Previous articles have considered the importance of recording a full patient history, undertaking a thorough systems review, and making appropriate use of the different tests and measures available when confronted with a new wound care patient. Armed with the information from these different examinations, the wound care professional is now in a position to make an informed clinical judgment concerning best treatment options for the patient. This is the moment when the true skill of the wound care professional comes into its own.
The Diagnosis Process
Taking into account the information learned during all tests and examinations, the wound care professional must now consider an appropriate diagnosis for the patient. The diagnostic process consists of organizing signs and symptoms into categories to help determine the prognosis, plan of care, and necessary interventions. An accurate prognosis is important so that the wound care specialist can monitor progress against expectations. For example, a wound that fails to heal as quickly as predicted can be readily identified and reassessed for alternative interventions. Selecting the appropriate intervention is the fundamental task of the wound care professional, and is the culmination of all the tests and examinations that have been performed up to this point.
Practicing Evidence-Based Medicine
This is the moment that separates those professionals who keep up to date with the latest research and developments in a continued effort to find improved ways of doing things from those who simply go through the motions. By practicing evidence-based medicine, and treating according to the latest research findings, the wound care professional is able to make a real difference to a patient’s quality of life. Finally, the wound care practitioner should set realistic goals and outcome objectives for the wound, and advise the patient what he or she should expect over the coming weeks and months.
Certification in Wound Care
An ideal way to keep up-to-date with developments in the field of wound care, including the emergence of new techniques and products, is to train for a certification in wound care. This provides the opportunity to review and recap knowledge learned during training, and to supplement this with much deeper information about certain critical aspects of wound management. By becoming wound care certified, you can help ensure that your patients benefit from best practice and always receive the most appropriate and current interventions.
Learn More With Our Wound Care Education Options
Interested in learning more about wound care and certification? Browse through our wound care certification courses for information on our comprehensive range of education options to suit healthcare professionals across the full spectrum of qualifications and experience.
References
- Carter MJ. Evidence-based medicine: an overview of key concepts. Ostomy Wound Manage. 2010;56:68-85.
- Jones K, Fennie K, Lenihan A. Evidence-Based Management of Chronic Wounds. Advances in Skin & Wound Care 2007;20:591-600
- Myers BA. Wound management principles and practice. 2nd ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson; 2008.
- Vuolo J. Developing clinical benchmarks to assess progress in wound-care management. Prof Nurse. 2004;20:29-31..
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