Optimising wound care through patient engagement

‘Optimising wound care through patient engagement’ is a crucial and timely topic, both in terms of wound healing (and, in some cases, symptom management), and in improving individuals’ experiences of the process.

We identified the need for clear information and education, which has formed the basis for this World Union of Wound Healing Societies (WUWHS) consensus document. It was a priority to make sure that this included input from patients as well as health care professionals (HCPs), ensuring that the authentic patient voice was heard and assumptions were not made about the rights, needs, preferences, priorities and experiences of people using wound care services.

As such, this consensus document has been produced in four main stages:

• A patient focus group: held at the Welsh Wound Innovation Centre, UK, in May 2019, in which a group of individuals living with a wound, and carers, discussed their experiences and the care they have received

• An international patient survey: distributed by HCPs, to gauge individuals’ views on their care and dressing experiences

• A consensus meeting of an international group of experts, held in London, UK, in July 2019, which also included teleconference/video interviews with patients for their perspective on the discussions

• An extensive review process: undertaken by the core expert working group, external reviewers and patient contributors.

This process reiterated the need for a more patient-centred mentality, HCP education and resultant action. This document aims to provide clear guidance in listening and engaging with individuals, and thus optimising the care experience for all key stakeholders, of which the patient is the most important.

Supported by an educational grant from Mölnlycke Health Care.

Download the PDF for full access to the consensus document.