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| Author | Mark Bondin |
| Abstract | The aim of this small-scale descriptive study was to explore nurses' views about the use of a wound assessment tool in wound care. Qualitative and Quantitative data was collected through self-administered questionnaires, which were administered to a convenient sample of 20 subjects. Response rate for this study was 95%. Anecdotally literature indicated that wound assessment is becoming very subjective and that no standard approach is available. Moreover, it was stated that wound assessment documentation is failing to report the actual condition of the wound and that nurses are neglecting documentation of care. Consequently, this study attempts to understand what nurses think about the use of a wound assessment tool and whether the use of wound assessment tool helps in overcoming the above-mentioned problems. Furthermore the study explored nurses' awareness of a wound assessment tool and whether they use it. Additionally subjects were asked about the factors inhibiting and enhancing the use of a wound assessment tool. A question about who should be responsible for wound care was also included as it was noted that it is a controversial issue in wound care. Results from the present study seemed to show that nurses in the study acknowledged that with the use of a wound assessment tool, documentation is improved and multidisciplinary communication is enhanced. Moreover, it was found that continuity of care is enhanced by means of a wound assessment tool. When asked about factors affecting the use of a wound assessment tool, the majority stated that knowledge and information during implementation of the tool are essential in promoting the use of the tool. Regarding who is responsible for wound care, 95% stated that it is a nursing responsibility. Similarly to other research on wound assessment tools, this study identified that wound assessment tools are needed as they help in preparing better documentation of care, which enhances multidisciplinary communication, thus ensuring continuity of care. Moreover it was identified that implementation of a wound assessment tool is crucial, hence it should be encouraged. |
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| Pages | - |
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| Key words | Nurses, Perception, Wound Assessment Tool, Thesis |