Wound care in home-based settings

Abstract

Wounds in homebound adults are common; clinicians who care for such patients require a working knowledge of prevention, diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutics in order to minimize morbidity and maximize healing and comfort. The most frequently encountered wounds are decubitus wounds, also known as pressure wounds. Lower extremity ulcers are also common and can be venous, arterial, or neuropathic in origin. Wounds caused by malignant neoplasms are less common but are substantial causes of psychological and physical morbidity. Home-based medical providers who care for patients with wounds require a conceptual framework for dressings tailored to various types of wounds, as well as knowledge of home-based approaches such as negative-pressure wound therapy. Accurate and thorough documentation of wounds and wound care, appropriate billing, and collaboration with multiple disciplines are essential skills for the home-based clinician.