| Sumario: | In December 2022, a week-long audit was undertaken of all wound management contacts performed by NHS staff within an NHS Scotland health and social care partnership (HSCP). The audit data identified the number, type, duration, and infection levels of wounds, with further exploration of assessment and treatment data for lower limb wounds. 342 wounds were identified (3.61 per 1,000 population) with 712 wound management contacts per week. Lower limb wounds comprised the highest percentage of wound types. Data on the lower limb wounds were extrapolated to assess diagnosis rates and adherence to best practice, such as the use of compression therapy. The audit data were compared with healing rates achieved when optimal best practice for lower limb wounds was followed. This comparison demonstrated the effect of non-healing lower limb wounds on wound duration and workload for primary care staff, as well as the financial burden to the HSCP.
|
|---|