IWII Wound infection in clinical practice consensus document 2016 update

Abstract

The International Wound Infection Institute (IWII) is a volunteer group of interdisciplinary health professionals dedicated to advancing and improving practice relating to the prevention and control of wound infection. The second edition of Wound infection in clinical practice is an update of the first edition published in 2008 and was endorsed by the World Union of Wound Healing Societies (WUWHS). The original document was authored by leading experts who were in wound management, many of whom formed the inaugural committee of the IWII.

For the second edition, the IWII collaborative team undertook a comprehensive review of contemporary literature, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses when available. In addition, the team conducted a formal Delphi process to reach consensus on wound infection issues for which scientific research was minimal or lacking. This rigorous process provided a document with an update on the science and expert opinion regarding prevention, diagnosis and control of wound infection. The updated document outlines new definitions relevant to wound infection, presents new paradigms and advances in the management and diagnosis of a wound infection, and highlights controversial areas of discussion. The intent is to provide a practical, updated resource that is easy to use and understand.