Biofilm plays a significant role in delayed wound healing. Estimates suggest that 65-80% of chronic wounds have a biofilm phenotype, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Institute of Health.1,2
Chronic and hard-to-heal wounds negatively impact patient quality of life, increase nursing resource utilization, and result in high costs for patients and healthcare systems. Experts are considering earlier implementation of biofilm-based wound care and what this means for wound care providers and patients.3 Understanding biofilm, its recognition, and management is crucial for addressing hard-to-heal wounds.
The management of chronic venous leg ulcers (VLUs) should adhere to the principles of wound bed preparation and follow the TIMERS framework, as well as consider the use of advanced wound healing modalities. Treatment of chronic VLUs should consider characteristics of the wound such as excessive pain, signs of infection, stasis or deterioration, among other presentations.
This microlearn provides a preliminary overview of therapeutic interventions for hard-to-heal VLUs.
Debridement is an integral part of wound bed preparation for acute and chronic non-healing wounds. Debridement supports optimization of conditions at the wound bed to encourage normal, endogenous healing, reduces the risk of infection, and improves patients' quality of life.1,2,3
This microlearn provides a brief overview of debridement and its importance in supporting the wound healing process.
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a significant complication of diabetes mellitus, affecting individuals with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.1 These localized injuries to the skin and underlying tissue can potentially lead to severe consequences.
There are several risk factors contributing to DFU development including peripheral arterial disease, neuropathy, foot deformity, among others.2 Having a comprehensive understanding of common risk factors is crucial for implementing effective prevention strategies and early intervention measures. This microlearn will explore the pathophysiology of DFUs and risk factors associated with these often challenging to heal wounds.
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are associated with several serious complications that can significantly impact patients' health and quality of life. One of the most severe complications is infection, which is exacerbated by diabetes impairing the body's ability to eliminate bacteria.1 This increased risk of infection can lead to severe consequences, including gangrene and potentially amputation in extreme cases.
Beyond the physical complications, DFUs also have profound psychological and social impacts on patients including reduced mobility and decreased ability to perform daily activities.2 The combination of physical and psychological effects underscores the importance of early DFU detection, proper management, and prevention strategies for diabetic foot ulcers to mitigate these potentially life-altering complications.
Atherosclerotic peripheral arterial disease (PAD) of the lower extremities is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality affecting over 230 million people globally.1
Vascular assessment, particularly the determination of ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI), is crucial in the management of leg ulceration and diabetic foot conditions. This assessment helps identify PAD, a condition affecting over 230 million people globally. Most people with PAD are asymptotic, underscoring the importance of ABPI in its ability to prevent potential harm from compression therapy in patients with PAD.2,3 This microlearn will review the pathophysiology and risk factors association with PAD.
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