Everyone (hopefully most clinicians) undertake wound images and measurements. Don’t get us wrong, these are important. But from our prickly position, they aren’t as robust in our clinical practice as many would like to think.

In this episode Monika and Donna provide an experience informed conversation on the common issues with digital photography and unpack the reasons why these affect quality practice and decision making for patients with wounds.

Episode 9 is jam packed with practical pearls for all clinicians to take and use no matter what their experience or setting. This episode is valuable for:

1. novice to experienced healthcare professionals
2. nurse, doctors and all clinicians involved in wound care
3. managers focused on quality of care and practice improvement

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction

00:49 Wound measurement and photography as a component of wound documentation

02:40 Argggh rulers

04:51 Photos as important medico-legal documentation

05:10 Ban the Ruler!

07:37 If you really feel compelled to use rulers

09:15 Controversies and lack of standardisation in wound measurement

12:43 Is your photo a true and accurate record?

13:53 Photography tips

14:33 Wound chart v photos

16:05 Flash v natural light

16.35 Doing a retrospective on your photography

17:23 When it is important to use a flash

18:27 How to make wound measurement more consistent

19:36 Best time to measure and take a photo

21:06 How often should wounds be measured?

22:03 Do the world a favour

22:50 Context of wound measurement and questions that should be answered

24:16 Circumferential wounds and shout out to managers

29:06 Measuring depth

29:51 Probing wounds

31:16 Measuring pressure injuries within an interdisciplinary team

33:00 Wound measurement and photography in Chronic Oedema

34:12 Wound Hygiene consensus resource

34:35 Do you measure the height of hypergranulation?

35:19 Don’t just look at the numbers

37:52 Photographing pitting test

38:20 The value of clinicians undertaking a lymphoedema course accredited by the Australasian Lymphology Association

Resources mentioned:

1. Murphy C, Atkin L, Swanson T, Tachi M, Tan YK, Vega de Ceniga M, Weir D, Wolcott R. International consensus document. Defying hard-to-heal wounds with an early antibiofilm intervention strategy: Wound Hygiene. J Wound Care 2020; 29(Suppl 3b):S1–28 https://convatec.showpad.com/share/NlEvPxvvOe4SF5SzTaRnK
2. Australasian Lymphology Association - Accredited Training Courses https://www.lymphoedema.org.au/education-&-resources/lymphoedema-training-courses/

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Connect with us at:

Email consultants@advancingwoundcare.com.au

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Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are our own. This podcast is intended specifically for healthcare professionals. Always follow your organisation's policies and procedures. Please consult your own healthcare provider for individual wound advice.