The impact of nurse practitioner-led wound clinic for under-resourced populations: A retrospective study

Chronic wounds represent a significant health care burden, particularly among under-resourced people, due to limited access to care, social determinants, and untreated comorbidities. These factors contribute to delayed healing, complications, reduced quality of life, and increased costs.

This study examined the types of chronic wounds, barriers to care, and clinical outcomes among under-resourced individuals treated at a nurse practitioner-led (NP-led) wound care clinic, to inform targeted interventions for improving access and continuity.

This retrospective cohort study analyzed medical records of 493 patients treated at a NP-led clinic on the west coast between 2020 and 2024, focusing on wound types, care barriers, and clinical outcomes.

The most common diagnoses were nonpressure chronic ulcers (17.6%) and pressure injuries (16.6%), with lower extremities as the main location (20.49%). A strong correlation was found between number of appointments and follow-up ( r = 1.0). No significant relationship was seen between referral source and clinic visit status (χ 2 = 2.67, p = .26). Overall, 91.9% of wounds healed, whereas 16.8% of patients experienced persistent wound issues, reflecting barriers such as inaccessibility (17%) and refusal of care (5.7%).

NP-led wound clinics are essential for under-resourced populations but face systemic challenges in patient follow-up and engagement. Findings highlight the need for interventions, improved continuity, and strategies addressing health care and social determinants.

Enhancing continuity, fostering patient trust, and addressing social determinants through remote monitoring, community outreach, and tailored approaches are vital to optimize outcomes for under-resourced individuals with chronic wounds.