The human cost of wounds

1. The human cost of wounds • pain • distress • embarrassment • loss of body image or function • anxiety • prolonged hospital stays • morbidity (eg. amputation) or even • death • Wounds can have a significant impact on quality of life for patients and their families • Good wound care is an issue of patient safety

2. The economic cost of wounds • Not just about the price of wound care products • Includes: • Nurse time • Dressings, other materials & equipment • Healthcare professional time • Hospital beds • Operating theatre time • Waste disposal

3. The economic cost of wounds The true cost of wound care is poorly understood because • Wound care is not easily visible • It cuts across most surgical and medical departments • Buying cheaper products may appear to be a good way to reduce costs Delayed healing and wound complications impose a substantial demand on healthcare resources

4. The determinants of cost • The choice of dressing is vitally important, • since it may have a major impact on all other cost elements • Dressing choice can impact: • Healing time • Frequency of intervention • Resources consumed • Patient experience *Drew P, Posnett J, Rusling L, on behalf of the Wound Care Audit Team. The cost of wound care for a local population in England. Int Wound J 2007;4:149-155. *

5. Reducing the costs of wounds How to reduce the cost of wounds • Choose the right dressings • Use dressings appropriately, reduce waste & minimise the need for dressing changes • Improve patient concordance & experience • Heal wounds as quickly as possible • Avoid complications • Use appropriate care setting • Gain economic efficiency