Visualizing Wound Healing: Integrating Clinical Imaging with Nursing Practices for Enhanced Outcomes

Abstract

Wound healing (WH) is an extraordinary biological process that encompasses the management of injuries, tissue repair, and the restoration of the integrity of the skin and surrounding tissues. This process plays a crucial role as a defensive barrier, preventing infections and injuries and maintaining homeostasis. A normal wound progresses through a series of stages, including hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling, within a specific timeframe. This type of wound is known as an acute wound. However, when the healing process is delayed or interrupted at any stage, the wound becomes chronic. Several factors can influence WH, such as physiological factors like age, gender, and oxygen levels; pathological conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and obesity; and lifestyle factors including poor hygiene, smoking, and alcohol consumption. If a chronic wound is not properly managed, it can lead to further complications, such as an increased risk of infection, higher morbidity, and even mortality. The role of healthcare, particularly the nurse, in wound care is to monitor the case, handle it, and reduce complications. Therefore, it is essential to optimize nursing practices and ensure adherence to guidelines, keeping up with their continuous updates. Visualizing WH is a crucial aspect of wound care, enabling effective monitoring and evaluation of the healing process. This review explores the theoretical perspectives and practical applications of clinical imaging in wound assessment. Techniques such as 3D scanning, ultrasound imaging, and visual documentation are highlighted for their role in tracking wound characteristics, diagnosing complications, and guiding treatment plans. Emphasis is placed on integrating advanced technologies with nursing practices to enhance patient outcomes. By combining theoretical frameworks with innovative imaging methods, this study underscores the importance of visual tools in improving the understanding and management of WH.