The development and implementation of an acute traumatic wound guideline

Accident and emergency (A&E) departments and minor injury units (MIUs) are faced with a wide variety of acute traumatic wounds on a daily basis. Yet despite the existence of a county-wide tissue viability policy, guideline and formulary in Worcestershire, there had been no attempt to standardize treatment for traumatic wounds in the county. This article describes the process of developing a guideline for acute traumatic wound care by a wide multidisciplinary team. It identifies key points that may be considered when developing similar guidelines, including planning, leadership, communication and the motivation to finish the project. Development of guidelines is advocated as a means not only of improving and standardizing care to patients, but as a means of fostering multiprofessional team building and improved communication between health professionals.