Essential Concepts of Wound Management

The practice of wound care has greatly improved and evolved over the years. The emergency provider (EP) can choose from a wide variety of sutures, adhesives, strips, and surgical staples, and uses proven wound closure techniques to address this common Emergency Department (ED) patient complaint. All EPs should be comfortable and proficient in the management and care of wounds in the ED. Because wound care is responsible for a large number of malpractice claims, EPs need to be aware of practices that can limit bad outcomes and thus decrease their liability risk. EPs should follow a standard examination and ensure that there is no damage to underlying structures (ie, nerves, tendons, and vasculature), and that foreign bodies are meticulously looked for and removed if found. Discharge instructions that alert the patient on warning signs of infection, and having all patients return within 48hours for a wound check are 2 ways to optimize patients' outcomes.