Integrating new approaches to care in a vascular wound clinic

Abstract

IntroductionAn evidence-based approach is essential in the treatment of wounds to optimise healing, reduce costs and improve patient outcomes. AimThis case study aimed to demonstrate our model of care, which assesses and manages patients with venous disease and complex wounds. In this case, venous leg ulcer (VLU) was treated with TLC-NOSF dressing and therapeutic compression. The wound was serially assessed using a smart App that gave the patient a graphic representation of their progress. DesignDescriptive Observational Case Study. Clinical careAn evidence-based approach for managing a chronic, severe VLU. The patient was initially seen at the Outpatient Vascular Wound Clinic twice weekly, then every two weeks for conservative sharp wound debridement, skin care, dressing change, and compression therapy using a compression (Ready) wrap. Wound progress was monitored by the digital application ‘Tissue Analytics’, a “purposedesigned digital wound management platform that records, tracks, and analyses wounds”. ResultsWeek 1: On initial review, ulcer length was 3.15cm, width was 3.1 cm, and total surface area was 6.31 cm2. The wound base was mildly sloughy (<25%), with areas of good granulation tissue on view.Week 12: Length was 1.32 cm, width 1.50 cm, and total surface area of 1.45 cm2, a 77% reduction in wound size.Week 24: The length was 0.48 cm, the width was 0.64 cm, and the total surface area was 0.18 cm2. This represented a 97% reduction in wound size.Week 36: Length was 0.01 cm, the width 0.06 cm, with a total surface area of 0.00 cm2. This represented a 99.99% reduction in wound size. ConclusionThe patient’s treatment for a complex venous leg ulcer included the application of TLC-NOSF dressing in combination with individualised therapeutic compression therapy. We found TLC-NOSF was very effective in combination with the best standard of VLU care (i.e. therapeutic graduated compression therapy). The clinician and patient were impressed with the healing rate at 12 weeks, as the wound dimensions were the lowest since the wound started six years ago. This dramatically improved patient concordance and engagement in care. Despite incomplete healing at 36 weeks, the wound-healing journey over the 36 weeks indicated wound closure was close. In addition, using a wound assessment App, the patient could immediately see the benefits of the new treatment, facilitating patient compliance with the treatment.