Authors: (including presenting author): :
Cheung CT, Fan CCI, Lo OYJ, Tsoi YK
Affiliation: :
Infirmary Service, Department of Medicine, Haven of Hope Hospital
Keyword 3: :
Staff Empowerment
Keyword 4: :
Staff Competency
Introduction: :
In infirmary settings, wound management is a critical component of nursing care, as approximately 80% of admitted patients present with existing wounds. These patients often face complex comorbidities, limited mobility, and physiological factors that hinder the healing process. Historically, variations in wound care practices and delayed clinical interventions have contributed to wound deterioration, increased infection risks, and prolonged hospital stay. To address these issues and ensure high-quality, consistent care in infirmary, a structured Weekly Wound Round was implemented to ward 2B of Haven of Hope Hospital in order to standardize practices and foster multidisciplinary collaboration.
Objectives: :
1. To standardize wound management through regular clinical supervision and bedside coaching. 2. To enhance clinical competency of nursing staff in managing complex and non-healing wounds. 3. To optimize selection and cost-effective use of advanced dressing products. 4. To early identification of wound deterioration. 5. To facilitate timely multidisciplinary referrals for holistic wound management.
Methodology: :
The project was implemented using a systematic and team-based approach: Structured Weekly Rounds: Rounds are conducted weekly on a rotating basis (Teams A, B, and C) led by the Wound Care Link Nurse or Advanced Practice Nurse to review all wound cases comprehensively. Clinical Evaluation: Individual wounds requiring changes in specialized dressing regimens are re-evaluated within 2–3 days following the round to ensure treatment efficacy. Bedside Education: Latest evidence-based techniques and advanced dressing product are introduced and demonstrated during the rounds to facilitate real-time learning. Collaborative Review: Head-to-Toe assessment of the need for multidisciplinary intervention to support systemic healing factors (e.g., nutrition and bedside devitalization by KEC wound nurse).
Result & Outcome: :
The Weekly Wound Round significantly improved staff competence and clinical outcomes. Staff Development: All of participating nursing staff reported an increase in clinical knowledge, specifically regarding the selection and technical application of advanced dressing products. Timely and appropriate management: 15% of reviewed cases were identified as requiring immediate adjustments to their dressing regimens or necessitated urgent referrals to other disciplines for specialized follow-up. The Weekly Wound Round proved an effective strategy, bridging the gap between clinical theory and bedside practice. It standardized wound care, empowered nurses with advanced clinical skills, and significantly improved the healing trajectory for patients in infirmary.
