1257

A Multidisciplinary Approach in the Care of Complicated Wounds in the Home Health Setting

Margarita Simón, APRN-CS, CWCN, Simón Wound Consulting, PLLC, Consultant, 2525 Ships Watch Ct., Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Purpose: To discuss the impact a miltidisciplinary team approach makes in the managemnt of complex wounds in the home health setting using e-mail, digital photography and phone consultation to expedite timely comunication and wound care. Clinical Problem: A 35 year old female underwent a hysterectomy, complicated by nicking of the bowel. She underwent bowel repair with complete closure, but retention sutures dehisced 3 days later and removed. She was discharged home 2 days later with painful wound (21x5x4.5cm and 2-3cm undermining)and orders for "normal saline wet-to-dry BID". Clinical approach: The home health nurse presented patient to wound consultant via phone and e-mailed digital phtography. The wound consultant made a home visit with home health nurse, assessed patient and requested an office visit to surgeon to develop a plan of care. Case communication was timely and weekly with phone consultation, digital photography and occasional home visits with skilled nurse. Patient Outcomes: Excellent progress without any further complications. Patient became independent with her care prior to discharge and returned to work. She ceased smoking. Conslusion: Patient did not develop any complications and made excellent progress with timely coordination among all involved in her care with the use of digital phtography, e-mails, and phone consultations. This is a model that can be used in rural areas and in patients that have difficulty with transportation, i.e., homebound.

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See more of The WOCN Society 39th Annual Conference (June 9 -- 13, 2007)