Managing chronic, nonhealing wounds using a research-based protocol.
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.
Benton
Nancy
N
Home and Cmomunity Based Services, Portland, OR, USA.
Harvath
Theresa A
TA
Flaherty-Robb
Marna
M
Medcraft
Marijo
M
McWhorter
Karen
K
McClelland
Faith
F
Joseph
Carol
C
Mambourg
Floris
F
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*