Improving chronic wound care through specialised nursing teams providing advanced practice in primary care

Miguel Ángel Díaz

Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l’Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina, Spain

Chronic and complex wounds, including pressure injuries, vascular ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers, can cause pain, infections, reduced mobility and, in the most severe cases, amputation. They often require long-term treatment, frequent visits and care across different healthcare settings, placing a considerable burden on patients, families and health services.

This project evaluates a regional model of specialist wound care developed by the Catalan Institute of Health to improve care coordination and outcomes for people with chronic wounds. The model is based on advanced practice nurses with expertise in complex wounds who provide specialist support across different healthcare settings within a defined territory.

Their role includes supporting primary care teams in the assessment and management of complex wounds, providing specialised treatment to patients, delivering care in community settings such as patients' homes and residential care facilities, and facilitating coordination between primary care, hospitals, and other relevant healthcare services.

The researchers will use large-scale health data to compare this model, created by the Catalan Health Institute, with usual care in other areas of Catalonia. Specifically, they will analyse healing time, complications, hospital visits, access to high-quality care, healthcare costs and resource use.

The project could guide improvements in chronic wound care and support wider adoption of coordinated, nurse-led care models that improve patients’ quality of life and reduce pressure on healthcare services.

Innovative UFECAP organisational model evaluation for chronic wounds in primary care using SIDIAP real-world data

€145,200.00