Implementing the Triangle of Wound Assessment framework to transform the care pathway for diabetic foot ulcers

Abstract

Treating patients with hard-to-heal wounds can be a daily challenge for health professionals. A systematic approach is needed to establish accurate management goals and treatment options. This should include a complete wound assessment that takes into account the wound aetiology and characteristics, as well as the patient as a whole. The Triangle of Wound Assessment is a holistic framework designed to assess and manage all wound areas—the wound bed, wound edge and periwound skin. The framework can be used to guide health professionals when evaluating a wound, setting management goals and selecting treatment options. This article describes the use of the Triangle in clinical practice. It shows how a Spanish hospital implemented the framework and how this led to its inclusion in the diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) care pathway used in the region. The article concludes with three case studies describing the clinical outcomes achieved following implementation of the Triangle when managing wounds.