Objective:

To examine the perception of nurses about the wound prevention and treatment protocol used in primary health care in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.

Materials and method:

Exploratory study with a qualitative approach. Twenty nurses who worked in the Family Health Strategy and regularly used the protocol called "Basic Guide for Wound Prevention and Treatment" were interviewed. Data collection instruments were a questionnaire and direct observation. The data were analyzed by the technique of thematic content analysis.

Results:

Two categories emerged from the analysis carried out: Perception about the protocol, which is subdivided into systematization of wound treatment, professional satisfaction, and internalization of integral vision, and Changes made with the implementation of the protocol, which is related to the acquisition of new knowledge, the increase in healing rates, and users' satisfaction. The adoption of the protocol guided the conduct of treatment, minimizing users' physical and psychological distress and the socioeconomic impacts for them and their families.

Conclusions:

The implementation of the protocol allowed the standardization of care actions in the treatment of skin lesions. The acceleration of healing processes derived in satisfaction and safety in the management of this type of lesions, thus promoting greater health care. The enhancement of a more humanized care to patients with wounds is suggested in order to better value nurses. Systematized care can contribute to greater adherence to treatment and the strengthening of practices developed in the Brazilian territory.

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