Nutritional support for patients with infected wounds.

Many factors affect wound healing, including nutritional status and recent nutritional intake. Patients with infected wounds have increased requirements for nutrients and often have a reduced food intake. It is therefore important that nutritional status is carefully considered, and all patients should be screened for malnutrition using a nutrition screening tool. Nutrition plans should aim to provide sufficient energy while maintaining good glycaemic control, adequate protein and hydration, and a minimum of 100% reference nutrient intake for micronutrients. Measures required to achieve this will vary, as all patients should be assessed on an individual basis.