Gethin G, Grocott P, Probst S, Clarke E, et al.
International journal of nursing studies. Date of publication 2014 Jun 1;volume 51(6):865-74.
1. Int J Nurs Stud. 2014 Jun;51(6):865-74. doi: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2013.10.013. Epub
2013 Oct 25.
Current practice in the management of wound odour: an international survey.
Gethin G(1), Grocott P(2), Probst S(3), Clarke E(4).
Author information:
(1)School of Nursing and Midwifery, National University of Ireland, Galway,
Ireland. Electronic address: Georgina.gethin@nuigalway.ie.
(2)King's College London, James Clerk Maxwell Building, Room 1.34, Waterloo Road,
SE1 8WA London, United Kingdom. Electronic address: Patricia.grocott@kcl.ac.uk.
(3)Departement Gesundheit, Institut für Pflege ZHAW Zürcher Hochschule für
Angewandte Wissenschaften Technikumstrasse 71, Postfach, CH-8400 Winterthur,
Switzerland. Electronic address: prob@zhaw.ch.
(4)Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephens Green, Dublin 2,
Ireland.
AIM: To determine from a multi-disciplinary and international perspective current
practice in the management of wound odour.
BACKGROUND: Malodour is cited by patients and carers as one of the most
distressing and socially isolating aspects of their wounds. The absence of a
standardised approach to assessment and management underscores the need to
collect baseline data to support guideline development.
DESIGN: On-line survey.
METHODS: A study specific questionnaire in English, Spanish, Italian and German
was emailed to wound care organisations worldwide, palliative and oncology
nursing organisations, and known contacts with a special interest in wound
management, for distribution to members between December 2011 and February 2012.
RESULTS: 1444 people from 36 countries responded. 12% assess odour with
descriptive words being the most frequent form of assessment. Charcoal and silver
based dressings were the most frequently used odour management agents, yet, only
48.4% and 23% respectively reported these as being very effective. Antimicrobial
agents were cited as most effective but were not the most frequently used. 8% use
aromatherapy oils direct to the wound, and 74% combine a range of dressings to
try and manage odour. Odour, pain and exudate management were the greatest wound
management challenges facing patients and clinicians. 46.7% of respondents
encounter patients with MFW on a monthly basis and 89% agreed there is a need to
develop guidelines in this area.
CONCLUSION: A 'trial and error' approach to odour management exists with low
overall satisfaction with current practice. There is a need for research and
education on means to assess odour and odour management options.
Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2013.10.013
PMID: 24238490 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
