Working in partnership to implement change in wound dressings use

Abstract

Background: Wound care provision relies on safety, effectiveness, patient acceptance and accessibility of selected wound management products, supported by a sound education programme. Challenges with changing patient needs and service provision before and during the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in new training and service delivery programmes to manage increased prevalence of wounds with dwindling resources. Method: South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust incorporated a wound care audit identifying local challenges, available resources and areas for improvement, which led to changes in practice around training and the supply of dressings. This article sets out the rationale for change and steps taken to implement new practice, keeping the patient at the heart of care while following clinical governance. Results: The new practice resulted in a rigorous training programme to cover total wound management from assessment to standardised treatment that could encourage self-care where possible and improve patient outcomes. Wise use of all resources to manage stock levels released more qualified staff to focus on complex cases. Non-prescription ordering of dressings reduced stock wastage and the Trust recorded cost savings of more than 25% on the previous year. Conclusion: Sound wound care practice aligned to the National Wound Care Strategy, training in partnership with industry and the use of an efficient dressings delivery system achieved positive patient outcomes and significant financial savings for the Trust.