New tools in wound care to support evidence-based best practice

Abstract

Throughout history, various wound healing and management concepts have been recorded, with some approaches such as honey, silver and larvae still in use and others such as blood-letting completely dismissed. In more recent times, dressing products have begun evolving, moving on from basic first-aid supplies to products that support positive healing by addressing the needs of the wound bed and considering underlying factors that impact healing. With an ageing population, the incidence of chronic wounds is predicted to rise, and chronic wounds can negatively impact the lives of patients physically, emotionally and financially. Clinicians continue to explore and review new approaches surrounding the management of wounds, as it is imperative that clinicians use technological advances in wound management alongside established gold standard evidence-based practice to achieve positive outcomes for patients experiencing delayed or challenging wound healing.