EBP Project Abstract
Appraised by: Lexi Erickson, Meagan Schrader, and Nathan Voeller
Clinical Question:
Does the use of therapeutic honey decrease the wound healing time in topical wounds and
ulcers?
Articles:
Gethin, G., & Cowman, S. (2009). Manuka honey vs. hydrogel – a prospective, open
label, multicentre, randomised controlled trial to compare desloughing efficacy
and healing outcomes in venous ulcers. Journal Of Clinical Nursing, 18(3), 466474. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2702.2008.02558.x
Malik, K., Malik, M., & Aslam, A. (2010). Honey compared with silver sulphadiazine in
the treatment of superficial partial-thickness burns. International Wound Journal,
7(5), 413-417. doi:10.1111/j.1742-481X.2010.00717.x
Robson, V., Dodd, S., & Thomas, S. (2009). Standardized antibacterial honey
(Medihoney) with standard therapy in wound care: randomized clinical trial.
Journal of Advanced Nursing, 65(3) (3), 565-575. http://dx.doi.org/10.111/j.13652648.2008.04923.x
Synthesis of Evidence:
The results of all three studies show sufficient evidence to consider change in our health
care facilities, even though they were not statistically significant. There were no
inconsistencies in the results of the three articles; they all showed a decrease in wound
healing times. The data suggests that healing times after treatment of therapeutic honey
are reduced as compared with conventional treatments (Robson et al., 2009). There is
also evidence that the use of therapeutic honey reduces infection incidences in wound and
ulcer healing (Cowman & Gethin, 2008). Although not addressed in any of the three
studies, it is possible that the reduction in healing time also had implications for reduction
in treatment costs in regards to decreased consumables, patient stay, and nursing time
(Robson et al., 2008). Overall, these benefits would improve quality of life of the patients
being treated.
Bottom Line:
There is enough evidence to show that our health care providers, in the treatment of
certain wounds and ulcers, should consider the use of therapeutic honey.
Implications for Nursing Practice:
Nurses need to complete a very thorough assessment and documentation in regards to
healing time. We need to look at the size, depth, and characteristics of the wound/ulcer
before, during, and after treatment. Time would be another crucial part of documentation.