cause bleeding when removed
- High bioburden
Bleeding from a chronic wound is not a normal part of the healing process, and it requires the identification of a potential local problem.
4) Obese Patients are less likely to be Malnourished when a balanced diet is combined with Wound Care – FALSE
Significant weight loss in an obese or overweight person with chronic ulcers may be interpreted by some doctors as a benefit, but it is often more complicated than that.
An overweight person can have skin degeneration due to malnutrition and may experience further decline in physical activity.
Using enough nutritious food for wound care may be very effective, but it should be done mentally to prevent malnutrition and excessive weight loss.
5) All Doctors receive Adequate Training in Wound Care at School – FALSE
Unfortunately, many physicians do not receive adequate training to effectively diagnose, diagnose, and treat permanent wounds in their patients.
In fact, a recent survey found that 70% of nurses consider their wound care education to be inadequate.
As more and more nurses, doctors, and nurses do not receive adequate training in wound care, it is up to you and your organization to provide education that will save you money and save your patients from preventable pain and suffering.