Practice Accelerator

Chronic and nonhealing wounds are a worldwide issue and are becoming more difficult to treat. In the United States alone, according to Medicare, over 8 million Americans have chronic wounds that cost the national health care system between $18.1 and $96.8 billion per year. If standard treatment does not adequately heal a wound, additional methods of wound care treatment may be required, and the underlying disorder must be examined to determine the need for advanced wound care modalities. Advanced wound care therapies are interventions that are used after standard wound care has failed.

Patients with wounds are cared for according to the scope and standards of practice, which are used to guide nurses and other members of the interprofessional wound care team. An intricate network of physicians, medical researchers, government regulators, and medical journal contributors helps develop the standard of care. Standards are not enacted like laws; rather, they arise naturally as a result of research investigations, existing physician practices, and technological advancements. Standard of care in the health care profession is sensitive to time, place, and person. The wound care standard must be carried out in accordance with accepted wound treatment standards that are evidence based.

Wound care is complex. Even professionals who have worked as wound care specialists for decades are still learning as researchers discover more about the healing process and barriers that impede healing. Additionally, the medical professionals who may work with a patient with a complex or chronic wound can include clinicians with varying expertise, such as nurses, physical therapists, surgeons, dietitians, and so on. Fortunately, several national organizations are committed to enhancing the quality of wound care for both wound care professionals and patients alike.

Wound documentation is critical for the delivery of effective wound care, the facilitation of care continuity, and proper health data coding. Inaccurate wound documentation can impact the ability to determine the best wound treatment options and the overall wound healing process. Unfortunately, almost half of all medical record notes on wounds lack key details on assessment and intervention in some settings.

Accreditation: Accreditation is the process by which an accrediting agency certifies that an institution adheres to a set of educational criteria. The United States Department of Education maintains a listing of recognized accrediting agencies. Digital education materials such as conferences and webinars often go through accreditation.

CEU and CME: CME stands for continuing medical education credits for physicians and others with a medical license, whereas CE and CEU (continuing education unit) are terms used for other health professions.

Digital education: Digital education refers to the innovative implementation of digital tools and technologies during teaching and learning activities, including eLearning, microlearning, and mobile applications. Digital education can also be available in the form of virtual conferences and webinars.

Patient-centered care is a philosophy that stresses communication, collaboration, and health promotion while also respecting patients' expectations, autonomy, and values. It is at the heart of global efforts to enhance the delivery of safe, high-quality, and cost-effective health care. Patients who are involved in their own treatment are more motivated and capable of caring for their own health and well-being, according to most research, because they understand the impact the treatment will have on their health.

Advanced wound care technology: Technological advances that simplify and facilitate the process of wound care. This technology is used to improve diagnostics, communication, monitoring, complication prevention, and the rate of healing.

Automated measurement: Technology used to capture wound measurements instantly and accurately.

Clinical workflow: A systematic and repeatable pattern to guide clinicians through a delivery of care while streamlining standard of care.

By equipping nurses with the tools necessary to document wounds quickly and accurately, care can be prioritized more effectively. The equal standard of care is maintained from admission to discharge. This continuity is especially important during times of the pandemic where we have experienced increases in nursing shortages and traveling nurses moving among hospitals. What has become even more critical is the requirement for a systematic approach to wound management.

Patient engagement in wound care improves patient experience and satisfaction and results in increased clinical and economic benefits. As such, it is a worthwhile approach to take, but there are some considerations. The level of involvement desired by a patient is determined by their age, the duration of their wound and underlying disease, and their level of education and literacy.

Cellular and/or tissue-based products (CTPs) comprise an exciting and emerging technology in wound care. Deep and large wounds require more than just a standard dressing, topical ointments, and time. Wounds that penetrate the reticular dermis and below (deeper than ~0.57 mm) require additional scaffolding to support wound closure and prevent significant scarring.¹ CTPs provide this scaffolding as well as naturally occurring chemicals and cells that support wound healing.