Embedding Wound Hygiene into a proactive wound healing strategy.

Area of Science:

• Wound healing
• Biofilm management
• Healthcare protocols

Background:

• The initial 2020 consensus document established Wound Hygiene as a proactive approach for all wounds, especially hard-to-heal ones.
• Subsequent initiatives include webinars, training, ambassador programs, a large survey, and case studies demonstrating Wound Hygiene's benefits.
• Wound Hygiene is an antibiofilm 4-step protocol gaining traction in wound care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reflect on the success of Wound Hygiene in its first two years and reiterate its core principles.
• To discuss the evolution of Wound Hygiene, its application across different wound types, and embedding it into proactive wound healing strategies.
• To provide guidance for healthcare professionals to implement Wound Hygiene and address identified barriers.

Main Methods:

• A virtual consensus panel of international key opinion leaders convened to discuss survey outputs and unmet needs.
• Review of existing literature and implementation data on Wound Hygiene.
• Development of a flexible 3-phase framework for integrating Wound Hygiene into proactive wound healing.

Main Results:

• A 2021 survey indicated 57.4% awareness of Wound Hygiene, with 75.3% implementation among those aware.
• 80.3% of respondents reported improved healing rates after implementing Wound Hygiene.
• Key barriers identified were lack of confidence, competence, and research data.

Conclusions:

• Wound Hygiene is a successful antibiofilm approach that benefits hard-to-heal wounds.
• Addressing barriers through continued education and research is crucial for widespread adoption.
• Embedding Wound Hygiene into a proactive wound healing strategy is the next stage for global wound care.