[Wound dressing. Nursing knowledge and practice].

Area of Science:

• Nursing Practice
• Wound Care Management
• Infection Control

Context:

• Wound management is a significant public health concern with established guidelines for cleansing and dressing.
• French nurses are authorized to prescribe wound care with physician agreement, playing a crucial role in patient management.
• This study investigates current nursing practices in wound cleansing for both outpatient and hospital settings in France.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the current practices of nurses regarding wound cleansing, specifically their use of antiseptics.
• To compare nurses' behaviors with existing French recommendations and medical prescriptions.
• To identify discrepancies between prescribed wound care and actual nursing practices.

Summary:

• A survey of 191 nurses (hospital and outpatient) revealed that antiseptics are often used for chronic and operative wounds, even without a prescription, contrary to recommendations.
• Prescriptions for water or saline were less frequently followed than antiseptic prescriptions.
• Nurses were more likely to use antiseptics for super-infected wounds and to consult physicians regarding disagreements with prescriptions, with hospital nurses showing higher communication rates.

Impact:

• Findings highlight a gap between evidence-based recommendations and clinical practice in wound cleansing, particularly concerning antiseptic use.
• The study suggests a need for improved adherence to wound care guidelines and enhanced communication between nurses and physicians regarding prescriptions.
• Results provide insights into factors influencing antiseptic use and adherence to medical orders in diverse healthcare settings.