Page 46 - Wound Care at End of Life Content: A Guide for Hospice Professionals - DEMO

wound infection. Even if healing is not the goal of wound care, debridement allows visualization of the wound bed, and interrupts the cycle of chronic wounds
aggressive intervention, the patient’s quality of life is also likely to be impacted if a wound is not debrided. The benefits of debridement for the patient at the
to more closely resemble an acute healable wound. If necrotic tissue is present in the form of slough or eschar, the question should not be IF debridement is
appropriate, but what TYPE of debridement is appropriate and in line with the patient’s goals of care. Debridement is discontinued when the wound bed is
end of life include less wound exudate and less frequent dressing changes, decreased wound odor, and reduced wound bioburden leading to lower risk of
foreign bodies are present or when the wound is infected. 1,2 While debridement is a requirement for wound healing, and therefore often regarded as an
DEBRIDEMENT: Removal of necrotic tissue and debris from a wound. Debridement is indicated for any wound, acute or chronic, when necrotic tissue or
clean and viable tissue is present. Arterial ulcers should not be debrided unless the blood supply is known. Also, debridement is not indicated for:
More Common Types of Debridement in Hospice and End of Life Care

Description  Use of semi‐occlusive hydrocolloid, hydrogel, or transparent dressings to keep wound bed moist, or eschar wet until it liquefies. Autolysis is a natural, painless method of debridement. Autolysis is not recommended as the sole method of debridement in infected wounds, wounds with necrotic tissue, or in the presence of significant tunneling or undermining. 1,2  Enzymatic: Uses enzymes from plants in combina

 Dry, stable (non‐infected) ischemic wounds

Debridement

 Stable eschar covered heels
 Wounds with dry gangrene

Types of Debridement

AUTOLYTIC CHEMICAL