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WOUND CARE

Chapter Five: Discussion

Introduction

In this chapter, salient findings of the research study are discussed, highlighting the

relevance of the findings in respect to existing nursing knowledge and practice. “The combined

findings suggest richly textured and comprehensive datasets” from the different phases of this

study (Polit & Beck, 2012, p. 626). The key pieces of evidence are synthesized, also discussed

in relation to the guiding research questions, existing knowledge along with expert consultations

and current knowledge.

Synthesis of Evidence

The mixed methods employed for the study were literature review, national

environmental scan via an online survey and qualitative telephone interviews, and a final

consensus – building consultation phase. The guiding research questions of the study were:

1) What is the existing evidence regarding radiating through dressings?

2) What is the current practice in Canadian Radiation Oncology Cancer Agencies

with regards to wound dressings during radiotherapy? and

3) How do nurses perceive their role in clinical decision-making and inter-

professional relationships in this matter?

In this chapter these questions provide the organizing structure for the synthesis and discussion

of the study findings. Synthesized findings from the national environmental scan survey and

telephone interviews pointed to the importance of a patient-centred approach as core to any

evidence-informed guidelines regarding wound management.