Simplifying Care For Patients With Wounds

How are you going to approach the new year? As I continue to practice in the field of limb salvage and wound care, I am always looking for ways to simplify treatment when handling these complicated patients. The basics have not changed though. In addition to ensuring that wounds have adequate vascular status, we strive to address any potential infection, provide proper offloading and perform appropriate debridements when necessary to facilitate healing.

However, wound care can be an overwhelming industry with the number of products and devices that are currently on the market. I estimate that there are over 900 products and devices to choose from in this field. With the number of patients with diabetes and an aging population of people living longer, the number of chronic wounds is growing exponentially. In 2010, there were an estimated 1 million diabetic ulcerations, 1.6 million venous stasis ulcerations, 2.5 million arterial ulcerations and 1.7 million pressure ulcers.¹ As these numbers continue to increase, so will the number of products/devices hitting the market.

What do I do when deciding on a product? I use the acronym KISS for Keep It Simple Sooner. Here are the factors I consider when choosing a wound care product.

Effective. Does the research support the product’s efficacy?

Cost. Compare the various products on the market.

Reimbursable. Does insurance cover the product?

Ease of application. A product should be easy to use and fast to apply.

Changes. How often does the product or dressing need to be changed? The longer the dressing can stay on a patient, the less overall time of care there is for a patient and the lower the overall labor cost.

Storing the product. What is the shelf life? Is it an off the shelf product or freeze dried, etc.?

How do you simplify the treatment plan for your wound care patients?

References

1. International Diabetes Federation. Available at https://www.idf.org/media-events/press-releases/2011/diabetes-atlas-5th-edition .