Artificial Intelligence–Enhanced Wound Care to Improve Access, Efficacy, and Equity in Wound Care for Older Adults in Rural and Remote Regions of Canada

Abstract

Wound care is an increasing global challenge, with older adults among those most affected. As populations age, the demand for effective and efficient wound care increases. Over the years, various wound assessment and care techniques have been developed, including digital wound care technology (DWCT), which uses innovative artificial intelligence (AI). Many older adults, especially those living in rural and remote areas, face significant barriers in obtaining timely and effective wound care, leading to poorer health outcomes and increased health care costs related to wound care. These challenges underscore the urgent need to implement wound care models that equitably improve access to care and enhance clinical outcomes, particularly for older adults, to promote healthy aging and age-in-place. Based on evidence from the literature and the initial implementation of a DWCT in 2 community health systems in Ontario, this viewpoint paper encourages clinicians and health care leaders to embrace and expand the implementation of an AI-driven DWCT to address inequities in access to high-quality, timely care. The experiences from these implementations indicate that the use of AI can support clinical decision-making and extend access to care for individuals in rural and remote communities in Canada. By leveraging DWCT powered by AI, health care providers can enhance the accuracy and consistency of wound assessments, improve communication, streamline care processes, and more effectively allocate resources, ultimately aiming to reduce disparities in wound care outcomes.