The human skin is a vital organ responsible for maintaining homeostasis in the body. It acts as a shield against external threats such as chemical substances, injuries, extreme temperatures and hazards. However, the skin's first line of defence can be compromised by a wound. Although the body has the ability to heal itself, factors such as poor nutrition can hinder the healing process. Nursing interventions, cultural aspects and other factors can influence the outcome of the healing process.

Stuart (2020) defined "wound" as a cut, ulcer or injury. The severity of the wound determines how long it takes to heal. Poor nutrition, including nutrient deficiencies, imbalances and protein-energy malnutrition, can hamper the body's ability to heal. Nutritional deficiencies, dehydration and malnutrition can all affect the healing process's outcome. Identifying the root cause of delayed wound healing, such as nutrient deficiencies, can help determine the necessary interventions. For example, amino acids can aid tissue repair by providing the building blocks of protein. Vitamins such as K and A, found in leafy green vegetables and carotene, respectively, promote blood clotting and cell migration in the wound's early stage. Meanwhile, glutamine, found in protein-rich foods, stimulates the immune response by providing a source of glucose to white blood cells. Poor nutrition can result in nutrient deficiencies that impair and prolong the wound healing process.

One effective nursing intervention is providing oral supplements to promote wound healing. Hurd (2004) emphasizes that early intervention with oral supplements can encourage patients to take responsibility for their nutrition. Adequate calorie and protein intake is essential during wound healing, and oral food supplements play a significant role in meeting these requirements. Growth of blood vessels at the wound site depends on these nutrients. Without proper nutrition, blood vessel formation will be suppressed, causing a decrease in glucose, oxygen and other vital vitamins required for cell repair. Collagen, an energy-intensive process, is also essential during wound healing, but malnourished individuals may not have the necessary nutrients to repair and maintain tissues. Therefore, repetitive encouragement is necessary during mealtimes. An oral supplement has been shown to have a significant correlation with desirable wound healing outcomes, according to Acton (2013).

In conclusion, nutrition plays a crucial role in wound healing, and any nutrient deficiencies can hinder the body's healing process. To promote optimal healing, nutritional interventions should be encouraged, such as the early provision of oral supplements, to improve wound healing outcomes.

Undertaking research on wound healing has been a revealing experience for me. One of the most significant takeaways for me was the importance of healthcare practitioners having a comprehensive understanding of the products they use in their daily routine when delivering care to their patients, particularly when it comes to wound dressing. Initially, I believed that so long as the patients were receiving adequate care, the specifics of the products used were of little consequence. However, I came to realize that certain components in dressings, such as those derived from animals, might conflict with some patients' religious beliefs. Thus, it is crucial to respect patient preferences and beliefs regarding their treatment.

In addition to promoting wound healing through conventional methods such as enhancing nutrient intake to expedite the healing process, cultural factors should also be considered. In some religions, certain practices or beliefs may conflict with specific products or dressing components. In such cases, it is vital that we respect patient preferences and adjust treatment plans while still promoting wound healing effectively.

Overall, failure to provide the requisite nutrients to patients may impede wound healing by slowing down the healing process. Thus, it is essential to encourage patients to consume nutrient-rich foods and adjust their diet accordingly to promote efficient wound healing. Oftentimes, patients' cultural and religious preferences must also be taken into consideration when it comes to wound care products.

In conclusion, promoting wound healing can be a complex process, but healthcare practitioners can achieve it through the right approach. As such, there is a need for healthcare practitioners to approach wound care holistically, taking into account the various cultural, religious, and dietary needs of their patients and respecting their preferences.

References:

Acton, C. (2013). The importance of nutrition in wound healing, 9(3) 61-63.

Bishop, A., Witts, S., Martin, T. (2018). Wound Care: The role of nutrition in successful wound healing, 32(4), 44-46.

Enoch, S., Shaaban, H., Dunn, K W., (2005). Informed consent should be obtained from patients to use products (skin substitutes) and dressings containing biological material, 31(1) 2-6.

Eriksson, A.,Burcharth, J., Rosenburg, J., (2013). Animal-derived products may conflict with religious patient’s beliefs, 14(48). https://doi:10.1186/1472-6939-14-48

Hurd, T. (2004). Clinical Practice: Nutrition and Wound-care Management/Prevention, 2(2) 20-22.

Stuart, E. (2020). Nutritional Care. Nutrition and wound care: what community nurses should know, 42(6), 58-59.