Kompletterande UVC-baserad sårbehandling inom humanvård

Sammanfattning

Hard-to-heal wounds in healthcare represent a significant problem associated with high societal costs and considerable patient suffering. Antibiotics are often used in the treatment of wound infections, which may contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance. UVC light has antimicrobial properties and could potentially be used to reduce the microbial load in hard-to-heal wounds, support wound healing and thereby reduce the need for antibiotics in certain cases. The aim of this thesis was to investigate the prerequisites for introducing an ultraviolet Cbased product as a complement to current wound care in human healthcare. The study was conducted through a literature review and a survey study. The literature review was used to collect and analyze previous research and information regarding UV light, wound care, biofilm, microorganisms, antibiotic use, safety, and medical device regulatory requirements. The survey study was conducted to examine healthcare professional’s experiences of wound care, their perceptions of antibiotic use, and their attitudes towards a potential UVC-based treatment method. The results indicate that UVC light may be relevant as a complement to existing wound care, particularly for superficial wounds where microorganisms and biofilm are part of the problem. However, the method should not be regarded as a replacement for antibiotics in cases of deep or systemic infections. For a UVC-based product to be used safely, further research, clear risk management, clinical evaluation and adaptation to regulatory requirements are needed.