The Challenges of Chronic Wound Care and Management

Abstract

Chronic wounds are a significant healthcare challenge across the world. They affect approximately 2.21 per 1000 people making them a prevalent challenge that needs to be addressed. The prevalence of these wounds is also growing as the population ages. Various underlying factors such as medical conditions, poor nutrition, diabetes, vascular disease, arterial disease, prolonged pressure, neuropathy, chronic venous insufficiency, and being overweight or obese are contributing to the increasing prevalence of chronic wounds. Addressing chronic wounds is vital. They are a significant healthcare burden that affects the overall quality of life and contributes to the loss of function. Chronic wounds are also painful, which makes them a difficult experience for patients. With the increasing morbidity and mortality attributed to chronic wounds, it is important to ensure treatment interventions are effective to achieve positive outcomes. However, achieving positive outcomes is a challenge because of the existing challenges that impede proper wound care and management. Identifying the challenges that make it difficult to manage chronic wounds effectively is vital to ensure positive outcomes in management. The aim of this review is to identify the challenges that affect chronic wound care and management.  Keywords: chronic wounds, ulcers, wound care, wound management, treatment interventions