Wound management in postacute care

Decreasing hospital length of stay has dictated that postacute and long-term care facilities bear the brunt of treating acute and chronic wounds. Two types of chronic wounds are discussed: (1) pressure ulcers and (2) diabetic ulcers. The differential diagnosis of these ulcers is imperative because the management of both types of wound differs substantially. Wound therapy includes relieving pain, correcting nutritional deficiencies, maintaining an optimal wound environment, shielding the wound from further damage, removing necrotic debris, promoting granulation tissue formation, protecting against bacterial contamination, choosing an appropriate dressing, and surgical treatment. The application of these principles is discussed, and the differences among wound types are highlighted.