Expediting Acute Wound Healing by Integrating Multiple Therapeutic Strategies: A Case Series

BACKGROUND: Traumatic injuries have increased risks for infection and progression to difficult-to-heal wounds. Often, they are inadequately treated with single-purpose dressings. Involving wound care specialists allows for integrating various advanced wound treatments. The objective of this report was to assess if healing rates correlated with using unique combination therapies. METHODS: An observational, prospective analysis was performed, reviewing patients with acute wounds from admission until healed. Systematic assessments were standardized, employing T.I.M.E. (tissue, infection /inflammation, moisture balance, edge/periwound). Key outcomes included wound progression, dimensions, treatments, healing time, and health care utilization metrics. RESULTS: A total of 124 patients with acute wounds up to 1120 cm3 healed using multimodal therapy. Median time to wound specialist consultation was 2 days. It was determined that all patients were treated with a pure hypochlorous acid-based wound cleanser combined with negative pressure wound therapy, collagen, silver, manuka honey, and/or foam dressings. Median healing time was 19 days. Delays were associated with smoking, immunocompromise, and inability to obtain wound care supplies. CONCLUSIONS: Optimizing advanced therapeutic combinations with innovative dressings, including pHA and other beneficial components, has shown reduced health care utilization of acute wound patients by shortening healing time. The resulting decrease in dressing changes, follow-up appointments, and home care could increase patient satisfaction and improve outcomes.