Author(s): Linda Mc Dermott-Scales1, RGN, H Dip Wound Management & Tissue Viability, MSc Nursing.
Professor Seamus Cowman2 PhD, MSc, FFNMRCSI, PGCEA, RNT, DipN (London), RGN, RPN.
Department: Stewart's Hospital was a large part of this multisite study
Keywords: Wounds and Epidemiology
(29 Jul 2009)
Background: Changing global trends in the provision of
health care and in demographics are resulting in increased demands for
Irish community wound services. However, little is known of the
frequency and types of wounds encountered by Irish community nurses and
less is known about the provision of wound care.
Aim and objectives This study aimed to explore of the prevalence of
wounds and their nursing management in an Irish community setting.
Methods A multi-site, census point prevalence wound survey was
conducted within; Intellectual Disability, Psychiatry, GP practices,
Prisons, Long Term Care Private and Public Nursing Homes and
Community/Public Health nursing services on one randomly selected day.
Acute services were excluded. Formal ethical approval was obtained.
Data were collected using a pre-piloted questionnaire. Education was
provided to all nurses recording the tool (n = 148). Descriptive
statistical analysis was performed.
Main findings: A 97.2% survey response rate yielded a crude prevalence
rate (CPR) of 15.6% for wounds across nursing disciplines (290/1,854
total census). CPR ranged from 2.7% in Prison Services to 33.5% in
Intellectual Disability Services. The most frequent wounds recorded
were pressure ulcers (CPR 4%, excluding grade 1 CPR 2.7%), leg ulcers
(CPR 2.9%), self inflicted superficial abrasions (CPR 2.2%) and
surgical wounds (CPR1.7%). This study identifies a high prevalence of
wounds in the community with each discipline of nursing demonstrating
specific wound care needs, however care was frequently haphazard.