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Evidence-Based Practice
While exudate is integral to support wound healing, over- or under-production of wound exudate adversely impacts healing1. A systematic approach to wound assessment should be utilized to assess the patient and implement appropriate wound treatment1,2. The T.I.M.E. clinical decision support tool (CDST) is a useful wound assessment paradigm that can be easily adopted in practice to select the right dressing for the right patient at the right time.
Methods:
Two wound, ostomy, and continence nurses in acute and community care, explore and provide tips and clinical best practices for assessment of exudate management, through case examples, based on the T.I.M.E. CDST. Additionally, common dressing challenges and the importance of re-evaluation were identified.
Results:
Case examples include assessment and appropriate treatment plans for wounds in need of debridement, infection management, moisture management and evaluation of edge of the wound, based on evidence-based practice and the T.I.M.E. CDST.
Discussion:
Effective exudate assessment and management promotes wound healing, decreases exudate-related complications, improving outcomes for patients. This real-world application of the T.I.M.E. CDST, evidence-based practice and importance of re-evaluation through case examples provides useful tips and tricks to promote simple and appropriate wound bed management.
Trademarked Items:
References: 1. World Union of Wound Healing Societies (WUWHS) Consensus Document. Wound exudate: effective assessment and management. Wounds International, 2019. Retrieved from: www.woundsinternational.com
2. Moore Z, et al. TIME CDST: an updated tool to address the current challenges in wound care. J Wound Care. 28(3):154-161 (2019).