SPECIALIZED DRESSINGS AND CLINICAL REALITY: AN ANALYSIS OF WOUND CA-RE IN DIFFERENT HEALTHCARE SETTINGS

Abstract

Chronic wounds represent a significant challenge for healthcare services due to the complexity of treatment, their impact on patients’ quality of life, and the need for continuous follow-up. In this context, nursing plays a fundamental role in the assessment, planning, and implementation of care, especially considering the different healthcare realities found in public and private services. This study aimed to analyze how structural and care-related differences between the public and private sectors influence nursing care in wound management. This is an integrative literature review with a qualitative and descriptive approach, conducted through the analysis of nine studies published between 2017 and 2025, selected according to previously established criteria.The findings showed that nursing care is essential for treatment effectiveness, involving clinical assessment, evidence-based decision-making, continuity of care, and health education. Furthermore, technological advances have expanded the available therapeutic options, highlighting the use of advanced wound dressings, laser therapy, and biological dressings. However, the availability of these resources was found to vary across different healthcare settings, being influenced by factors related to infrastructure, service organization, and access to technologies. It is concluded that the quality of wound care depends not only on the resources available but also on professional qualification, the use of evidence-based practices, and the organization of healthcare services, reinforcing the importance of nursing in promoting more effective clinical outcomes.