title: Exploring the prevalence and management of wounds in an urban area in Ireland.
abstract: This study explores the prevalence and management of wounds within an urban setting in Ireland.
  
  
  
  It employs a cross-sectional survey design, using a predesigned, validated data-collection instrument.
  
  
  
  The point prevalence of wounds was 3.7% (n=445), with surgical wounds being the most prevalent (43%; n=189). Wound care was provided across a wide variety of clinical settings, with the majority of patients (60%; n=271) managed in the acute care setting. Most dressings were changed 2-3 times a week (60%; n=271). The mean dressing time was 15 minutes (SD: 12.4 minutes), varying from 2 minutes to 90 minutes. The mean nurse travel time was 3 minutes (SD: 6.5 minutes), varying from 0-60 minutes. Among participants managed using silver and iodine dressings, 53% (n=10, silver) and 78% (n=50, iodine) were prescribed for wounds described as being not infected. Alginate dressings were used incorrectly in 75% of cases, foam dressings in 63% of cases and Hydrofiber dressings in 63% of cases.
  
  
  
  Wound management within the explored geographical area is an important clinical intervention. This study identified areas of practice that need to be addressed, primarily those related to the topical management of the wound and use of offloading. The data has been used to inform practice, education, and further research in this important clinical specialty.
authors.affiliation: Lecturer, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Republic of Ireland.
authors.forename: Julie Jordan
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: O'Brien
authors.affiliation: Professor and Head of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Republic of Ireland.
authors.forename: Zena
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Moore
authors.affiliation: Clinical Nurse Manager, Cherry Orchard Hospital, Dublin.
authors.forename: Bernie
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Connolly
authors.affiliation: Tissue Viability Clinical Nurse Specialist, Community Care Area 8, L.H.O. Dublin North.
authors.forename: Fiona
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Concannon
authors.affiliation: Tissue Viability Clinical Nurse Specialist, Community Care Area 1, Dublin.
authors.forename: Niamh
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: McLain
authors.affiliation: Tissue Viability Clinical Nurse Specialist, AMNCH Tallaght, Dublin.
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Strapp
authors.affiliation: Clinical Specialist Podiatrist in Diabetes, St James Hospital, Dublin.
authors.forename: Pauline
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Wilson
mesh_terms: D001458:Bandages; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland / Q000453:epidemiology; D009779:Occlusive Dressings; D015995:Prevalence; D018030:Silver Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014945:Wound Healing; D014946:Wound Infection / Q000188:drug therapy; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D018030:Silver Compounds
keywords: cross-sectional survey; dressings; health resources; prevalence; wound dressings