Improved Clinical Efficacy with Wound Support Network Between Hospital and Home Care Service.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of a wound support network model between the primary home care service and the hospital. The impact on wound healing rate, cost benefit, and transfer of knowledge was investigated.

INTERVENTION: The intervention group was exposed to a wound support network (n = 32), and the control group continued standard organization of treatment (n = 21).

DESIGN: Nonrandomized controlled study; observations were made before (baseline) and after the implementation of the intervention (12 weeks).

PATIENTS: Patients with chronic wounds (lasting >6 weeks and with wound area >1 cm) in Oslo, Norway.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Closure of the observation wound; wound size; total number of wounds; presence of eczema, edema, and pain; number of dressings per week; time spent per dressing; and number of control appointments at the hospital. The economic impact is calculated for the hospital and for the community of Oslo, Norway.

MAIN RESULTS: The number of control appointments (t = 3.80, P < .001) was significantly decreased, and the number of completed treatments (P = .02) was significantly increased after 12 weeks in the intervention group compared with the control group. A significant improvement was evident in the intervention group in terms of eczema (P = .02), edema (P = .03), and closing of the observational wound (46.7% cases in the intervention group versus 25.0% in the control group).

CONCLUSIONS: A wound support network between the primary home care service and the hospital is cost-effective, improves clinical efficacy of the home care services' work, and reduces the need for consultations at the hospital.