Nurses and the use of collagenase in the treatment of chronic wounds

Objective: The objective was to verify the skill of nurses about the use of collagenase in the treatment of chronic wounds. Method: A descriptive study of a qualitative approach performed with medical clinic nurses from two hospitals. The data were collected processed using the content analysis technique. Results: Worked categories: 1. Knowledge about the mechanism of action of collagenase in the treatment of chronic wounds; 2. Reasons for use and destruction of collagenase in the treatment of chronic wounds. Conclusion: The study showed that nurses have knowledge that collagenase is a debriding enzyme that aids in the healing process, particularly by removing the necrotic tissue in wounds; however, there is still the need to improve the relevant knowledge concerning the use of this substance in dressings made in their chronic lesions, even in view of the apparent lack of knowledge about the relevant enzyme peculiarities, such as its mechanism of action. Descriptors: Nursing; Debridement; Nursing Care.