Prevention and Management of Wound Procedural Pain Management in Adult Patients with Open Wounds
Summary: Review integrates latest evidence on preventing/managing procedural pain in adult open wounds (trauma/chronic, e.g., dressing changes/debridement). Pain affects 76-95% patients, delays healing/compliance. Recommends routine assessment (VAS/NRS), education, moist/low-adhesion dressings, gentle cleansing/debridement, WHO ladder pharmacology, non-pharm (distraction, TENS, iontophoresis), prophylactic analgesia, multidisciplinary tailoring. High-quality evidence for standardized techniques; moderate for adjuncts.
Key Highlights:
- Assessment: VAS/NRS pre/during/post-procedure.
- Techniques: Moist dressings, saline for adhesion, low-tack adhesives to avoid MARSI.
- Interventions: WHO ladder; non-pharm (VR/distraction, TENS); prophylactic use (<30% currently).
- Relevance: Critical for chronic wounds with frequent procedures/sensitivity.
Keywords: wound procedural pain, pain management, dressing changes, prophylactic analgesia