Jwc ewma final indd

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

identify the most appropriate method. Therefore, an 

appropriate diagnosis must fi rst defi ne the problem 

(necrosis, eschar, slough, sources of infection) and 

secondly, defi ne the exudate levels of the wound bed 

ranging from dry to wet (Fig 3–6).

Many additional parameters exist, which have the 

capacity to infl uence the decision for debridement 

and especially the choice of the appropriate 

method. Such parameters comprise pain, the 

patient’s environment, patient’s choice, age, skill 

and resources of the care giver, patient’s quality of 

life, regulations and guidelines (Table 2).

Remove

Necrosis

Slough

Eschar

Impairedtissue

Sourcesofinflammation

Sourcesofinfection

Exudate

Serocrusts

Hyperkeratosis

Slough

Pus

Haematomas

Foreignbodies

Debris

Bonefragments

Othertypesofbioburden/

barriersofhealing

Decrease

Odour

Excessmoisture

Riskofinfection

Stimulate

Woundedges

Epithelialisation

Improve

Qualityoflife