A ‘game of dressings’: Strategies for wound management in primary health care

Abstract

Wound care management and the dressing of wounds represent some of the most basic services offered in primary health care facilities across Southern Africa. Clinicians should have a basic understanding of the processes of wound healing and wound bed preparation to match the ideal cost-effective dressing to the particular type of wound to be managed. In the ‘kingdom of wounds’, the authors use a popular analogy and propose the best five strategies for the clinician in choosing the right management option in the ‘game of dressings’.

Innovation for infection prevention and control—revisiting Pasteur's vision

“…Vaccination of health-care workers prevents the risk of disease to them and to patients, 82 and keeps the health-care system functioning. For example, US data show that the COVID-19 case incidence ratio during periods after vaccination versus before vaccination decreased by 53% in adults aged 65 to 74 years (95% CI 50-55) and 62% in adults aged 75 years and older (95% CI [59][60][61][62][63][64]. Similar results were shown with emergency department visits decreasing by up to 77% in people older than 75 years, therefore preserving health-care capacities.…”

“…58 However, the relative effectiveness of these types of dressing, in comparison with standard dressings or not dressing at all, remain scarce. Innovation in wound dressing might come from providing clinicians with practical tools, a basic understanding of the processes of wound healing and wound bed preparation to match the ideal cost-effective dressing to the particular type of wound to be managed, 59 and smart wound dressings with sensors assessing the healing process. 60 Collaborations that show promise include those between clinicians and scientists from physics, materials science, nanoengineering, and stem cell biology, to manufacture dressings that serve as physical, chemical, and antimicrobial barriers, as well as devices for growth-factor and cell delivery.…”

Wound bed preparation 2024: Delphi consensus on foot ulcer management in resource-limited settings

“…Consider moisture balance, infection control, and patient education in selection of dressing materials. 60 Incorporating and tailoring moisture management strategies to the specific wound type and the resources available can optimise patient outcomes and minimise complications (Table 6). 3,54 Further research and clinical studies should continue to refine our understanding of wound moisture management to enhance wound care practices in the future.…”