Patient classification system: a proposal to complement the instrument by Fugulin et al

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Management
• Wound Care

Background:

• Existing patient classification instruments often overlook critical aspects of wound care.
• There is a need for comprehensive tools to assess patients with wounds effectively.
• The Fugulin et al. instrument, validated by the Federal Nursing Council (COFEN), requires enhancement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop new areas of care to complement the Fugulin et al. instrument.
• To improve the assessment and classification of patients requiring wound care.
• To incorporate the 'dressing issue' as a key aspect of patient assistance.

Main Methods:

• Bibliographic search of operational models of Patient Classification Systems (PCS).
• Review of various wound classification instruments.
• Development of new assessment areas: tissue impairment, number of dressing changes, and preparation time.

Main Results:

• New areas of care were established for wound assessment.
• Values for patient assistance categories were redefined.
• The enhanced instrument includes tissue impairment, dressing frequency, and preparation time.

Conclusions:

• The complemented Fugulin et al. instrument offers a more diversified patient assessment.
• The inclusion of dressing-related aspects significantly enhances the instrument's applicability.
• This improved tool supports better resource allocation and patient care in wound management.