Clarification

Published

Specializes in Home Health.

Hey everyone, new here ? 

For home health, I do a lot of wound care. I just need clarification: Whenever my patient's wound is scabbed over, no signs of infection, no drainage, odor, etc... I would leave it OTA for the body to do it's natural healing process.

Now the question is... Do I need a wound care order every time I leave a bandage off? It is nearly impossible to get in touch with a doctor the same day as the visit. 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospice.

Something that was helpful for me when I was working in home health was to be proactive when obtaining my initial orders such as specifying when the dressing could be discontinued.

I would also encourage you to check with your educator or supervisor - different agencies can have slightly different interpretations or procedures for discontinuing dressings. 

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Home Health.

Since reading your reply, I have been doing that.. specifying when the dressing could be discontinued. Thank you so much!

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospice.
On 2/26/2022 at 6:03 PM, TaylorHM1992 said:

Since reading your reply, I have been doing that.. specifying when the dressing could be discontinued. Thank you so much!

Awesome! I think that this will end up saving you time chasing dc orders on dressings! 

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion