title: Managing chronic, nonhealing wounds using a research-based protocol.
abstract: The physical, emotional, and financial costs of caring for patients with chronic, nonhealing leg wounds are substantial. In fiscal year 2001, the home care department of a large Veterans Affairs medical center in the Pacific Northwest spent nearly half of its annual budget on veterans needing wound care. In this article, the authors describe a practice improvement project designed to improve the wound care management of homebound veterans with chronic, nonhealing lower extremity wounds using a research-based protocol and consultation by a certified wound care specialist, as well as the effect of this program on home care expenditures.
authors.affiliation: Home and Cmomunity Based Services, Portland, OR, USA.
authors.forename: Nancy
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Benton
authors.forename: Theresa A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Harvath
authors.forename: Marna
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Flaherty-Robb
authors.forename: Marijo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Medcraft
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: McWhorter
authors.forename: Faith
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: McClelland
authors.forename: Carol
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Joseph
authors.forename: Floris
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Mambourg
mesh_terms: D019985:Benchmarking; D035843:Biomedical Research; D002908:Chronic Disease; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D018575:Home Care Services, Hospital-Based; D006787:Hospitals, Veterans; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000473:pathology*; D015205:Northwestern United States; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000628:therapy*