Wound Care Using the Absorbent Wound Healing Method for Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFU) at the Griya Afiat Independent Practice, Makassar

Abstrak

Diabetic Foot Ulcer (DFU) is a serious complication in patients with diabetes mellitus, often impeding wound healing due to infection, neuropathy, and vascular impairment. Appropriate wound management is crucial to prevent wound progression and further complications such as amputation. The absorbent wound healing method particularly using Hydrofiber dressings offers an effective approach for managing wound exudate and creating an optimal wound environment conducive to healing. This study aimed to examine the effect of applying wound care using the absorbent wound healing method in DFU patients through a nursing care approach. A case study design was employed, integrating a structured nursing care process: assessment using the Bates-Jensen Wound Assessment Tool (BJWAT), formulation of nursing diagnoses, planning of interventions based on the Indonesian Nursing Intervention Standards (SIKI), implementation of wound care using Hydrofiber as the primary dressing, and evaluation of intervention outcomes over the treatment period at Griya Afiat Independent Nursing Practice in Makassar City. Results showed positive wound changes following the intervention: exudate type shifted from purulent to serosanguinous, exudate volume decreased from heavy to moderate, and healthy granulation tissue became predominant (>75% coverage), although epithelialization remained minimal and infection was not yet fully resolved. The application of the absorbent wound healing method using Hydrofiber dressings within the nursing care framework demonstrated a positive response in DFU wound healing especially in exudate management and granulation tissue stimulation yet required additional time and continued interventions to fully eradicate infection.