Chronic Wound Care Using Virgin Coconut Oil: The Role of Community Nurses in Primary Health Care

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic wound care requires holistic patient assessment, identification of factors that delay healing, appropriate wound-bed preparation, pain management, and continuous evaluation of healing progress. Virgin coconut oil (VCO) has been investigated as a potential adjunct in wound care because of its reported antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and moisturizing properties.

Objective: To present knowledge regarding the role of community nurses in assessing and caring for patients with chronic wounds using VCO in primary healthcare settings, with an emphasis on evidence-based wound assessment, care planning, wound management, and evaluation of healing outcomes.

Key contents: Community nurses play an important role in the systematic assessment and management of chronic wounds. Wound assessment should include wound size, exudate, wound-bed characteristics, wound edges and surrounding skin, pain, and signs of infection. VCO may be considered as an adjunct to wound care in selected patients because preliminary evidence suggests potential benefits related to moisture maintenance, inflammation, antimicrobial activity, and tissue repair. However, the available clinical evidence remains limited and varies according to wound type and treatment context.

Conclusion: Nurses play an important role in incorporating virgin coconut oil as an adjunctive option to promote wound healing in patients with chronic wounds.

Implications: Community nurses should develop competencies in systematic wound assessment and evidence-based wound management. Further well-designed clinical studies are needed to establish the effectiveness, safety, and cost-effectiveness of VCO in different types of chronic wounds.