Wound debridement: a clinical update

Abstract

This article aims to improve nurses' knowledge of wound debridement through a review of different techniques and the related physiology of wound healing. Debridement has long been an established component of effective wound management. However, recent clinical developments have widened the choice of methods available. This article provides an overview of the physiology of wounds, wound bed preparation, methods of debridement and the important considerations for the practitioner in implementing effective, informed and patient-centred wound care.

Keywords: Autolytic debridement; debridement; tissue viability; wound bed preparation; wound debridement; wound healing; wound management.