Abstract
Background: Complex wounds are frequent reasons for encounter in family medicine. The plurality of products offered for local wound treatment and the limited evidence for their efficiency lead to confusion when selecting wound dressings. Under-, over- and inappropriate treatment are the consequence. The aim of this article is to illustrate the essential, declared characteristics of wound dressings in a comprehensible manner. Method: We performed a pragmatic, selective Pubmed literature research using the key words "chronic wound", "wound management", "leg ulcer", "wound healing" in combination with "dressing" and a "Google research" for German- and English speaking guidelines for local wound treatment. Additionally, we identified German speaking websites providing specific information about wound dressings, using certain inclusion criteria and the key words "Wundversorgung", "Wundmanagement", "chronische Wunden", "Wundheilung", "Wundauflagen" . Results: We summarised the characteristics and indications for wound dressings as described in the identified publications in tabular form. The level of scientific evidence for these specifications is insufficient. The Dutch Wound Box Concept is introduced as a practical orientation guide and teaching concept for the selection of wound dressings. Conclusions: The evidence on the area of wound dressings is insufficient to deduce robust recommendations for daily practice. Research in the ambulant sector is urgently needed. The woundbox-concept is a promising approach for a practice guideline and teaching concept and should be evaluated and advanced in pilot projects.
Translated title of the contribution | The challenge of a complex wound - An overview of dressings |
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Original language | German |
Journal | Zeitschrift fur Allgemeinmedizin |
Volume | 88 |
Issue number | 7-8 |
Pages (from-to) | 313-319 |
Number of pages | 7 |
ISSN | 0937-6801 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 07.2012 |