Pediatric Wound Care Research Articles

Practical Guide to Pediatric Wound Care

Much of pediatric wound care is based upon research studies, clinical experience, and products developed for use in adults. Although the principles of adult wound care apply in pediatrics, the management of wounds and application of adult products to pediatric patients can be challenging. Developmental characteristics of pediatric patients such as incontinence and inability to describe pain and participate in a wound care regimen must be considered. This article describes evidence-based wound care principles and the application of these principles and products for a variety of wounds seen in pediatric patients.

Wound care with antibacterial honey (Medihoney) in pediatric hematology–oncology

The physiologic process of wound healing is impaired and prolonged in pediatric patients receiving chemotherapy. Due to profound immunosuppression, wound infection can easily spread and act as the source of sepsis. Referring to in vitro studies, which confirmed the antibacterial potency of special honey preparations against typical isolates of nosocomially acquired wound infections (including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Vancomycin-resistant enterococci) and considering the encouraging reports from other groups, Medihoney has now been used in wound care at the Department of Pediatric Oncology, Children's Hospital, University of Bonn for 3 years. Supplemented with clinical data from pediatric oncology patients, this article reviews the scientific background and our promising experience with Medihoney in wound care issues at our institution. To collect and analyze the available experience, we prepare an internet-based data documentation module for pediatric wound care with Medihoney.

Improved Documentation of Wound Care With a Structured Encounter Form in the Pediatric Emergency Department

Accurate and complete documentation may enhance reimbursement and compliance with financial intermediary regulations, protect against litigation, and improve patient care. We measured the effect of introduction of a structured encounter form on the completeness of documentation of pediatric wound management in a teaching hospital. The Children's Hospital Emergency Department introduced a structured encounter form for use in the documentation of wound care in place of the existing free-text dictation method. Attending physicians and trainees, all unaware of the study, had the option of using the form in place of free-text dictation for patients with lacerations requiring closure. We abstracted 100 consecutive free-text dictations from patients treated before the form's introduction. Following a 3-month run-in period, we abstracted 100 consecutive structured wound records. We compared the 2 chart types for completeness of documentation based on 20 predetermined criteria relevant to pediatric wound care. Overall completeness of documentation improved with structured forms (80% vs 68% for free text, P < .001), with significant improvements in 6 of 20 individual criteria. Trainees demonstrated improvement in documentation with the structured form, with the greatest improvements among senior-level residents. Documentation of the general physical examination worsened with structured charting. In an academic pediatric emergency department, the use of a structured complaint-specific form improved overall completeness of wound-care documentation. Structured encounter forms may provide for more standardized documentation for a variety of pediatric chief complaints, thereby facilitating communication and ultimately transition to template-driven systems in anticipation of an electronic medical record.

Minimizing pain in paediatric wound care

Trudie Young reviews a consensus document which provides practical guidance on how to minimize trauma and pain when dressing wounds in children

A home-care team in paediatric wound care.

A discussion of how the use of a wound-care plan can improve paediatric community nursing

Paediatric wound care.

The vast majority of wounds in children heal quickly with few or no problems. However, for those with a chronic illness, such as Crohn's disease, renal failure or neurological conditions, wound healing may be problematic because of the illness. Healing is often delayed by a poor nutritiona state, complications of surgery, infection or chemotherapy.

Hydrocolloid dressings in paediatric wound care.

An overview of the use of hydrocolloid dressings in the care of children's acute and chronic wounds.