n Medical Chronicle - The latest in burn wound management - clinical - wound care

Abstract

Wound management, including burn wound management is dynamic. Treatment that was effective 10 years ago is no longer best practice. Some of the outdated treatments include the practice of leaving wounds exposed, daily dressing changes, the usage of silver sulphadiazine (SSD) and delayed debridement and wound closure. Practising evidence-based medicine is important in today’s healthcare environment because professionals’ decisions and practice often come under scrutiny by health funders, patients and their legal advisors. Evidence-based wound management not only improves quality of care and patient outcomes, but also demonstrates a commitment to best care. Clinicians not only need to know how to treat, but also when to treat and when to refer. For this reason, the South African Burn Society has published a referral guideline.