Commentaries☆

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Abstract 

J Vasc Nurs 2003;21:4.

Bravo to Lois Kittenplan for reinforcing basic principles used by clinicians in the treatment of wounds. The first principle is about etiology. Etiology is indeed the cornerstone from which specific care treatment is built. Without a correct diagnosis of wound etiology, the most scientific, advanced wound care product used by the most experienced clinician will not produce the desired outcome of healing. A frequently encountered example of this is when the treatment for a leg ulcer resulting from venous hypertension consists of only local wound care without any measures prescribed to correct the venous hypertension.

The second principle relates to the comorbidities that may slow the wound healing. Recognition and treatment of comorbidities are important to comprehensive wound management and can be as simple as correcting the patient's anemia or nutritional status. The author's list of comorbid conditions is not exhaustive and should be identified as such.

Lastly, wound care products have exploded in number over the last 15 years, and their cost is not negligible to the patient or the healthcare system. By using the principles discussed by the author, more cost effective care can be attained.