Assessment of a patient with a wound

Abstract

One of the most important principles in the management of wounds is to carry out a comprehensive assessment of a patient with a wound. The following aspects must be taken into account when doing a comprehensive assessment: the general health of the patient as well as social, economic and psychological aspects that may influence wound healing. Naturally the wound must also be thoroughly assessed. During the assessment all factors that may compromise wound healing must be taken into account and recorded as baseline data. Also assess the patients ability to heal. It would be ideal to use a standardised assessment instrument that will ensure the systematic collection of data.