title: Wound cleansing: ritualistic or research-based practice?
abstract: Wound cleansing is an important component of wound management. When carried out correctly it can improve healing, but when undertaken unnecessarily it can impede wound progress. Literature suggests that nurses continue to rely on ritualistic practice rather than using research or best evidence to inform patient care. The rationale and implications for wound cleansing are examined in relation to cleansing solutions, technique and equipment.
authors.affiliation: Burns Unit, Nottingham City Hospital, Nottingham. jblunt@ncht.trent.nhs.uk
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Blunt
mesh_terms: D001207:Asepsis / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D015400:Clinical Nursing Research; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing / Q000592:standards; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000451:nursing*