Evidence-based Practice in Wound Care
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Advanced Wound Care course at Greenwich School of Business and Finance. Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
Absorbency refers to the ability of a wound dressing to absorb and retain fluid,… #
Absorbency refers to the ability of a wound dressing to absorb and retain fluid, which is an essential factor in wound care as it helps to maintain a moist environment that promotes healing, reduces the risk of infection, and minimizes the need for frequent dressing changes, with high absorbency dressings being suitable for heavily exuding wounds.
Acute wound is a type of wound that heals quickly, typically within a few weeks,… #
Acute wound is a type of wound that heals quickly, typically within a few weeks, and follows a predictable pattern of healing, with stages that include inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling, and requires minimal intervention, as opposed to chronic wounds which are more complex and challenging to manage.
Advanced wound care involves the use of specialized therapies, such as negative… #
Advanced wound care involves the use of specialized therapies, such as negative pressure wound therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and bioengineered skin substitutes, to manage complex and non-healing wounds, and requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving healthcare professionals from various disciplines, including wound care specialists, surgeons, and physical therapists.
Algorithm in wound care refers to a step #
by-step procedure or protocol that guides healthcare professionals in the assessment, diagnosis, and management of wounds, and is designed to ensure that patients receive consistent and effective care, regardless of the healthcare setting or provider.
Anatomical location refers to the site or location of a wound on the body, which… #
Anatomical location refers to the site or location of a wound on the body, which can affect the healing process, with wounds in areas with poor circulation or limited mobility, such as the heels or toes, being more challenging to heal.
Antimicrobial therapy involves the use of topical or systemic agents to prevent… #
Antimicrobial therapy involves the use of topical or systemic agents to prevent or treat wound infections, and is an essential component of wound care, as it helps to reduce the risk of sepsis and promote healing.
Assessment in wound care refers to the systematic evaluation of a patient's woun… #
Assessment in wound care refers to the systematic evaluation of a patient's wound, including its size, depth, location, and stage, as well as the patient's overall health status, and is essential for developing an effective treatment plan, and requires the use of standardized tools and criteria.
Autolytic debridement is a type of debridement that involves the use of dressing… #
Autolytic debridement is a type of debridement that involves the use of dressings that promote the body's natural process of breaking down and removing dead tissue, and is a selective and gentle method of debridement, suitable for wounds with a high risk of bleeding or those that are sensitive to other debridement methods.
Bioengineered skin substitutes are tissue #
engineered products that mimic the properties of natural skin, and are used to promote wound healing, reduce the risk of infection, and improve cosmesis, and can be customized to meet the specific needs of individual patients.
Biopsy in wound care refers to the surgical removal of a tissue sample from a wo… #
Biopsy in wound care refers to the surgical removal of a tissue sample from a wound, which is then examined under a microscope to diagnose cancer, infection, or other conditions that may be affecting the wound, and is an essential diagnostic tool in wound care.
Bowel and bladder management is an essential aspect of wound care, as bowel and… #
Bowel and bladder management is an essential aspect of wound care, as bowel and bladder disorders can lead to skin irritation, incontinence, and wound development, and requires the use of protective devices, such as diapers or catheters, and skin care products.
Case management in wound care refers to the coordination of care and services fo… #
Case management in wound care refers to the coordination of care and services for patients with wounds, and involves the development of individualized treatment plans, communication with healthcare providers, and monitoring of patient outcomes.
Cellular therapy involves the use of living cells, such as platelet #
rich plasma or stem cells, to promote wound healing, and is a novel and emerging area of wound care, with potential applications in the treatment of chronic and non-healing wounds.
Chronic wound is a type of wound that fails to heal in a timely manner, often du… #
Chronic wound is a type of wound that fails to heal in a timely manner, often due to underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes or vascular disease, and requires specialized care and management, including the use of advanced therapies and multidisciplinary teams.
Clinical guidelines in wound care refer to the systematic and evidence #
based recommendations for the assessment, diagnosis, and management of wounds, and are designed to ensure that patients receive consistent and effective care, regardless of the healthcare setting or provider.
Collagen is a natural protein that plays a crucial role in wound healing,… #
Collagen is a natural protein that plays a crucial role in wound healing, and is often used in wound care products, such as dressings and topical agents, to promote granulation and tissue repair.
Compression therapy involves the use of external pressure to improve circulation… #
Compression therapy involves the use of external pressure to improve circulation, reduce swelling, and promote wound healing, and is commonly used in the treatment of venous ulcers and other wounds that are prone to edema.
Cultured epithelial autograft is a type of bioengineered skin substitute that in… #
Cultured epithelial autograft is a type of bioengineered skin substitute that involves the cultivation of a patient's own skin cells, which are then transplanted onto the wound, and is a customized and autologous approach to wound care.
Debridement is the removal of dead or infected tissue from a wound, which is ess… #
Debridement is the removal of dead or infected tissue from a wound, which is essential for promoting healing, reducing the risk of infection, and improving cosmesis, and can be performed using various methods, including surgical, autolytic, and enzymatic debridement.
Dermatome is a skin graft that is harvested from a donor site and transpl… #
Dermatome is a skin graft that is harvested from a donor site and transplanted onto a wound, and is used to promote wound healing, reduce the risk of infection, and improve cosmesis, and can be meshed or unmeshed to meet the specific needs of individual patients.
Diabetic foot ulcer is a common complication of diabetes , characterized b… #
Diabetic foot ulcer is a common complication of diabetes, characterized by a wound on the foot that fails to heal, often due to neuropathy, poor circulation, and infection, and requires specialized care and management, including the use of advanced therapies and multidisciplinary teams.
Dressing in wound care refers to the covering or bandage applied to a wound to p… #
Dressing in wound care refers to the covering or bandage applied to a wound to promote healing, reduce the risk of infection, and improve cosmesis, and can be made of various materials, including gauze, foam, and film, and can be impregnated with antimicrobial agents or other medications.
Edema is the accumulation of fluid in the tissues, which can lead to swelling, d… #
Edema is the accumulation of fluid in the tissues, which can lead to swelling, discomfort, and impaired wound healing, and is a common complication of venous ulcers and other wounds that are prone to fluid accumulation.
Electrical stimulation is a type of physical therapy that involves the use of el… #
Electrical stimulation is a type of physical therapy that involves the use of electrical currents to promote wound healing, reduce pain, and improve circulation, and is commonly used in the treatment of chronic wounds and other conditions that are resistant to healing.
Enzymatic debridement is a type of debridement that involves the use of enzymes… #
Enzymatic debridement is a type of debridement that involves the use of enzymes to break down and remove dead tissue, and is a selective and gentle method of debridement, suitable for wounds with a high risk of bleeding or those that are sensitive to other debridement methods.
Epidemiology in wound care refers to the study of the distribution and determina… #
Epidemiology in wound care refers to the study of the distribution and determinants of wounds in populations, and is essential for understanding the prevalence, incidence, and impact of wounds on healthcare systems and patient outcomes.
Evidence #
based practice in wound care refers to the use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of patients with wounds, and involves the integration of research findings, clinical expertise, and patient values, to ensure that patients receive effective and efficient care.
Exudate is the fluid that accumulates on the surface of a wound, which can be an… #
Exudate is the fluid that accumulates on the surface of a wound, which can be an indicator of infection or other complications, and requires management to prevent maceration and promote healing.
Fibrosis is the formation of excess scar tissue, which can lead to con… #
Fibrosis is the formation of excess scar tissue, which can lead to contracture and impaired wound healing, and is a common complication of burn wounds and other injuries that involve significant tissue damage.
Foam dressing is a type of dressing that is made of foam and is used to promote… #
Foam dressing is a type of dressing that is made of foam and is used to promote wound healing, reduce the risk of infection, and improve cosmesis, and can be permeable or impermeable to meet the specific needs of individual patients.
Gauze dressing is a type of dressing that is made of gauze and is used to promot… #
Gauze dressing is a type of dressing that is made of gauze and is used to promote wound healing, reduce the risk of infection, and improve cosmesis, and can be impregnated with antimicrobial agents or other medications to enhance its effectiveness.
Growth factors are natural proteins that play a crucial role in wound hea… #
Growth factors are natural proteins that play a crucial role in wound healing, and are often used in wound care products, such as dressings and topical agents, to promote granulation and tissue repair.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves the use of oxygen at high pressures to promot… #
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves the use of oxygen at high pressures to promote wound healing, reduce the risk of infection, and improve circulation, and is commonly used in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers and other wounds that are resistant to healing.
Hypertension is a medical condition that can affect wound healing, and re… #
Hypertension is a medical condition that can affect wound healing, and requires management to prevent complications and promote healing.
Infection control in wound care refers to the measures taken to prevent and mana… #
Infection control in wound care refers to the measures taken to prevent and manage infections in patients with wounds, and involves the use of antimicrobial agents, sterile technique, and isolation precautions, to reduce the risk of sepsis and promote healing.
Inflammation is the body's natural response to injury or infection, which can le… #
Inflammation is the body's natural response to injury or infection, which can lead to redness, swelling, and pain, and is a critical stage of wound healing, as it helps to clear the wound of debris and bacteria, and promote tissue repair.
Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels, and is often used… #
Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels, and is often used in the management of diabetic patients with wounds, to promote healing and prevent complications.
Interdisciplinary team in wound care refers to the collaboration of healthcare p… #
Interdisciplinary team in wound care refers to the collaboration of healthcare professionals from various disciplines, including wound care specialists, surgeons, and physical therapists, to provide comprehensive and coordinated care to patients with wounds.
Low #
frequency ultrasound is a type of physical therapy that involves the use of sound waves to promote wound healing, reduce pain, and improve circulation, and is commonly used in the treatment of chronic wounds and other conditions that are resistant to healing.
Macrophages are white blood cells that play a crucial role in wound heali… #
Macrophages are white blood cells that play a crucial role in wound healing, and are involved in the inflammatory response, the removal of debris, and the promotion of tissue repair.
Maggot therapy involves the use of live maggots to debride wounds, and is… #
Maggot therapy involves the use of live maggots to debride wounds, and is a biological method of debridement, suitable for wounds with a high risk of bleeding or those that are sensitive to other debridement methods.
Matrix is the network of proteins and other molecules that provides struc… #
Matrix is the network of proteins and other molecules that provides structure and support to tissues, and is essential for wound healing, as it helps to regulate the inflammatory response, promote tissue repair, and maintain tissue integrity.
Medical nutrition therapy involves the use of nutrition to promote wound healing… #
Medical nutrition therapy involves the use of nutrition to promote wound healing, and is an essential component of wound care, as it helps to support the body's natural healing processes, and prevent complications such as malnutrition and dehydration.
Moisture #
retentive dressing is a type of dressing that is designed to maintain a moist environment, which is essential for wound healing, as it helps to promote granulation and tissue repair, and reduce the risk of infection and other complications.
Negative pressure wound therapy involves the use of a vacuum dressing to promote… #
Negative pressure wound therapy involves the use of a vacuum dressing to promote wound healing, reduce the risk of infection, and improve circulation, and is commonly used in the treatment of chronic wounds and other conditions that are resistant to healing.
Neuropathy is a medical condition that can affect wound healing, and requ… #
Neuropathy is a medical condition that can affect wound healing, and requires management to prevent complications and promote healing, as it can lead to numbness, tingling, and pain in the affected area.
Non #
adherent dressing is a type of dressing that is designed to prevent adhesion to the wound bed, which can help to reduce pain and trauma during dressing changes, and promote healing.
Nutrition in wound care refers to the use of nutrition to promote wound healing,… #
Nutrition in wound care refers to the use of nutrition to promote wound healing, and is an essential component of wound care, as it helps to support the body's natural healing processes, and prevent complications such as malnutrition and dehydration.
Osteomyelitis is a bone infection that can affect wound healing, and requ… #
Osteomyelitis is a bone infection that can affect wound healing, and requires management to prevent complications and promote healing, as it can lead to sepsis and other serious conditions.
Pain management in wound care refers to the measures taken to reduce and manage… #
Pain management in wound care refers to the measures taken to reduce and manage pain in patients with wounds, and involves the use of analgesics, topical agents, and other interventions to promote comfort and well-being.
Pathophysiology in wound care refers to the study of the underlying mechanism… #
Pathophysiology in wound care refers to the study of the underlying mechanisms and processes that affect wound healing, and is essential for understanding the complexity of wound care, and developing effective treatment plans.
Patient education in wound care refers to the process of teaching patients and t… #
Patient education in wound care refers to the process of teaching patients and their families about wound care, and involves the provision of information and support to promote self-care and adherence to treatment plans.
Peri #
wound is the area surrounding a wound, which can be affected by the wound and its treatment, and requires care and management to prevent complications and promote healing.
Pharmacology in wound care refers to the study of the medications and … #
Pharmacology in wound care refers to the study of the medications and agents used in wound care, and involves the use of topical and systemic agents to promote wound healing, reduce the risk of infection, and improve circulation.
Physical therapy in wound care refers to the use of physical modalities, such as… #
Physical therapy in wound care refers to the use of physical modalities, such as exercise, heat, and cold, to promote wound healing, reduce pain, and improve circulation, and is an essential component of wound care, as it helps to support the body's natural healing processes.
Platelet #
rich plasma is a biological agent that is derived from blood and is used to promote wound healing, and is rich in growth factors and other proteins that help to regulate the inflammatory response, promote tissue repair, and maintain tissue integrity.
Pneumatic compression is a type of physical therapy that involves the use of … #
Pneumatic compression is a type of physical therapy that involves the use of inflatable devices to improve circulation, reduce swelling, and promote wound healing, and is commonly used in the treatment of venous ulcers and other wounds that are prone to edema.
Prevalence in wound care refers to the number of people affected by wounds in a… #
Prevalence in wound care refers to the number of people affected by wounds in a given population, and is an essential measure of the burden of wounds on healthcare systems and patient outcomes.
Pressure ulcer is a type of wound that is caused by pressure or fricti… #
Pressure ulcer is a type of wound that is caused by pressure or friction on the skin, and is commonly seen in patients who are immobile or have limited mobility, and requires specialized care and management, including the use of advanced therapies and multidisciplinary teams.
Protease is an enzyme that breaks down proteins, and is involved in the <… #
Protease is an enzyme that breaks down proteins, and is involved in the degradation of tissue and the development of wounds, and can be inhibited by various agents, including antimicrobial dressings and topical agents.
Psychological support in wound care refers to the emotional and psychological… #
Psychological support in wound care refers to the emotional and psychological support provided to patients and their families, and involves the use of counseling, education, and other interventions to promote well-being and adherence to treatment plans.
Pulsed lavage is a type of debridement that involves the use of a high #
pressure jet of fluid to remove dead tissue, and is a selective and gentle method of debridement, suitable for wounds with a high risk of bleeding or those that are sensitive to other debridement methods.
Quality of life in wound care refers to the physical , emotional , a… #
Quality of life in wound care refers to the physical, emotional, and social well-being of patients with wounds, and is an essential outcome measure in wound care, as it helps to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment plans and interventions.
Reconstruction in wound care refers to the surgical repair of wounds, and involv… #
Reconstruction in wound care refers to the surgical repair of wounds, and involves the use of skin grafts, flaps, and other techniques to promote wound healing, reduce the risk of infection, and improve cosmesis.
Rehabilitation in wound care refers to the process of helping patients to rec… #
Rehabilitation in wound care refers to the process of helping patients to recover and regain function after a wound, and involves the use of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other interventions to promote independence and well-being.
Risk assessment in wound care refers to the process of identifying patients who… #
Risk assessment in wound care refers to the process of identifying patients who are at high risk of developing wounds, and involves the use of tools and criteria to evaluate the likelihood of wound development, and develop strategies for prevention and management.
Scar is the fibrous tissue that forms after a wound has healed, and can b… #
Scar is the fibrous tissue that forms after a wound has healed, and can be hypertrophic or keloid, and requires management to prevent complications and promote cosmesis.
Sensitivity in wound care refers to the ability of a wound to respond to… #
Sensitivity in wound care refers to the ability of a wound to respond to stimuli, such as touch or pressure, and is an essential indicator of wound healing, as it helps to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment plans and interventions.
Skin graft is a skin transplant that is used to promote wound healing, re… #
Skin graft is a skin transplant that is used to promote wound healing, reduce the risk of infection, and improve cosmesis, and can be autologous or allogenic, and requires immunosuppression to prevent rejection.
Skin substitute is a biological or synthetic material that is used… #
Skin substitute is a biological or synthetic material that is used to promote wound healing, reduce the risk of infection, and improve cosmesis, and can be temporary or permanent, and requires management to prevent complications and promote healing.
Sodium chloride is a saline solution that is used to clean and irrigat… #
Sodium chloride is a saline solution that is used to clean and irrigate wounds, and is an essential component of wound care, as it helps to remove debris and bacteria, and promote tissue repair.
Stem cells are cells that have the ability to differentiate into v… #
Stem cells are cells that have the ability to differentiate into various cell types, and are involved in the regeneration of tissues, and can be used to promote wound healing, reduce the risk of infection, and improve cosmesis.
Sterile technique in wound care refers to the use of sterile equipment an… #
Sterile technique in wound care refers to the use of sterile equipment and techniques to prevent infection and promote wound healing, and is an essential component of wound care, as it helps to reduce the risk of sepsis and other complications.
Surgical debridement is a type of debridement that involves the surgical removal… #
Surgical debridement is a type of debridement that involves the surgical removal of dead tissue, and is a selective and invasive method of debridement, suitable for wounds with a high risk of bleeding or those that are sensitive to other debridement methods.
Telehealth in wound care refers to the use of telecommunication and in… #
Telehealth in wound care refers to the use of telecommunication and information technologies to provide wound care services remotely, and is an essential component of wound care, as it helps to increase access to care, reduce costs, and improve patient outcomes.
Thermography is a type of imaging that uses heat to detect and evaluate w… #
Thermography is a type of imaging that uses heat to detect and evaluate wounds, and is an essential tool in wound care, as it helps to identify areas of inflammation and infection, and monitor wound healing.
Tissue engineering is the use of biological and synthetic material… #
Tissue engineering is the use of biological and synthetic materials to create tissues and organs for wound repair, and is an essential component of wound care, as it helps to promote wound healing, reduce the risk of infection, and improve cosmesis.
Topical therapy in wound care refers to the use of topical agents, such a… #
Topical therapy in wound care refers to the use of topical agents, such as creams and ointments, to promote wound healing, reduce the risk of infection, and improve circulation, and is an essential component of wound care, as it helps to support the body's natural healing processes.
Trauma in wound care refers to the injury or damage that occurs to… #
Trauma in wound care refers to the injury or damage that occurs to tissues, and can lead to wound development, and requires management to prevent complications and promote healing.
Ulcer is a type of wound that is characterized by a break in the skin, an… #
Ulcer is a type of wound that is characterized by a break in the skin, and can be acute or chronic, and requires specialized care and management, including the use of advanced therapies and multidisciplinary teams.
Vacuum #
assisted closure is a type of negative pressure wound therapy that involves the use of a vacuum dressing to promote wound healing, reduce the risk of infection, and improve circulation, and is commonly used in the treatment of chronic wounds and other conditions that are resistant to healing.
Vascular disease is a medical condition that can affect wound healing, an… #
Vascular disease is a medical condition that can affect wound healing, and requires management to prevent complications and promote healing, as it can lead to ischemia and other serious conditions.
Venous ulcer is a type of wound that is caused by venous insufficiency, a… #
Venous ulcer is a type of wound that is caused by venous insufficiency, and is commonly seen in patients who are immobile or have limited mobility, and requires specialized care and management, including the use of advanced therapies and multidisciplinary teams.
Wound bed preparation is the process of preparing the wound bed for healing, and… #
Wound bed preparation is the process of preparing the wound bed for healing, and involves the use of debridement, irrigation, and other techniques to promote granulation and tissue repair.
Wound care specialist is a healthcare professional who has specialized training… #
Wound care specialist is a healthcare professional who has specialized training and expertise in wound care, and is responsible for assessing, diagnosing, and managing wounds, and developing individualized treatment plans to promote healing and prevent complications.
Wound dressing is a covering or bandage applied to a wound to promote healing, r… #
Wound dressing is a covering or bandage applied to a wound to promote healing, reduce the risk of infection, and improve cosmesis, and can be made of various materials, including gauze, foam, and film, and can be impregnated with antimicrobial agents or other medications.
Wound exudate is the fluid that accumulates on the surface of a wound, which can… #
Wound exudate is the fluid that accumulates on the surface of a wound, which can be an indicator of infection or other complications, and requires management to prevent maceration and promote healing.
Wound healing is the natural process by which the body repairs damaged ti… #
Wound healing is the natural process by which the body repairs damaged tissue, and involves the inflammatory response, tissue repair, and remodeling, and can be enhanced by various interventions, including wound care products and therapies.
Wound infection is a complication of wound care, characterized by the pre… #
Wound infection is a complication of wound care, characterized by the presence of bacteria or other microorganisms in the wound, and requires management to prevent sepsis and promote healing.
Wound measurement is the process of measuring the size and depth of a wound, and… #
Wound measurement is the process of measuring the size and depth of a wound, and is an essential component of wound care, as it helps to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment plans and interventions, and monitor wound healing.
Wound pain is a common complication of wound care, characterized by di… #
Wound pain is a common complication of wound care, characterized by discomfort or pain in the wound area, and requires management to promote comfort and well-being.
Wound staging is the process of categorizing wounds based on their severity, and… #
Wound staging is the process of categorizing wounds based on their severity, and is an essential component of wound care, as it helps to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment plans and interventions, and monitor wound healing.
Wound swab is a sample of tissue or fluid taken from a wound, which is us… #
infection or other conditions that may be affecting the wound, and is an essential diagnostic tool in wound care.
X-ray is a type of imaging that uses radiation to visualize internal stru… #
X-ray is a type of imaging that uses radiation to visualize internal structures, and is an essential tool in wound care, as it helps to identify areas of infection or damage, and monitor wound healing.
Yellow foam dressing is a type of dressing that is made of foam and is us… #
Yellow foam dressing is a type of dressing that is made of foam and is used to promote wound healing, reduce the risk of infection, and improve cosmesis, and is commonly used in the treatment of chronic wounds and other conditions that are resistant to healing.
Zinc is a mineral that plays a crucial role in wound healing, and is ofte… #
Zinc is a mineral that plays a crucial role in wound healing, and is often used in wound care products, such as dressings and topical agents, to promote granulation and tissue repair, and is essential for immune function and wound healing.