Core Components of a Comprehensive Wound and Skin Care Management Program

This pilot investigation seeks to identify core components of a comprehensive wound and skin care management program and the perceived importance of each component as reported by a convenience sample of Directors of Nursing employed in the skilled long term care setting. The literature reports several key program attributes associated with positive wound and skin care outcomes. Key attributes include the availability of written protocols/guidelines for the prevention and treatment of common skin and wound concerns, a wound and skin care product formulary, an on-site interdisciplinary skin care team and the availability and opportunity to consult with a certified wound care specialist. The pilot study is presently in the data collection phase and  will also describe if there are any correlations between core components and clinical outcomes as measured by pressure ulcer incidence rates and receipt of an F-314 tag. Identifying which core components are most influential in enhancing clinical outcomes facilitates the development of wound and skin care management programs and consultative services that make a difference for the older adults and organizations we serve.