Updating Wound Care Algorithms: A Systematic, Focused Review.

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Wound Management

Background:

• Basic wound care algorithms require regular evidence updates to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
• Previous assessments identified areas needing updated evidence for wound assessment and management.
• Maintaining current, evidence-based guidelines is crucial for effective clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To update the evidence base for basic wound care within the Solutions Wound Care Algorithms.
• To revise existing wound care algorithms based on the latest scientific evidence.
• To ensure wound care practices align with current best evidence.

Main Methods:

• Reconstructed 14 major algorithm goals and 34 detailed statements/steps into 21 qualifying statements/steps.
• Conducted a systematic literature review from 2015-2023 using CINAHL, Medline, Cochrane Library, and JBI databases.
• Utilized Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy (SORT) to update evidence levels for wound care interventions.

Main Results:

• Retrieved 59 elements meeting criteria; all statements remain evidence-based.
• Identified higher quality evidence for nutritional assessment, exercise for lower extremity ulcers, tap water wound cleansing, and infection indicators.
• Found stronger evidence supporting the appropriate use of silver-containing dressings.

Conclusions:

• While evidence for specific interventions improved, fewer clinical trials were identified compared to previous updates.
• This highlights a need for further research to enhance evidence levels for fundamental wound assessment and care processes.
• Continued research is essential to strengthen the evidence base for all aspects of basic wound care.