The aim and mission of the International Wound Infection Institute (IWII) is to provide accessible, evidence-based information to support the prevention, identification and management of wound infection.
This fourth edition of Wound Infection in Clinical Practice was developed by members of the IWII Board and Committee, supported by our medical writer and methodologist, Dr Emily Haesler, Chair of the IWII Education and Evidence Subcommittee. Its development included a systematic review of the literature, a Delphi consensus process, external peer review and the integration of relevant IWII publications. This rigorous process was undertaken to ensure that the document reflects contemporary evidence, international expert consensus and practical clinical experience.
Our international and multidisciplinary author group includes academics, scientists, nurses, medical practitioners and pharmacists. The document was also reviewed by experts from a range of disciplines, including podiatry, infectious diseases, surgery and experts in paediatrics. This breadth of expertise reflects the importance of collaborative and multidisciplinary approaches to the prevention and management of wound infection.
IWII is a volunteer organisation committed to making wound infection education accessible worldwide. Our publications are free to download and are translated into multiple languages so that the information can be widely shared and implemented in everyday practice. This document is intended to support specialist clinicians in education, advanced clinical practice, and the development of policies and procedures. It is also designed to provide generalist clinicians with current information presented in clear, understandable language, together with practical and informative recommendations.
We have listened to feedback received following previous editions and during the development of this document. New and expanded content includes neonatal and paediatric considerations, the assessment of clinical signs across diverse skin tones, evolving concepts and paradigms, and medicated and non-medicated approaches to wound infection management. Evidence published since the third edition in 2022 has further informed our understanding of wound infection, biofilm, prevention, assessment and management.
We encourage readers to implement and evaluate the guidance presented in this document and to share their experiences with IWII, professional organisations and the wider wound care community. We also invite you to support the IWII mission by becoming a member and participating in our newsletters, publications, educational activities and free webinars.
Terry Swanson, Chair, International Wound Infection Institute
Geoff Sussman, Vice Chair, International Wound Infection Institute
Emily Haesler, Methodologist/medical writer, International Wound Infection Institute
Download the PDF below to access the full consensus document.
