(PI-008) Wound Escalation - A Scalable Approach for Addressing Wounds Failing to Heal in a Multi-site National Home Health Organization

Introduction: Addressing wound management and reducing wound related hospitalization within a large home health organization operating across 350 locations nationwide

Methods: Create a scalable solution that utilized a two-tiered escalation process enhanced by advanced trained care clinicians, digital wound management technology and remote visualization, to provide frontline clinicians with direct and timely expert guidance for wounds that fail to progress

Results:

1. Achieved a 75% increase in the number of cases where clinicians sought direct access to expert wound guidance.


2. Enhanced efficiency of wound consultations through readily available and accessible wound assessment details including objective measurements and comprehensive wound photo series

Discussion: Wounds consistently affect approximately 2-% of the patient population, with an average of 0.3 wounds per wound patient. These wounds remain a significant driver of rehospitalization underscoring the critical need for effective strategies to address wound deterioration and stalling. Timely and responsive support from clinical experts is essential to equip frontline clinicians, particularly those with limited experience and skills in wound care, with the necessary guidance and education to manage these cases effectively. The implementation of scalable technology-driven solutions plays a pivotal role in meeting the demand for on-the-spot certified wound nurse expertise and improving outcomes