The Professional Record Standards Body (PRSB) has published its Wound Care Information Standard, aiming to improve wound care by supporting evidence-based practice and consistency in recording information.
The standard has been commissioned by the National Wound Care Strategy Programme, and is designed to support their objectives: to prevent the development of new wounds, reduce pain and suffering, improve healing rates, prevent healed wounds from recurring, support self-management of wounds, and improve the efficiency of healthcare services and resources.
The standard specifically covers the assessment, management, maintenance and prevention of lower limb, pressure ulcer and surgical wounds. It is split into three main domains of information: wound assessment and treatment, a treatment plan, and supported self-care. The standard then specifies a further three domains for information which should be available to those providing care, including relevant history and the contact details for the individual’s circle of care, to better the flow of information between healthcare professionals.
The documents within the standard can be downloaded from the PRSB’s website in a selection of formats.
As part of the resource, PRSB provides examples of the standard working in practice with different people and scenarios. Supporting documentation is also provided including general implementation guidance, a safety case record and a draft hazard log.
Dr Una Adderley, director at the NWCSP, commented: “The opportunity for improving wound care services lies in the adoption of best practice on a wide scale – and this is something that the PRSB’s Wound Care Information Standard will support. The collection and use of standardised, high quality clinical information will enable better assessment, management, maintenance, and prevention of wounds for clinicians, and will support system leaders to understand their wound care services.”
PRSB’s chair Maureen Baker added: “Sharing and recording information consistently with the right professionals is key to ensuring that people receive the best wound care possible and that services are used more efficiently and effectively.”
In June or July this year, it is expected that PRSB will follow up the standard with an implementation toolkit, currently in development.
Last month, PRSB’s new diabetes record information standard was awarded ‘mandatory’ status. It has been developed to standardise information shared across stakeholders, whether recorded by the person or a healthcare professional.
