Slow-healing Wounds in the Elderly

Project group: 
Background
Slow-healing wounds refer to wounds of the leg and foot, as well as bedsores – all of which are common in elderly care. Advancing age is the biggest risk factor. Slow-healing wounds of the leg and foot, usually as the result of circulatory disorders, are the most common. Diabetics, who often develop slow-healing and infected wounds of the foot, are a particularly vulnerable risk group. Although a marker for elevated morbidity and mortality, bedsores can be prevented by identifying patients in the risk zone in order to commence medical and nursing interventions.

Slow-healing wounds account for a significant percentage of healthcare costs but remain a low-priority area. Current strategies often focus on alleviating symptoms at the expense of identifying cures. As a result, personal suffering and socioeconomic costs are greater than necessary.  Modern treatment methods can accelerate wound healing and minimise suffering. One major challenge is that patients with slow-healing wounds are treated by a variety of healthcare institutions and providers, not all of which have the same knowledge and procedures to deal with the problem.
The purpose of this project is to explore the scientific evidence for various measures aimed at preventing the development of slow-healing wounds in the elderly, as well as to assess the efficacy of possible treatment options designed to promote active wound healing. Finally, we will review any evidence that the use of specialist clinics, wound centres or other specific healthcare institutions affects the rate of healing or risk of recurrence.