Transforming global wound care: innovation and equity

I am delighted and honoured to introduce this issue, which brings together an exciting collection of papers exploring critical dimensions of wound management across the lifespan. This issue presents a rich spectrum of educational initiatives, literature reviews and original research, all designed to support healthcare professionals in their daily practice and decision-making.

As I reflect on the evolving landscape of wound care, I am struck by the breadth and depth of innovation now shaping clinical practice. From novel dressing technologies to digital platforms and AI-driven assessment tools, we are witnessing a remarkable shift in how wounds are understood, treated and monitored. Yet with innovation comes responsibility: how do we ensure that these advancements are accessible to all, regardless of geography, resources or professional background?

One organisation leading and promoting equitable access is the World Union of Wound Healing Societies (WUWHS). Through the publication of open-access global consensus documents, the development of standardised care pathways and the delivery of inclusive educational events, the WUWHS continues to champion a vision of wound care that is both evidence-based and globally accessible for all. The WUWHS has recently launched a webinar series, open to all healthcare professionals and individuals with an interest in wound care, exemplifying their commitment. Hosted by global experts, these sessions bridge theory and practice, offering viewers practical insights that can be directly applied in clinical settings.

In alignment with this ethos, the launch of the Global Wound Care Journal (GWCJ) as a free, open-access publication marks another significant step toward supporting education, sharing research and evidence-based practice for all healthcare professionals. By removing financial barriers to knowledge, GWCJ ensures that clinicians, researchers and educators worldwide can engage with the latest evidence and contribute to the global dialogue on best practice.

While we often cite the cost of wound care within national contexts, the global economic burden is staggering. The wound care market is projected to reach $27.2 billion by 2027 (Research and Markets, 2025), driven by demographic shifts, rising rates of diabetes and obesity, and increasing demand for chronic wound management. At the same time, many health systems are grappling with declining numbers of registered healthcare professionals — a challenge that highlights the need for efficient, innovative and easy-to-access patient-centred solutions.

Innovation must be responsive not only to clinical complexity, but also to changing population dynamics and workforce constraints. Crucially, we must continue to place the patient at the centre of both preventative strategies and therapeutic interventions. Technologies must serve to enhance and not replace human connection which is crucial to individualised compassionate care.

Among the most promising developments is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into daily life and wound care. AI-powered tools are now supporting a range of clinical functions, including triage, wound assessment, pain assessment, early infection detection and personalised dressing selection. In parallel, the emergence of smart dressings, biosensors and remote monitoring platforms is enabling real-time data capture and intervention, reducing the need for in-person visits and improving continuity of care.

These digital innovations offer significant time efficiencies and empower patients to take a more active role in their healing journey. By reducing unnecessary clinic appointments and enabling timely interventions, they contribute meaningfully to improved quality of life outcomes, particularly for those managing wounds or living in remote areas where transport to hospitals and clinics can be problematic.

As we look ahead, the challenge is clear: to harness innovation in ways that are inclusive, sustainable and clinically meaningful. Through collaboration, education and a shared commitment to equity, we can shape a future in which wound care is not only more effective but importantly, accessible for all.

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