Survey comparing clinicians' wound healing knowledge and practice.

Abstract

A cross-sectional design in the form of a self-administered postal questionnaire was sent to 238 staff of a general hospital to compare wound healing knowledge and practice. Seventy-four questionnaires were returned (response rate = 31.09%). No significant statistical differences were identified between the groups. Wound care practices demonstrated a lack of evidence-based care along with the continued use of outdated and hazardous practices. Knowledge was primarily sourced from colleagues and personal experience, with journals and courses favoured by the specialized clinicians. The clinicians rated pre-graduate training as inadequate. Medical staff dominated decision-making in specialized groups, while the responsibility was shared between the nurse and the tissue viability nurse in non-specialized areas. The clinicians identified clinical effectiveness and availability as influencing their dressing choices.