In order to facilitate interprofessional team assessments of patients with complicated wounds during COVID-19 as a procedure for quality improvement, a blended format model was inspired to be created by researchers.
Patients were questioned in their homes during clinical evaluations with the main nurse and members of their circle of care present and connected to a live virtual interprofessional blended remote team model (wound care nurse specialist, advanced wound care doctor). Patients who qualified had finished an unclosed wound care clinical route. Additionally included were palliative patients with complicated wounds and patients whose diagnosis lacked specificity or accuracy. The following Wound Bed Preparation 2021 components were addressed during this process: treat the cause, address patient-centered concerns, assess the ability to heal, improve local wound care, and continuously assess outcomes.
About 48 patients have been referred to the Home and Community Care Support Services patient navigation interprofessional team since April 2020. Between 2012 and 2021, home care services for patients were started. In 29% of the patients, the team helped close the wound, and in 66% of them, the wound surface area was decreased. In addition, 73% of patients had their pain decreased, and 79% had their infections managed properly. A 77% drop in supply utilization and a 73% decrease in nurse visits were also observed.
The Wound Bed Preparation Paradigm 2021 was verified via the study as a method for evaluating patients with complicated wounds utilizing a hybrid virtual and home-based evaluation. Patients benefited from patient guidance using the hybrid approach, which also improved healthcare system use and resulted in expected cost savings.
