Health policy and the delivery of evidence-based wound care using regional wound teams

Abstract

As clinicians practicing wound management in all three sectors of the healthcare system, the authors have articulated specific issues relating to wound management. There is a lack of awareness of the extent of the problem. Best practice guidelines have been developed, however, their adoption and transfer into practice have been inconsistent. Basic education in the field is minimal or absent across all disciplines. Institutions and agencies lack the infrastructure and financial resources to support optimal healthcare delivery in wound prevention and management. As a result, there are significant problems and inconsistencies in access to wound care across Ontario. This paper reviews the issues and background as related to pressure ulcer, diabetic foot ulcer and venous leg ulcer. Finally, the authors make specific health policy recommendations regarding the implementation of regional wound care teams.