An overview of the prevention and management of wound infection
Intended for healthcare professionals
CPD    

An overview of the prevention and management of wound infection

Heidi Sandoz Tissue viability services lead, Queensway Health Clinic, Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust, Hatfield, England

Why you should read this article:
  • To enhance your knowledge of the pathophysiology, risk factors and signs and symptoms of wound infection

  • To consider approaches to preventing and managing wound infection that you could implement in your practice

  • To count towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD, or you may wish to write a reflective account (UK readers)

  • To contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers)

A wound can be defined as infected when the presence and subsequent proliferation of microorganisms leads to a local or systemic response in an individual. Wound infection is associated with delayed healing, wound chronicity, increased risk of hospital admission, loss of limb or digit and increased healthcare costs. The presence of biofilm is also recognised as a challenge in infected wounds and is associated with chronicity and delays in healing. Identifying and managing wound infection early can contribute to faster wound healing, thus reducing the risk of negative outcomes. This article details the pathophysiology, risk factors and signs and symptoms of wound infection. It also outlines various prevention and management options for wound infection.

Nursing Standard. doi: 10.7748/ns.2022.e11889

Peer review

This article has been subject to external double-blind peer review and checked for plagiarism using automated software

@HeidiSandoz

Correspondence

heidi.sandoz@nhs.net

Conflict of interest

None declared

Sandoz H (2022) An overview of the prevention and management of wound infection. Nursing Standard. doi: 10.7748/ns.2022.e11889

Published online: 30 August 2022

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