Is it good to use tap water or saline for wound care?

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ABSTRACT

The main aim of this research was to critically appraise the literature regarding the use of tap or saline water for wound care, formulating conclusions and recommendations to practice. This study analyzes the nursing use of saline or tap water for wound care. The nursing profession is viewed as a profession that promotes caring and empathetic behaviours towards patients and families. This study was undertaken to investigate reflection on practice by nurses during patient care experiences in health care setting. A Systematic review is chosen as the research method; this will not only help in summarising the evidence but will also give path for further practice among nurses. Finding of this study showed that what kind of water is usually preferred by nurses for wound care. After analyzing the research questions one it is estimated that the perception of most of the nurses working in emergency department. The research concluded that tap water is more effective in cleaning the wound as compared to saline.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABSTRACTII

CHAPTER # 1: INTRODUCTION1

Background of the Study1

Problem Statement1

Aim and Objective of the Study2

Research Question2

Significance of the Study2

Structure of Dissertation3

CHAPTER # 2: METHODS4

Methodology4

Background and Rationale5

Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria6

Literature Sources6

Literature Critique8

Authors9

Ethical Considerations9

Purpose/Problem of Study10

Key Words10

Appraisal Framework10

CHAPTER # 3: LITERATURE REVIEW11

Literature Review11

Hypotheses11

Sample and Design11

Critique on Quantitative Research Approach12

Results13

Themes13

CHAPTER # 4: RESULTS14

Findings14

Research Question14

Research Question # 114

Research Question # 215

Research Question # 316

Economic considerations18

Wound-temperature control18

Summary19

CHAPTER # 5: DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION21

Discussion21

Background to wound infection21

Why and when wounds require cleansing?22

Conclusion23

Limitations24

Implications for patients24

Recommendations for Future Research24

REFERENCES25

APPENDIX33

CHAPTER # 1: INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

It is very important to clean the wound properly so that it heals faster and does not result in infection. Nurses and health care providers use different cleansing methods for wound management. The nurses and health care providers choose cleansing method based on their experience and own preferences. This research has been undertaken to study the effectiveness of salt and tap water for wound care. Every cleansing solution has its pros and cons. Usually it has been seen that every cleansing solution has its different pros and cons. The researcher conducted by Cochrane researcher revealed that both saline water and tap water are equally affected for wound care. Nurses usually use both the salt and tap water for cleaning or caring for the wounds. Both kinds of waters results in decreasing the risk of infection in the patients. However, Fernandez (Centre for Applied Nursing Research in New South Wales) stressed that tap water is more affective for treating the wound care. His research revealed that tap water is effective for routine cleansing of acute and chronic wounds. However, the harmful effects of tap water can't be neglected. Sterilized saline water is considered as the best solution for healing or caring for the wound. The reason behind it is that sterilized saline water is not toxic and does not damage the cells.

Problem Statement

There are many methods used b nurses and health care professional for wound management. This systematic review dicusses the potentional benfits ...