Skipton Nursing Home, Vic

Wound Management Program

The wound management program is based on research and feedback. It is recognised that ageing impacts in many ways including the skin with loss of skin elasticity and collagen together with increased episodes of chronic illness and many other factors (Russell, 1998). Together this cumulative effect, with other issues that may impact on the ageing resident, such as continence, nutritional and hydration status and mobility can negatively affect the skin integrity of residents and lead to pressure areas.

We believe it is of vital importance to provide care that achieves optimal outcomes in wound management for our residents whilst promoting the resident’s quality of life.

The aim is to provide best practice in wound management. Part of this program entails prediction and prevention of pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcer prevalence in Australian healthcare settings between 1983 and 2002 has reportedly ranged from 3 to 36.7% (Prentice 2003 in Victorian Quality Council PUPPS 2004).

Review of wound management by Registered Nurses Division 1 and 2 has resulted from audits, education, raising awareness and through staff meetings and the continuous quality improvement program.