METHOD: Post-basic students (staff nurses and medical assistants) were given real life pictures showing the wound and periwound area. The students were asked to classify all pictures according to the HPSC at zero months (before attachment) and after two months of attachment. The images were the same but the answers were never given or discussed after the first test.
RESULTS: A total of 30 post-basic students participated in the study, assessing wound 30 images. The results showed that there was an increase of 25.42% in accuracy of wound assessment using the HSPC after two months of clinical attachment compared to pre-attachment. The reliability of the HPSC in wound assessment 79.87%.
CONCLUSION: Health professionals have to be able to assess and classify wounds accurately to be able to manage them accordingly. Assessment and classifications of the periwound skin are important and need to be validated and integrated as a part of a full wound assessment. With experience and adequate training, health professionals are able to comprehensively assess wounds using the validated tool, to enable effective wound management and treatment, accelerating wound healing and improving the quality of life for patients.
Method: The guidelines were developed by an appointed workgroup comprising experts in the Asia Pacific region, following reviews of previously published guidelines and recommendations relevant to each section.
Results: It recommends that healthcare facilities review specific risk factors and develop effective prevention strategies, which would be cost effective at local levels. Gaps identified are best closed using a quality improvement process. Surveillance of SSIs is recommended using accepted international methodology. The timely feedback of the data analysed would help in the monitoring of effective implementation of interventions.
Conclusions: Healthcare facilities should aim for excellence in safe surgery practices. The implementation of evidence-based practices using a quality improvement process helps towards achieving effective and sustainable results.