[The principles of chronic wound assessment and measurement]

Abstract

The management of chronic diseases in the elderly population is a major challenge for professional nurses. Chronic wounds, such as pressure ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, venous ulcers, and arterial ulcers are common problems among patients with chronic diseases. This article aims to improve the knowledge base of nurses who assess and identify the etiology of chronic wounds, in the hope that an improved pool of knowledge can be drawn upon and applied in clinical practice. The article discusses patient assessment, chronic wound assessment, assessment of healing, and wound classification systems that can provide a structured approach to the management of chronic wounds. It provides a rational and systematic approach to both assessment and management that is particularly useful in the management of non-healing wounds. It can be used as a source of reference for nurses in the organization of wound management plans and the provision of better care for patients.