Author: Dr. Vera Vanderkraan, DO Medical Director at Jovive Wound Care in Loma Linda
Persistent wounds can greatly affect patients’ well-being and quality of life. Though wound care was traditionally seen as a nursing focus, specialized interventions can speed healing and improve outcomes.
Our goal at Jovive Wound Care is to improve wound care in our community and ensure timely and appropriate referrals to specialized care when needed.
The Growing Challenge of Wound Care
Wound care is a significant and costly problem in the United States, affecting millions of patients with chronic conditions such as:
- Diabetes
- Vascular disease
- Pressure injuries
Chronic wounds require ongoing management and can lead to severe complications if not treated effectively. The burden of these conditions often falls on primary care providers who, while capable of managing basic wound care, may need to refer patients to specialists for advanced treatment.
When to Refer to a Wound Care Specialist
Primary care providers can manage most wounds with fundamental approaches. However, certain wounds require specialized care to promote healing and prevent complications.
Consider referring to a wound care clinic if you encounter:
- Arterial ulcers
- Venous leg ulcers
- Diabetic foot ulcers
- Pressure injuries
Indicators for Referral
Wounds that are not improving with basic care: If a wound shows no clear signs of healing despite appropriate basic care measures—such as cleansing, protection, edema control, and antibiotics—it may need specialized attention.
Wounds at risk for complications: Wounds with a large necrotic burden, unhealthy periwound, or those that are recurrent should be evaluated by a wound care specialist. Additionally, any wound that persists for more than 6 to 12 weeks warrants referral.
What Specialized Wound Care Offers
Our clinic provides advanced diagnostic and treatment options to address complex wounds effectively. Here’s what we can do:
Diagnostics: We use advanced tests to determine the underlying cause and severity of the wound. Accurate diagnostics are crucial for developing an effective treatment plan.
Advanced Treatments: Our range of treatment options includes debridement, compression, advanced dressings, skin substitutes, and wound vac therapy.
Debridement: One of the most important and effective treatments for chronic wounds is debridement: the removal of dead tissue, biofilm, and debris from the wound surface. Regular debridements can significantly accelerate wound healing and reduce the risk of infection. Studies show that weekly debridements result in 92 percent healing within 31 days compared to 50 percent with biweekly and 28 percent with less frequent debridement.
Palliative Care: For wounds that cannot heal due to systemic factors such as malnutrition, cancer, or terminal illness, our clinic identifies when palliative care can be consulted to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Partnering for Better Outcomes
At Jovive Wound Care, we are committed to partnering with primary care providers and other specialists to improve wound care and patient outcomes. By referring patients with complex or nonhealing wounds to our clinic, you ensure they receive the specialized care they need to heal and thrive.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can support you in managing your patients’ wound care needs.
About Jovive Wound Care
Jovive Wound Care is dedicated to providing comprehensive and advanced wound care services. Our team of specialists is equipped with the latest diagnostic tools and treatment options to manage complex wounds and improve patient outcomes.
Feel free to reach out to us at (909) 435-4852 or visit our website at JoviveWoundCare.com for more information.
This article aims to bridge the gap between primary care and specialized wound care, ensuring that patients receive timely and effective treatment. Your referrals are vital in our mission to enhance wound care and patient quality of life in our community.
