A new concept of a multidisciplinary wound healing center and a national expert function of wound healing.

HYPOTHESIS

An independent, multidisciplinary wound healing center in an accepted national expert function of wound healing is the optimal way to improve prophylaxis and treatment of patients with problem wounds.

DESIGN

A clinical perspective analysis.

SETTING

An independent, multidisciplinary wound healing center focusing on all types of problem wounds, organized as a university hospital department, and integrated in an expert function in the national health care organization of Denmark.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with all types of problem wounds referred to and treated in the center during the first years of its existence provided a model for a new multidisciplinary structure for treatment of wound patients in the health care system.

RESULTS

During the first 3 years of the fully functioning wound healing center, a total of 23 802 patient consultations were performed in the outpatient clinic, and 1014 patients with problem wounds were hospitalized in the inpatient ward. The surgical concept of the center has resulted in improved healing rates in patients with leg ulcers and decreased rates of major amputations. The outpatient function has resulted in a decrease in the number of patients transported in beds to the center. This structure provides better opportunities for basic and clinical research as well as for establishing expert education for all types of health care personnel. The center's structure has been the background for establishing an expert function in wound healing, allowing the wound healing area area to be fully integrated in the Danish National Health Care System. Overall, the concept and structure of the center have enhanced the knowledge and understanding of wound problems and increased the status of wound healing and patient care.

CONCLUSIONS

Establishing multidisciplinary centers integrated into an accepted national expert function of wound healing is an optimal way to improve the clinical outcome of prophylaxis and treatment of all types of problem wounds. This model, with minor adjustments, may be applicable for both industrialized and developing countries.