In collaboration with the Eucomed AWCS group EWMA has decided to initiate a survey on "Prevalence of wounds in general & cost impact in the two treatment settings - hospital and home care".

Initially, the group plans to organise pilot studies in three European countries. The final goal will be to have more countries contributing to this European data collection project when the pilot studies have been finalised.

First pilot will be carried out in Denmark and has been initiated in October 2009.

Aim

The survey will identify the number and type of wounds under treatment and will provide an estimate of the amount of clinician time and inpatient bed-days directly attributable to wound care at an organisational level.

This type of information highlights the importance of specialist wound care expertise, by illustrating the high prevalence of wounds among hospital and community patients and the significant proportion of available resources which are devoted to wound complications, many of which could be avoided. 

Methodology

Results of a wound survey have most value to the local healthcare organisation, but aggregated results also have wider value. In order to promote generalisability, the project team will provide a common methodology and standard data collection instruments

Participating clinicians will be responsible for carrying out the survey and will have an opportunity to publish results in their own name

The survey takes the form of a point prevalence study. In an acute hospital it is likely to take 1-2 days. In a community healthcare organisation the focus is on patients receiving treatment for a wound in the study week

Participants are also contributing to the goal of creating evidence on the importance of good wound care across a number of European countries, and will have an opportunity to participate as co-authors on a summary publication.

Further information

Please contact the EWMA Secretariat if you are interested in further information about the study or possible future involvement.