Wound bed preparation is a comprehensive approach to wound management that focuses on optimizing conditions at the wound bed, to encourage normal endogenous processes of healing, Shultz et al. (2005). The TIME paradigm was developed as a practical expression for the management of wounds, based on the principles of wound bed preparation. First published in 2003, it is a practical guide to wound management that relates clinical observations and interventions to the underlying wound pathology to each of four areas; T – tissue, non-viable or deficient, I – infection/inflammation, M- moisture imbalance, E – for edge of wound, non-advancing or undermined.

This poster presentation will show how we have actually put the TIME principles to test. The full poster presentation will illustrate the case history of a 76-year-old female patient with diabetes and poor mobility, who presented with a grade 4-pressure ulcer on the outer aspect of the left heel. The patient's wound-measured 6x5x4cm, was necrotic with dry eschar and spreading erythema. Using the TIME framework and the principles of wound bed preparation full healing was achieved over an 8-week period.

The TIME principles enabled us to provide a systematic approach to the management of this wound and not only did it supply us with a framework to guide assessment but was also found to be cost-effective. All clinicians were able to follow the aims within the four areas to achieve clinical outcomes resulting in no abnormalities and quicker healing rate.

References

Schultz G, Mozingo D, Romanelli M and Claxton K (2005). Wound Healing and TIME; new concepts and scientific applications. The International Journal of Tissue Repair and Regeneration. July-August 2005. Volume 13, No. 4, Supplement.