Bioburden and wound infections: reduction, identification and management

Wound infection delays wound healing, which has a negative impact on patient wellbeing and treatment costs. This article outlines an evidence-based and person-centred approach to the assessment, management and reduction of bioburden and wound infection. It highlights that effective infection and inflammation control commences with prevention. Nurses are pivotal in this approach, optimising the environment and wound bed to reduce bioburden, and taking account of the patient's existing health conditions to enable an effective host response.