Registering the evolution of wounds: design of an instrument

Abstract

The evaluation of wounds is an important resource to intervene in the healing process. The authors detected, in a university hospital, the nursing team still utilizing non-precise methods to register data about the wound upon the routinary change of dressings. This study aimed at designing an instrument for the Evaluation of Wounds. In the instrument, attempt was made to evidence information that identifies the features of the wounds, their treatment and risk factors. The filling out of the instrument will favor a global visualization of those data, allowing assessing the wound, avoiding unnecessary removal of dressings and reducing the nursing workload as well as the risk of contamination and the cost with materials.