IWII Wound Infection in Clinical Practice consensus document: 2022 update

Wound infection is a major challenge for clinicians globally, with accurate and timely identification of wound infection being critical to achieving clinical and cost-effective management, and promotion of healing. This paper presents an overview of the development of the International Wound Infection Institute (IWII)'s 2022 Wound Infection in Clinical Practice consensus document. The updated document summarises current evidence and provides multidisciplinary healthcare providers with effective guidance and support on terminology, paradigms related to biofilm, identification of wound infection, wound cleansing, debridement and antimicrobial stewardship. Integral to the update is revision of wound infection management strategies which are incorporated within the IWII's Wound Infection Continuum (IWII-WIC) and management plan. The aim of the 2022 IWII consensus document update was to provide an accessible and useful clinical resource in at least six languages, incorporating the latest evidence and current best practice for wound infection and prevention. Dissemination techniques for the consensus are discussed and highlighted. Declaration of interest: Funding in the form of unrestricted educational grants was provided to the IWII by B. Braun, Convatec, Essity, Hartmann, Smith+Nephew and Urgo Medical. The companies had no input into the design/methods used for the document development and had no input into this manuscript. Prior to its publication, representatives from these companies reviewed the consensus document for scientific accuracy related to their products. EH received remuneration from the IWII for undertaking the methodology and medical writing for the consensus document. Other authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. The consensus document was published by Wounds International and endorsed by the Wound Union of Wound Healing Societies.