[Wound networks in Germany: structure, functions and objectives 2014].

Area of Science:

• Interdisciplinary healthcare collaboration
• Wound management and healing science
• Health services research

Context:

• Chronic wounds require complex, coordinated care due to comorbidities and varied treatments.
• Current wound care in Germany is often heterogeneous and uncoordinated.
• Structured wound networks aim to improve patient treatment through collaboration.

Purpose:

• To conduct a stocktaking of active regional wound networks in Germany.
• To characterize their structures, activities, and objectives.
• To assess their potential for structured chronic wound care.

Summary:

• 35 wound networks were identified, primarily involving hospitals, private practices, and nursing staff.
• Vascular surgeons, general physicians, diabetologists, general surgeons, and dermatologists were the most represented specialties.
• Key activities included continuing education, experience exchange, second opinions, and patient treatment consultations.

Impact:

• German wound networks are interdisciplinary platforms with high potential for structured and efficient chronic wound treatment.
• Systematic utilization of these networks could improve treatment quality and remuneration.
• Further incentives are recommended to fully leverage these specialist platforms.