“The ABCESS System for Chronic Wound Management: A New Acronym for Lower Extremity Wound Management.”
Healthy wound healing is complex. Wound healing with one or more co-morbidities is even more complex- but not impossible. In the past we were guided by T.I.M.E, and now it is time for A.B.C.E.S.S. Pioneered by Dr. James McGuire, DPM, PT of Temple University, we are equipped with a comprehensive methodology to address all variables of wound healing to generate positive outcomes for patients, that is, wounds that close- and stay closed.
A is for “All underlying medical conditions: to include a complete history physical assessment and systemic disease overview including nutrition.”
In essence, treat the whole patient and not just the hole in the patient. A myriad of factors influence wound healing, including smoking, nutrition and hydration, mobility, medications, systemic infection, incontinence, and comorbid disease states such as diabetes, anemia, end-stage renal disease, liver disease, connective tissue disorders and cancer. These underlying issues must be addressed before, during, and after treatment of the chronic wound.
Click here to read more about A.B.C.E.S.S.
Stay tuned for next week’s topic! “B: Wound bed management: Bioload/Biofilm/Biopsy to include cellular and acellular tissue-based products to aid wound closure.”