Jwc ewma final indd

Table5.Existingstudiesoncostandresourceutilisationofdebridement

---

J O U R N A L  O F WO U N D  C A R E   Vo l   2 2 .  N o   1 .  E W M A   D o c u M E N t   2 0 1 3  

S 3 9

Debridementalgorithm

T

he algorithm included in this chapter reflects 

the consensus opinion of the authors behind 

the document, based on their personal 

experience. The aim is to provide a clear description 

of the general pathway of debridement, as well as 

a proposal for a structured approach to choosing 

between the appropriate techniques. 

The suggested pathway of debridement is 

illustrated in the process cycle, shown in Fig 7.

Fig 8 illustrates a possible pathway to direct the 

choice of debridement technique. As a starting 

point we have chosen the time needed for 

treatment, and availability of the technology in 

the various treatment settings and situations, with 

the objective to provide a simple model that is 

suitable for daily clinical use. However, for any 

choice of debridement technique, it is important 

to consider the following parameters that may 

influence the decision:

• 

Pain

• 

The patient’s environment

• 

The patient’s choice and consent

• 

Biological age and comorbidities

• 

Quality of life aspects

• 

Skill of the care giver

• 

Resources of the care giver

• 

Regulations and existing guidelines.

In addition, cost efficiency of the various 

techniques may be worth considering before 

choosing between different options that are 

clinically relevant and suitable for the patient. 

These parameters are described in detail 

throughout the document, but a short list of the 

most important aspects related to each of the 

techniques can be found in Fig 8.

Finally, it should be emphasised that any the  

listed technologies may be the most suitable 

option for debridement with regard to a specific 

patient or treatment situation. 

n

...toprovideacleardescription

ofthegeneralpathwayof

debridement,aswellasa

proposalforastructured

approachtochoosingbetween

theappropriatetechniques.

’

‘

---

S 4 0