CHS13 Undertake wound drainage care

Overview

This standard covers undertaking wound drainage care. This involves monitoring wound drainage and changing wound drainage attachments as and when directed. These activities must be undertaken using an aseptic technique and following local guidelines and procedures. The standard is applicable in a variety of care settings including hospitals, care homes, the individuals own home or other community settings such as GP surgeries. Users of this standard will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies. Version No 1

Knowledge and Understanding

You will need to know and understand:

1. The current European and National legislation, national guidelines, organisational policies and protocols in accordance with Clinical/Corporate Governance which affect your work practice in relation to undertaking wound drainage care
2. Your responsibilities and accountability in relation to the current European and National legislation, national guidelines and local policies and protocols and Clinical/Corporate Governance
3. The duty to report any acts or omissions in care that could be detrimental to yourself, other individuals or your employer
4. The importance of working within your own sphere of competence and seeking advice when faced with situations outside your sphere of competence
5. What valid consent means and why it must be obtained and confirmed prior to actions being taken
6. The importance of applying standard precautions to undertaking wound drainage care and the potential consequences of poor practice
7. Why individuals should be supported and told about the nature of wound drainage
8. The concerns and worries which individuals or client groups may have in relation to some clinical procedures
9. The adverse reactions which may occur and how to identify and deal with these
10. The anatomy and physiology of the skin and underlying structures in relation to:
1. the positioning of wound drains
2. undertaking safe and effective wound care
11. The potential consequences of contamination of wound drainage systems while undertaking care activities
12. The types, purpose and function of materials and equipment needed for measuring wound drainage
13. The principles of wound drainage
14. Methods and techniques for preparing and applying dressings and wound supports related to wound drains
15. The purposes of measuring the individual’s wound drainage
16. The importance of distinguishing between body fluids and those introduced during clinical procedures in order to get accurate fluid loss measurements
17. The methods and techniques for measuring wound drainage
18. The potential hazards associated with measuring wound drainage, and how they can be avoided or minimised
19. The importance of following the procedure exactly as it is specified, and the potential effects of not doing so
20. The importance of packing up used equipment and soiled dressings, and drainage equipment prior to leaving the immediate care area
21. How and where to dispose of used wound drainage systems
22. The reasons why questions which are beyond your role or knowledge need to be passed onto the appropriate member of the care team
23. The specific records required for reporting on wound drainage and the importance of keeping accurate and up to date records
24. The importance of immediately reporting any issues which are outside your own sphere of competence without delay to the relevant member of staff

Performance Criteria

You must be able to do the following:

1. apply standard precautions for infection prevention and control and take other appropriate health and safety measures
2. check the individual’s identity and the confirm the planned activity
3. give the individual relevant information, support and reassurance in a manner which is sensitive to their needs and concerns and gain valid consent to carry out planned activities related to the care of wound drainage
4. observe and measure the individual’s wound drainage accurately using the correct technique and equipment at specified time(s) according to the plan of care, or as directed by the registered practitioner
5. record measurements correctly in the required format, and report them accurately to the appropriate member of the care team
6. report any problems in measuring or recording wound drainage promptly to the appropriate member of the care team
7. confirm all necessary equipment and materials for changing drainage collection systems are:
1. appropriate for the activity
2. fit for purpose
3. attach replacement drainage collection systems:
4. using appropriate techniques
5. in line with manufacturer’s instructions
6. in a manner which optimises the patient’s comfort and dignity and minimises pain and trauma
7. maintain the sterility of the drainage system prior to and during attachment
8. ensure that:
1. drains are secured effectively and appropriately
2. vacuum seals on drains are intact
3. drains are positioned to prevent inappropriate backflow and/or patient harm
9. recognise and report any condition or behaviour which may signify adverse reactions to the activity and take the appropriate action
10. where appropriate, record the outcomes of the activity correctly using the method agreed in your care setting
11. report your findings and/or activity to the appropriate member of the care team

Additional Information

This National Occupational Standard was developed by Skills for Health. This standard links with the following dimension within the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (October 2004): Dimension: HWB5 Provision of care to meet health and wellbeing needs