ABCDEFGHI Systematic Approach to wound assessment and management

Abstract

Abstract: The ABCDEFGHI approach introduces a systematic approach to wound care. It instructs the clinician to A sk pertinent questions, including those that may identify local and systemic B arriers to wound healing. After obtaining a thorough history, the clinician may proceed to C lean the wound and D o a physical examination, specifically looking for E xposed structures and F actors that will complicate the healing process. G ood H ealing strategies involving various dressings can then be implemented to promote healing. If necessary, a referral can be made to I nvolve specialists using various referral pathways. Information used to synthesize this approach was obtained through a review of national and international guidelines and Google Scholar, MEDLINE, and PubMed databases. The ABCDEFGHI approach to wound assessment and management is a simple and easy-to-follow guide that can be easily implemented into practice, thereby improving clinician confidence and competence in wound care.