Treatment of cutaneous traumatic wounds in the emergency room: What makes difference?

Abstract

Objective: To define the epidemiological characteristics of patients during follow-up after initial care of a traumatic skin wound in the emergency room and to correlate this with literature data. Method: Across sectional prospective observational study. Patients with traumatic wounds treated in the emergency room were given 2 questionnaires: a questionnaire regarding factors that influence the healing process and a second questionnaire, given between 7 and 10 days later, about the care of the site, degree of healing and signs of infection. Results: From the initial sample of 47 patients only 25 patients completed and returned to the second evaluation. Half of patients had not completed high school. Most common wounds were related to sharp objects (68%). One in every three injuries involved the hand; and of these, 92% were work related. The scalp was affected in 23% and the face in 21% of cases. Twenty percent of patients had returned with signs of infection, compared to the literature showing a rate of 3.5%. Eighty percent of patients with wound infection denied any related health conditions. Conclusion: This population showed a low level of education, which may be a factor in poor understanding and care of the wound. The most common location of the wound was the head (scalp and face) followed by the upper extremities (especially hands). Considering the epidemiology and mechanisms of trauma frequently experienced in our environment, prevention can be cost-effective and decrease morbidity. Follow up is a potential source of bias since patients may be motivated to attend this service based on how they perceive abnormal wound healing. This work shows the importance of many factors related to traumatic wound care but it is essential that the investigation be expanded. © 2013 Strack Neves GC, et al.