Comparative evaluation of efficacy of infrared radiation to routine care on episiotomy wound healing among postnatal women

Abstract

Objectives: The present study was designed with the primary aim to evaluate the effectiveness of addition of infrared radiation to routine care in comparison to only routine care on episiotomy wound healing among postnatal mothers. Methods: A total of 120 postnatal women complying with study inclusion criteria were included and randomly divided into two groups viz. routine care (Group A) and routine care with addition of infrared radiation (Group B). A detailed clinical history, including medical, surgical and obstetrical information were taken from all the subjects. Samples were collected for baseline laboratory tests. In group A, subjects received only routine care for episiotomy wound healing. Whereas in group B, study subjects received routine care with addition of infrared radiation. The data was collected in a proforma and analyzed using SPSS v 21.0 statistical software. Results: revealed that there was a statistically significant difference between the groups with regards to REEDA scale - Redness, Edema, Ecchymosis, Discharge, Approximation (closeness of skin edges) (p<0.05). Conclusion: Infrared therapy is effective in enhancing would healing and relieving pain level among the postnatal mothers.

Keywords

• postnatal women
• infrared radiation
• routine care
• episiotomy
• reeda scale