Promoting patient partnership in wound care

Involving patients in their care is a key component of the NHS plan and clinical governance (Department of Health, 1999a). Involvement is enhanced through nurse-patient relationships which are based on partnership in which the patient's viewpoint is given equal weight to that of the practitioner. In the management of wounds, this may be complex due to conflict between clinically effective treatment and a patient's wish. High quality care relies on a holistic assessment of the patient and a negotiated care plan which is implemented and evaluated in order to judge the effectiveness of care.