Profiling wound management in the emergency department: A descriptive analysis

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Dermatology
• Wound Care

Background:

• Limited published data exists on the service profile of wound, skin, and ulcer presentations in emergency departments.
• Understanding these presentations is crucial for resource allocation, staff training, and improving patient outcomes.
• This study addresses the gap by describing the characteristics of such presentations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the discharge and referral status of adult patients presenting to an Australian emergency department with a wound, skin, or ulcer condition.
• To provide insights into the management of dermatological emergencies.
• To inform healthcare resource planning and training needs.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective descriptive review of emergency presentations was conducted.
• Data was collected for skin, wound, and ulcer conditions between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2014.
• Discharge and referral statuses were key data points analyzed.

Main Results:

• A total of 4231 wound, skin, and ulcer conditions were managed, constituting 7% of all emergency presentations.
• Wound conditions were the most frequent (n=3658; 86%).
• Males presented more often for all three conditions, and discharge to home was the most common outcome, with over half of these patients referred to a medical officer.

Conclusions:

• Nursing workforce models and training must align with the skills required for effective wound, skin, and ulcer care.
• Ensuring high-quality skin and wound care continuity outside the emergency department is essential.
• The findings underscore the need for enhanced emergency department protocols for dermatological conditions.